For centuries a hunting breed, the Afghan
of today is seen as an aristocrat portraying dignity and independence.
It is loyal and affectionate to its
family but with strangers it is discriminating. In spite of its strong
personality, it is not a fighter and usually gets on well with other
dogs.
Regular and thorough grooming is essential
- at least three times a week for all its adult life. Vigorous daily
exercise is also a must.
Afghans are strong willed and independant
minded, and training them requires determination and perserverence.
Description & History
The breed is believed to be of Asiatic
origin and is known to have been in existence well before the Christian
era. It is the opinion of some canine experts that the Saluki was
taken from Syria down a trade route to Afghanistan.
The colder climate there brought about
a larger hound with a thicker coat that adapted itself from hunting
in the desert to the rougher terrain in the mountainous regions of
Afghanistan. The breed was used for hunting by the royal family of
Afghanistan, as well as by tribesman.
Afghans which were used for hunting
gazelle, wolf and ibex were often aided by hawks. It was customary
for young hounds and hawks, destined to work together, to be housed
in the same building so they were raised to be hunting partners.
The breed was also greatly valued by
shepherds who used them for herding and guarding. It was not until
the late nineteenth century that the breed came to Europe. In 1907
an Afghan Hound named Zardin arrived in Great Britain from Iran. He
was exhibited at the Kennel Club show at Crystal Palace under the
title Oriental Greyhound. He was later given to Queen Alexandra.
As well as show dogs and pets, Afghans
are used for racing. In the British Isles there are six tracks which
Afghans normally race. Racing takes place between the months of March
and October. All hounds are muzzled and are graded according to the
total number of points gained at each meeting.
In continental Europe, where racing
is popular, owners have to obtain a racing certificate before they
are allowed to race their hounds. Although the majority of Afghans
are not used for racing, they do, however, owing to their physique,
require plenty of exercise. Afghans are strong willed and not always
obedient, so all exercise outside the home must be well controlled.