Читать книгу Afghan Hound - Bryony Harcourt-Brown - Страница 7

During the 1970s, when their beauty, grace and hairstyling fit in with the fashion trends of the era, Afghan Hounds were subjected to a major population explosion. At this time the breed became excessively popular and was catapulted into the limelight in a most unsuitable manner for any breed. The result of popularity of this kind, with any type of dog, is that the breed is acquired for aspects that are appealing to the public en masse, and many aspects of the breed are overlooked by prospective owners. The result for the Afghan Hound was that many people who purchased these dogs completely misunderstood them, and the breed gained a reputation that was often unfair and untrue. It has distressed me, over the years, to hear the Afghan Hound labeled as a stupid and difficult breed, since the truth is that they are, in general, totally the opposite.

Young Afghan Hounds pass through an adolescent phase as they develop the physical traits and appearance of a mature member of the breed.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Afghan Hounds are large, graceful, beautiful dogs. The body of this breed should be balanced and possess total soundness of construction. The chest should be relatively deep and well sprung to allow plenty of room for lungs and heart. The Afghan Hound should be a well-muscled dog, without coarseness, the whole dog being built for speed and power. This breed should be capable of tremendous strength and turn of speed when running. The graceful, balanced movement is a great feature of the breed. The AKC standard describes the Afghan Hound in motion as “of great style and beauty” with a “smooth, powerful stride.” The typical Afghan Hound moves with a unique light yet strong, springy true step. With his tail and head raised, the moving Afghan Hound draws the eye totally. As with any hunting breed, soundness of movement is essential to enable the dog to function within his original skills.

The short coat on the Afghan Hound’s face makes the breed’s unique expression easy to see.

The head of the Afghan Hound is a very interesting feature of the breed. Since Afghan Hounds are short-coated on the face, all of the expression is clearly visible. The bone structure is, or should be, very beautiful, with the different planes and bone lines giving an effect of the head’s having been chiseled. Coupled with this and largely because of the bones around the eyes, the eyes should be almost triangular in shape, with the inner to outer lower edge slanting somewhat upward to achieve this shaping. The eyes are often relatively deeply set, adding to the expression. The true Afghan Hound expression of aloof disdain and the impression described in the standard of “eyes gazing into the distance” are yet more additions to the individuality of the breed. The head also has another distinctive requirement, that of a prominent occiput. This is the bone at the back of the skull, which is less noticeable in many other breeds.

SHEDDING SEASON

When an Afghan Hound sheds, the coat forms mats, so always expect extra work with the brush at this time.

Although the Afghan Hound is generally considered aloof and not demonstrative, he does show those close to him how much he loves them.

Female Afghan Hounds showing the typical short-coated face.

A unique feature of the breed is the coat pattern. This is most amazing to those who have not seen a typical coat pattern in an Afghan Hound before. The coat on the face, sides of the neck and saddle (a saddle-shaped area on the back, elongated to include the whole of the spine from the nape of the neck to the root of the tail) is short and close. There may also be areas of short coat (which may be under the silky long coat and not seen unless exposed by lifting the longer coat) on the pasterns, the wrists of a dog. Since these areas of short coat are combined with long, silky fine coat over the rest of the body, the whole dog is quite remarkable to look at. There are variations in coat pattern, as some Afghan Hounds will never gain a saddle, even as an adult, and some will only have a saddle after coat-loss periods. Some will lose an excessive amount of the silky coat, carrying only a sparse sprinkling of this coat type and far more areas of short, saddle-type coat than is generally seen. This type of coat pattern, more common before the 1960s and 1970s, was generally referred to as the Bell-Murray coat pattern.

One of the fascinating sides to the breed is the variation in colors that occur. Gold cream, with or without a black or shaded mask (face), and black, with gold, tan or silver markings (on the face, pasterns and tail root, for instance), are among the more prevalent colors. However, all colors are accepted by the breed standard, and some of these change throughout the dog’s life in a fascinating way. For instance, a silver brindle Afghan Hound as a puppy, may change to a dark grizzle color in old age. To add additional interest to that of the actual color, very often there will be a variation of type (a term often, perhaps erroneously, used to describe the various nuances in head shape and expression or familial variations, for instance), which typifies the different colors. One of the interesting colors is the domino, which gives the dog a reverse coloring to the black-masked dog. A domino Afghan has pale coloring on his face and darker coloring on the body, often with a “widow’s peak” (a cap-like area over the skull) descending onto the forehead in a point.

FORM AND FUNCTION

The Afghan Hound is unusual in being a breed where rather prominent hip bones are required by the breed standard. These bones should be seen and felt, despite the dog’s being of satisfactory weight and in good body condition. The bones referred to are those at either side of the dog’s spine a few inches above the root of the tail. These pronounced bones are the start of a correct croup formation, which is so important in the tail carriage and in the whole action and construction of the dog.

The ring on the dog’s tail is a unique breed characteristic, with the degree of the ring varying from dog to dog.

FUNCTIONAL FEET

The feet of the Afghan Hound should be large with well-arched toes and may look quite ungainly in the baby puppy. Large feet are better able to cover the original ground on which Afghan Hounds lived in their native Afghanistan.

