Afghan_Hound

{{Infobox Dogbreed



| image = Afghan Hound.jpg
| image_caption = A gold coated Afghan Hound
| name = Afghan Hound
| altname = Baluchi Hound Sage Baluchi Tazi Ogar Afgan
| country = [[Afghanistan]]
| fcigroup = 10
| fcisection = 1
| fcinum = 228
| fcistd = http://www.dogdomain.com/fcistandards/fci-228.htm
| akcgroup = Hound
| akcstd = http://www.akc.org/breeds/afghan_hound/index.cfm
| ankcgroup = Group 4 - (Hounds)
| ankcstd = http://www.ankc.aust.com/afghan.html
| ckcgroup = Group 2 - (Hounds)
| ckcstd = http://www.canadasguidetodogs.com/hounds/afghanarticle1.htm
| kcukgroup = Hound
| kcukstd = http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/8
| nzkcgroup = Hounds
| nzkcstd = http://www.nzkc.org.nz/br404.html
| ukcgroup = Sighthounds and Pariah Dogs
| ukcstd = http://mail.ukcdogs.com/UKCweb.nsf/80de88211ee3f2dc8525703f004ccb1e/32695a67332a8fb38525704c0065a3b1?OpenDocument
}}


The '''Afghan Hound''' is a very old [[sighthound]] [[dog]] [[dog breed|breed]]. Distinguished by its thick, fine, silky coat and its tail with a ring curl at the end, the breed acquired its unique features in the cold mountains of [[Afghanistan]], where it was originally used to hunt [[wolf|wolves]], [[fox]]es, and [[gazelle]]s. Its local name is '''Tāzī''' ({{PerB|تازی}}). Other alternate names for this breed are ''Balkh Hound'', ''Baluchi Hound'', ''Barutzy Hound'' and ''Kabul Hound''.

== Quick Facts ==

{| class="toccolours" style="fixed: right; margin-left: 1em;" width="430px"
! colspan="3" style="text-align: center; background:maroon" | '''Afghan Hound Quick Facts'''
|-
|-
| colspan="3" |<hr>
|-
| Weight: || 20-27 [[kilogram|kg]] (45-60 [[pound (mass)|lb]]) ||
|-
| Height: || 61-73 [[Centimetre|cm]] (24-29 [[inch|in]]) ||
|-
| Coat: || Long and fine ||
|-
| Activity level: || Very high
|-
| Learning rate: || Very quick
|-
| Temperament: || Reserved, lively, active
|-
| [[Guard dog]] ability: || Low
|-
| Watch-dog ability: || High
|-
| Litter size: || 6-8
|-
|Life span: || 11-13 years
|-
|}


==Appearance==
[[Image:Afghan-Hound.jpg|thumb|left|This Afghan is black and brindle; however, the photo shows it with a reddish tinge to the coat, which can occur in a black-coated dog.]]
The Afghan Hound is tall, standing 24 to 29 inches (63-74 cm) in height and weighing 45 to 60 pounds (20-30 kg). The coat may be any colour, but white markings, particularly on the head, are discouraged; many individuals have a black facial mask. Some are almost white, but particolour hounds (white with islands of red or black) are not acceptable and may indicate impure breeding. The long, fine-textured coat requires considerable care and grooming. The long topknot and the shorter-haired saddle on the back in the mature dog are distinctive features of the Afghan Hound coat. The high hipbones and unique small ring on the end of the tail are also characteristics of the breed.

==Temperament==
The temperament of the typical Afghan Hound can be aloof and dignified, but happy and clownish when playing. The breed has a reputation among dog trainers of having a relatively low "obedience intelligence" as defined by author [[Stanley Coren]].<ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Intelligence_of_Dogs_%28book%29]</ref> The Afghan Hound has many cat-like tendencies and is not slavish in its [[obedience training|obedience]] as are some other breeds. The Afghan hound has a leaning towards independence. Owners should not be surprised if their Afghan hounds sometimes choose to ignore commands. Although seldom used today for hunting in [[Europe]] and [[United States|America]] where they are popular, Afghan hounds are frequent participants in [[lure coursing]] events and are also popular as [[show dog]]s.

