Afghan Hound: loyalty, nobility and beauty

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Other breed names:

Afghan

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The Afghan Hound is a dog that has gained popularity largely due to its appearance. They are sophisticated, graceful and unusual animals that attract the attention of others. Because of their unusual appearance, they were even called models in the dog world. But not many people know that Afghan hounds are the oldest breed of dogs that have been serving people for more than a millennium.

Choosing a puppy

The process of choosing an Afghan hound puppy is somewhat difficult, since the cubs are extremely little like their parents. They are completely devoid of the inherent grace of the breed, they look awkward and awkward. It is quite difficult to identify a purebred baby by appearance; sometimes only a specialist dog handler can cope with this task. Some guidelines may include the following:

• thick, strong limbs with large paws;
• the set of ears characteristic of this breed is low and far back;
• triangular eye shape and somewhat defocused (seeing through) gaze.

To be guaranteed to buy a purebred puppy, it is better to contact specialized nurseries, the owners of which will be able to provide a set of accompanying documents (puppy card, copies of the parents’ pedigrees, veterinary record, purchase and sale agreement, etc.).

Afghan Hound puppies are clumsy and unsightly

It is recommended to adopt a puppy no earlier than three months, since at this age he will already be quite independent. In addition, if any, hereditary or acquired problems will become noticeable.

Afghan hound puppy price

The cost of Afghan hound puppies directly depends on the title of the parents and upcoming prospects . Pet-class pets (for home, for family) without breeding rights will cost 15–20 thousand rubles. A club baby from international champions will cost much more - from 50 to 100 thousand rubles.

You should not be guided by a low price and buy an animal from unknown breeders based on an advertisement or on the poultry market, since under the brand name of a purebred Afghan you can get a mongrel that has absolutely nothing in common with noble greyhounds.

History of the origin of Afghan hounds

The Afghan Hound is one of the oldest dog breeds, whose roots go back thousands of years. Wall paintings of dogs of this breed date back to 2000 BC. These dogs are mentioned in the papyri of the Egyptians and probably existed even earlier, judging by some fossil remains found.

The ancestor of the Afghan hound was a dog originally from Asia, which came along with the nomadic Indo-Europeans. Dogs were present at the founding of the Bactrian kingdom, which was located in the south of modern Afghanistan. After this, Europeans began migrating to the territory of modern Iran, and faithful companions followed the people.

Afghan hounds had a high position because, according to the Koran, these dogs could be brought into the house, while dogs of other breeds had no right to be in the house. The Afghan hound arrived in Europe only at the end of the 19th century - until that time the dog existed in isolation from free crossing with other breeds. This allowed the Afghan hound to acquire unique external features and a persistent character.

Interesting fact: In 1907, the canine organization finally paid attention to the unique Afghan hound. A dog named Zardin participated in a canine exhibition, where he won the “Most Beautiful Dog” award. Interest in the breed flared up instantly, but there were not many valuable “pure” specimens of the breed in Europe. The breeders wanted to take Zardin for breeding, but he died early.

New Afghan hounds arrived in Europe only in 1926. Then they received recognition from the English Kennel Club - the association that dominated dog breeding in Europe. The first exhibition of Afghan hounds bore fruit - a dog named Sirdar was chosen, who became the progenitor of many “European” Afghan hounds. This breed gained its greatest popularity in the 80s of the 20th century.

Description

The Afghan Hound is a dog with a strong body and well-developed muscles. The skull of this breed has an elongated shape with an occipital protuberance.

Scissor jaws have a straight bite. The eyes are slightly slanted, dark in color, almond-shaped.

The low-set, drooping ears lie close to the head. The animal's strong, robust neck is elongated. The tail is of medium length and has a tail ring.

Long, strong legs covered with long hair. The body also has long, thick and straight hair. The Afghan breed is physiologically similar to the Russian greyhound .

The movements of the African greyhound when running are smooth and free.

Afghan hound puppies up to one year old have thick, soft and long hair on their cheekbones.

As for color, different shades of colors are acceptable. The following color options are available:

• black;
• white;
• pale yellow;
• silver;
• beige;
• black and white;
• brindle;
• blue.

