Did you know that the Afghan Hound was once crowned as the “dumbest” dog in the world because of its stubborn nature and independent-minded character? But, this saying couldn’t be further from the truth. This breed is known for its intelligence and confidence. However, these features come with a side of strong-willed determination which can appear non-cooperative or “dumb.” Therefore, training an Afghan Hound to follow commands is not like walking in the park.
Possible bias aside, you are about to take a deep dive into the world of Afghan Hound, a beautiful breed of dogs coming from the cold mountains of Afghanistan. Don’t let their stunning silky locks fool you, these puppies are a bundle of hard-headedness. Yes, they are known for their exquisite beauty and graceful strides, but let me whisper a little secret into your ears – they require quite a bit of upkeep. So, if you are considering bringing this handsome furball into your home, let’s unpack their high-maintenance nature without further ado.
First, let’s talk about grooming. If fashion is your thing and you love spending hours in front of the mirror getting every hair in place, then you might just find your soulmate in an Afghan Hound. They are glamorous with their thick, silky fur that flows around them. However, this luxurious coat isn’t all beauty and no labour. It tangles and mats effortlessly, and things can quickly escalate into a hot tangled mess if not attended to. Ideally, Afghan Hounds need to be groomed at least once every few days or weekly, at the very least. This includes not just regular brushing, but bathing and drying as well.
I can almost hear you gasp, “But I have a day job!” Worry not, professional grooming services can come to your rescue. But remember, such services occur at a cost both financially and timewise. So, make sure you are ready to commit your resources before you decide to become an Afghan Hound parent.
Their high-maintenance nature extends beyond physical grooming as well. Afghan Hounds carry an innate hunting instinct and are fiercely independent. So, they tend to wander off into their own world during exercises and may not respond as quickly to your calls as you would like them to. Consequently, they need to be kept on a leash unless they are in a secured, fenced area.
In terms of mental stimulation, Afghan Hounds require moderate to high levels. This breed is an intelligent one and loves challenges. If they are left without anything to do, they can get bored easily, leading to destructive behaviour. Therefore, you need to keep them engaged with toys, puzzles, or games.
The good news? Afghan Hounds can be made less high-maintenance with consistent training and socialization from an early age. If you get them as a puppy, start training immediately. They need to understand right from the beginning who the alpha in the house is. If you get an older dog, don’t fret. They may be stubborn, but with regular, consistent training and lots of love and patience, they can be a delightful pet.
Dietarily, the Afghan Hound has the potential to be a bit costly. They are a breed of large dogs, standing at around 24-29 inches high. As a result, they have quite the appetite and will need good quality, specially formulated dog food to keep their long, silky hair in top shape, which in turn means a higher grocery bill.
If despite all these, your heart is still set on an Afghan Hound, then maybe you are ready. It is true that they demand a lot, but the beauty and charm they bring into the home make many find the ‘struggle’ worth it.
In conclusion, owning an Afghan Hound is not for the faint-hearted. With its high grooming requirements, need for training, mental engagement, and dietary costs, it is a high maintenance breed indeed. However, for the right person, the rewards in companionship, loyalty, and pure joy far outweigh these costs. Therefore, if you are prepared for the journey, welcome aboard! With the appropriate resources, knowledge, and dedication, you can make your home a haven for an Afghan Hound to thrive.
