Afghan Hound Puppies

The Afghan Hound is a very old sighthound dog breed. Distinguished by its thick, fine, silky coat and its tail with a ring curl at the end, the breed acquired its unique features in the cold mountains of Afghanistan, where it was originally used to hunt wolves, foxes, and gazelles. Its local name is Ta-zi-. Other alternate names for this breed are Balkh Hound, Baluchi Hound, Barutzy Hound and Kabul Hound.

Appearance of the Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound is tall, standing 24 to 29 inches (63-74 cm) in height and weighing 45 to 60 pounds (20-30 kg). The coat may be any colour, but white markings, particularly on the head, are discouraged; many individuals have a black facial mask. Some are almost white, but particolour hounds (white with islands of red or black) are not acceptable and may indicate impure breeding. The long, fine-textured coat requires considerable care and grooming. The long topknot and the shorter-haired saddle on the back in the mature dog are distinctive features of the Afghan Hound coat. The high hipbones and unique small ring on the end of the tail are also characteristics of the breed.

Temperament of the Afghan Hound

The temperament of the typical Afghan Hound can be aloof and dignified, but happy and clownish when playing. The breed has a reputation among dog trainers of having a relatively low "obedience intelligence" as defined by author Stanley Coren. The Afghan Hound has many cat-like tendencies and is not slavish in its obedience as are some other breeds. The Afghan hound has a leaning towards independence. Owners should not be surprised if their Afghan hounds sometimes choose to ignore commands. Although seldom used today for hunting in Europe and America where they are popular, Afghan hounds are frequent participants in lure coursing events and are also popular as show dogs.

American Kennel Club temperament standard: "Aloof and dignified, yet gay. Faults--Sharpness or shyness."

Fédération Cynologique Internationale temperament standard: "The Afghan Hound should be dignified and aloof with a certain keen fierceness. The Eastern or Oriental expression is typical of the breed. The Afghan looks at and through one."

Mortality of the Afghan Hound

Afghan Hounds in UK surveys had a median lifespan of about 12 years,[2] which is similar to other breeds of their size.

In a 2004 UK Kennel Club survey, the most common causes of death were cancer (31%), old age (20%), cardiac (10.5%), and urologic (5%).

Morbidity of the Afghan Hound

Major health issues are allergies, and cancer. Sensitivity to anesthesia is an issue the Afghan hound shares with the rest of the sighthound group, as sighthounds have relatively low levels of body fat.

UKC brief historical summary of the Afghan Hound

History in Afganistan: "The use of the Afghan Hound for hunting in the mountainous terrain of Afghanistan required a dog that was highly intelligent and could survive by hunting on its own. The particular characteristics that distinguish the Afghan Hound from his desert-dwelling relatives enabled this breed to survive in the wide range of temperatures and the mountainous terrain of Afghanistan."

History in the West: "The first Afghan Hounds arrived in Great Britain with soldiers returning home from ... the eastern Empire during the early 1900's. After the first Afghan Hound created a sensation at the Crystal Palace show in 1907, the breed virtually disappeared in England [but] was revived ... after World War I. A number ... were exported to the United States in the 1920's. The [breed] was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1948."

Affenpinscher Puppies

The Affenpinscher is a terrier-like toy breed of dog.

Appearance of the Affenpinscher

Weighing 7 to 9 pounds (3-4 kg) and not exceeding 11 inches (24-30 cm) in height at the withers, the Affenpinscher has harsh rough coat and a monkey-like expression (Affe means monkey in German). Its coat is shaggier over the head and shoulders forming a mane, with shorter coat over the back and hind quarters. It is harsh and wiry in texture. The FCI and UK breed standards specifies that the coat must be black, but the AKC also allows gray, silver, red, black and tan, and belge (not beige; belge is a mixture of red, black and white hairs); other clubs have their own lists of acceptable colours, with black being the preference.

Temperament of the Affenpinscher

American Kennel Club temperament standard: "General demeanor is game, alert, and inquisitive with great loyalty and affection toward its master and friends. The breed is generally quiet, but can become vehemently excited when threatened or attacked, and is fearless toward any aggressor."

Fédération Cynologique Internationale temperament standard: "Fearless, alert, persistent and devoted, sometimes full of quick-tempered passion. He is an agreeable family dog in all aspects."

Affenpinschers have a distinct appearance that some associate with terriers. They are different from terriers, however, in that they are actually part of the pinscher-schnauzer subgroup of group 2 in the FCI classification so often get along with other dogs and pets. They are active, adventurous, curious, and stubborn, but they are also fun-loving and playful. The breed is confident, lively, affectionate towards family members and also very protective of them. This loyal little dog enjoys being with its family. It needs consistent, firm training because some can be quite difficult to housebreak. The training should be varied because the dog can easily become bored.

Affenpinschers are somewhat territorial when it comes to their toys and food, so they are not recommended for very small children. This dog is mostly quiet but can become very excited if attacked or threatened and shows no fear toward any aggressor. It is best suited for a family who likes a show and has a sense of humor.

FCI brief historical summary: "Originally used as a housedog in the region of Southern Germany. His ancestors were depicted by Albrecht Dürer (1471 – 1528) in his woodcuts. First entries of Affenpinscher go back to the year 1879. These Toy dogs were very popular around the turn of the century, they evolved from the rough coated Pinschers. The harsh ring of hair around the head emphasised the monkey-like expression. The colours ranged from self coloured yellowish, reddish or grey-white to dark grey, black-grey and pure black."

Care of the Affenpinscher

Affenpinschers need to be groomed two to three times a week because of their 1 inch coat.