If you are interested in looking at unusual dog colors, we recommend the following article:

Blue Afghan Hound

Red Afghan Hound

Beige Afghan Hound

White Afghan Hound

Afghan Hound - description of the breed

Afghan hounds usually have a height of 60 to 70 cm, at the withers - the difference is not fundamental. Much more important is the constitution of the body, the position of the head, the position of the paws, the stance and the manner of movement in general.

The Afghan Hound's head is long, elongated, and thin. It is not rough or angular, all the folds are smoothed out. The muzzle and skull are approximately the same length and height, although some breeders strive for maximum elongation of the muzzle. The skull smoothly transitions to the muzzle, and the nose has a slight hump.

The bite of Afghan hounds can be either scissor or straight. Also, due to the narrowness of the muzzle, some teeth are sometimes missing. The Afghan Hound's eyes are almond-shaped, slightly elongated at the corners and sometimes triangular.

Fun Fact: Afghan Hounds have large ear flaps that almost reach their nose, making them very sensitive to the slightest sounds. The outer ears are of medium length and drooping.

Afghan hounds are tall, thin, dry dogs. Their shoulders are sloping, quite long and pulled back. Thanks to this structure, the front legs stand directly under the dog, forming a narrow, convex chest.

The peculiarity of the structure of Afghan hounds is that the bones are not attached to each other by other bones - they are held together by strong muscles that are functional for fast running. The bones of Afghan hounds are quite heavy and rounded. The pelvic part is slightly raised, the legs seem disproportionately long compared to the body.

The body is also elongated. The tail curves slightly upward - it is thin and long. The dog's belly is tucked, the body is very narrow in girth, the chest is with strong, large lungs.

Breed standard

These dogs are quite tall and have long hair that is very smooth. The ideal height for males of this breed is from 65 to 75 cm, for females from 63 to 69 cm. The average weight ranges from 30-35 kilograms.

For their age they are very thin, but since when hunting they need to develop great speed and run in hard-to-reach places, they have no need for excess weight. The dogs have very strong legs with well-developed muscles. Strong ligaments and muscles are especially pronounced on the thighs of the paws.

The head is elongated, but not narrow, characteristic only of this breed. It smoothly passes into the skull with a clearly prominent tubercle. The ears of Afghans are long, drooping and completely covered with hair.

If properly cared for, the Afghan Hound is simply a beauty.

The eyes are shaped like almonds and dark. The inner corner of the eyes is much lower than the outer corner. A close look seems to pass right through. The coat is silky and flows from the sides down the dog's ribs, chest and sides. The muzzle and back, from the shoulder blades to the tail, are covered with a ridge of short, dark hairs that look more like bristles.

In the photo, the African greyhound breed is mainly presented in light colors. The breed standard allows colors from light red to black. But still, the black Afghan hound is valued higher, and is also less common. The teeth have a scissor bite, the lips completely cover the jaws.

Popular colors of Afghan hounds

Afghan Hounds have a long, silky coat that grows evenly throughout the body. The length of the fur on the back can almost reach the ground, so it sometimes makes the dog look larger than it is. Afghan hounds do not have hair growing on their muzzles, while their ears, which are covered in hair, are often called “a mop of hair.”

The following colors are recognized as the breed standard:

• Light fawn. This is a platinum, golden coat color. The back, muzzle, ears, tail and paws are completely covered with this shade. However, small deviations from monochrome are also noted in the form of beige shades on the back, paws, neck and nose. The light fawn color of the Afghan Hound is considered a classic and is most common in Russia;
• Fawn color. A combination of golden, platinum and white colors. As a rule, dogs of this color are unevenly pigmented. The chest, paws, ears, belly and tail are platinum. Beige and gold colors are located on the back from head to tail, on the muzzle and on the bases of the paws. In terms of effectiveness, this color of the Afghan Hound is not inferior to light fawn;
• The dark fawn color combines golden beige and dark beige shades. The back, neck, base of the tail, muzzle and paws of the dog are colored in dark, almost black shades. The belly, chest, neck, paws along the length, ears and tip of the tail remain light;
• Light red color. This is a bright coat, dyed in light red and its brighter shades. The back, muzzle, tail and bases of the feet are generally brighter than the rest of the body. In the light of the sun, such a dog literally burns like fire;
• Red with blackening. Dirty gray color with a reddish tint. Patches of black fur are found on the back, ears and head, and the muzzle is colored in lighter shades;
• The gray-fawn Domino has a dark gray back, tail and ears, while the rest of the dog's body is mousy or light gray. The color is quite dark and quite rare;
• There are also Afghan hounds with a red coat. The color is similar to light fawn, but several tones darker, which makes the dog almost fiery;
• The black and tan color combines black and platinum coats. These are completely black dogs that have a lighter muzzle, neck and chest.

