The Enduring Legacy Of Afghan Hounds In Their Homeland

Afghan hounds, also known as tazis, are one of the oldest dog breeds in existence. They are believed to have originated in Afghanistan, where they were used by nomadic tribes to hunt over rocky mountainous terrain. They are agile, excellent jumpers, and extremely fast. The dogs were first brought to England in the early 1900s by officers in the British colonial army and were exhibited under the name 'Barukhzy hounds' or 'Persian Greyhounds'. Today, Afghan hounds are considered glamorous, often seen with celebrities, and are known for their long, silky coats. However, they are quite rare in Afghanistan.

Afghan hounds are rare in Afghanistan

Afghan hounds, also known as tazis, are indeed rare in Afghanistan. The dogs are native to the country, but most Afghans are unfriendly towards dogs, considering contact with them as forbidden or 'haraam'. Many Afghans refuse to touch dogs, believing that doing so makes them unclean. This attitude towards dogs is reflected in the country's stray dog population, with Kabul alone being home to several thousand stray dogs that roam the streets and sewers.

The tazi is a lean and graceful dog breed with a long, silky coat, a narrow, elongated head, a black nose, dark and almond-shaped eyes, a long neck, and long legs. They are known for their speed and keen sight, making them excellent hunting companions. In the mountains of Afghanistan, tazis are used to chase down prey such as rabbits, wild goats, jackals, foxes, and even deer. Their hunting skills and elegant appearance have earned them a reputation as the "king of dogs".

Despite their ancient origins in Afghanistan, the modern Afghan hound or tazi was largely developed in Great Britain in the early 20th century. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, officers in the British colonial army brought several tazis from Afghanistan to London, where they quickly gained popularity. One such dog, Zardin, was exhibited in 1907 and even presented to Queen Alexandra. Over time, selective breeding in Britain and other Western countries has altered the appearance of the Afghan hound, with a focus on developing their long, silky coats.

Today, Afghan hounds are considered a glamorous breed often associated with celebrities and the upper class. However, their popularity as pets has declined in recent years, and they are now rarely seen outside of dog shows. While they may be rare in their namesake country, Afghan hounds continue to capture the fascination of dog enthusiasts around the world.

They are known as tazis in Afghanistan

The Afghan Hound, known as the Tazi in Afghanistan, is a majestic dog with a long, flowing, and silky coat. The breed is distinguished by its thick and fine hair, with a tail that curls at the end. The Tazi is the local name for the Afghan Hound in Afghanistan, with other names including Sag-e Tāzī or Tāžī Spay in Dari and Pashto, respectively.

The Tazi is a highly prized hunter in Afghanistan, known for its speed, intelligence, and keen sight. They are lean and graceful, using their agility to chase prey in the snowy mountains. Their huge paw pads serve as shock absorbers on rocky terrain, and their long hair provides protection from the cold climate.

The Tazi is believed to have a long history, with cave paintings in the Balkh region resembling the breed. A 3,000-year-old seal also depicts an animal with a long coat and furry ears, similar to the Tazi. The breed is considered one of the nine ancient or "basal" breeds, with DNA evidence suggesting they are more closely related to ancient dog species than modern breeds.

The Tazi was brought to Britain by officers in the British colonial army about a century ago and was an immediate sensation. The breed has since been selectively bred and groomed to enhance its distinctive features, resulting in the long-flowing, silky coats characteristic of Afghan Hounds today.

They were brought to England in the early 1900s

Afghan Hounds, also known as Tazis, were first brought to England in the early 1900s. At the time, they were called Barukhzy Hounds or Persian Greyhounds. One of the first Afghan Hounds to arrive in England was Zardin, a heavily coated dog with a black muzzle and a long punishing jaw, who was brought over by Captain John Barff (or Bariff) in 1907. Zardin was exhibited at a dog show in 1907, where he took first prize in the Foreign Dog category. He was also displayed in London in 1907, creating a national sensation and attracting the attention of Queen Alexandra, who requested that he be brought to Buckingham Palace for her to see. After his death, his body was stuffed and put on display in the British Museum. Zardin was considered to be the model for the standard of perfection and was the basis for the writing of the first breed standard in 1912.

