A true aristocrat, the Afghan appears aloof and standoffish to strangers. His entire being is one of dignity and grace. The Afghan carries his head proudly, his eyes gazing into the distance as if in memory of ages past . . .the long silky topknot, peculiar coat pattern, exotic or "Eastern" expression, all blend together giving the Afghan Hound the appearance of what he is - a king of dogs.

The Afghan Hound is covered with a thick coat of long silky or cottony hair that requires hours of grooming each week, to maintain its beautiful appearance. All colors are permissible, however, the color or color combinations should be pleasing. White markings, especially on the head, are undesirable.

The Afghan Hound needs room to run in a fenced area - under supervision. Afghans can be very destructive when bored. Many are quite accomplished thieves, too! There are some who say the Afghan is a "dumb" dog - but consider, it takes quite a bit of intelligence to pretend you're dumb! As expected of a true aristocrat, the Afghan dislikes being forced to do things he deems unimportant, which unfairly gave him the name of "dumb." As true royalty, he generally prefers to while away his time, as a couch potato.

The Afghan Hound is true poetry in motion. When running free, the Afghan Hound moves at a gallop with a smooth, powerful stride. Moving with head and tail high, the whole appearance of the Afghan Hound is one of great style and beauty. When trotting on a loose lead, the trot is fast paced.

The Afghan Hound is shown in a natural state - no trimming or clipping, the saddle - a traditional characteristic of the Afghan Hound - runs from the flanks and the ribs upwards, the hair is short and close, forming a smooth back in mature dogs. The head is surmounted with a topknot of long, silky hair - also an outstanding characteristic of the Afghan Hound. The leather of the Afghan Hounds ear reaches nearly to the end of the dog's nose, and is covered with long silky hair.

To learn more about this elegant, aloof, stylish dog, please visit the Afghan Hound Club of America. The 2012 National Specialty Show is in Atlanta, GA; more info here: SHOW