Walk

Due to the built-in hunting instinct, the Afghan hound can attack a cat or even a flying bird. Therefore, when walking in public places, the dog should be kept on a leash with a harness and, best of all, with a muzzle.

The ideal option would be to walk the animal outside the city, where the pet can run around and play enough.

Important! The dog of this breed is accustomed to a cool mountain climate. Physical activity and walking in hot weather are dangerous for an Afghan's health.

During walks, the Afghan needs to ensure communication with other large breeds. This has a good effect on the animal’s psyche and makes it more balanced.

Character and habits of Afghan hounds

Afghan hounds get along well in large families. They are playful, affectionate and obedient. However, dog experts believe that Afghan Hounds are one of the dumbest dog breeds in the world. For centuries, these dogs have been trained as hunters who can chase down fast prey without killing it. Therefore, Afghan hounds are indeed poor watchdogs; they are often frightened by noisy sounds and do not rush to protect their owner from danger.

Interesting fact: Afghan hounds have a well-developed hunting instinct, which follows from their thousand-year history of existence. When walking, it is worth keeping this dog next to you, because it can rush in pursuit of any small animal. Therefore, a dog should be trained from an early age in life so that it obeys its owner unquestioningly.

At the same time, Afghan hounds are quite calm animals. They get along well with children and allow them a lot. Dogs of this breed are not prone to aggression and rarely show that they do not like something, which makes them very patient companions. But you shouldn’t expect them, like Labradors, to take on the responsibility of raising children.

In addition, Afghan hounds have a sense of self-esteem. They do not bark over trifles, walk measuredly, and rarely express emotions of joy or aggression. They are difficult to anger, although young dogs are always ready to join in the game. Adult dogs play infrequently, but need regular exercise.

Afghan hounds get along well with dogs of other breeds, even particularly playful ones. They patiently endure noise and bustle, although they prefer to spend time in solitude and silence.

How to choose a puppy

• Get ready for a surprise: Afghan hound puppies are much inferior in external indicators to adults, moreover, the breed is completely invisible in them. When going to the nursery to pick up a four-legged friend, take a club specialist with you, or at least take an interest in the reviews of other customers about this establishment.
• Take a closer look at the curious, playful kids who, when they see a new person, will definitely try to get to know him by sniffing his shoes.
• If possible, inspect the entire litter. Usually there are always one or two puppies, inferior in size and fatness to their brothers. This, of course, is not a marriage, but in order to raise worthy Afghan hounds from weak toddlers, you will have to spend many times more effort and time.
• If you are afraid of the manifestation of genetic diseases in a puppy, carefully study the pedigrees of both parents. Typically, the risk of hereditary diseases arises in individuals whose owner practices inbreeding.
• It is better to buy puppies with whom you plan to attend exhibitions in adolescence, when the main breed characteristics are more clearly visible. If a baby is bought exclusively for home care, then he is ready to move to the new owner’s house at 2-3 months.

Interesting facts about Afghan hounds

Afghan Hound dogs were used to hunt not only hares and small game. Fast dogs drove wolves, leopards, gazelles and even wild boars into ambushes with lightning speed. During the chase, the dogs' fearfulness is dulled, so they do not give in to large animals.

The long coat of Afghan hounds is very multifunctional. It allows dogs to develop enormous speed thanks to its streamlining. In addition, wool provides competent thermoregulation - dogs do not freeze high in the mountains. And in sandy desert conditions, wool protects against sand and excessive heat.

For a long time, Afghan hounds were jealously protected from European dog handlers. Dogs were considered almost sacred and occupied an almost privileged position among the population. They were brought to England only after the Second World War, which preserved the breed in selective purity.

