Afghan hound (redirected from Afghan hounds)

Afghan hound (ăf`găn), breed of tall, swift hound originating about 5,000 years ago in ancient Egypt. Its modern ancestors were perfected in the northern part of Afghanistan and introduced into England after World War I. The Afghan hound stands between 24 and 28 in. (61–71.1 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs between 50 and 60 lb (22.7–27.2 kg). The long, silky coat is very fine in texture and may be any color. Its unique appearance is partly the result of the position of its hipbones, which are set wider apart and higher than in most other breeds. This hip conformation enables the Afghan to cover uneven country swiftly and contributes to its effectiveness as a sight hunter in the mountainous terrain of its native Afghanistan. Today it is rapidly gaining popularity as a house pet. See dog.

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Afghan hound

Afghan hound

(credit: Sally Anne Thompson)

Breed of dog developed as a hunter in the hill country of Afghanistan. It was brought to Europe in the late 19th century by British soldiers returning from the Indian-Afghan border wars. It hunts by sight, and in Afghanistan it has been used to pursue leopard and gazelle. Its high, wide hipbones are well adapted to rough country. It stands 24–28 in. (61–71 cm) high and weighs 50–60 lbs (23–27 kg). It has floppy ears, a long topknot, and a long silky coat of various colours.