About

Breed information

 

Length range  : 81-91 cm

Height range  : 61-71cm

Weight range : 23-34kg

Coat : Long|silky|thick on forequarters and hindquarters|short glossy saddle and face in adults

Life expectancy years : 12-14

Colors: black|black-and-tan|red|cream|blue|brindle|domino|white|any color except spotted.

Activitity Level : Average

Origin: Afghanistan|Pakistan|northern India

Similar Breeds : Saluki|Borzoi|Irish Setter

 

History

First bred thousands of years ago by nomadic peoples of Afghanistan , Pakistan and northern India , later brought to England by British soldiers in the 19th century , recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1926 , now also kept as a show dog and companion.

 

 

characteristics

Temperament

Aloof , dignified , loyal , sensitive , affectionate with family , reserved with strangers , playful yet independent-minded.

Personality

aloof|dignified|loyal|sensitive|affectionate with family|playful|independent|intelligent|self-confident|strong-willed

Needs

Low

Social Needs

Moderate

Grooming 

High-maintenance grooming , weekly baths and brushing are advised to prevent tangling and matting , regular coat care is essential , seasonal and post-illness shedding may occur.

Nutrition

High-quality dog food suited to age is advised , Afghan Hounds are naturally svelte and protruding hipbones are a breed trait , good nutrition should support athletic needs , vegetable oil may help skin and coat , fresh water should always be available.

 

Breed Standard

Large dolichocephalic sighthound with naturally floppy ears , long silky coat , withers about 61-71 cm , body length about 81-91 cm , weight about 23-34 kg , proud carriage and elastic powerful stride.

Did you know?

Pablo Picasso owned an Afghan Hound named Kabul and featured the breed in some of his paintings.

HEALTHCARE

Most Common / iconic illnesses 

Gastric dilatation-volvulus, Chylothorax, Hypothyroidism, Juvenile hereditary cataracts, Periodontal disease

 

Symptoms

1. The text indicates nonproductive retching , hypersalivation , restlessness , abdominal pain , progressive abdominal distention , drooling , weakness , collapse , pale gums , dyspnea and shock signs might occur.
2. Cardiac arrhythmias and respiratory distress may occur

1. The content suggests non-productive cough , breathing difficulty , lethargy , appetite loss , weight loss and reduced exercise tolerance might occur.
2. Muffled heart and lung sounds may be present

1. The text indicates weight gain without increased appetite , lethargy , reduced desire to exercise , cold intolerance , dry dull hair , hair thinning , dark skin pigmentation , skin and ear infections , slow heart rate and neurologic changes might occur

1. The content suggests cloudy or white lens appearance , bumping into objects , losing direction , slow movement , distant stare and visual impairment might occur.
2. Uveitis , glaucoma and lens luxation may occur

1. The text indicates halitosis , excessive salivation , blood in saliva , dysphagia , pain on mastication , difficulty eating , loose teeth , gingival bleeding , recession and plaque or calculus might occur. Ask professional vets for detailed information.

Onset of symptoms

 

Gastric dilatation-volvulus

1. The condition is acute and rapidly progressive.
2. Risk appears to increase with advancing age and may be more common after maturity

Probability Of Onset:

1. large , giant , deep-chested , older , related dogs are at increased risk.
2. Afghan Hounds may have high breed risk

Chylothorax

1. Onset timing is not specific in the source.
2. Signs may develop as pleural fluid accumulates over time

Probability Of Onset:

1. Relatively uncommon overall.
2. Afghan Hounds are more prone and may be overrepresented for idiopathic cases

Hypothyroidism

1. Generally affects middle-aged dogs with an average around 6-7 years , and the breed-linked text suggests middle age around 4-10 years may be typical

Probability Of Onset:

1. One of the most common endocrine diseases in dogs.
2. Afghan Hounds may have moderate to high breed risk

1. The condition is hereditary and moderate breed risk , especially in untested lines

Periodontal disease

1. Plaque begins forming within minutes on a clean tooth surface.
2. The great majority of dogs over 3 years may have disease warranting intervention

Probability Of Onset:

1. the great majority of dogs over 3 years may have some degree warranting intervention

Reasons

Gastric dilatation-volvulus       

 1. This is not described as a chemical deficiency.
2. It is a multifactorial mechanical and circulatory emergency

 

Hypothyroidism:

1. The lacking substance may be thyroid hormone , especially thyroxine.
2. Common causes may include lymphocytic thyroiditis or idiopathic thyroid gland atrophy rather than daily nutrient lack

 

Gastric dilatation-volvulus       

 1. This is not described as a chemical deficiency.
2. It is a multifactorial mechanical and circulatory emergency

Hypothyroidism:

1. The lacking substance may be thyroid hormone , especially thyroxine.
2. Common causes may include lymphocytic thyroiditis or idiopathic thyroid gland atrophy rather than daily nutrient lack

 

Chylothorax

 1. This is not a primary chemical deficiency.
2. The text indicates loss of chyle may involve protein , white blood cells and vitamins , and breed-linked content suggests fats and fat-soluble vitamins may be lost secondarily

Juvenile hereditary cataracts

1. This is caused by mutation in the HSF4 gene and is not a nutritional deficiency

Periodontal disease

  1. 1. This is not described as a chemical deficiency.
    2. It is linked to plaque biofilm , bacteria and oral hygiene

Normally Treament Methods

Gastric dilatation-volvulus:

  1. 1. Immediate stabilization with IV fluids , oxygen and gastric decompression may be required.
    2. Surgical correction with de-rotation , evaluation of stomach and spleen , possible partial gastrectomy or splenectomy and gastropexy may be needed.
    3. Multiple small meals and prophylactic gastropexy may be considered.
    4. Decompression without surgery is not recommended because recurrence may be extremely high

 

Chylothorax:

  1. 1. Medical management may involve thoracocentesis or chest tube drainage , hospitalization and investigation of underlying causes.
    2. Low-fat diet alone is not recommended because it may be unlikely to resolve disease.
    3. Thoracic duct ligation may be performed and may be combined with pericardectomy or cisterna chyli ablation

 

Hypothyroidism

  1. 1. The text indicates hypothyroidism may be treated with oral synthetic thyroid hormone replacement such as levothyroxine with lifelong monitoring and periodic blood testing

 

Juvenile hereditary cataracts:

  1. 1. Comprehensive ophthalmic examination and genetic testing may be used.
    2. Surgery to remove the affected lens may be considered to restore vision when appropriate

 

Periodontal disease:

  1. 1. Oral examination , probing , radiography , dental scale and polish , root surface debridement , possible extraction and periodontal surgery may be used.
    2. Daily tooth brushing , diet support , oral care chews and regular examinations may be advised

 

Supplements

Gastric dilatation-volvulus :

  • 1. No supplement is identified as preventive in the supplied text
recommend product

Chylothorax

  • 1. Rutin can,might be helpful for idiopathic chylothorax because it may support protein breakdown and removal in lymphatic vessels , although efficacy has yet to be proven
recommend product

Hypothyroidism

  • 1. No supplement is specifically recommended in the supplied text because treatment may rely on thyroid hormone replacement
recommend product

Juvenile hereditary cataracts

  • 1. No supplement is identified as corrective in the supplied text
recommend product

Periodontal disease

  • 1. Oral care chews can,might be helpful for daily home care support
recommend product
[/end of template]