all about afghan hounds

As the name would indicate the Afghan hound traces its roots back to Afghanistan. The Afghan may be the world's oldest known breed. This breed is what’s called a sighthound. Today's Afghans are a combination of breeds derived from Great Britain in the 1920s. Earlier versions were brought to the UK by returning soldiers from war during the 1800s. Their long flowing coats caused them to be the coveted prize by many dog lovers. They became an exotic breed to own for many wealthy pet owners.

The Afghan Hound is a very tall breed, standing in height from 24-29 inches and weighing from 45-60 pounds. The coat may be any color, but white markings, especially on the head, are discouraged. Some Afghan Hounds are a type of white, but some hounds are white with islands of red or black may indicate impure breeding. The long, fine-textured coat requires a lot of attention and care.

The temperament of an Afghan Hound can be described as aloof and dignified, but happy and clownish when at play. They have a tendency to chase small animals. This may be a problem with other pets in the home, or even small children.The breed is known among some dog trainers to have a somewhat slow "obedience intelligence" according to author Stanley Coren.

When considering a pet, the lifespan is very important. Afghan Hounds usually have a median lifespan of about 12 years. This is a typical lifespan for dog’s this size. The most common causes of death were cancer, heart issues and old age

As with most breeds, there are pros and cons to owing an Afghan hound. They are playful and full of energy, but also have many health concerns. Their beautiful coat can be dazzling, but also full of tangles. They could be a great pet for your family, but you will have to way the pros and cons