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Education

History

Eye conditions - Breeders check for eye conditions through CERF examinations by veterinarians who are eye specialists.  CERF examinations expire after one year.

 

Joint Conditions - Hip Dysplasia - Breeders check for hip dysplasia by having x-rays done which are typically submitted to OFA to be examined by specialists and the quality of the joint is rated.

 

Thyroid - Thyroid tests can be conducted through blood tests.

 

Cancers - A breeder should be willing to share with a buyer if there have been any incidences of cancer in their dogs.
 

Afghan Hounds were used for hunting in their native land of Afghanistan.  European soldiers stationed in Afghanistan became interested in the breed.  In 1907 the first Afghan Hound was brought to England and in 1912, the first breed standard was written.  In the 1920's and 1930's many more were imported to England and they began to make their way to the United States.  1934 saw the first Best in Show winning Afghan and American Champion Afghan.  Since that time, the hounds have been seen in this country as show dogs, fashion models, and athletes.  They  have been owned by famous personalities such as Zeppo Marx and Pablo Picasso.
The breed standard describes the Afghan Hound as "aloof and dignified, yet gay."  Afghans have a proud attitude and can be stand-offish towards strangers, however they should not be timid. They excel at Lure Coursing, and many of them enjoy Agility. They can also be successful therapy dogs.
Size
  • Dogs
    • 26-28 inches
    • around 60 pounds
  • Bitches
    • 24-26 inches
    • around 50 pounds
Coat
The Afghan Hound is born with hair all over his body.  As they mature, most of the hair will grow into a long and silky coat.  The hair on their back and face will become short and more coarse.  Some Afghan Hounds have patches of short hair on their lower legs as well.
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Colors 
  • Black
  • Black and silver
  • Black and tan
  • Blue
  • Blue and cream
  • Cream
  • Red 
  • Silver
  • White
Markings
  • Black mask
  • Brindle
  • Brindle black mask
  • Brindle domino
  • Domino

Appearance

Thinking of buying a puppy? Find a responsible breeder.

To find a responsible breeder, go to a dog show or access the AKC Breeder Referral page under Breeds at http://www.akc.org/breeds.  

The breeder referral contact for the parent club is the best contact.  
Local all-breed kennel clubs and AKC breed-specific clubs in your area 
are also good options.  

You may also contact Karen at karen@potomacafghanhoundclub.org 
for breeder information. 
 
All puppy buyers and breeders can contact us for references of local (East Coast) breeders or buyers.

Special Considerations

Overall, the Afghan Hound is a healthy breed of dog.  The role of the purebred dog breeder is to provide the healthiest puppies possible.  Thankfully, many tests are available to avoid the birth of unhealthy puppies.  The health concerns listed below can occur in all dogs, purebred or mixed.  If you think the Afghan Hound is for you, ask your breeder about what measures they've taken to avoid:

Temperament

Happy Bonnie.jpg
Bonnie Grooming.jpg

Grooming - To be kept in coat, Afghans need regular brushing.  The hair that they shed becomes tangled and forms matts which need to be removed.  It is best to learn how to groom from someone experienced with Afghan Hounds.  Many owners choose to have their dogs shaved regularly.

 

Sighthounds - Afghan Hounds are sighthounds and will chase small, quick moving animals due to their natural instincts.  Most are fine with smaller housepets, but outside of the house smaller animals (rabbits and cats to snow leopards) are seen as fair game.

 

Exercise - The Afghan Hound is an athletic breed of dog requiring a fair amount of exercise.  Fenced yards (six foot is recommended) provide a venue for the dogs to run freely while decreasing the risk of accidental escape.

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