The greyhound is an excellent hunting animal with an impressive appearance. The dogs, which have been bred in Great Britain since the 1920s, quickly became an attraction at dog shows. Therefore, there are both show breeding lines and hunting breeding lines. The main difference is that animals bred for hunting have shorter fur and a more pronounced urge to move. Their size and low weight make the dogs special and allow them to reach high speeds. Their guarding instinct and generally calm nature also make these fast animals suitable companion dogs.
Content: Afghan Hound
- profile
- Special features
- Nutrition
- Health and care
- The right accessories
- Origin & History
- Conclusion
Afghan Hound - Profile
- Character: Majestic, dignified, proud, reserved
- Size: Large
- Height: 63-74 cm
- Weight: 15-34 kg
- Life expectancy: 10-13 years
- Coat type: Long hair, silky coat
- Colors: All colors allowed, blue, red, black, cream, silver
- Special features: Very active
- FCI Group: Sighthounds
Afghan Hound - Special Characteristics
The Afghan Hound is truly an animal with character. These very independent animals do not like to be subordinated. Even thorough dog training will never be able to completely control the animals' stubbornness. These watchful animals always think for themselves and, as individual hunters, are used to acting independently. This character trait can sometimes be very stressful for their owners. The animals make up for this with their calm nature and, after work, can be the best companions when lazing around and like to snuggle up to their owners.
The hunting instinct of Afghan Hounds is very difficult to control. Once they are out and about, the animals no longer listen to signals and only return to their owner when they feel it is necessary. Thorough training does not guarantee absolute obedience in these dogs. You therefore need to have a good sense of where and when the hunting instinct might be triggered in order to put the dog on a leash at the right moment.
The Afghan Hound needs a lot of exercise and should be taken on long walks every day or accompanied during sports sessions on a bike or while jogging. With its calm nature, enormous stamina and a certain majesty, the dog is a walking contradiction that makes for an extraordinary dog personality. Definitely not a dog for beginners!
Afghan Hound - What should be considered regarding nutrition?
A diet with a high meat content of around 70% is best for the Afghan Hound. A large amount of fruit and vegetables should also be fed. The grain content should be as low as possible and should not exceed 10 percent. These fast dogs can of course be fed with both wet and dry food. Biologically appropriate raw food (BARF) is also suitable for feeding large dogs, provided the quality of the raw food is high enough. You should consider whether you can afford the cost of such a diet. A balanced diet that is based on the dog's age, weight and activity level is important. The dogs have few energy reserves. The energy requirements of this breed therefore depend particularly strongly on activity. If there are any deficiencies, you should always consult a veterinarian and discuss the dog's diet with them.
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Afghan Hound - Health and Care
The most time-consuming part of keeping an Afghan hound is definitely grooming. The silky, long hair requires daily brushing. Care should be taken to ensure that all layers of fur are treated so that matting does not occur. The greyhounds do not need to be trimmed at all. The coat is a natural length.
It is also important to check the dogs for vermin such as ticks. In addition, the ears and eyes should be checked regularly for dirt. Dogs are particularly susceptible to inflammation below the ears. To care for the teeth, it is recommended to use good, high-quality chews .
As with any dog, Afghan Hounds benefit from sufficient exercise and a high-quality diet. This way, you can prevent health problems in your slim companion early on.
Afghan Hound - The right accessories
The following basic equipment is the most important for keeping an Afghan Hound: water and food bowls, a dog bed, leash, harness or collar and a first aid kit for dogs. You also need a good brush, which is best made from natural bristles.
Tip: Greyhounds have a particularly slim head and can easily free themselves from normal dog collars. There are therefore special collars for greyhound breeds that are significantly wider.
In any case, you should check whether there are any dog sports available in your region. Dog sports such as coursing are ideal. Even a moderate dog race can give the animals a lot of joy and allows the greyhounds to reach speeds of up to 60 km/h. Such races are a spectacle for all observers.
Afghan Hound - Origin & History
Afghan Hounds are a very old breed of dog and have lived with humans for thousands of years. As guard, protection and hunting dogs, they have always served their owners well. They specialised in chasing and tracking down prey. Even though exporting these beautiful animals was punishable by death, the dogs were exported to Great Britain in the 19th century. There are different reports about the exact time. What is certain is that in 1907 a greyhound named Zardin won the Crystal Palace Show in London. Since then, the breed has split into companion dogs and hunting dogs . Over the course of the 20th century, the animal spread throughout Europe and enjoyed increasing popularity. Even today, you can still come across Afghan Hounds and it is hard to escape their piercing gaze and imposing demeanor.
Conclusion
The Afghan Hound impresses with its majestic appearance and independent character. Demanding to keep, they need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. With high-quality food and regular care, they stay healthy. Special accessories such as wide collars and enough space are important. Their history goes back a long way, and despite their rarity, they continue to enjoy great popularity.
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