Exploring the Elegant Afghan Greyhound Dog Breed

The Afghan Greyhound dog breed is thought to be the oldest extant dog breed in the world. Its area of origin is present-day Afghanistan, and its origins are supposedly traced back to around the year 2000 B.C., but there is an ancient legend that even in Noah's Ark there were two examples of this breed. However, some of its images have even been found in graffiti dating back to precisely 2000 B.C. in what is now northern Afghanistan.

Initially this dog was used for hunting gazelles and other large mammals in northeastern Africa and in Caucasian areas. In fact, the Afghan Greyhound, like all other Greyhounds was categorized as a hunting dog.

Although its origins are placed in Afghanistan, some scholars think it came from the Sinai region. This is because some images of it have been found in some papyri of the ancient Egyptians.

They arrived in Europe in the late 19th century, brought by British soldiers returning from the Anglo-Afghan wars. And it is also said that they were smuggled out because the Afghans had no intention of letting specimens out of their country. and indeed those who exported such dogs were punished with the death penalty. The Afghan Greyhound was considered too important and beautiful than to give up even a few specimens.

In Afghanistan this dog was very useful to man as a guard and protection dog , but especially in hunting activities, when it was unleashed behind prey that it followed with tenacity and speed.

In the early twentieth century some English dog experts crossed several varieties of Afghan Greyhounds with each other: the Desert Greyhounds and the Mountain Greyhounds. These crosses gave rise to the modern breed of Afghan Greyhounds. In other countries this breed was not known until much later. In modern breeding it is selected for the purpose for which it is used; for example, more attention is paid to the appearance of the coat, trying to make it more voluminous, if the specimen is intended for beauty shows. Thus, there are now different genetic strains that may differ from the breed standard in some details.

It is widespread all over the world, although not in large numbers, but where it is found most heavily is in the Arabian Peninsula where it is known by the name “tazi” meaning “Arabian.” Another of its talents is running; in fact today it competes in amateur running races. He is extremely fast and can reach up to 60 kilometers per hour. It is also highly valued for its activities in agility.

Character of the Afghan Greyhound dog breed

The Afghan Greyhound has a very distinctive character. With his owners he is sweet and affectionate, and one of his characteristics is undoubtedly his calmness, especially in the home, where he can also adapt to living in an apartment, as long as he is given enough time and space for his movement, although his ideal home should at least have a garden, where he can run and be free whenever he needs to. But he is also a proud and stubborn dog, which does not make him very easy to train.

He cannot stand being ignored; he bonds deeply with his owner and loves to be in company and in the family, where he is also suitable for children, with whom he can play for hours without getting tired. In the home, however, he does not like cohabitation with other pets, neither dogs nor cats.

Speaking of training, this will not be at all easy; in fact, it is not suitable for those who have no experience in dealing with this breed. In fact, it is yes a dog that attaches itself very much to its owner, but from him it requires patience and perseverance, and its upbringing, primarily, must always be friendly. It has a sensitive soul and tends to disobey more if mortified or scolded harshly.

By his nature, he ignores all forms of hierarchy, and the master to be recognized as such must be a trusted companion. If he obeys, it is because he considers it a beneficial behavior and not because he is asked to do so. So this dog does not consider its master a leader, but a companion to be trusted and shared with.

He is an excellent watchdog, he does not bark much, but he is' very careful regarding his territory and his family. His predatory instinct, is very strong in him, so it is good to keep him almost always on a leash, as he almost never reacts to calls as much as he has targeted prey.

The Afghan Greyhound is also known to have a prodigious memory, thanks to which even after years he can remember who has treated him well or badly in the past.

Appearance of the Afghan Hound dog breed

The Afghan Greyhound is a large and very elegant dog. A male at the withers measures 63 to 74 centimeters, depending on whether it is male or female. It weighs between 26 and 34 kilograms. The body is slender and very tall, in fact its structure is light and graceful, which gives it an unmistakable class. The legs of the Afghan Greyhound are slender, the neck is strong, the frame very slender, and the tail is medium-sized ring-shaped, being rounded.

The head and muzzle are pronounced, the skull is long and slightly narrow. The eyes are slightly slanted upward; the ears are low and adherent to the head, and have the splendid long fur that makes its coat its main distinguishing feature. Its long tapering muzzle ends in an elegant black truffle tending to gray.

The hair of its coat is silky and long, very similar to human hair. It is usually left natural, and sways with extreme refinement with every movement of the dog. The coat has no undercoat and is short and fluffy in puppies. Around the first year of age, puppies molt, and their hair grows back like that of their parents. This is the only moulting this breed does, throughout its entire life span.

The coat colors possess various shades, but only single-hued and never patchy. The best known is the black Afghan Greyhound, but golden blond, fawn, or cream with a dark mask can also be found. There is also a very rare and sought-after variety, called the Oyster, which is characterized by having a silver-gray coat on the back, the remaining white fur, ears shaded from ivory to hazel, and a pale muzzle.

Care and health of the Afghan Greyhound dog breed

The Afghan Greyhound is a robust and strong dog breed that has a life expectancy of around 12 years. No particular genetic diseases are found. It may suffer, however, like many other dog breeds, from hip dysplasia, laryngeal paralysis, and cataract and corneal disorders. He is particularly sensitive to anesthesia and predisposed to allergies.

Since it does not have an undercoat it is not particularly cold-hardy; therefore, it should be kept indoors or otherwise sheltered in cold weather. Being native to desert areas, heat does not bother him much. Like all greyhounds, he has never developed a subcutaneous layer of fat, consequently he does not sweat or smell bad.

The care of his coat is quite demanding, as being very long, it has to be combed at least once a day to prevent knotting. And at least two to three times a year it needs a professional trim. It also needs constant bathing; therefore, it is good to use specific detergents that are respectful of its hair type to avoid skin problems.

As for feeding, this dog is not a big eater and does not have a tendency to gain weight. However, it prefers high-quality rations rather than a large quantity of food.