Because of their appearance - slender long legs and excellent silky coat, Afghan dogs are called the models of the canine world. The Afghan Hound can reach speeds of up to 64 km/h over short distances, making it a record holder among dogs. This speed is the average speed of the car.

According to some legends, the Afghan hound was in Noah's Ark during the Great Flood. The genotype of the Afghan hound is closer to wolves than to dogs. Indeed, if you completely trim this dog, it will vaguely resemble a wolf.

Character

It is difficult to call such an animal simple and easy in terms of raising. He is quite smart, but is reluctant to make contact. For successful pair hunting, it needs a responsible and strong owner who will lead him and tell him what to do. Trust is the main character trait of the Afghan Hound.

This animal looks closely at a specific person for a long time, analyzing his actions and manner of communication. He does this in order to determine whether he can be trusted. The second character trait of the dog is stubbornness.

It is not easy to force him to obey, for example, to follow a command. There are a number of factors that negatively affect a dog’s mood: weather, food, toys, people, etc. If she is sad about something, then nothing in the world, not even the authority of the owner, will force her to obey.

Such dogs do not get along well with children. Babies' cries, laughter or any loud noises irritate them. If the animal is upset about something and the child violates its personal space, it may bite. He knows no shame.

Also, it should be noted that the proud hunter does not favor the owner’s other pets. He treats cats and some small vertebrate animals with disdain. Conflicts in a pack of dogs that includes a representative of this breed are inevitable.

Yes, these are wayward animals. Growing up, they can change their character several times. The mood of such dogs depends on a number of factors, the main one of which is the mood of the owner. If he is friendly, the animal will become obedient and pliable, but if not, he will become rude and distant.

Experts say that the psyche of the Afghan hound is unstable. The animal is difficult to socialize, prone to conflict behavior, and sometimes aggressive. However, such behavior and attitude often become his defensive reaction.

The dog is quite timid and cautious, but not when hunting. In a forest setting, she has no shortage of courage. That is why it is not recommended to purchase such a dog if there are rats, mice and squirrels in the house. When interacting with such animals, a bloodthirsty instinct may awaken in him.

He often treats members of the household kindly. Needs a kind and caring attitude. Moderately curious, fearful, cautious. He approaches strangers in the house only if they are friendly to him, smile and speak quietly.

Loud sounds (except a gunshot) cause fear in the Afghan, so he avoids the people who make them. But, regardless of the attitude towards a particular person, when interacting with him they always maintain a sense of self-esteem and arrogance.

Pros and cons of Afghan hounds

Like all other dog breeds, Afghan hounds have a number of advantages and disadvantages that should be taken into account before choosing a puppy of this breed.

The advantages of Afghan hounds include:

• Balanced, calm character. Dogs are not hot-tempered, not overly active, calmly tolerate loneliness and do not make unnecessary sounds;
• Delicacy. Rarely do Afghan Hounds show dissatisfaction - as a rule, if they don't like something, they gently point it out. Because of their habits, dogs are even considered “elite” among other breeds;
• Exotic appearance. Many breeders pay primary attention to this factor. Indeed, such a dog makes a great impression on others due to its appearance and demeanor;
• Good health. Afghan dogs did not cross with other breeds, but at the same time they lived in very harsh conditions, where maximum endurance and speed were required of them. This has made Afghan hounds resistant to many diseases;
• Good relationship with children. Although Afghan Hounds are not very playful as adults, they do not mind playing around with children. Due to their character, they will never offend a child;
• Complete absence of aggression. They are indifferent to other dogs and animals, rarely show negative emotions towards people, and are very patient.

The disadvantages of Afghan hounds are the following:

• Low intelligence. This dog cannot be taught many commands, they are difficult to train and sometimes lazy;
• Willfulness, stubbornness. Sometimes intelligence is not at all the reason for a dog’s poor upbringing. Afghan hounds are very willful and independent, which also creates difficulties in training;
• Expensive care. These dogs require good food and impeccable coat care;
• Long walks. Since the dogs are a hunting breed, they need to be walked for a long time and intensively so that the animal does not become depressed;
• Poor security qualities. Dogs are peaceful and indifferent, so they will not be able to protect their owner or home.

Breed characteristics and character

The Afghan Hound breed is a proud, independent dog. By nature they are kind, affectionate, and love to play. Usually, from all the family members, the pet chooses one or two “favorites” for itself and considers only them as its masters.

