Origin and Historical Background

The Afghan Hound, known as Sag-e Tāzī or Tāžī Spay in its native Afghanistan, is an ancient breed that has been cherished for its beauty and utility. Originating from the cold mountains of Afghanistan, this breed was specifically bred for hunting large prey in the challenging terrain of the region. Its distinctive features, such as the thick, fine, silky coat and the ring curl at the end of its tail, were developed to protect against the harsh mountain climate.

The Afghan Hound is considered a basal breed, predating the modern breeds of the 19th century, and is most closely related to the Saluki. It shares a common ancestry with the Tazy breed from the Caspian Sea area of Russia and Turkmenistan, as well as with the Taigan from the mountainous Tian Shan region and the Barakzai Hound.

In the 1800s, various sighthounds, including the Afghan Hound, were brought to England by army officers returning from British India. The breed's popularity grew as they were exhibited at dog shows under names like Barukzy hounds and Persian Greyhounds. The first breed standard was written in 1912, but the breeding cycle was interrupted by World War I.

Breed Standard and Physical Description

The Afghan Hound stands tall, with males typically ranging from 69 to 74 cm (27 to 29 inches) in height and weighing between 25 to 30 kg (55 to 66 pounds), while females are slightly smaller, reaching 63 to 69 cm (25 to 27 inches) and weighing 20 to 25 kg (44 to 55 pounds). The breed is known for its large, prominent paw-pads, which served as shock absorbers on the rocky terrain of its homeland.

The Afghan Hound's coat is thick, fine, and silky, requiring considerable care and grooming. It may come in many colors, but white markings on the head are discouraged. Many individuals have a black facial mask, and some may have a beard on the lower jaw, known as a "mandarin." The coat features a long topknot and a shorter-haired saddle on the back, with high hipbones and a unique small ring at the end of the tail.

Temperament and Character

The Afghan Hound is often described as aloof and dignified, with an endearing streak of silliness and profound loyalty. This breed has a high prey drive, which may lead it to kill small animals and livestock. While the Afghan Hound may not be the easiest dog to train due to its relatively slow "obedience intelligence," it is known for its independent and confident nature.

Stanley Coren, in his book "The Intelligence of Dogs," ranked the Afghan Hound last among 138 breeds in its ability to understand and obey commands, requiring more than 80 repetitions to understand a new command and obeying on the first command less than 25% of the time. Despite this, the breed's charm and elegance make it a popular choice as a show dog and pet.

Breeding and Strains

The modern Afghan Hound is a result of the combination of two main strains: the Bell-Murray strain and the Ghazni strain. The Bell-Murray strain, brought to Scotland from Balochistan by Major and Mrs. G. Bell-Murray and Miss Jean C. Manson in 1920, consists of "steppe" or “desert” type dogs with less heavily coated fur. The Ghazni strain, from a kennel in Kabul, is the more heavily coated mountain type and is the basis for many Afghans in the United States.

The modern Afghan Hound also includes a much more "patterned" coat, which is a result of the Bell-Murray's and Ghazni lines. This type of Afghan Hound has lighter feathering of the coat, a deeper saddle, and much shorter hair on the face and neck. These particular Afghan Hounds are believed to be from the hotter parts of Afghanistan.

Health and Genetics

The Afghan Hound is known to be prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint does not fit together perfectly, which can cause pain and lameness. Additionally, the breed may be susceptible to skin allergies, which can cause itching and discomfort.

A study published in the Journal of Heredity in 2010 mapped the genes of Afghan Hounds and discussed the effect of genes on coat color in the breed. This research provides valuable insights into the breed's genetic makeup and may help in the development of strategies to address health issues.

Care and Grooming

The Afghan Hound's long, fine-textured coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. This includes daily brushing to remove loose fur and to distribute the natural oils throughout the coat. Special attention should be given to the long topknot and the shorter-haired saddle on the back of the dog.

While the Afghan Hound is not considered hypoallergenic, its relatively low shedding level makes it a good choice for those with allergies. Regular grooming can help control shedding and reduce the amount of loose fur in the home.

Modern Usage and Recognition

The Afghan Hound has become highly desirable as a show dog and pet, recognized by all major kennel clubs in the English-speaking world. The breed has won numerous Best in Show awards at prestigious dog shows, including Crufts in 1928 and 1930, and the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 1957 and 1983.

In 2005, the Afghan Hound made headlines as the first cloned dog in history, named Snuppy. Although the cloning process was associated with controversy, it highlighted the breed's significance and popularity.

Buying an Afghan Hound: What to Consider

When considering the purchase of an Afghan Hound, it is important to understand the breed's unique characteristics and care requirements. Here is a checklist to help potential owners:

• Ensure the dog has been properly vetted for common health issues, such as hip dysplasia and skin allergies.
• Be prepared for regular grooming, including daily brushing and occasional bathing.
• Consider the breed's independent nature and high prey drive when selecting a home environment.
• Be aware of the breed's potential for aloofness and the need for patient training.
• Understand the cost of ownership, including food, veterinary care, and grooming services.

With the right care and attention, an Afghan Hound can be a loyal and beautiful companion for years to come.