Archeological histories estimate that the Afghan Hound existed as long as 7,000 years ago. In Afghanistan, the country from which the Afghan Hound derives its name. The natives believe that this monkey-faced dog was the chosen dog to accompany Noah on his ark. By its nature the Afghan Hound is a high speed hunter and in his native Afghanistan, he is still used for hunting large game animals. Because they tend to outdistance the horses, a good Afghan Hound hunts "on its own" without direction by the huntsman. This has given it's rise to the independence of thought and spirit still typical of the breed today.
The Afghan Hound is a beautiful member of the ancient Greyhound family. Its long coat is thought to have evolved in response to the extreme weather conditions prevalent in the area where the breed was first discovered, the border between Afghanistan and India. Its widely spaced, freewheeling hip joints enable this hound to travel with agility and speed over rocky terrain. Along with a natural short-coated saddle, a ring at the end of its tail and a far-seeing, aloof demeanor, the Afghan Hound has a look all its own. This may account for the enormous popularity it has enjoyed since its introduction to this continent in the 1930s.
The Afghan Hound has a straight front, proudly carried head, eyes gazing into the distance as if in memory of ages past. The striking characteristics of the breed, exotic or "eastern" expression, long silky topknot, peculiar coat pattern, very prominent hip bones, large feet, and impression of a somewhat exaggerated bend in the stifle due to profuse trouserings - stand out clearly, giving the Afghan Hound the appearance of what he is, a king of dogs, that has held true to tradition throughout the ages.
