Referred to as an aristocrat, the Afghan Hound’s appearance is one of dignity and aloofness. Well covered with thick, silky hair, very fine in texture, the Afghan hound’s coat is a sort found among animals native to high altitudes. They can come in all colors, and while the breed is an excellent hound (hunting by sight) its popularity here has been generated by the breeds’ spectacular qualities as a show dog.
A Look Back
The Afghan hound was discovered by the Western World in Afghanistan and surrounding regions during the 19th century. As the breed developed in Afghanistan, two distinct types evolved from the southern and western desert regions and the northern regions. During WWI, the breed literally disappeared in the Western world. The start of the Afghan Hounds we have today dates back to 1920, when a group of them was brought to Scotland.
The Afghan hound was discovered by the Western World in Afghanistan and surrounding regions during the 19th century. As the breed developed in Afghanistan, two distinct types evolved from the southern and western desert regions and the northern regions. During WWI, the breed literally disappeared in the Western world. The start of the Afghan Hounds we have today dates back to 1920, when a group of them was brought to Scotland.
Right Breed for You?
Known for being aloof, dignified, and for having a highly individualized personality, Afghan Hounds are prized and loved by their owners as companions and members of their family. However, it is important to take into account that their coat requires regular grooming, and their larger size necessitates regular exercise.
Known for being aloof, dignified, and for having a highly individualized personality, Afghan Hounds are prized and loved by their owners as companions and members of their family. However, it is important to take into account that their coat requires regular grooming, and their larger size necessitates regular exercise.
Source: American Kennel Club - www.akc.org
Grooming
General: An Afghan Hound requires a lot of grooming attention. Daily brushing is ideal, but most people do not have time to brush their dog daily and it becomes a weekly event. The Afghan has a long silky, soft fine coat and mats easily. An Afghan should be groomer every 4 weeks to keep up with toe nail trimming and ears cleaned, hair between the pads shaved and sanitary trim.
Brushing: Be sure to spray on the Aloe Hydrating Spray or Aloe Silk at the beginning of the brush out to add moisture and silk proteins to the coat, this adds elasticity to the coat and helps keep the coat from breaking. If you find any tangles or mats, spray on the Detangling and Dematting Spray or the Quick Finish spray to help remove the tangles. Check with a metal comb to be sure all mats are out of the coat, their fine soft hair is deceiving and can feel mat free to the touch but be hiding mats down close to the skin. Spray the Show Style High Sheen Spray after your Afghan runs out in an open field and comes in full of stickers.
Eyes: Use Optisoothe Eye Wash to remove any foreign matter from the eyes
Ears: Use Ear Care and clean only as far as you can see. This will prevent the wax inside the ear canal from closing over and causing ear infections.
Bathing: An Afghan should be bathed and conditioned at least every 4 – 6 weeks to keep the coat in great shape. First bathe with a Hypo- Allergenic or Classic Care or Professional Care shampoo for a general dirt removal then target the specific need of the dog. Most Afghans should use Silky Show Shampoo and Silky Show Conditioner to add silk proteins to the coat and add elasticity to the coat and prevent breakage of the coat. Pets with a normal coat can pick from any of the Scent Renewal types that they will smell for the days to come. Be sure to follow up with a conditioner such as Luxury Remoisturizer to keep the coat in great shape. Coats that mat easily should use a Hot Oil Treatment. Using Quick Finish Spray after the bath, before drying will help cut down dry time and help make the brush out easier.
Show dog tips: Use Quick Finish Spray while drying the coat to help prevent breakage. Aloe Silk will keep the coat soft and silky and will help prevent mats between grooms. Aloe Hydrating Spray when brushing the coat. Silky Show shampoo and Silky Show Conditioner will add silk proteins and elasticity and a great shine to the coat. Hot Oil Treatments between shows will help keep the coat moisturized and mat free. Show Style High Sheen Spray before entering the ring to add a little shimmer to the coat without leaving any residue is perfect.
Tools: A brush and a comb are basic essentials to keep your Afghan in tip top shape. After brushing you need to check the dog over with a metal comb to be sure the coat is mat free. Your groomer may need to use a dematting tool to help remove the tangles, if the tangles are too bad shaving might be the best option. Clipping the nails every 4 weeks will help keep the quick at proper length.
