Afghan Hound: breed description and content

Afghan Hound is a fairly popular breed. She fell in love with dog breeders all over the world by chance. The aristocratic appearance of animals, combined with goodwill and devotion, leaves no one indifferent. Let's get acquainted closer with these amazing creatures, consider the description of the breed, the nuances of care and training.

The country of origin of the breed is officially considered to be Afghanistan. On its territory were found images of animals, very similar to the Afghan hounds. Archaeologists believe that they were made in the II century BC. e. At the same time, similar pictures were found in Iran. The approximate time of their appearance - XI century BC. e.

Although the findings suggest that the place of origin of these beautiful animals could not be Afghanistan, the breed was given such a name. The fact is that in this country they gained particular popularity.

And today in Afghanistan people of this breed are very much appreciated.

Initially, the Afghan greyhounds already loved to run, developing high speed. The hunting instinct was also present. Representatives of the breed helped the owners to hunt both small and large game. Endurance and strength allowed them not only to pursue, but also to catch prey.

Also, animals were used as guards. They ensured both the safety of a man’s home and the safety of livestock. Local aristocrats considered dogs to be their personal bodyguards, which was due to the devotion and strength of the pets. Besides, the spectacular appearance of the dogs only raised the status of wealthy people.

The first official breed club appeared in 1926. It happened in England. Later the dogs were recognized by American experts. Impeccable appearance, excellent gene pool and ability to adapt allowed to quickly create breed standards.

Despite the extraordinary beauty and grace, the Afghan hound does not belong to the decorative. This breed is included in the group of hunting dogs. However, such animals are bought not only for hunting. Many city dwellers take them as ordinary pets.

The beauty of these dogs is amazing. Long legs, a graceful neck and an aristocratic muzzle are complemented by a regal bearing. Flowing satin wool adds even more sophistication to the image.

Despite external refinement, Afghans are quite sturdy animals. Dogs are considered large, muscular, strong. Consider the characteristics of the breed in more detail.

• Head. In pedigreed individuals, the head is planted in such a way that gives a maximum overview of the terrain. The shape of the skull is elongated. The muzzle is elegant, but the jaws are strong. The standard bite is “scissors” or “pincers”. The eyes are almond-shaped, usually dark brown. Nutty shade is also allowed, although less preferred.The nose may be black or brown (depending on color). The ears are large, drooping, pressed to the head, profusely pubescent.
• Body The dog's body is harmoniously folded. The back is even, medium length. Chest wide. The neck is moderately long. The tail is set low. Unlike other parts of the body, it has little wool. At the same time, it twists in a ring, which makes the pet look even more interesting. The legs of the Afghans are long and strong. Rear more powerful.
• Wool. Long soft wool is the pride of the representatives of this breed. The muzzle is covered with short hairs. From the forehead line, the fur gradually lengthens, resulting in a kind of “hairstyle”. The back area is also characterized by a shorter coat. Ears, neck, abdomen and paws are covered with silky long hair. Oddly enough, such a luxurious "hair" does not prevent animals from actively moving. It is known that while running an Afghan can reach speeds of up to 50 km / h.
• Color Any color is allowed. The most common dogs are beige, red, ash-silver, chocolate shades. Snow-white specimens are very beautiful. There are individuals brindle color. Contrast "mask" on the face is welcome. The exceptions are completely white and black individuals. But the white spots on the wool of a different color are considered a deviation from the standard.
• Weight and height. The largest males reach 35 kg in weight. Females usually are not more than 20 kg. The growth of male representatives is from 65 to 75 cm (at the withers). Females grow to 65-70 cm.
• Lifespan. Usually Afghans live to 11 years. The maximum lifespan of these dogs is 13 years.

Afghan puppies are very playful and sociable. Adult individuals are also affectionate and sweet, but they are already more restrained in the expression of emotions.

The aristocratic appearance of animals fully coincides with their manners. Afghan hounds - calm, peace-loving pets. They are very loyal to their masters, quickly attached to people. Host protection is important to them, although animals are not inclined to show aggression.

It should be noted that the character of the representatives of this breed is not easy. They are difficult to educate. Sometimes it takes years. However, people who call such dogs stupid are not right.

Representatives of this breed are not inclined to prove their leadership among other pets, although sometimes they may be jealous of the host for them. Afghans know their value, feel special. Sometimes they are even arrogant. For example, a dog may climb on a bed without waiting for permission. If the pet does not like the nickname given to him or he does not want to go to the owner at a particular moment in time, he may not respond to the call.

By this independence of the pet owner should be approached with understanding. Any big dog has its own character and a developed sense of self-sufficiency. It is not easy for such an animal to accept the role of a subordinate being.

