What is the temperament of the Afghan Hound?

Answer 1

• The AKC Standard calls him "an aristocrat, his whole appearance one of dignity and aloofness . . . eyes gazing into the distance as if in memory of ages past."Some Afghan Hounds are indeed dignified, while others are silly clowns, and some alternate gleefully between the two.Though quiet indoors, he should not be left unsupervised for long periods of time without personal attention and running exercise, for he bores easily and can become destructive.Don't let this breed off-leash, for he is unbelievably fast and can gallop out of sight in seconds. His high hipbones make him one of the most agile of all breeds and one of the best jumpers. Fences must be high.Standoffish by nature, he needs extensive exposure to people and unusual sights and sounds so that his caution does not become timidity. He is sociable with other dogs, but may chase smaller pets.Obedience training will control his occasional bumptiousness and build his confidence, but you must be patient and persuasive, for sighthounds are extremely sensitive to leash jerking and may respond defensively if frightened. Independent and not particularly eager to please, their stubbornness takes the form of resistance rather than wild disobedience: They brace their legs and refuse to walk.Afghans can be finicky eaters and hard to housebreak.
• If you want a dog who...Has a tall, slender, elegant buildIs extremely athletic and graceful -- can run swiftly and jump great heights Has a long, flowing coat that comes in many colorsCan be both a dignified aristocrat and a silly clownIs gentle with people and other dogs
• An Afghan Hound may be right for you.
• If you don't want to deal with...Providing a safe enclosed area where he can gallop Shyness or suspiciousness when not socialized enough Emotional sensitivity to stress and abrupt changes in schedule Strong instincts to chase other living creatures that run Slowness to learn and an independent "what's in it for me?" attitude toward training -- can be very stubborn Lots of brushing and combing Slowness to housebreak