AFGHAN HOUND
Pic - Afghan Rescue. If you are considering one of these wonderful dogs, please consider rescue first and foremost. Breed rescue do a wonderful job of pairing dog to home, and know their breed really well. link below, and if not close to you, do search for a rescue that is.
https://ahrsc.org/
The Afghan Hound, is one of the most beautiful, exotic dogs around, and it always surprises us that they are not more popular - could be the grooming involved!.It has a gorgeous, silky coat which was originally needed for warmth, with a unique topknot of silky hair between their ears and the 'ring' at the end of its tail - a truly aristocratic looking dog.
This is one of the oldest dog breeds around, categorized in the Hound Group by the AKC (American Kennel Club) and is thought to date back to pre-Christian era. This breed has been known by other names such as the Tazi or Taxi Spay, Afghan Greyhouns, Bailkh Greyhound, Baluchi Hound, Burakzie Hound, Kabuli Hound, Kuchi Hound and Galanday Hound.
The dog originated in the mountains and desserts of Afghanistan. It is unbelievably fast and can run over long distances. It would hold at bay animals such as leopards, until the huntsman, on horses caught up with it. It is an independant thinker due to what it was bred for, however, this does not always make the dog easy to train.
Here are some basic points for you to bear in mind, if you are considering one:-
Health
Some of the health concerns are PRA (progessive retinal atrophy), both Elbow and Hip dysplasia, glaucoma, retinal problems.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
This is one of the oldest dog breeds around, categorized in the Hound Group by the AKC (American Kennel Club) and is thought to date back to pre-Christian era. This breed has been known by other names such as the Tazi or Taxi Spay, Afghan Greyhouns, Bailkh Greyhound, Baluchi Hound, Burakzie Hound, Kabuli Hound, Kuchi Hound and Galanday Hound.
The dog originated in the mountains and desserts of Afghanistan. It is unbelievably fast and can run over long distances. It would hold at bay animals such as leopards, until the huntsman, on horses caught up with it. It is an independant thinker due to what it was bred for, however, this does not always make the dog easy to train.
Here are some basic points for you to bear in mind, if you are considering one:-
- Get from a KUSA Registered Breeder who is reliable, reputable, repsonsible that has only the betterment of the breed and the care of his dogs at heart.
- Puppy should never be taken away from Mom before 8 weeks of age as this is a critical period and pup learns discipline from mom and social interaction from the other pups. It also learns the basics of bite inhibition from litter mates and what behaviour does and does not work.
- Never get two pups together, especially litter mates. If the breeder recommends this - walk away.
- If you have another dog, your priority is to ensure that it is well socialized and will accept another dog into the home. All dog introductions should take place on neutral territory.
- The period between 3 - 16 weeks of age is a critical period for pups and if you want to put down a foundation of social training, puppy school should not be missed. At this time in SA your pup will be attending puppy school at about 10 weeks of age (just after 2nd set of vacs).
- Ensure your dog is sterilized at 6 months of age - liaise with your vet about this. If a breeder suggests that your dog should be kept unsterilized so that you can breed with it yourself at a later stage, or give back to the breeder for them to breed - walk away - this is not the breeder you want.
- Due to what they were bred for, they do make very good watchdogs.
- They are not good at being left alone, so do start Alone Time training from puppyhood.
- Never get 2 puppies at the same time, especially litter mates.
- They are not that easy to train - not because they are stupid as some say - rather they are very clever and like many hounds can be stubborn - it is often 'their way, or no way!". Patience is definately a pre-requisite to owning one of these beautiful dogs.
- Positive reinforcement methods are always the best, especially for this breed and they do well with clicker training. They tend to be very sensitive dogs and do not do well in homes where there is a lot of shouting, especially at the dog, and can become very stressed and refuse to budge.
- If you are a couch potato not the dog for you! They need the space to run and jump in the garden, and an escape proof wall is a must. They love long walks and on coming home, are mostly happy to lie curled up in a comfy location.
- Overall they are lovely dogs and get on well with children if they are brought up with them - however, the Afghan tends to be sociable on its terms, not on others and are often known as being aloof.
- Small pets in the home are an absolute no-no. These dogs will go into prey mode and will give chase.
- Overall, they get on well with other dogs.
- Grooming - you have to actually love grooming to own one of these wonderful dogs.
- A bonus is that this is one of the hypoallergenic breeds.
Health
Some of the health concerns are PRA (progessive retinal atrophy), both Elbow and Hip dysplasia, glaucoma, retinal problems.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”