As already said Aggression to Afghans is not inherent. They are calm, peaceful. With strangers, these dogs behave cautiously, but with restraint. To bring a pet out of balance can only ill-bred children.

The dog will be offended if the owner unjustly punishes him. However, it is not always possible to notice the upset feelings of a shaggy pet. As a typical comer from the East, such a dog skillfully hides emotions, while maintaining dignity.

The Afghan can get along with other dogs only if he knows them from an early age and grows up with them. But the smaller animals (hamsters, cats, etc.) in such a situation it is better not to start.They will provoke the hunting instinct of the animal and the desire to chase prey.

Of course, every pet is a bright individuality. You may be caught as a shy meek, and capricious capricious dog. However, regardless of nature, all Afghans need an active lifestyle. Therefore, if for some reason you cannot give the animal a lot of attention and take it for long walks, it is better to choose another breed.

The best accommodation for Afghans is a private house, where there is a lot of space and there is an opportunity to run and play freely all day long. However, many keep pets in city apartments and claim that dogs feel great about themselves.

Obviously, the comfort of the animal is directly related to its temperament. Calm dogs easily tolerate a lack of space, but in any case, long walks are required. It should be remembered that such dogs need constant communication. They can not stand loneliness, so the open-air cage will not replace the attention of the owner of the pet.

Often, Afghans climb onto a sofa or chair, preferring to rest in comfort. Weaning an animal from this is extremely difficult. Usually the owners give up, leaving the pet the right to lie on the furniture.

The place should be comfortable. Do not place it in a draft or near the battery. Choosing a bed, it is better to give preference to a model with an orthopedic base. Of course, do not forget about the size.

If you don’t want to be upset about gnawing furniture or damaged shoes, provide your pet with a variety of toys. It is also advisable to purchase special dental sticks at the pet store.

Walking the Afghan hound must last at least 1.5 hours. In this case, the bulk of the time should be given active exercises, fast running. Try to acquaint the dog with other large dogs on the street. This will allow the animal to get a new experience and make it more calm at home.

Place for walking should be chosen carefully. Lowering the dog from the leash, do not lose vigilance. Hot oriental beauties are absolutely not afraid of cars. They do not see them as a threat, on the contrary, they perceive cars as funny toys. Besides the fact that the dog can run out on the roadway, he may also chase the cat. Given the speed that an Afghan can develop, losing sight of him is very easy.

Therefore, it is advisable to walk the dog in quiet desert areas, fields or fenced grounds. In such places, the risk of dangerous situations is reduced.

Afghans tolerate cold and high humidity calmly. As for the heat, it is a difficult time for animals. On hot days walk should be reduced. 20 minutes is enough to allow the dog to warm up without the risk of a heat stroke. It is desirable to walk her in the early morning and late evening.

Also it is worth considering that at the end of the summer burdock and other thorny plants ripen. They easily cling to the long hair of the animal. Removing such garbage from the dog "coat" is a tedious and difficult task. therefore it is better to avoid walking in meadows and forests, preferring areas with less dense landscaping.

Grooming is an indispensable component of care for the Afghan hound. Representatives of this breed do not fade, which necessitates combing them.In addition, if you do not pay attention to the care of the pet's woolen coat, its luxurious “fur coat” will quickly turn into something tangled and untidy.

Combing dog's coat should be layers. Need to start from the bottom. Do not ignore pre-hydration. The fact is that dry hairs are very fragile, they can break and electrify. Particular attention should be paid to the areas between the legs. Here the wool often falls down. The hair on the tail is laid in such a way that they hang vertically. In the upper part, a straight part should be formed.

Until the age of one year, the pet's coat is in the stage of active growth. During this period, enough to comb the animal with a brush with natural bristles. Periodicity - once in 2 days. After a year, the greyhound already has a formed woolen coat. Parting appears on the head. The hairs on the legs and sides become longer. At this time, the owner should acquire a trimming knife. It is necessary in order to process the back area, as well as to put in order the areas on the lateral surfaces of the dog's neck.

Breed standards Afghan hairstyle is not provided. However, if you make the hair under the armpits and under the tail a little shorter, care for the animal will become easier. The fact is that it is in these places that most of the tangles are formed. Of course, this little trick is not suitable for those owners who are going to show their four-legged favorites at exhibitions.

Too often, bathing a shaggy friend is not worth it. The ideal option is one bath day per month (less often). When washing use special veterinary shampoo. Then put the conditioner. Clean dog wiped with a towel and dried with a hairdryer. It is worth remembering that the afghan ears are washed separately. They are in turn dipped into the basin, in which the warm water solution of the shampoo is located. It is important to ensure that water does not fall into the ear passages.

