Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound is an ancient sighthound breed indigenous to the arid steppes and rugged mountains of Afghanistan.

Nomadic tribes hunted hare, deer, and snow leopards across Central Asia with these swift hounds for centuries, naming them Tazi in regional dialects. British military officers returning from the northwest frontier brought the first documented specimens to the United Kingdom in the early 1900s. A dog named Zardin captured international attention after winning the 1907 Crystal Palace dog show in London. In 1961, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale granted definitive acceptance to the breed under Group 10 (Sighthounds). Afghan Hounds compete in lure coursing and conformation shows, and many live as household companions.

The ideal FCI withers height is 68 to 74 cm (27-29 in) for males and 63 to 69 cm (25-27 in) for females, with average body weights spanning 26 to 34 kg (57-75 lb). The hallmark coat consists of long, fine-textured silky hair covering the ribs, flanks, and legs, contrasted by a short, smooth saddle along the back and a top-knot on the skull. All colors are permissible, excluding merle patterns, though white head markings remain undesirable. Standards define the temperament as dignified, aloof, and independent, possessing an aristocratic reserve toward strangers paired with sudden bursts of spirited playfulness.

Coat maintenance requires rigorous daily brushing and frequent bathing to prevent painful matted clumps from developing in the fine hairs. Daily sprint exercise in a tall, securely enclosed paddock is essential to satisfy its sighthound instinct. Common health disorders documented in clinical surveys include laryngeal paralysis, cataracts, hip dysplasia, and an acute sensitivity to barbiturate anesthesia due to minimal body fat.