==Health==
===Mortality===
Afghan Hounds in UK surveys had a median lifespan of about 12 years,<ref name="Cassidy Data">http://users.pullman.com/lostriver/breeddata.htm Dog Longevity Web Site, Breed Data page. Compiled by K. M. Cassidy. Retrieved July 5, 2007</ref> which is similar to other breeds of their size.<ref name="Cassidy Weight">http://users.pullman.com/lostriver/weight_and_lifespan.htm Dog Longevity Web Site, Weight and Longevity page. Compiled by K. M. Cassidy. Retrieved July 5, 2007</ref>

In a 2004 UK Kennel Club survey, the most common causes of death were cancer (31%), old age (20%), cardiac (10.5%), and urologic (5%).<ref name="KC Survey">http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/570 Kennel Club/British Small Animal Veterinary Association Scientific Committee. 2004. Purebred Dog Health Survey. Retrieved July 5, 2007 </ref>

===Morbidity===
Major health issues are [[allergy|allergies]], and [[cancer]]. Sensitivity to [[anesthesia]] is an issue the Afghan hound shares with the rest of the [[sighthound]] group, as sighthounds have relatively low levels of body fat.

==History==
[[Image:Wystawa Psów Rasowych WRO 03.jpg|thumb|An Afghan in the show ring, demonstrating the unique and impressive appearance of its high-maintenance coat.]]
The breed was always thought to date back at least to the pre-Christian era, and recent discoveries by researchers studying ancient DNA have revealed that the Afghan Hound is in fact one of the most [[ancient dog breeds]], dating back for many thousands of years.{{Fact|date=May 2007}} Its original native name, ''Tazi'', betrays its connection to the very similar [[Tasy]] breed of [[Russia]]. The proximity of southern [[Russia]] and [[Afghanistan]] argues for a common origin for both breeds.

Initially, Afghan people refused to sell their national dog to outsiders; the breed was not seen in [[Europe]] and [[United States|America]] until after the turn of the 20th century. The [[American Kennel Club|AKC]] and [[CKC]] did not recognize the Afghan Hound until the 1930s.

In 1983, Chris Terrell was the last breeder-owner-handler to win Best in Show at the [[Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show]], with his Afghan Hound Ch. Kabik's The Challenger, also the last time a dog from the Hound group has been awarded Best in Show.<ref>http://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/history/biswinners.html Westminster Kennel Club web site, Best in Show Winners page. Retrieved August 30, 2007</ref> An Afghan Hound has taken the top honor at just one other WKC Dog Show, in 1957.

On [[August 3]], [[2005]], Korean scientist [[Hwang Woo-Suk]] announced that his team of researchers had become the first team to successfully [[cloning|clone]] a dog. The dog, an Afghan Hound, was named [[Snuppy]]. Later that year, a pattern of lies and fraud by [[Hwang Woo-Suk]] came to light, throwing in doubt all his claims. Snuppy, nonetheless, was [http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/asiapcf/01/09/skorea.stemcell.ap/index.html a genuine clone], and thus the first cloned dog in history.

==Famous Afghans==
*Rita from [[Oliver & Company]]
*Sylvie from [[Balto (film)|Balto]]
*[[Snuppy]] (see above)
*[[What-a-Mess]]
* Brainy Barker from [[Krypto the Superdog]]

==References==
{{reflist|1}}

==External links==
{{commons|Afghan Hound}}
*{{dmoz|Recreation/Pets/Dogs/Breeds/Hound_Group/Afghan_Hound/|Afghan Hound}} - An active listing of Afghan Hound links.
*[http://www.ahaonline.co.uk/Colours.htm Afghan Hound colours]

{{Hounds}}

[[Category:Dog breeds]]
[[Category:Sight hounds]]
[[Category:Dog breeds originating in Asia]]

[[cs:Afgánský chrt]]
[[da:Afghansk mynde]]
[[de:Afghanischer Windhund]]
[[es:Lebrel Afgano]]
[[eo:Afgana leporhundo]]
[[fr:Lévrier afghan]]
[[it:Tazi]]
[[he:כלב אפגני]]
[[hu:Afgán agár]]
[[nl:Afghaanse windhond]]
[[ja:アフガン・ハウンド]]
[[no:Afghansk mynde]]
[[pl:Chart afgański]]
[[pt:Afghan Hound]]
[[ru:Афганская борзая]]
[[sk:Afganský chrt]]
[[sr:Авганистански хрт]]
[[fi:Afgaaninvinttikoira]]
[[sv:Afghanhund]]
[[tr:Afgan Tazısı]]
[[uk:Афганська хортиця]]