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The Afghan: Ultimate Elegance
continued
Introduction
> Appearance
> Care and
Training
Appearance
The Afghan Hound Standard describes the dog as an aristocrat with
a proud carriage, silky top-knot, prominent hipbones, large feet,
peculiar coat pattern, and somewhat exaggerated bend in the stifle
joint of the rear leg. Males should be 27 inches at the shoulder
and bitches 25 inches; a deviation of an inch in either direction
is acceptable. Males should weigh about 60 pounds, females about
50 pounds. (By comparison, the Akita is approximately the same height
and weighs about twice as much.)
The dog is truly elegant, without a trace of coarseness in structure
or coat. His head is long and refined with a slight convex or Roman
appearance. His skull is crowned with a flowing headdress that blends
in with the long ears and gives the appearance of smooth, satiny
well-groomed hair. As tall at the shoulders as he is long in body,
the dog is a picture of atheltic power well-clad in a unique coat.
Fine, silky hair covers his hindquarters, flanks, ribs, forequarters,
and legs in a thick blanket, and short hairs cover his back from
the withers to the tip of his tail. The coat is not trimmed; the
saddle of short hairs is natural.The tail has a curve or ring on
the end, but is not carried over the back.
The Afghan can be any color from the pale cream or gray to deep
black. The brindle pattern -- light stripes on a dark background
or dark stripes on a light background -- is acceptable as are light
markings on dark dogs and dark markings on light dogs. However,
all-white dogs are frowned upon, and white markings are undesirable.
As lovely as the Afghan is while standing still, it is his movement
that takes the breath away. His stride is powerful and seemingly
without effort; his flowing hair softens the image of strength and
provides style and flair. Handlers of this breed get a workout in
the show ring as the dogs extend themselves in a smooth, fluid trot
for the judge. In motion, the Afghan is a work of fine art, an ethereal
natural wonder, a joy to behold.
The Afghan puppy, however, looks like it belongs to another breed
or is of mixed parentage. The long muzzle, slender legs, silken
coat, natural grace, and royal manner are nowhere in evidence; instead
the puppy has a short, broad muzzle; a fluffy coat; and a wild,
carefree attitude. Gradually, his muzzle, legs, and coat lengthen,
his gait looses its puppy awkwardness and his promise becomes clear.
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