There is another important nuance: be sure to dry six pets completely immediately after taking the water treatment. If he lies down with a wet "coat", it will hesitate and cease to be airy.

The main hygiene measures include periodic inspection of the ears and eyes of an animal. Also, they should be cleaned with a cotton pad, which you must first moisten in a veterinary lotion. If there is redness or a dog shows anxiety (shakes his head, tries to scratch his ear), then there are health problems. In this case, you should contact your veterinarian.

Claw care depends on the situation. The dog can grind them himself. If this does not happen, they need to be cut off. The procedure is carried out a couple of times a month. To determine the length of the claws can be by eye and by sound. If, while walking, your pet clicks, it means trimming is required. This will increase the comfort of the animal itself and allow you to protect yourself from accidental scratches.

Before the show, the owners give the dogs a special gloss. On the eve of the pet washed and dried. Then they put on a jumpsuit that allows you to keep the wool clean longer. On the ears often wear a fishnet. For paws get special boot covers designed for animals.

Afghans boast excellent health and good immunity. However, trouble can happen to anyone. These gentle creatures suffer painfully any surgical interventions. Therefore, it is important to promptly identify problems and immediately consult a doctor.

Be careful, do not forget to check the pet's eyes, After all, this is a weak point among representatives of this breed. Also monitor the condition of wool and hygiene. Poor care can lead to dermatitis.

Be sure to get vaccinated.Vaccinate the dog should be an expert.

As with any living creature, an Afghan needs proper, balanced nutrition rich in vitamins. Puppies under 4 months of age are fed 5 times a day. Babies from 4 to 6 months fill the bowl 4 times a day. Then (up to 1 year) adhere to three meals a day. Adults are fed twice a day. Portion sizes vary according to the weight of the dog.

Pet diet should contain at least 20% protein. To calculate the nutritional value of products and correctly create a menu, you can use special tables. If the owner chooses the finished feed, the task is made easier.

Dry feeding is good for the animal. The main thing is to choose premium and super premium feed. This will save time on cooking for the dog and provide it with the necessary valuable substances.

If you decide to stick to a natural diet, low-fat cottage cheese can be a source of calcium for the animal. Also useful are boiled eggs (yolk), meat, fish. It is only worth noting that Afghans should not be given pork. Other types of meat (beef, poultry) are quite suitable. Sometimes acceptable and offal. In addition to those listed, the adults also include fresh vegetables and boiled cereals in the form of cereals in the menu.

With natural nutrition should not be ignored mineral supplements. This may be fish oil or kelp. During the period of active growth and development, Afghans are given vitamin complexes designed for dogs.

The list of prohibited foods, except pork, includes sausage, flour and sweet products, legumes.

Afghan hounds are capable of fast learning, but their independence and stubbornness often stand in the way. This is not surprising, since initially the breed assumed the participation of dogs in the fast corral of game, and not following different commands. Nevertheless, many keep beautiful animals in city apartments and, of course, want to inculcate obedience and discipline in them.

You need to start raising a pet since its acquisition. This will increase the chances of success. Already at the age of 8-9 weeks, babies can perceive information and get used to certain standards of behavior. If you start training after six months, the owner of the dog may be faced with an already formed stubborn character.

Show your puppy his private territory with a bed, let him know that he should be here during sleep.

Training can begin at home. Independently you will be able to master the simplest commands. it “Sit”, “Lie down”, “Place”, “To me!”, “Fu”. If you're lucky, you can teach your pet to give you a paw. These basic commands will achieve some obedience to the dog.

In the process of learning it is important to remember the character and high sensitivity of the pet. You can not scold him, and even more so to beat him even in case of failure to perform tasks. Only love and respect will allow you to establish contact with the four-legged friend. But it is necessary to praise the dog.

It is worth knowing that a puppy of a pure-bred Afghan hound is difficult to distinguish from other dogs, therefore it is better to go to a trusted place to buy a pet.Choose a large, strong and mobile baby. To reduce the risk of genetic disease in your dog, check out the pedigree of both parents.

The pet name should be short and easy to pronounce. You can name your four-friend in honor of a mythical or literary character, or you can just come up with an exclusive name. If nothing comes to mind, you can choose one of the options below.

For girls: Ada, Lada, Dina, Alma, Adele, Gerda, Nessie, Laura, Gina, Wendy.

For boys: Flor, Argon, Ice, Archie, Brandon, Lord, Prince, Richard, Charlie.

On the features of the breed you will learn from the following video.