These are graceful, fast, strong, dexterous, and highly maneuverable hunters. They are excellent at hunting small animals - martens, freds, squirrels, rabbits and other rodents. This breed has certain features that anyone who wants to have such a pet should know about:

— the Afghan Hound dog is not intended for families with small children. The fact is that the animal reacts sharply to sharp loud sounds that children often make. In response, she may growl, bark and attack. She is more suited to older children who don't make as much noise;

An all-white Afghan Hound is quite rare.

— the breed is characterized by the fact that it is very difficult to train. The proud and stubborn character of the dog does not allow it to give in to commands; it does not like when people try to control it. Therefore, in order to teach a dog something, it is necessary to translate it all into a game;

— dogs are very stubborn. If she decided that her place is in your chair or she wants to sleep in your place today, then the owner will just have to come to terms with this;

- these pets do not require much attention and care. They are independent, self-sufficient and in some ways even similar to cats; dogs have a certain disdain;

- in terms of hunting, they simply have no equal, they are always the best. The natural instinct of a hunter is so developed that it allows him to smell prey at a considerable distance;

— dogs are very loyal to their owner. Many experts consider them excellent energy therapists;

— the guard instinct is developed no worse than the hunting instinct. They can easily lash out at visiting family friends or neighbors;

— Afghan Hound puppies need play-based training from a very early age. They can even be accustomed to living with children, but you should not abuse their patience and do everything gradually, and do not force the child on the pet.

Breeding Afghan Hounds

Breeding Afghan Hounds should not be attempted by beginners. Only professionals who have gained enough strength and patience can choose the right dogs for mating, raise puppies and properly socialize them. If you decide to breed the puppies yourself, it is better to do this together with a dog handler.

Dogs mature late - around the age of three. The bitch's first mating should occur no earlier than after her third heat, otherwise it will be difficult for the dog to bear offspring. Afghan hounds usually give birth to 6-8 puppies, but multiple pregnancies often occur - up to 15 puppies per litter.

Important fact: From the first minutes in the house, the puppy must know where his place is. Also, do not spoil the puppy by regularly pointing out the rules of behavior and correcting deviations from normal behavior. You should not feed your puppy from the table, and you should not allow him to enter prohibited areas.

It is also worth training a puppy at home from early childhood. The first step is to teach the “no” command, since in the future you will have to pronounce it often. The commands “come to me” and “place” will be important, since at a young age the dog will be ready to rush after any small animal.

If you plan to raise a dog for exhibitions, you should also work on a hunting dog training course. This way, Afghan hounds are competently socialized, learn to interact with other dogs and will be able to understand their owner’s commands perfectly.

Education and training

Raising and training an Afghan hound has its own characteristics. Some people think that she is difficult to train. But this is not so, more often the point is precisely the dog’s peculiar stubbornness, which can be overcome. How to raise an active puppy into an adequate dog? Is it possible to make an Afghan Hound obedient? It is possible, with due patience and consistent training.

Raising an Afghan is suitable for an experienced owner; it will require some knowledge and skills. If you decide to do this on your own, take a short training course and get advice from a dog handler. Only experience will help you conquer a strong, stubborn character, and the advice of a specialist will be very useful.

Training should begin as soon as the puppy is home. There is no need to make allowances because of his small age - the dog must immediately get used to the rules, only in this case he will soon become trained and well-mannered. Commands should be learned as quickly as possible, and be sure to train with your pet every day. Important commands will be “no”, “to me”, “near”, “place”. The commands “sit”, “lie down”, “stand” are relevant for city dogs.

While walking, you may encounter trouble: your hound suddenly decides to chase a running cat. What will she do? She will run very quickly, as the pursuer instinct has awakened in her. To avoid such troubles, you need to teach her to follow commands and approach the owner on demand. Training and each exercise are performed as often as possible, your dog should hear and obey you the first time.

In summer and spring, in any good weather, allow your Afghan Hound to spend more time outside. Remember: the breed was created for running, let the animal splash out its energy. Make sure that there are no small children or roadways nearby; it is advisable to choose a forested area or a secluded part of the park where your pet will not scare anyone. In winter and autumn, you should also not forget about walks, but remember that washing luxurious wool from dirt and slush is not an easy task.

