Afghan Hound Database and Breed Information Exchange (Comparison UK/US Afghan Hound Breed Standards) |
Steve Tillotson 1995/6
The two illustrations below are a computer graphic representation of illustrations in Margaret
Niblocks book (representing the UK) and Miller and Gilberts book (representing the US). In order
to progress this discussion I have had to make a fundamental assumption - which is that these
respected authors illustrations were intended to be a meaningful portrayal of Afghan conformation
(in their opinion) and not only an artistic interpretation. l believe this is the case, particularly in
light of the narrative supporting the Miller and Gilbert illustration which states that the drawing is
based on actual x-rays. Further, the Afghan Hound Association notes titled "Judging To The
Standard" includes an illustration which is apparently identical to the one in Margaret Niblock's
book. On this basis, the fundamental assumption is that these two illustrations represent expert
views on the conformation of the Afghan Hound.
The two illustrations above are a faifthful reproduction of the authors original illustrations, great care was taken to ensure no distortion on size and proportions during the computer graphic manipulation process. There are some initial and obvious observations - The UK Afghans tail is raised almost in line with the spine whereas the US Afghans tail is held high. This creates an artificial impression that the US Afghan is squarer and more upright, the coat outline exacerbates this perception. The UK Afghans spine is slightly arched towards the back whereas the US Afghans spine is almost level throuhout its length. The UK Afghans head appears to be very slightly larger and more forward and rear angulation seems more pronounced. Overall, the two Afghans give a slightly different impression which we can explore further with another illustration.
The first illustration shows the merge underway, the final one shows the US Afghan overlayed on the UK Afghan revealing that overall conformation is very similar for US/UK Afghans.
Since publishing the above, I have received feedback from a correspondent in the USA who makes the point that the above diagrams were originally published merely as "illustrations" rather than "blueprints". I totally concede the correspondents point, but in so doing, add the comment that I believe both authors "reflected and portrayed" the outline/overall shape of the Afghan "as they perceived it, relevent to their own country (UK/US)". My personal view is that at the time the two standards were drawn up they were not that far apart.
A convenient reference to this bottom line of standards not being far apart comes from Bo Bengston, Editor of the Afghan Hound Review and owner of Bohem Afghans in Sweden (of English Carloway breeding). In the first reference, UK Weekly Canine paper "Dog World" July 1992, Mr Bengston commented "The difference as we see them today do not, I think, represent pronounced anatomical differences from one country to another, nor the result of rather slight differences in the breed standards. It is more a question of traditions in training, grooming and presentation by the exhibitors, and in selection of show stock by the breeders and judges". More recently, after judging at the Scottish Kennel Club, Mr Bengston reiterated his view that the main differences are mostly to do with presentation. Betty Stites who recently visited the UK and spectated at the East Of England Afghan Championship show also commented that the differences have more to do with presentation (and someother aspects).
Posted by Steve Tillotson, 1995, updated 1996