Also known as the Afghan Hound, the Afghan Hound is one of the oldest natural breeds in the world, perhaps the oldest according to researchers. Incidentally, pinpointing his origins is somewhat difficult, as he came from inhospitable regions of the mountains of Afghanistan.

In addition, his elegant and slender bearing draws the attention of anyone he passes by, in addition to being very loyal and affectionate. So, get to know everything about the Afghan Hound dog breed and see how to take care of this animal before getting a puppy! Continue reading and check it out!

First of all, this dog breed is, according to experts, the oldest pure breed in the world. However, its records were almost erased as this animal came from remote places like the mountains of Afghanistan, Pakistan and northern India. Thus, it is difficult to specify exactly how it came about.

However, it is known that the Afghan Hound was widely used for hunting in mountainous lands, mainly because of its agility and speed. In fact, this breed is quite easy to move around in rough terrain, giving it an advantageous position in relation to its prey.

In addition, he was also a symbol of nobility for the aristocratic families and tribes of the region. It was only at the end of the 19th century that, with the pilgrimage of the British government, specimens of the breed were taken to other parts of Europe. Soon, he became a favorite breed of the British nobility, and is still a popular animal in the region today.

It is worth remembering that the breed was officially recognized only in the mid-1920s and its standards defined years later, in 1962. Although its size, muscular and athletic body and long muzzle draw attention, its coat is the most striking feature of this animal.

In this sense, the most popular color among tutors is black, but there are many other variations such as white, gray, brown and other different tones. Although its fur is long and fine, it has a distinctive profile, with large paws and curved knees. Her entire profile is elegant and slender.  

Although it is a very popular breed in certain parts of Europe and Asia, the Afghan Hound is not easy to find here in Brazil. In general, a puppy of the breed has values that start at R$4,000.00. However, it is worth remembering that lineage, gender and hair color can make this price go up even more, reaching R$9,000.00 a puppy!

Also, remember that this dog is expensive to maintain, as its coat needs special care. Maybe that's why kennels and breeders charge more for a specimen of this animal. In addition, dogs descended from champion competitors or with Pedigree also have a differentiated value in the market.

By the way, it is very important that you know the kennel or breeding center where you are going to buy your Afghan Hound puppy. That way, you can attest to breed standards, as well as ensure that the family is healthy and well cared for. Look for indications and opinions of other buyers and keep an eye out not to finance clandestine breeders!

Well, this dog has a large build, distinct from the breed, with long, muscular legs and a strong neck. However, its body is quite athletic and its weight does not exceed 27kg, some animals weigh less, only 23kg. When compared to their height, we notice that the Afghan Hound dog is lean and slender.

In this sense, females of the breed usually measure between 60 centimeters and 70 centimeters at the withers, and males are even larger, ranging from 68 centimeters to 75 centimeters. That is, this is not a robust animal, having defined limbs that are easily hidden by its bulky hair.

In fact, this breed is quite energetic, living up to its hunter ancestors. By the way, this dog has an iron health and rarely presents illnesses. In general, it is common for older animals to have hip dysplasia and other bone and joint problems.

In addition, the Afghan Hound can also have eye diseases such as cataracts, for example. So, like any other pet, it's important to keep regular appointments with the veterinarian, in addition to routine checkups. When well cared for, the Afghan Hound dog has a good life expectancy, reaching 12 years.

First of all, the first characteristic of the Afghan Hound that you need to be prepared to deal with is the energy that this animal has. In this sense, this dog needs daily exercise and a good space to run. That is, it is important to have a safe place where you can release it from the leash so that it runs freely.

Also, it might not be a good idea to have a dog of this breed in a very small environment, especially if you don't have a lot of time to exercise it. If he doesn't get the level of exercise he needs every day, he can develop destructive behaviors around the house.

In addition, Afghan Hound dog owners need to be prepared to take care of their thick, long coat. What experts recommend is that brushing happen several times during the week, and baths should also be frequent with special shampoos for their type of fur.

Although it is an affectionate and very friendly dog, it is important to work on the socialization of the breed from a young age. Thus, you will accustom the dog to manipulations, in addition to accustoming him to strangers and friends who may come to your home. But don't forget that this pet can be sensitive, so avoid using harsh tones when training it.

So, did you like the Afghan Hound? How about meeting a smaller dog that is excellent with small children? Well, we're talking about the Basset Hound, better known as Sherlock Holmes' dog in theaters! Access our content below and find out all about this friendly and patient breed.