How to teach your child to be clean and go to the toilet correctly? You need to get down to business as soon as the puppy appears at your home. After sleeping, feeding, and playing, be sure to take him out into the yard, and if the baby has done his business, praise him. If you see that the puppy has started to get nervous at home, go outside with him again, you need to do the same, even if he has already made a puddle in the room.

What to do if a dog chews furniture, new shoes, expensive glasses, children's toys - how to wean your pet from such sabotage? Usually dogs start spoiling things if they are very lonely, have a lot of unspent energy, are teething, and there are no dog toys around. Buy special bones and toys at a pet store, walk the puppy more, gradually teach him that he should be left alone.

Show attention and love to the Afghan hound: only with affection and patience can you find mutual understanding. A harsh attitude and constant punishment can only aggravate the difficult character, and it will not be easy to establish a good relationship with your pet.

Caring for Afghan Hounds

It's easy to understand that these dogs need a lot of care and attention to keep them healthy and beautiful. Dogs' coat is thin and silky, so it should be brushed several times a day with special soft brushes with frequent teeth.

When caring for this dog's coat, it is best to use the services of professionals, as it easily gets tangled and tangled.

Simple remedies are also not suitable for caring for Afghan hounds:

• A special shampoo that will delicately remove dirt from the dog’s coat and skin;
• Conditioner balm that will add shine to the coat and strength to the hair structure;
• Specialty stores sell wax that is used to treat the soft fur of Afghan hounds. It will prevent the fur from falling into tangles and will repel small particles of dirt, which will allow you to bathe your dog less often;
• You also need to buy special wet wipes that can be used to treat the dog’s fur and skin. It is important to clean your eyes and ears as they are also susceptible to blockages;
• Several brushes are a must when caring for an Afghan Hound: a soft natural bristle brush, a small fine-tooth comb and a wide-tooth comb;
• In addition to grooming, Afghan Hounds need to have their nails trimmed at least twice a month, otherwise dogs can knock them off and become infected. You can tell when it’s time to trim your nails by the dog’s characteristic clicking sound on the floor.

Maintenance and care

It is quite difficult to live in an apartment with a nature-loving dog. She needs a lot of space, attention and care. The ideal option for an Afghan hound is to live on private property, with a large spacious enclosure, but without a booth and a chain around the neck.

Important ! Hunting dogs must not be chained and provoked into aggression towards people who come to the house. Firstly, as watchmen, they are not effective, and secondly, such a fate for a purebred animal is disastrous.

In the yard in which the dog lives, there should be sticks or other objects that the owner will throw for joint play. The animal must understand that it has personal belongings that it can hide in the enclosure.

The Afghan hound's kennel is insulated with cotton wool so that the animal does not freeze in winter. But, in severe frosts, it is still better to let it into a heated room, that is, into a house. This doesn't mean you have to let your dog sleep on your beds. Place a rug by the front door for her to sit on and wait out the cold night.

Now about care. The first thing the owner of such a pet should focus on is its long hair. Since it is delicate, it is prone to tangling. The Afghan's silky fur will have to be combed every day throughout his life.

Some owners of such dogs prefer to cut their hair in the summer, but after shortening their main visual advantage, they lose their charm. Some valuable tips for caring for such an animal:

1. Check his ears for dirt or infection.
2. Remove tartar/plaque in a timely manner.
3. Keep your nails trimmed.
4. Give medications for worms and fleas.
5. Treat any disease in a timely manner.

Pets that are cared for live long - that's a fact. Take care of your four-legged pet.

Afghan hound diet

If you are raising a puppy for exhibitions, then it is undoubtedly better to give preference to premium ready-made food. You should buy them on foreign websites that specialize in feeding the Afghan hound dog breed. Due to individual characteristics, even premium ready-made food may not be balanced enough for this breed.

Feeding with natural food is a complex task, requiring careful selection of nutrition. These dogs need to be fed three times a day: morning, lunch and evening. Fresh water should be added several times a day as dogs drink frequently. Food should be served in small portions, each of which contains the required amount of useful components.

