He doesn't stay a puppy long!
Q. WHAT KIND OF DOGS ARE AFGHAN HOUNDS?
A. Afghan Hounds are Sighthounds - dogs that hunt their prey by sight, chase it and kill it. They are swift in the field and independent. Afghan Hounds like to make their own decisions.
Q. WHAT IS THE AFGHAN HOUND TEMPERAMENT AND DISPOSITION?
A. Afghan Hounds have an aloof and elegant air and seem to know that they are kings and queens to be obeyed. With their good friends they can behave foolishly and have a good sense of humor. With strangers they are rather reserved. Afghan hounds become deeply attached to their people and may have difficulty adapting to new homes when mature. Males can behave like oriental potentates, and females though queenly, often are flirty and devious.
Q. WHAT ABOUT GROOMING?
She is beautiful because her owner has good grooming habits!
A. There are many books on grooming and usually there are people available to show you how to care for your Afghan Hound. If you have only one Afghan Hound, a few hours per week of brushing and regular bathing will suffice.
Q. WILL I NEED A FENCED AREA?
A. DEFINITELY YES. The Afghan Hound is so fast that he can be in the next county before you even begin to give chase. ALWAYS HAVE YOUR AFGHAN HOUND UNDER CONTROL and never turn him loose unless he is within a fenced area. The fence must be of sufficient height because Afghan Hounds seem to have springs in their legs and can jump very high even from a standing start.
Q. HOW ABOUT THE AMOUNT OF EXERCISE NEEDED?
A. A good long walk on lead is always good. If you are lucky to live near a fenced playground, or tennis court, where you can turn him loose for a while - great! Remember in hot weather your dog should not be made to run, so no jogging with him for long distances in the heat of the day. Your dog will enjoy running along side of you, on lead, for short periods.
Q. ARE AFGHAN HOUNDS GOOD WITH CHILDREN?
A. Some are and some are not. A lot depends upon the kind of relationship developed by the parents and the example set by them. Youngsters can be taught to be gentle with dogs and told that a dog's only defense is biting. In any case, very small children should NEVER be left alone with any dog, no matter how good they are together.
Q. HOW CAN I HAVE A HAPPY, WELL ADJUSTED PUPPY?
A. First of all, be consistent in all things so that your dog learns what he may or may not do. Be sure that your Afghan Hound has a crate or pen somewhere inside your house where he may sleep, or to where he may retire when he wants to be alone. It is most important that your dog be trained to stay in his cage or pen when you are not around. Never put him in it for punishment, however. If he goes into his 'refuge' when you are away, he will be safe from harm and your home and furnishing will be safe from destruction.
Q. DOES AN AFGHAN HOUND MAKE A GOOD PET?
A. If you want a dog who will be your slave, don't get an Afghan Hound. If you admire the beauty of this breed and appreciate an independent spirit, the Afghan Hound may be for you.
Q. HOW CAN I FIND A GOOD AFGHAN HOUND?
A. There are many ways, and a great start is visiting our section on Your First Afghan. Go to a dog show in your area and talk to the people showing their Afghan Hounds. Contact the current corresponding secretary of the Afghan Hound Club of America who can refer you to Afghan Hound Clubs and breeders in your area. If at all possible, select a dog from a breeder who will show you how to care properly for an Afghan Hound. If you are interested in finding an older dog, inquire at the local shelter, Animal Control Agency, local Afghan Hound Rescue Group or the AHCA Rescue Chairperson. (
Q. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT OF A BREEDER WHO SELLS ME A PUPPY?
A. The breeder should be willing to help you in all phases of the care and feeding of your Afghan Hound puppy. He should furnish AKC 'papers' consisting of either a blue slip or a registration certificate. He should be eager to show you the sire and dam and the other puppies of the litter. In short, the breeder's knowledge comes with the dog.
Q. HOW DO I PICK A PUPPY?
Photo by Fred Lavell
A. Look at as many puppies as you can before making up your mind. Read all about the Afghan Hound (a list of books and other publications may be found on this site (AHCA Library & Books and Videos). A lot depends on what you are looking for - a show dog or a family pet. Don't buy on impulse! Remember all puppies are cute. You are selecting a companion for a lot of years so be judicious. Be sure to visit responsible breeders who will show you some of their other dogs as well as the puppies.
Q. WHAT ABOUT PRICE?
A. Prices vary widely and it is a case of "let the Buyer Beware." An older show quality puppy (6 months to one year) will cost you more than a eight week old baby. Responsible breeders will not make extravagant guarantees about quality. Use the same judgment you would in making any long-term purchase.
Q. ARE YOU PLANNING TO SHOW OR BREED YOUR AFGHAN HOUND?
If so, it is essential that you obtain more detailed information on the breed by attending dog shows and visiting as many breeders as possible. Showing or breeding requires a serious commitment to the breed, as well as a substantial investment in both time and money. When purchasing an Afghan Hound of show, or breeding caliber, take the time to learn about the various types and bloodlines, as well as the basic attributes and faults of each. This is a breed in which competition is fierce in the show ring; because of the breed's special requirements, the demand is minimal for puppies. Expecting show championship , or financial return, on a litter of pups is a risk, therefore, responsible breeders are involved in breeding for one reason: The love of their Afghan Hounds.