Afghans as Every Dogs

 

The hair confuses people. There is this idea that because Afghan Hounds have such glorious hair they must not ever be allowed to be dogs. It is in fact, the reverse. The quality of their hair is an essential part to an Afghan Hound being a normal dog. The hair may be famously awesome, but it does not hold back the dog.

What happens if you let your Afghan Hound into the elements? They will get dirty. Then they will dry. The dirt will dry into dust and sift out of their coat. I have to break down the dog room monthly to vacuum and mop under and around the crates because the dirt winds up on the ground around them.

In the breed we often discuss silky hair. Silky hair just does not feel and look good, it is practical. The smooth hair follicle releases dirt and grim. They also tangles less. A clean Afghan Hound is an easy Afghan Hound to care for.

A regular grooming schedule is the key to keeping any dog in coat. I do not mean grooming every week or every three days. I keep my dogs on a 2 week schedule. If they are going in the show ring, we get some extra baths worked in there. But the twice a month schedule works. A short coated Afghan Hound that has been clipped down doesn't need as much. However, I will advise anyone with a puppy to keep them on a schedule. I wash baby puppies weekly in Mane and Tail. I use the sink and just rinse and condition quickly. Puppies are gross and this also gets them used to the entire task. When they have a full coat and it takes half an hour just to wet them down, you will thank yourself for taking the time. 

With this clean coat you can pick out twigs, grass, and leaves. Most of them just fall out on my floor once they come in from outside. I feel like I have a tree shedding its leaves inside my home in the fall but the leaves are always on the ground and not on the dogs.

Environment is no limit to these hounds. Don't let it limit you.