"What is a standard?", you may be asking. A standard is a formal, written description that outlines what a particular breed of dog is supposed to look like, move like, and behave like. In other words, it describes what makes an Afghan Hound different from, say, a Cocker Spaniel. Every AKC recognized breed has what is known as a parent club, which is made up of devotees to that breed. The members of a breed's parent club draft the standard for that breed, and they are the only ones that are allowed to make modifications to that standard. The standard is then given to the AKC, and is used by its judges as the basis for evaluating dogs at AKC dog shows.
The current Afghan Hound standard was drafted by the Afghan Hound Club of America and adopted by the American Kennel Club on September 14,1948: