The Afghan Hound's Ancient Afghan Origins: A Historical Perspective

The Afghan Hound is a dog breed that originated in Afghanistan, specifically in the cold mountains of the country. The breed has a long history in the country, dating back to ancient times, with some claiming that a pair of Afghan Hounds were on Noah's Ark. Afghan Hounds are believed to be one of the oldest dog breeds in the world and were originally bred for hunting. They have a distinctive appearance with their thick, fine, silky coat, and a tail with a ring curl at the end. They are known for their intelligence, independence, and strong will, which can make them challenging to train. Afghan Hounds require plenty of exercise and space to run and are not well-suited for apartment living. While they can be standoffish and aloof, they are also known for their profound loyalty and can be affectionate and loving with their human family.

The Afghan Hound's origins

The Afghan Hound is an ancient breed of dog, with a history dating back thousands of years. The breed originates from the cold, mountainous regions of Afghanistan, where they were bred by the Bedouin people to hunt gazelle and other small game. The thick, fine, silky coat that distinguishes the breed was developed as protection from the harsh mountain climate, and their large paw pads served as shock absorbers on rocky terrain.

The Afghan Hound is also known as the Tazi, Sag-e Tāzī, or Tāžī Spay in its native Afghanistan, and has been identified as a basal breed that predates the emergence of modern breeds in the 19th century. Connections with other types and breeds from the same area may provide clues to the history of the Afghan Hound. For example, the name Tazi suggests a shared ancestry with the similar Tazy breed from the Caspian Sea area of Russia and Turkmenistan.

The Afghan Hound was first brought to England in the 1800s by army officers returning from British India, and was exhibited at dog shows under various names, including Barukzy hounds and Persian Greyhounds. In 1907, Captain John Barff brought a dog named Zardin to England from India, and this dog became the early ideal for the breed type still referred to as the Persian Greyhound. The first breed standard was written in 1912, but this breeding cycle was interrupted by World War I.

The modern Afghan Hound is made up of two main strains: a steppe or desert type with less heavy coats, and a mountain type with heavier coats. The steppe type was brought to Scotland from Balochistan by Major and Mrs. G. Bell-Murray and Miss Jean C. Manson in 1920, and the mountain type was brought to England from Kabul by Mrs. Mary Amps in 1925. The mountain and steppe strains were mixed to create the modern Afghan Hound, and a new standard was written in 1948, which is still used today.

Their physical characteristics

The Afghan Hound is a tall, slender, and elegant dog breed. They are distinguished by their long, thick, and silky coats, with a tail that curls at the end. Their height ranges from 61-74 cm (24-29 inches), and they weigh between 20-27 kg (44-60 lb). The Afghan Hound's coat can be any colour, but white markings are generally discouraged. They have large paws, a long muzzle, and long, floppy ears. Their temperament is described as dignified, aloof, and independent, but they can also be silly, clownish, and playful. They are intelligent but can be difficult to train due to their stubbornness and low obedience intelligence. They are highly sensitive to harsh correction and respond best to gentle guidance and firm discipline. Afghan Hounds are energetic and require plenty of exercise and space to run. They are known for their strong prey drive and may chase smaller animals. Their grooming needs are high, as their long coats require regular brushing and bathing to prevent tangles and matting. Overall, the Afghan Hound is a striking and majestic dog breed with a unique personality.

Their temperament

The temperament of the Afghan Hound is a mix of dignified aloofness and a playful, silly streak. They are independent, strong-willed, and self-confident, with a sensitive nature and a strong prey drive.

Afghan Hounds are quiet and reserved around strangers but can be very affectionate with their family, displaying a profound loyalty. They are intelligent but can be difficult to train due to their stubbornness and indifference. They are highly sensitive to harsh correction and respond best to gentle guidance and firm discipline.

Afghan Hounds are energetic and require plenty of exercise and space to be happy and healthy. They are known to be mischievous and playful, earning them the nickname "clown" from their owners. They are gentle and good-natured and can coexist well with children and other pets when properly socialised. However, they are not ideal for small children due to their large size and low pain tolerance.

Overall, the Afghan Hound is a dignified, intelligent, and affectionate breed that requires an owner who can provide proper training, attention, and space to run and play.

Their exercise and grooming needs

Afghan Hounds are a high-maintenance breed when it comes to exercise and grooming. They require plenty of exercise to prevent boredom and destructive behaviours such as chewing. They are also extremely agile and excellent jumpers, so they need space to run and play. Ideally, they should be walked a mile or two daily, and have access to a fenced-in yard for running.

Afghan Hounds are not suited to apartment living and should not be left off the leash unless the area is securely fenced. They are also inclined to run off and are not very good at coming when called. They are good watchdogs but poor protection dogs.

Their long, fine-textured coats require considerable care and grooming. Their thick, silky fur needs brushing and combing every two to three days, and weekly bathing will reduce tangling. Adult Afghans shed in the spring and fall, and neutered or spayed dogs tend to lose their characteristic saddle—the area of short hair along the backline.

Their history as hunting dogs

The Afghan Hound is an ancient breed of dog, with a history dating back thousands of years. The Afghan Hound was originally bred for hunting large prey in the harsh terrain of the Afghan mountains. The Bedouin people of Afghanistan bred these dogs to hunt gazelle and other small game. Later, Afghan Hounds were also used as war dogs.

The Afghan Hound is a sighthound, meaning it hunts by sight rather than scent. Afghan Hounds are incredibly fast, with some sources claiming they are as quick as racehorses. They are also incredibly intelligent, with a strong hunting instinct. The Afghan Hound is strong and agile, with large paws and a long, silky coat. Their huge paw-pads served as shock absorbers on the rocky terrain, and their coat protected them from the cold.

The Afghan Hound is a basal breed, meaning it predates the emergence of modern breeds in the 19th century. The breed is closely related to the Saluki. The Afghan Hound was first brought to Great Britain by military men in the 19th century. The breed was recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1926.

The Afghan Hound is no longer used for hunting but can be seen in the sport of lure coursing.

Frequently asked questions