The Afghan Hound is a sighthound, meaning that it hunts by sight, and is classified as a member of the hound group. It is originally from Afghanistan and there is evidence that it existed as far back as 3000 B.C. It was brought to the Western world in the late 1800s by English soldiers returning from war.

Originally, the Afghan Hound was used to hunt gazelle, snow leopards, jackrabbits, etc and was also used by shepherds to protect their animals from wolves and other predators.

The physical characteristics of the Afghan Hound are what make this breed unique. Not only is it exotic, but regal and powerful - the true "King of Dogs". It has a very solid and compact build with large feet to handle the rough mountainous terrain of Northern Afghanistan. Its coat is long on most of the body to protect it from harsh winters and short on the saddle to allow heat to escape during the harsh summers.

If you wish to learn more about the breed, following you will find a copy of the official AKC breed standard and a list of wonderful books.