Companion Spotlight

Afghan Hound

Afghan Hounds can be clearly identified by their silky, thick coats and the curled ring at the end of the tail. Known to be one of the oldest breeds of sighthounds, they were used as hunting dogs in the cold Afghanistan mountains. Sighthounds depend on their sight and speed when hunting. These agile hunters have sharp vision that can detect the slightest motion, and their speed allows them to overpower fast moving prey like gazelle, hare, and deer. Depending on the location, Afghan Hounds are also known as Kabul Hound, Baluchi Hound, Galanday Hound, and Shalgar Hound. Because Afghan Hounds are hunters by nature, they may not be suitable for homes with small dogs or other animals.

Appearance

The general height for an Afghan Hound is between twenty-four, and twenty-nine inches tall, an adult male can weigh as much as sixty pounds. They have long coats, and a black or brown facial mask. The color of their coat may be red, white, gold, brindle, or black. The coat of a black Afghan Hound may have a slightly reddish tint. Their long coats must be groomed regularly. Long legs and high hip bones aids in the ability to overcome their prey.

Traits

The litter size for an Afghan Hound is usually between six and eight puppies. They can be temperamental, but are generally happy and playful. Adult males may have a facial hair that resembles a mustache.

Health Concerns

The primary health concerns for Afghan hounds are cancer and allergies. Due to the scarce amount of body fat, Afghan Hounds are highly sensitive to gases or drug injections. They can also develop an uncommon condition known as chylothorax. When thoracic ducts are affected by this condition, large amounts of digestive fluid accumulates in the chest cavity. This will cause the lungs to twist, and immediate surgery will be necessary. Without surgery, the organs will harden from scar tissue. It can be fatal without adequate treatment. The average life span for an Afghan Hound that has been properly cared for is between twelve and eighteen years.