Afghan Hound: An elegant and unconventional companion
The character of the Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is an intelligent and sensitive dog that forms a close bond with its owner. He is loyal, loving and cuddly, but also very independent and proud. It does not like to be subordinate and needs consistent and respectful training. The Afghan Hound is not a beginner's dog, but a dog for experienced owners who can give it plenty of time and attention.
The Afghan Hound is not a typical family dog that gets along with everyone. He is more of a loner who only opens up to a few people and dogs. It can also be territorial and jealous if it feels threatened. The Afghan Hound therefore needs a lot of socialization from an early age in order to get used to other people and animals. It is not a dog for children, as it does not like their noise and restlessness. He needs a quiet and harmonious household where he can enjoy his rest periods.
The Afghan Hound has a strong hunting instinct, which leads him to run after anything that moves. It is therefore not a dog that can be walked without a lead. It needs a secure run where it can live out its speed and stamina. The Afghan Hound is an athletic dog that needs a lot of exercise. It is suitable for active people who enjoy walking or jogging with it. It is not a dog for the city, but for the countryside or the suburbs.
The appearance of the Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound has a slender and muscular body, reaching a shoulder height of 60 to 74 cm. It weighs between 20 and 30 kg. Its head is long and narrow, its eyes are dark and almond-shaped. Its ears are set high and hang down at the sides. Its tail is long and curved.
The most striking feature of the Afghan Hound is its long and silky coat, which makes it look like a lion. The coat covers the entire body, except for the face and front legs, which are short-haired. The coat can be any color, from pure white to cream to black or reddish brown. The coat must be brushed and combed regularly to avoid matting. The Afghan Hound sheds very little, but needs to be bathed from time to time.
The health of the Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is a robust dog breed that has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. However, it does have some health issues to be aware of. These include:
- Hip dysplasia: A malformation of the hip joints that can lead to pain and arthritis.
- Hypothyroidism : An underactive thyroid gland that can lead to weight gain, hair loss and lethargy.
- Heart problems : Especially enlargement of the heart muscle (dilated cardiomyopathy), which can lead to heart failure.
- Eye problems : Especially cataracts, which can lead to blindness.
- Allergies: Especially skin allergies, which can lead to itching, redness and hair loss.
To avoid these problems or to recognize them at an early stage, you should have your Afghan Hound examined regularly by a vet and provide him with a balanced diet and sufficient exercise. The Afghan Hound is not a dog for extreme temperatures and should therefore be protected from heat and cold.
