Home > Facts > Dogs Facts > Afghan Hound Facts

Afghan Hound Facts

Afghan Hound Facts
Afghan Hound is a type of greyhound. This is very old dog breed, created in deserts of ancient Egypt and mountains of Afghanistan around 4000 years BC. Afghan Hound is very fast and agile dog, adapted to the life in very cold environment. Despite its long history, Afghan Hound was restricted to Afghanistan until the beginning of the 20th century. Once outside its homeland, Afghan Hound gained attention of dog lovers around the world because of its unusual temper and unique appearance.
Interesting Afghan Hound Facts:
Afghan Hound can reach 27 inches in height and 60 pounds of weight.
Afghan Hound has long, silky fur that can be black, golden, brown, grey or white in color. Most dogs have black mask on the face.
Afghan Hound has elongated head and muzzle, almond-shaped eyes, lean body and high hips. It has long topknot on top of the head and curved end of tail. Afghan Hound has large feet, adaptation for a life in rough, mountainous terrains.
Afghan Hound was used for hunting of deer, wild goats, gazelles, wild boars, hares, wolves, snow leopards and falcons in the past. Unlike their ancestors, modern Afghan Hounds are much slower and rarely used for hunting.
Afghan Hound can reach the speed of 40 miles per hour and jump distance of up to 7 feet from a standing position.
Due to ability to run very fast and follow decoy, Afghan Hounds are often used in lure coursing events. In these programs Afghan Hounds chase plastic bags which create impression of animals these dogs would naturally hunt. Other than that, Afghan Hounds are very popular on dog exhibitions because of their regal and elegant appearance.
Afghan Hound is aloof and dignified by nature. It does not require constant attention from its owners.
Training of Afghan Hound is long and exhausting process due to stubborn and independent nature of this breed. Afghan Hound often ignores commands and does not respond well to rough handling.
Afghan Hound will refuse to move and even fall asleep when it is faced with unpleasant or stressful situation. "Drippy" nose is also symptom of an upset Afghan Hound.
Afghan Hound likes to rest and does nothing, just like cat.
Long, silky coat of Afghan Hound needs to be groomed (brushed and combed) each day.
Afghan Hound gives birth to 7 puppies on average (rarely up to 15). Unlike mature dogs, puppies seek affection from the family members.
First successfully cloned dog was Afghan Hound. Its name was "Snuppy", shorter version of "Seoul National University Puppy".
Afghan Hound is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, allergy and cancer.
Afghan Hound has an average lifespan of 14 years.


Related Links:
Facts
Dogs Facts
Animals Facts