If you thought the Afghan Hound was just a model on the dog runway with its long, silky hair, piercing gaze, and a naturally aloof attitude, you’re in for a surprise! This dog breed, which is often portrayed as the diva in the canine kingdom, has a little-known secret – they’re incredibly calm!
Afghan Hounds originated from the cold and rough terrains of Afghanistan, where their job was to hunt gazelles and snow leopards. Yes, snow leopards! These dogs are not just haute couture models – they’re functional, hardy dogs, bred to endure extreme conditions. This isn’t to say that an Afghan Hound can take down a snow leopard on its day off. It’s just that they’re a lot stronger and resilient than their fashion-forward looks might let on.
This paradox of poise and strength isn’t limited to their past, because even today, several Afghan Hound owners will testify to their calm disposition. Despite their regal bearing, these dogs are anything but high-strung. But before delving into why an Afghan Hound is a calm dog, let’s decode what ‘calm’ means in a dog’s world.
In pet parlance, ‘calm’ doesn’t signify a state of relentless tranquility. It reflects a dog’s ability to maintain its composure and not exhibit signs of stress or anxiety in most situations. A calm dog is one that’s predictable and reliable, which isn’t synonymous with being unresponsive or lethargic. On the contrary, a calm dog can be spirited, excitable, and playful, but it has a strong hold over its emotions and knows when to relax.
Now, onto the Afghan Hound and its zen-like demeanor.
Despite their extravagant looks and aloof demeanor, Afghan Hounds are low-energy dogs. Yes, they’re sight hounds and love a good chase, but their exercise needs aren’t exorbitantly high. Daily walks, coupled with the occasional sprint in a secured yard or a park, are more than enough to keep them physically satisfied. This low energy requirement aligns with their overall calm nature.
Also, Afghan Hounds are the embodiment of ‘introverts’ in the dog world. They don’t actively seek social interaction, be it with people or other pets. While they’re extremely loyal to their immediate human family, they aren’t hyper-social breeds that crave constant attention. Their reserved personality makes them appear calm and composed.
However, this doesn’t make them dull or boring! They’re highly intelligent breeds, blessed with an independent mind and a quirky sense of humor. This means they’re perfectly capable of entertaining themselves and won’t resort to destructive behavior out of boredom or separation anxiety, which makes them easy-going, calm pets.
But remember, owning a calm dog isn’t synonymous with owning an easy pet. While the Afghan Hound’s calmness is a bliss for many, it comes with its challenges. Their independent mind could sometimes translate into stubbornness, making them tricky to train. They’re not inherently disobedient but require an experienced hand to guide them, or else, they may take a leaf out of their cat friends’ book and decide to follow their instinct instead!
Also, while they’re considered non-aggressive, this doesn’t imply that they’d not react when provoked. Remember, their ancestors were hunters! They can display protective tendencies and will not hesitate to defend themselves or their families, yet another reason why they’re in-demand as quiet, calm, yet courageous pets.
Finally, their reserved personality and sensitivity to their surroundings make regular socialization crucial. Ensuring your Afghan Hound is exposed regularly to different people, pets, sights, sounds, and experience can hold the key to maintaining its balanced and calm demeanor.
So, the answer to the question, “Is an Afghan Hound a calm dog?” is a resounding yes! But remember, to bring out the best in an Afghan Hound, or any pet for that matter, you need to satisfy its physical, mental, and emotional needs. If you are looking for a calm, good-looking, and loyal companion, and you’re ready to put in the effort and commitment it requires, the Afghan Hound could be the perfect choice for you. After all, who wouldn’t love to share their couch with a loyal, lovable, and laid-back supermodel?
