Dog Breed Guide

Afghan Hound

Profile

Size

Large

Country of origin

Afghanistan

Origin

Ancient

Bred for

Hunting

Height

male 68 - 74cm (27 - 29in), female 63 - 69cm (25 - 27in)

Weight

male about 27kg (60lb), female about 23kg (51lb)

Life span

12 - 14 years

A long, fine, flowing silky coat, a long, narrow head and a tail curled into a ring at the tip are its hallmarks. On the back is a patch of short hair called the "saddle." It comes in many colors. When it runs its long coat streams in the wind, and its elegance has earned it the name "the aristocrat of dogs."

Proud, independent and a little aloof, the Afghan nonetheless shows deep affection for its family. It can be fickle and stubborn, so training takes patience. It is said to be one of the breeds that is "not good at learning commands," but this comes from its history of making its own decisions in pursuit of game.

Its instinct to chase prey is strong, so never let it off the leash except in a safe place. Keeping its long coat beautiful requires frequent brushing and bathing.

Good to know

For centuries it was kept in the mountains and deserts of Afghanistan as a hunting dog that pursued gazelle, hare and other game. Its thick, long coat protected it from the bitter mountain cold. There is even a legend that its ancestor was the dog on Noah's Ark, though of course that is only a legend.

It was introduced to the West in the early 20th century. In 1909 a male named Zardin, brought back from India by a British army officer, caused a sensation when he was shown at Crufts, Britain's biggest dog show, and Queen Alexandra even invited him to Buckingham Palace.

Its elegance also won the hearts of artists. Pablo Picasso owned an Afghan Hound and portrayed it in his work.