Description:  The Afghan Hound is an aristocrat, his whole appearance is one of dignity and aloofness with no coarseness.  His striking characteristics are his exotic expression, long silky topknot, peculiar coat pattern and prominent hipbones. His elegance makes him a glamorous popular show dog. There is a side which is an arrogant mischievous companion. He is also has been recently utilized in the sport of Afghan racing.
Other Names:  Tazi, Baluchi Hound

Height: Males 27 inches, Females 25 inches
Weight:  Males 60 lbs., Females 50 lbs.

Colors:  All Colors.
Coat:  Long and fine.

Temperament:  Reserved, lively, active
With Children:  Yes, but better with families with older children.
With Pets:  May chase small animals such as cats unless he has been raied with them.
Special Skills:  Hunter by sight of large and small wild game, also watchdog, racing dog and a companion.

Watch-dog:  High
Guard-dog:  Low

Care and Training: Coat needs extensive grooming, daily is recommended. Bathing two or three times per month, paying special attention to the ears. Afghans loves to runs.Daily exercise is needed, preferable morning and evening runs.
Learning Rate: High, Very high for problem solving; low for obedience.

Activity:  High
Living Environment:  City or country; house, apartment or condo, keep leashed or fenced.

Health Issues:  Generally healthy. Potential for juvenile cataracts and possible hip dysplasia. Sensitivity to drugs, flea powders and tickicides.  Rare cases of progressive paralysis.

Life Span:  12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:  6 - 8

Country of Origin:  Afghanistan
History:  One of the oldest breeds, dating back thousands of years. He is a member of the Greyhound family. His ancestors are originally from Persia moving to Afghanistan where he worked protecting sheep and cattle.  He was once a harsh hunter in his native land where he was used to hunt leopard, wolves and jackals.  He has now been breed to be an obedient, gentle dog.  He was introduced into Western civilization late in the nineteenth century. Much credit to the breed is given to Major Amps and his wife Mary who while living in Ghazni, Afghanistan established their kennel "Ghazni". Mary also did much research and writing on the breed. Their hounds are found in most American Afghan Hound pedigrees.

First Registered by the AKC:  1926
AKC Group:  Hound
Class:  Hound
Registries:  AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 10), KC,(GB), UKC