Category: Afghan Hound

Now you can own a copy of this lovely Afghan Hound original art by Shelly Firsich

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I had a dog, when I was little. A gorgeous Afghan hound. She had been locked up in a shed with a dozen other dogs for six months by some weirdo, who chucked in tins of unopened dog food now and then. By the time they were discovered they were all dead or dying, except for this one amazing animal.

The Afghan Hound, also referred to as a Tazi or Baluchi Hound, is an exotic dog breed from Afghanistan. It is known for its regal appearance and long silky coat. The males of this breed can grow to 27 inches tall and weigh up to about 60 pounds. Female Afghan Hounds are slight smaller with a maximum height of about 25 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. Their coats are smooth and long and they come in a variety of beautiful colors.

The Afghan Hound is considered to be one of the most exotic breeds to be shown in the United States. When the Afghan enters the Hound ring the crowd usually goes wild. It is one of the most popular exhibits at the dog show. As a pet, it is a "status symbol" in the apartments of upper Manhattan and yet fits in equally well into rural lifestyles.

Afghan hounds are tall and elegant dogs with long, flowing coats. They were originally developed in Afghanistan in the 19th century as hunting dogs. They were used to hunt large prey over rough and unstable terrain. This may seem contradictory to the current perception of the breed as one of the most pampered pooches.

Health

Afghans are a relatively healthy breed; major health issues are allergies, and cancer. Sensitivity to anaesthesia is an issue the Afghan hound shares with the rest of the sighthound group, as sighthounds have relatively low levels of body fat.
Afghan hounds as a whole are a fairly long-lived breed, often living 13-14 years.