Products you should include in your diet:

• Fresh lean meat such as chicken, beef;
• Boiled vegetables - zucchini, beets, carrots, pumpkin, cabbage. You can give raw cucumbers and tomatoes;
• Heart, liver, lungs - chicken and beef offal;
• Ground beef, thoroughly ground, boneless;
• Low-fat kefir, fermented baked milk, yoghurts;
• River fish and seafood rich in iodine - no more than once a week;
• A boiled egg should be given twice a week as a calcium supplement;
• Raw apples and pears;
• From cereals - only buckwheat, rice and wheat.

Dogs should never be fed from the table. Pork and turkey, as well as sweets, baked goods, salty and smoked foods, and potatoes are contraindicated.

Features of feeding and diet

The most significant question for a new greyhound owner is: how many times should you feed the animal? It will all depend on how old your Afghan Hound is. Puppies 2-4 months - 5 times a day, 4-6 months. – 4 times, 6-12 months. – 3 times, dogs older than 1 year – 2 times a day.

The owner can choose what to feed his pet, but he must remember: protein must be present in the Afghan hound’s diet. Protein content standards are approximately 20% of the daily portion.

Many experts believe that feeding exclusively dry food is sufficient. This will save your budget, prevent tartar, and dry food already contains many nutrients. Professionals recommend choosing more expensive and high-quality class options. For animals with allergies, it is better to choose a specialized dryer.

Many owners are interested in whether it is possible to give their dog regular foods other than food? Yes, the Afghan Hound’s food may contain beef, veal, and chicken. Your picky pet can enjoy boiled fish fillet, low-fat cottage cheese, eggs, and unsweetened fermented milk products. Is it possible to treat yourself to something sweet? No, it is strictly forbidden to give sweets, confectionery, smoked and peppered meat of any kind to the animal.

Always try to provide your dog with a balanced diet so that obesity does not become a problem. Excess weight does not suit an Afghan hound at all.

Diseases and health problems

The Afghan Hound dog has excellent immunity and is not susceptible to many diseases. However, the life expectancy of these dogs is only 8-13 years, which is catastrophically short even with proper care. Afghan hounds rarely catch colds and are almost not susceptible to any viruses.

Most diseases are somehow related to the physiology of dogs:

• Volvulus of the stomach or intestines. This occurs due to weakening of the ligaments that support the internal organs. It is difficult to predict this disease; it appears suddenly and can only be treated by emergency surgical intervention by a veterinarian. Emergency surgery saves many dogs of this breed from death;
• Caroidmyopathy is a structural change in the walls of the heart. It develops among dogs involved in sports activities that regularly experience physical stress. To prevent the disease from appearing, physical activity must be normalized and regulated;
• Chylothorax is a disease associated with the filling of the pleural cavity with fluid, which consists of fat and lymph. This disease is characteristic of the Afghan breed and manifests itself mainly in old age, although with poor care it can develop at any age;
• All sorts of skin diseases that are caused by insufficient coat care are common. Mats can cause eczema, dermatitis and demodicosis. Such diseases are easy to treat, but it is better to be regularly examined by a veterinarian;
• Myelopathy is a pathology that can be either congenital or acquired. Characterized by damage to the spinal cord. It is very difficult to diagnose; at a late stage, dogs are usually euthanized;
• Hypothyroidism and other abnormalities of the immune system are also common in Afghan hounds;
• Sometimes Afghan hounds suffer from cataracts and other retinal diseases.

In general, diseases in this breed are rare and easy to predict. Regular examination by specialists and proper care will protect your dog from almost any disease.

Health

Afghan hounds have good health and rarely get sick.

• The most common diseases are eye diseases, heart and thyroid glands.
• He often breaks his tail, which is the most painful part.

