Since the 2020 pandemic, we are more welcome than ever to welcome a new four-legged friend into our homes, with the Kennel Club reporting an increase in dog ownership.
But with 221 different purebred dog breeds to choose from, there’s a lot of thought to be done before selecting your perfect pup.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with psychologist Stanley Coren’s book “The Intelligence of Dogs” ranking breeds by instinct, obedience and adaptability.
One dog that often appears at the top of people’s canine wish lists is the Afghan Hound – they are one of the most beautiful breeds and can make affectionate pets.
Here are 10 fun and interesting facts about Afghans.
1. A dog with many names
Afghans are known by a range of other names – including Tazi Spay, Tazi, Balkh Hound, Baluchi Hound, Barakzai Hound, Shalgar Hound, Kabul Hound, Galanday Hound or African Hound.
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2. A talented hunter
As its name suggests, the Afghan Hound was originally bred in Afghanistan where it was used as a hunter in the hills of the country – pursuing everything from gazelles to leopards.
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3. 13 varieties
There are at least 13 known types of Afghans in Afghanistan – experts can tell which part of the country a dog is from just by looking at them.
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4. British Invasion
Afghan Hounds were one of many breeds that first arrived in the UK in the 19th century by army officers returning from India, which at the time included Afghanistan.
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