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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
ABOUT THE AFGHAN HOUND
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?
 
This adorable puppy grew to be a beautiful adult.
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 fenced a must!
Photo by Fred Lavell
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. 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.
(hrh2@penn.com).
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?
Remember all puppies are cute!
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.
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.
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