In the 1920s, the importation of Afghan Hounds gathered momentum. The first group to arrive in 1920 were mostly of the rangy, lightly coated type, known as the "Desert" or "Bell Murray" type (after their importer, Major and Mrs G Bell-Murray). In 1925, a Mrs Amps (or Mary Amps) brought in another group, which were more compact and heavily coated, known as the "Ghazni" or "Mountain" type. One of these dogs, a red dog named Sirdar of Ghazni, became a very influential stud dog and helped to popularize the breed.

The breeding of Afghan Hounds was stopped abruptly due to World War I, and none of Zardin's bloodline survives in modern Afghan Hound pedigrees today. However, in the 1920s, after the war, British military officers resumed bringing Afghan Hounds to the West, and in 1927, the breed was registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The mountain and steppe strains were eventually mixed, and a new standard was written in 1948, which is still used today.

They are one of the oldest breeds in existence

The Afghan Hound is one of the oldest dog breeds in existence, with a history that can be traced back to ancient times. They are considered one of the nine ancient or "basal" breeds, meaning their DNA is more closely related to dogs of ancient history than common contemporary breeds.

The Afghan Hound's history is steeped in folklore and legend. According to a charming tale, when Noah selected a pair of each animal to board his ark, he chose the Afghan Hound, recognising its ancient lineage. While this story is likely mythical, it underscores the breed's long history.

The Afghan Hound, also known as the Tazi by locals in Afghanistan, has a distinctive appearance with an exotic face, a dramatically long and silky coat, and a thin build. Their unique look sets them apart from other dog breeds, and their striking features have made them popular show dogs and pets.

The breed's origin can be traced to the cold, mountainous regions of Afghanistan, where they were used by nomadic tribes to hunt over rocky terrain. Their agility, speed, and excellent vision made them adept hunters of hare and gazelle. The Afghan Hound's thick, fine coat provided protection from the harsh mountain climate, while their large paw pads served as shock absorbers on the rocky terrain.

The first Afghan Hounds were brought to England in the early 1900s by British military officers and noblemen, who were captivated by their exotic beauty. One particular dog named Zardin, brought to England in 1907 by Captain John Bariff, became the model for the breed standard. The Afghan Hound quickly gained popularity and was admired by the British elite.

Today, the Afghan Hound is recognised by major kennel clubs worldwide and continues to be prized for its distinctive appearance and loyal, gentle temperament. Their ancient lineage, regal bearing, and enduring popularity solidify their status as one of the oldest dog breeds still in existence.

They are excellent hunters

Afghan hounds, also known as tazis, are highly skilled hunters. They are one of the oldest dog breeds in the world and were originally bred for hunting. They are extremely agile, excellent jumpers, and fleet of foot—even as fast as racehorses.

In Afghanistan, tazis are a popular companion for hunters in the winter, when they head into the snowy mountains. Tazis are lean, graceful, and use their speed and keen sight to catch prey. They are also intelligent, obedient, and clean. One hunter from the Nawar area in the Andar district of Ghazni province described how a tazi will outsmart a rabbit by running to the top of the mountain first, blocking the rabbit's escape route.

Tazis are prized for their ability to hunt deer, the quickest and most elusive prey. As one Afghan saying goes, "The snouts of the tazis that have killed deer are black."

Afghan hounds were first brought to England in the early 1900s by officers in the British colonial army. They quickly became popular, with one dog, Zardin, taken to Buckingham Palace for Queen Alexandra to view. Since then, the breed has been selectively bred for its long, luxurious coat, making it one of the most glamorous dogs.

Today, Afghan hounds are no longer used for hunting, although they do participate in the sport of lure coursing, which simulates the chase of live game.

Frequently asked questions