The Afghan Greyhound is one of the oldest and most recognizable dog breeds in the world. Within the breed there are several lines, which were formed in different regions of Afghanistan: desert hounds with shorter hair and sturdy build, mountain hounds with thicker and longer hair, which protected them from the cold. Over time, these varieties united into a single standard, but experienced breeders can still distinguish the “desert” type from the “mountain” type.
Origin of the breed
Afghan Greyhounds have a history of thousands of years. They are considered one of the oldest breeds in the world. In the mountainous regions of Afghanistan, they were used as hunting dogs to chase fast prey: gazelles, hares, even mountain goats. Their speed and endurance were combined with sharp eyesight, making them ideal hunters in open spaces. The Afghan Greyhound came to Europe in the XIX century, where it immediately won the hearts of aristocrats with its beauty and exotic appearance.
Size, weight and life expectancy
The Afghan Greyhound is a large breed. The height at the withers reaches 68-74 cm in males and 63-69 cm in females. Weight ranges from 22 to 30 kg, although the dog looks lighter due to its gracefulness. Afghan Greyhounds live an average of 12-14 years, which is considered to be quite a good indicator for a large breed.
Character of the Afghan Greyhound
It may seem aloof, but it is gentle and loving around the family. The Afghan Greyhound is pride and independence combined with gentleness and loyalty. It is not a typical “companion dog”: the Afghan Greyhound has a strong hunting instinct, high speed and needs freedom. At the same time, it appreciates tranquility, likes comfort and resting on a soft couch after activity.
Afghan Greyhound puppies
Afghan Greyhound puppies look very different from adult dogs. They are born with fluffy, short hair and resemble cute bears. Only in time, closer to a year, the famous long, silky coat begins to form. It is important to accustom them to grooming from childhood, otherwise it will be difficult to care for an adult Greyhound. Puppies are active, playful and very inquisitive, need socialization and training with patient methods.
Grooming an Afghan Greyhound
A long, fine and silky coat requires constant attention. Without regular grooming, it will quickly become tangled in tangles, which not only spoil its appearance, but can also cause discomfort and skin irritation. The Afghan Greyhound should be combed out at least three to four times a week, or better – daily, using special combs with long teeth and brushes for untangling. It is important not to pull the coat, but to gently separate it into strands and gradually comb it out.
Afghan Greyhounds are recommended to be bathed once every 10-14 days using premium shampoos and conditioners that maintain the structure of the coat. After bathing, it is necessary to dry the dog thoroughly with a hair dryer, otherwise the coat will lose its luster and may pile up.
Special attention should be paid to the paws and ears: the long hair on the ears should be combed regularly to avoid tangling, and the hair between the pads of the paws should be trimmed so that the dog does not slip and feels comfortable. It is also recommended to use special ear covers or headbands (called snoods) when eating to keep the coat from getting dirty.
Grooming an Afghan Greyhound takes a lot of time, but it is a necessity. This breed is not suitable for people who want an “unpretentious” dog: grooming requires patience, discipline and even professional help from a groomer. However, the result is impressive: a shiny, luxurious coat that makes the Afghan Greyhound a real star among dogs.
Conclusion
The Afghan Greyhound requires a special approach and is not suitable for everyone, as it requires a lot of care and space for activity. At the same time, those who choose the Afghan Greyhound get not just a dog, but a real friend with a peculiar character and impressive appearance. This breed is as if created for those who appreciate beauty, harmony and are ready to invest time and love in the care of their pet.
