Afghan Hound Breed Profile

The Afghan Hound is an ancient Eastern Sighthound, with a coat and temperament characteristic of a breed of that type. Though there used to be two types--a mountain Afghan Hound and a desert Afghan Hound--the desert type has all but disappeared, though the breed standard refers to the remnants of its existence by mentioning that the absence of hair on the cuffs is acceptable. The desert type had a less profuse coat and was more elegant than the mountain type, which is more powerfully built and has the very profuse coat we think of when we picture an Afghan Hound. Today, there are many types of Afghan Hound, and fanciers for every type, though the coat of the desert type seems to have gotten lost, as all the types have the profuse coat. The characteristic saddle appears when the dog is about one year old. The American type of Afghan would seem to be the most elegant, and, indeed, the AKC calls the Afghan "the king of dogs."

Afghan Hound Distinguishing Characteristics

Ancient sighthound of the Eastern type. Although listed as a speed type, his top-line is not as arched.