Afghan Hounds, with their striking elegance and flowing, silky coats, have captivated dog lovers around the world for centuries. Known for their regal appearance and independent spirit, these ancient sighthounds combine beauty with athleticism, making them one of the most unique and fascinating breeds. In this blog post, we delve into the history, characteristics, and care needs of Afghan Hounds, offering insights into what makes them such a special addition to any family. Whether you're a long-time admirer or a prospective owner, join us as we explore the allure and mystique of the Afghan Hound. I love tuning into the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show every year just to get a peek at the gorgeous breeds I never get to see in real life. Afghan Hounds are at the top of that list. When they run their laps around the show ring with those long legs, their silky fur blowing in the wind, I am utterly mesmerized. If dogs were people, Afghan Hounds would be Kardashians for sure. Part of me would love to have one someday, but I know I'm not responsible enough to manage the upkeep they require. If you're also intrigued by the breed but don't know much about them, here are a few fun facts: They're an ancient breed.No one really knows how old the breed is but we do know that they pre-date written history by a few thousand years. How freaking cool is that??? They come from the mountainous region of what is now Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India where they were developed as hunting companions for people living in the area's remote villages. Some people believe they are one of the oldest purebred dog breeds in existence. They're athletic and hardy.I mean, I know that when you look at the photo above, you don't exactly think, 'that's an athletic dog right there!' And you almost certainly wouldn't jump to the conclusion that you were looking at a hunting dog, but that's exactly what the Afghan Hound is. Their thick, long coats keep them warm and protected from harsh mountain climates. They also have larger-than-expected paw pads that help them navigate rugged, rough terrain. Those pads also serve as shock absorbers when they're running and allow them to gain traction while out on the hunt. They look different as puppies.When they're puppies, Afghan Hounds have short, fuzzy coats that don't require much maintenance. They also have what some people refer to as "monkey whiskers," which are facial hairs that they grow into as adults. As they start to grow, their thick, long coats begin to develop and eventually turn into the glorious coats they are known for. They require regular, professional grooming and daily brushing to remove tangles and prevent matting. They're wicked fast.There are two types of hounds: sighthounds—dogs who hunt primarily by sight and speed—and scent hounds—hounds who rely on scent and endurance for hunting. Afghan Hounds are sighthounds and are known for their quickness. They can run around 40 miles per hour, and some can even run faster than a Thoroughbred racehorse. This speed allows them to excel at lure coursing, agility, and other popular dog sports where speed is a benefit. And while they're extremely fast over short distances, their stamina makes them good running partners on longer, slower courses. They do need to be leashed, though, because their prey drive and urge to chase things makes them prone to getting distracted, running off, and ignoring recall. They're popular in the art world.Pablo Picasso was a big fan of dogs, but his favorite breed seemed to be the Afghan Hound. He owned two—Kasbek and Kaboul. His painting Femme au chien featured an Afghan, and people have said the model was his own Kaboul. The painting was sold by a private collector in 2019 for $54.9 million. That could pay for a lot of daycare and agility classes. In 1979, Mattel decided to give Barbie a pet—an Afghan Hound named Beauty. The popularity of the doll helped increase the popularity of the breed in the real world. Part of me is furious right now that I never had one. I had the Barbie Country Camper, the Barbie Townhouse, and the Barbie Friend Ship Jet Airplane. How did I not have the Barbie Afghan Hound?!?!? Oh, the humanity! Speaking of art, did you know that My Barking Life has created original Afghan Hound artwork? It's true! And it won't even break the bank! We hardly have any prints on here that are going for over $50 million. Just a small handful. Ha! There are currently three designs in the collection: the Andi Warhowl Color Pops series, the vintage Comix series, and the Supply Co. series. Each is available in four sizes and every purchase gives back to the animal community. My Barking Life donates 25% of the net profits to The Ohio State University® Veterinary Medicine Good Samaritan Care Fund (Fund #301355). This fund helps to pay the cost of expensive medical treatment when owners can't. Need a breed that's not shown on the site? Message me and I'll see what I can do. If you liked this post, you are totally in luck because I'll be doing one for every dog breed in my catalog. That's a lot of dogs! So, until next time, WOOF!
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