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Afghan Hound Database and Breed Information Exchange
(Afghan Hound Breed Standard 1946-1986)
The 1946 UK Afghan Hound Breed Standard (Still used by Australia, New Zealand and others) which was revised and replaced in 1986 by the UK Kennel Club
AFGHAN HOUND
Characteristics. The Afghan Hound should be dignified and aloof with a certain keen fierceness. The Eastern or Oriental expression is typical of the breed. The Afghan looks at and through one.
General appearance. The gait of the Afghan Hound should be smooth and springy with a style of high order. The whole appearance of the dog should give the impression of strength and dignity combining speed and power. The head must be held proudly.
Head and Skull. Skull long, not too narrow with prominent occiput. Foreface long with punishing jaws and slight stop. The skull well balanced and surmounted by a long topknot. Nose preferably black but liver is no fault in light coloured dogs.
Eyes. Should be dark for preference but golden colour is not debarred. Nearly triangular, slanting slightly upwards from the inner corner to the outer.
Ears. Set low and well back, carried close to the head. Covered with long silky hair.
Mouth. Level.
Neck. Long, strong with proud carriage of the head.
Forequarters. Shoulders long and sloping, well set back, well muscled and strong without being loaded. Forelegs straight and well boned, straight with shoulder, elbows held in.
Body. Back level, moderate length, well muscled, the back falling slightly away to the stern. Loin straight, broad and rather short. Hip-bones rather prominent and wide apart. A fair spring of ribs and good depth of chest.
Hindquarters. Powerful, well bent and well turned stifles. Great length between hip and hock with a comparatively short distance between hock and foot. The dew claws may be removed or allowed to remain at the discretion of the breeder.
Feet. Forefeet strong and very large both in length and breadth and covered with long thick hair, toes arched. Pasterns long and springy, especially in front and pads well down on the ground. Hindfeet long, but not quite so broad as forefeet, covered with long thick hair.
Tail. Not too short. Set on low with ring at the end. Raised when in action. Sparsely feathered.
Coat. Long and very fine texture on ribs, fore and hind-quarters and flanks. From the shoulder backward and along the saddle the hair should be short and close in mature dogs. Hair long from the forehead backward, with a distinct silky topknot. On the fore- face the hair is short as on the back. Ears and legs well coated. Pasterns can be bare. Coat must be allowed to develop naturally.
Colour. All colours are acceptable.
Weight and Size. Ideal height: Dogs 27 inches to 29 inches. Bitches 2 inches to 3 inches smaller.
Faults. Any appearance of coarseness. Skull too wide and foreface too short. Weak underjaw. Large round or full eyes. Neck should never be too short or thick. Back too long or too short.