Afghan Hound - Appearance & Grooming
Dog Breeds
Introduction
Appearance & Grooming of the Afghan Hound Dog Breed: The average Afghan Hound stands 27-29 inches high, and weighs between 45-65 pounds. Their medium length coat requires regular brushing to reduce mats and dirt accumulation. Their coat may be any color, but white markings, particularly on the head, are discouraged. The long, fine-textured coat requires considerable care and grooming.
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Appearance
Afghan Hounds are “The Aristocrat” of the dog world, carrying themselves with dignity and poise at all times. They are tall and lean, with long, narrow heads, high hipbones, long curling tails and a silky topknot that are unique to the breed. Their long, flowing hair covers their entire body, except for the face, and is truly a sight to behold when properly groomed. Afghans have almond-shaped eyes, which the AKC states, “gaze into the distance as if in memory of ages past." This breed comes in just about any color of the canine rainbow, so dark colored Afghans are just as common as light colored Afghans.
Size and Weight
Afghan hounds are a tall breed, with the acceptable height ranging from 24-28 inches at shoulder. Though tall, they are lean animals ranging in weight from 45 pounds at the lightest to 65 pounds at the heaviest end of the spectrum. Afghans should never be overweight, which can put extra strain on their high hipbones.
Coat and Color
This breed comes in all colors, and most patterns of light and dark coat color are acceptable, though the AKC standard frowns upon white markings, especially around the face.
The long, fine hair of the Afghan hound is shiny and silky to the touch. Though it is fine, Afghans have a thick covering of fur and many describe the texture as very similar to human hair.
Grooming Needs
Properly grooming an Afghan Hound requires a great deal of time and effort. The Afghan's fine coat is similar in texture to human hair, and tangles very easily, making daily brushing a must. Baths should also be conducted frequently, and trimming and stripping of the coat is required several times a year. Many owners find that hiring a professional groomer is the best way to properly maintain the Afghan Hound's coat.
Afghan Hounds have pendant ears, meaning their ears hang, which can lead to ear infections. Regular, weekly ear cleanings with a cotton ball and a veterinarian-recommended cleanser can keep infections at bay.
Pictures
Temperament & Personality