AFGHAN HOUND

Afghan hound. breed of dog developed as a hunter in the hill country of Afghanistan. It was once thought to have originated several thousand years ago in Egypt, but there is no evidence for this theory. It was brought to Europe in the late 19th century by British soldiers returning from the Indian-Afghan border wars. The Afghan hound hunts by sight and, in its native Afghanistan, has been used to pursue leopard and gazelle. The animal is adapted to rough country by the structure of its high, wide hipbones. A long-legged dog, the Afghan stands 61 to 71 cm (24 to 28 inches) high and weighs from 23 to 27 kg (50 to 60 pounds). It has floppy ears, a long topknot, and a long, silky coat of various but usually solid colours. It is especially heavy on the forequarters and hindquarters and carries its slim tail in an upright curve. The Afghan's appearance has been described as "aristocratic, with a farseeing expression." See the Table of Selected Breeds of Hounds for further information.