The Afghan Hound is a large, glamorous and elegant dog, distinguished by its thick, fine and silky coat.
Its long limbs and flowing fur, make it a sight to behold, and it can reach amazing speeds, dating back to its heritage as a sighthound used to hunt deer and other game in Afghanistan. They are often regarded as aloof and dignified but they can also be flighty, clownish and stubborn. Having been bred as sighthounds, they should always be kept on the lead when outside their own environment, and require good supervision. This dog should only be considered by owners who have the space and time to exercise, train and groom this glamorous breed.
History
Originating in Afghanistan, the Afghan Hound is thought to be a descendant of the Saluki brought to Afghanistan from Persia. As the climate in Afghanistan can be punishing especially in the mountains, the dogs developed a longer coat as protection as they worked pursuing a variety of prey of all sizes including hare, gazelles, wolves and even snow leopards. The Afghan nomads highly prized the dogs, who would gather together yearly for a festival to celebrate their dogs and would dress them with traditional necklaces and flowers. The earliest Afghan Hounds appeared in the UK in the 1920s but thanks to their glamorous appearance, they soon became extremely popular.
