Afghan Hound
Temperament:
Afghan Hounds fascinate with their grace and beauty. For many millennia they have been considered a true treasure in their native Afghanistan. They are considered very demanding dogs that need a lot of exercise and proper training. Therefore, these dogs are not for comfortable people.
Characteristics
The Afghan Hound, also called Afghan, is one of the dog species recognized by the FCI. Their stock is largely developed in the UK.
They are known for their independent and self-reliant being as well as her pronounced hunting instinct. Mostly they were used as loners in their homeland to track down prey. This behavior expresses itself even today and can often be very stressful for the owner.
On the other hand, they can be really lazy and cuddly - a very interesting contradiction. Therefore, if you are just looking for an animal companion that will follow you wherever you go, then you are definitely wrong with the Afghan.
The animals are very proud. They do not like to be suppressed and, despite close ties, always keep their own stubbornness. In their home they are usually quiet and reserved, but if they go outside, they go into a kind of hunting fever. For this reason, it is very difficult to let the dog run free, as he usually does not listen to whistles or calls. Only when he thinks it is right, he returns to his owner.
Most often the beautiful animals are strangers and animals skeptical and in the worst case even react repellent. They are also known for their excellent memory. Even after years, they still know who they can trust and who not.
Afghans need a lot of exercise - whether cycling, jogging or dog racing. Therefore, it is advantageous to regularly visit greyhound racing grounds. On these, the dog can really spend himself. Therefore, the fascinating dog species is only something for people who have already gained the necessary experience with sighthounds. In addition, future owners should have enough empathy.
Depending on the education, the dog is also excellent as a family dog. However, in this case, the family members should know the characteristics of the dog and also be able to handle it. In addition, he is very alert and does not yap.
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
Afghans attach a great deal of importance to a quality nutrition. Like all dogs, they are carnivores, so you should make sure that this is always included in the food. In addition, it is important to add enough nutrients and vitamins to the food, so that the dog also remains healthy.
Puppies need up to four meals a day. Adult animals can manage with two meals. After each meal, you should give your dog a digestive break so you don't overfeed him.
Since the animals need a lot of movement, the food requirement is always dependent on the activity. The recommended rations from pet food manufacturers are usually sufficient. Nevertheless, he can also be given more generous rations. Depending on the run and activity, the amount should therefore always be adapted to the protégé, so that he neither increases nor decreases.
If you want to change the food, you should give yourself and the dog enough time for this. To do this, simply add some of the new food to the old. This way, the dog can slowly get used to it and adjust to the new food. This way you minimize the risk of stressing your dog's stomach, which could result in diarrhea or vomiting.
The same applies to new roommates. It is best to continue feeding him the food he is familiar with for a while so that there is no additional strain on the dog.
Afghan hound care
The long hair of the Afghan requires one thing above all - demanding care. This may be relatively cumbersome at first, as the hair must be brushed into several layers, but it is unavoidable. This is the only way to prevent tangles of any kind.
However, it is important that you always brush carefully so that you don't pull out your dog's hair. Even puppies should be accustomed to daily brushing at a relatively early age. In addition, you should always remove tangled branches and leaves from your dog's coat after every walk. In this way, you can prevent matting in advance.
The coat of an Afghan Hound needs a thorough cleaning every few weeks. This is best done with a mild dog shampoo. In addition, you can use a conditioner, which in turn makes brushing much easier.
So that skin changes can be noticed and treated early, you should check him daily for parasites. Only in this way can you be really sure that everything is fine with your dog and that no inflammation has occurred.
Since the coat of the Afghan Hound should develop naturally, the hair should not come into contact with scissors.
For the teeth dental care snacks are ideal. Also a special toothpaste for dogs can clean the teeth of the four-legged friend.
Also you should ears and eyes check and clean regularly.
Suitable accessories
The passion of Afghan Hounds is movement. Therefore, especially greyhound races are ideal, where the animals chase false hares or a fluttering ribbon. The animals are known for their speed and can reach up to 60km/h. Also, the four-legged friends enjoy as partners for jogging or cycling.
Furthermore, dog sports such as Coursing ideal. In coursing, a hunt is re-enacted in an open area. Here, the animals chase a plastic hare drag. If several dogs are involved, they must all wear a muzzle, as the risk of injury is relatively high.
Origin & History
Originally from the highlands of the Hidukush, the early nomads bred the first dogs already around 4000. BC, which are known today as the ancestors of the Afghan Greyhound. Then, as now, they were considered a treasure in the area and for a long period of time as Protection and guard dogs used.
The dogs always performed excellent services and were especially popular companions on the hunt. Everything was hunted, from the predatory cat to the smallest mammal - no prey was safe from him. In this way he was able to ensure the survival of the nomads and for himself. In addition, the harsh mountain climate helped him to develop into a robust and tough dog.
The animals were considered so precious that any smuggler immediately faced a death penalty. However, British soldiers were not caught and brought the first specimens to Britain. As a result, at the beginning of the 20th century, fanciers bred different types of Afghan Hounds. These included, for example, the desert dog as well as the mountain dog.
In many other countries, the Afghan became known much later, in Germany, for example, only from 1930. From then on, the quadruped gained more and more popularity as a show dog. Through numerous breedings, the typical standards of the dog also changed.
Nowadays there are numerous breeding lines, whether show, companion or sport dog. Each of these types deviates in some way from the standards.
