Afghan Hound Origin and History

Afghan Hound Origin

The Afghan Hound is a very ancient breed. This dog has been
mentioned several times in the Egyptian papyruses as well as
pictured in caves of Northern Afganistan more than 4,000 years ago.
This beautiful sighthound was used as a shepard and hunter for many
centuries, hunting such game as deer, wild boars, goats, and even
wolves. They were also used by shepards as watchdogs and herders
due to their fast and agile running.

The Afghan Hound Breed History

The Afghan was discovered in the west on the regions of Afganistan in during the 19th
century. These dogs were later sent to England in the later part of the century. Some say that
Afghan Hounds served as guard dogs and herd dogs, which are within the capabilities of the
breed as we know it. The major role of these dogs, however, was undoubtedly that of hunting.
The Afganistan kings would breed a kennel of these hounds for many generations with these
purposes alone.

The real start of the breed in the US started with the first Ghazni imports in 1931, when
Zeppo Marx and his wife brought from England a bitch, Asra of Ghazni, and a dog, Westmill
Omar. Asra and Omar were later acquired by Q. A. Shaw McKeans Prides Hill kennels in
Massachusetts. Mr. McKean soon added a young English champion, Badshah of Ainsdart.
These three - Asra, Omar and Badshah - formed the cornerstone of the breed in America.

This dog has become a luxurious pet in America and Europe due its aristocratic look. The
Afghan Hound is prized and loved by many of their owners and family members. With its
distinctive personality and long coat that requires regular care and maitenance, its not the
breed for wanna-be dog owners, but when the matchup between owner and this hound is
right, there is no other dog that can equal the Afghan hound as a great and welcome addition
to any family.

Aristocratic, but very sweet, loyal, affectionate and emotional, with a low dominance level.
The Afghan Hound has been described as "a king of dogs." Majestic, elegant, noble and
courageous, suspicious of, but not hostile to, strangers. Although resilient, they will pine if
they are deprived of attention. They will do best with more mature, considerate children. At
one time, the breed had a reputation for being untrustworthy, but has now been replaced by a
character that, while still energetic, is said to be more agreeable to training and discipline, as
they can be disobedient if allowed to do so. This breed can be problematic to housebreak.

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