Afghan Hound

High Maintenance: The Afghan Hound must be groomed very carefully for one full hour, twice a week; special instruments may be required. The coat should never be trimmed. Afghan Hounds should also be bathed and have ear passages cleaned weekly. The Afghan Hound should be given a soft bed, and prefers to live indoors with access to the outside.

Hypoallergenic: YesAfghan Hounds in UK surveys had an average lifespan of about 12 years. which is similar to other breeds of their size. In the 2004 UK Kennel Club survey, the most common causes of death were cancer (31%), old age (20%), cardiac (10.5%), and urologic (5%). Those that die of old age had a median lifespan of 12 years, with 12% living to at least 14.

Low Watchdog Ability: The Afghan Hound is typically a one-person or one-family dog. Do not look for this hound to eagerly greet your guests. More likely, he will offend them by being indifferent to their presence. While some hounds may bark once or twice when a stranger enters the home, this breed is not known to be a good watchdog.

The Afghan is built along greyhound-like lines, enabling it to execute a double-suspension gallop and run-down fleet game. The comparatively short back and steep pelvis helped it to leap great heights and to turn almost in place, essential attributes for coursing in rocky mountainous terrain. The large feet gave it a better foothold and were more resistant to injury on rough ground. The silky coat protected the dog from cold nights at high altitudes. The Afghan appears dignified and aloof, with an exotic expression and proud carriage. This dog's gait shows great elasticity and spring; the Afghan moves with its head and tail high.

Despite its glamorous reputation, the Afghan hound is a hunter at heart, bred to chase down game over rugged terrain. While it maintains its regal bearings inside, it needs a daily chance to stretch its legs in a safe area. Its worst trait is a reluctance to come when called. It will chase small animals outside; inside, it will coexist peacefully. Though gentle with children, it may not be playful and interactive enough with them. Described by some as "catlike," it is independent yet sensitive and not overly demonstrative. It is reserved with strangers; some can be timid. It has a gay, clownish side.

The Afghan Hound (also known as a “Tazi' or “Baluchi Hound”, formerly “Persian Greyhound”) is an ancient breed which dates back to the age of the Pharaohs, but its modern development occurred mostly in Afghanistan. The Afghan Hound was bred by nomadic tribes to hunt gazelles, foxes, and rabbits in harsh mountain terrain, leading to a nimble body, notable jumping ability, and long coat for protection from the cold. For centuries, the Afghan Hound was isolated in the mountains of Afghanistan, with locals reluctant to sell the breed to foreigners. Only in the 20th century was the breed finally brought to England, and later America, where it became a popular show dog and developed a somewhat glamorous reputation. In 2005, an Afghan Hound named Snuppy became the first cloned dog in history. A fictional Afghan Hound named What-a-mess is the star of a popular series of children’s books and cartoons.