How to Live with an Afghan Hound

Sadie, queen of the girl doggies

You know an afghan when you see one by its long, silky coat and graceful gait, the elegant posture and regal stance. Afghans are said to be the least intelligent of all breeds, based on S. Coren’s "The Intelligence of Dogs." This is because the tests performed to determine intelligence were not designed for dogs who think they’re cats. Like felines, afghans are often characterized as being aloof, because they do not crave attention. This makes them more difficult to train than the average dog. They come to you when they want something, such as attention, food or a treat, but not necessarily when they’re called. You have to live with these beauties on their terms.

Instructions

1. 

   Do not leave your afghan unsupervised in the presence of food. Don’t turn your head away from the dog or the food, not even for an instant. Afghans will eat anything, in any quantity.

2. 

   Afghans, when standing, are as tall as many people. They can reach into the kitchen sink to remove debris and utensils, or to lick clean the plates from previous meal.

3. 

   If you allow your afghan to sleep in your bed, you’d better not require much bed space. No matter which way your bed faces, they will sleep across it.

4. 

   Afghans require constant brushing. Their hair becomes knotted as easily as human hair. Imagine your girlfriend’s long blond hair after riding in a convertible for an hour. That will be your Afghan's look after a couple of weeks of running and playing without regular sessions with a good brush..

5. 

   Don’t let an sfghan off the leash. It’s far too dangerous to do so in the city and if you do it in the country, she will find the nearest cattle, roll through the manure and herd the cows in no particular direction.

6. 

   Find a good groomer for afghans and visit often.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not panic if your afghan shrinks dramatically when wet. He will return to his normal size when dry.