Preventive measures to protect your Afghan Hound puppy

• To keep your Afghan Hound puppy completely safe, you first need to minimize his contact with unfamiliar dogs, especially stray dogs. Therefore, you should not let your dog off the leash, as in this case it will become impossible to control its behavior and communication with other dogs. Since a dog can easily become infected with distemper from simply touching the nose of a sick animal. This disease can be transmitted to a dog through sniffing. Your dog can become infected with trichophytosis from contact with the lichen-affected fur of a sick dog. Naturally, it is impossible to completely exclude a dog’s communication with other dogs, since it must be socialized. Therefore, try to find friends with dog lovers who look after their animals. By adhering to this rule, you can eliminate the risk of pathogen transmission by 80%.
• You should walk your dog in places where there are no landfills. Since garbage very often attracts rodents, which in turn are very often carriers of various infections. Gray rats are especially dangerous because they carry such a serious disease as leptospirosis.
• You should not allow your dog to sniff other people's feces, as they are a source of worms.
• Monitor the well-being of your Afghan Hound. Pay attention to even the most minor changes in his behavior. For example, your dog may appear lethargic, lose his appetite, or have a dry nose. Or you may notice that the dog begins to shed, and this has nothing to do with seasonal shedding. If hair loss becomes excessive, this is the first symptom indicating health problems in your pet. And only you can help him. Therefore, it is important to take the dog to the veterinary clinic in time, where the disease can be overcome for sure. In no case should you ignore the symptoms, since advanced infections are much more difficult to treat, and sometimes even impossible. If you start treating your dog, the disease can lead to his death or he will develop serious complications that will affect his hearing, vision, limbs and much more.

The complex character of the greyhound

One of the features is the character of the animal, which is quite stubborn, one might say – impudent. Dogs do not always recognize their owner as a leader; they especially do not like aggression and screaming. She is exceptional, with all this:

1. Madly loves the owner if she perceives him as a leader, devoted;
2. A reliable guard, he will never simply show aggression or bark for no reason;
3. It can be intrusive, demanding as much attention and emotional return from people as possible;
4. Stubborn, can be offended and misbehave;
5. Does not like prolonged absence of relatives, is sad from loneliness;
6. He is wary of small children, will not tolerate harshness or pain from them, will avoid and hide;
7. Surprisingly, prone to mood swings, a long absence of the owner can cause a feeling of melancholy and severe stress;
8. He cannot live without activity; cycling and morning jogging in the company of a person are the best reward;
9. Never sits still for long;
10. Loves freedom, willful;
11. It can easily adapt to any weather conditions, tolerates travel well, and will be a pleasant companion on long trips.
12. Has a difficult relationship with cats, doesn’t particularly like felines, can be clingy.

Proper nutrition

Many representatives of this breed show capriciousness in choosing a diet; from childhood they are recommended to be accustomed to certain foods.

It is unacceptable for an Afghan to eat fatty pork, various types of smoked meats, and very salty or spicy foods; complementary feeding from the table can cause the development of various diseases.

Caring for the health of pets involves the need to undergo recommended vaccinations and prevention of diseases specific to the breed.

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The fairly high price of the Afghan Hound is due to the unique characteristics of this breed and its low prevalence, so puppies and adults need good care.

Price of puppies

Depends on the parents, if they have certain titles or are champions, the price can rise to 1000 euros. It is not recommended to take a baby without documents or pedigree. Health in this case is not determined, and it may not be “that dog” that grows up.

• Select a kennel in advance, contact the breeder, ask for a pedigree and basic documents for the parents and the puppy, check for vaccinations, see how the puppies behave.

The history of the elegant dog

Archaeological excavations in the Iranian state made it possible to observe images of this animal back in the 11th century BC. After some time, her image was also discovered in the vastness of Afghanistan; there is historical evidence that indicates that a place was prepared for the greyhound on the ark.

• Being one of the oldest representatives, it is not only interesting as a pet, but also of interest as a historical element.

The Afghan Shepherd has long been considered a national symbol in its homeland; exporting puppies was strictly prohibited. For decades, people have worked to improve its hunting qualities, speed and intelligence.

The dog was able to establish itself as a fast and cunning hunter, and the size of the game does not matter. Having a keen sense of smell and exceptional hunting qualities, she can easily track down the smallest animal, as well as large representatives.

Their peculiarity lies not only in these qualities, they also served as guards for especially privileged individuals in the country; this is the only dog ​​that is considered “pure” among the Muslims of Afghanistan.

The British, who managed to return home from Iraq and the Afghan borders, managed to bring the greyhound with them, and in 1926 the first kennel was registered; later it will rapidly gain popularity due to its appearance and is recognized by experts from the USA, as well as the rest of the world.

• Now she is known all over the world as a magnificent, aristocratic person, possessing all the qualities that we would so much like to see in our favorites.