Afghan hound companionable
but high maintenance

This Afghan hound is showing his finer points in the show ring.

Afghan Hounds can be purchased in many colours. Gold, white, cream, silver, blue, black, black and tan, black and silver, black and cream, brindle, gold brindle, silver brindle, tiger brindle, blue brindle or oyster bennie. The facial area can either be black, shaded or self-masked. The long, thick, silky and fine-textured coat requires considerable care and grooming. The long topknot, the ringed tail and the short haired saddle an the back are distinctive features of the Afghan hound.

The Afghan hound is a sight hound and has characteristics, features and traits which make the breed unique. Sight hounds have very good vision; they have strong jaws and a lengthy neck which assist them in sighting and catching their prey. They should have a lean, muscular body, deep chest to house the lungs and long, powerful legs that are essential for them to catch their agile prey. Their big feet help them to keep a firm footing. Their long powerful stride and agile bodies make it possible to chase and kill their quarry.

As a pet, the Afghan hound is very affectionate and mellow but their instinct is to chase anything running, therefore, it requires an excellent training regime and firm control. In their native country they were used to hunt large cats including leopards and panthers. The Afghan hound is a very independent character. They are aloof, dignified, affectionate, and sensitive but can also act the clown when they want to. They are not shy and can be quite vocal when strangers are around. They can be very nimble and can jump many a high fence or be just as naughty to dig their way under it. The Afghan has the reputation of being dumb, as they do not always do what is asked of them. This is not true - they can be highly intelligent and one should always bear in mind that they will do only what they want to, although with strict training there have been some who have been trained for obedience.

An Afghan hound requires space to exercise as they have high stamina levels. Daily walks can keep their mind active and less chance for them to getting bored and destructive. They like their home comforts and are likely to take over your sofa so a comfortable bed should be purchased. Your garden should be secure and you should check out what plants are poisonous. Afghan Hounds love being with a family.

Life expectancy of the Afghan hound could be up to 14 years and there have been the occasional ones who have been lived a few years over that.

If you have decided that an Afghan hound is for you, then you should check out all relevant points by visiting websites, contacting the secretaries of the Afghan hound clubs or associations which will put you in touch with reputable breeders. Visit the Kennel club website. Go along to local shows and find out more about the breed, read books on the Afghan hound ... look at breeders' websites, make sure you visit several breeders. Reputable breeders will not rush to sell you a puppy but will check out your suitability and likewise, where possible, you should ask to see the sire and dam. Ask for a copy of the pedigree. Puppies should not leave their mother until at least eight weeks of age - 10 weeks is better: a good breeder will always take back dogs they have bred if a buyer changes their mind or circumstances change, and re-home them if necessary.

Male or female: the choice to buy male or female is one of personal preference. However there are some points to be aware of. Females will come into season approximately every six months, and must be confined for three weeks during that time. Spaying or neutering should be discussed with the breeder.

Training: Training a puppy can be very time consuming. You should invest in the local puppy socialisation classes and training lessons.

Exercising: He or she will need daily walks, and plenty of playtime.

Housing: All dogs need their own bit of space. Make it cosy, quiet and warm. Things which are breakable or valuable should be put out of harm's way. Areas that your puppy will initially be confined to should be appropriately blocked off, i.e. a stair gate to prevent the puppy from venturing upstairs or gates in doorways to parts of the house you don't want the puppy to enter. Gardens should be secure with appropriate fencing. Gaps should be filled in. Remember that they are great escape artists.

Grooming: consists not only of brushing and bathing, but checking eyes, teeth, ears, feet, nails. Any health problems can be picked up on a regular routine. The following equipment is needed to look after them i.e. grooming tools, grooming table, hairdryers, shampoos, collars and leads. In addition to all that there are extras like coats, and snoods (Snoods are tube like pieces of material; these are placed over the Afghans head to protect their ears from getting food on them when they eat).

Feeding: While a puppy is young the same brand of foods should be feed as recommended by the breeder. If you want to feed different food introduce them slowly, or you may upset their stomach.

Vaccinations. When purchasing an Afghan hound a vaccination and worming procedure should be carried out. All owners of dogs and puppies are concerned about health care of their pets. Health issues can occur from time to time. Diseases in dogs may occur because of trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetic factors or degenerative conditions. Before acquiring an Afghan hound these should be checked out and the cover of insurance should be considered as veterinary bills can be quite costly. Get your pet a tag with your name address and phone no on it. If possible get your puppy microchipped.

Holidays: Consideration should be given to your pet when you go on holiday. Find out about reputable boarding kennels and dog sitters.

Enjoying your dog: Afghan hound societies hold various activities and there are facilities for showing, racing, lure coursing. A show quality puppy should come as close to the standard as possible, however, there are no guarantees.

Rescue: Unfortunately there are times when Afghan hounds require re-homing. This is a sad time but can also be rewarding for both the new owner and the pet. Always remember puppies need love. Enjoy your puppy and train him or her well and they will respond accordingly. Look after them properly and they will be your friends for many years to come. Look on the Kennel Club Website for further information: www.the-kennel-club.org.uk.