Possibly one of the most distinctive features of the breed is the typical ringed tail. This is most beautiful in the correct form. One of the aspects that determines the tail carriage is the distinctive hip placement of the Afghan Hound. The typically prominent hip bones are quite an unusual constructional requirement. From these hip bones there is a slope of the croup to the root of the tail. The tail is then held at a raised angle when the dog is aroused or moving, or held down in repose with, in its typical form, a full ring on the end. This is a most unusual requirement for a dog and is another of the unique aspects that distinguish the Afghan Hound. There is a variation of the degree of ring on the tail of Afghan Hounds; some possess only a curve or sickle shape toward the end of the tail. Often the ring of the tail is not fully developed until after the puppy has completed teething; sometimes it is visible from early puppyhood.

Although Afghan Hounds are independent-minded, they can be trustworthy and responsive to children. It is important that dog and child alike are taught how to treat each other.

On the go! An Afghan Hound and a child can be the best of friends. Much depends on the personality of the individual dog and the child.

I am sure that, when first seen by Europeans, the Afghan Hounds of Afghanistan created a huge degree of interest, as they possess so many unique and unusual features. This is a breed of enormous individuality. Nowadays, since the breed has undergone such a degree of exposure, most people are used to the appearance of these dogs, but consider the stir they must have made when they were first exported from Afghanistan. Add their reputation for character, and they must have attracted a fascinated following wherever they went.

PERSONALITY

It is necessary to understand the Afghan Hound’s character to appreciate it fully. For many, the idiosyncrasies of this breed make it virtually impossible to live without; to others the breed is nearly impossible to live with. One of the aspects that determine this outcome is your house, as well as your yard or the grounds around your home, but the main aspect is your own personality and that of the rest of your family.

The typical Afghan Hound is very much a creature of independent thought and free spirit. The easiest way to live with this is to simply accept it. However, the breed is also loving. Afghan Hounds are capable of as much love and devotion as anyone could possibly crave, but this love is not always given in a demonstrative way; it is often given at a distance.

I believe that the Afghan Hound is one of the most intelligent breeds I have ever lived with, but the intelligence is not shown in learning to do tricks or in any form of training. Afghan Hounds are self-taught, meaning that they generally do not copy the behavior of other dogs; instead, they create their own. It could be unwise to try to bend the will of a true Afghan Hound to your path; rather, it is necessary to travel a path parallel to your Afghan Hound. I have often spent time sitting on the floor while our Afghan Hounds occupied the sofa. I realize that this is uncomfortable, but I have accepted that this is part of the breed and that (in the dogs’ minds) we are equals. Sometimes I have resisted the dogs’ looks of indignation and reproach and insisted on having a place on the sofa myself.

MEMORY LANE

Afghan Hounds appear to have remarkably long memories. Afghan Hounds often seem to recognize their breeders with affection despite a long absence from their birth home. Afghan Hound dams also often appear to retain extremely strong ties with their offspring and frequently seem to recognize their grown puppies when they meet them.

Who can resist a face like this? Although not the breed for everyone, the Afghan’s personality is like no other in dogdom and has won the breed its share of devout admirers.

Who knows what an Afghan Hound sees as he gazes into the distance?

It is not really sensible to acquire an Afghan Hound if you wish to have a dog that you can “master.” Although you should not be mastered by your Afghan Hound either, you can expect to have an equal in your family when you have an Afghan Hound in it. Typical Afghan Hounds are not subservient to anyone and will sometimes show passing aggression if they are pushed to prove this.

Although, as individuals, many Afghan Hounds are excellent and trustworthy with children, this is not a breed that could really be recommended as a dog universally suitable for children. This is mainly because Afghan Hounds do not suffer teasing well, as a rule. Obviously no dog should be subjected to teasing, but many breeds will overlook innocent, childish, irritating behavior that an Afghan Hound would, perhaps, find relatively difficult to bear. Teasing a dog with the sensitive personality that many Afghan Hounds have could result in the dog’s becoming withdrawn and anxious around children. In some instances, this might even lead to aggression due to the anxiety and stress caused to the dog. This is not to say that all Afghan Hounds are the same, and I have seen adult males lying under toddlers as the toddlers have climbed on top of them, with no hint of concern or unpleasantness from the dogs! With any dog, it is necessary to supervise all time spent with young children.

A leash is necessary for your Afghan Hound’s safety in open areas, not meant to restrict his response to “the call of the wild,” but rather a necessary preventive measure to keep him from running away and possibly into danger.

One of the Afghan Hound’s truest and, indeed, unique characteristics is the expression, which is interestingly described in the British standard as looking “at and through” one. This, I feel, is saved by Afghan Hounds for studying the horizon and surveying strangers and minor acquaintances. I find that the privileged inner circle of an Afghan Hound’s closest and dearest people is often accorded a loving and intimate gaze. There can be nothing more rewarding to an Afghan Hound lover than this gaze—it is confidential, it is personal and it speaks totally from the heart. It is possible, when you really know your dog, to communicate in total silence. On the subject of communication, I believe that the Afghan Hound is able to acquire one of the largest understandings of human vocabulary of all of the breeds that I have lived with. However, words such as “Come,” “Stay” and “No” are often carefully considered first before an acceptance can be negotiated.

BORN TO RUN

Afghan Hounds have a reputation for running away when off the lead. I prefer to think of this as the dog obeying his natural instinct in the call of wild and open places rather than naughtiness. However, it is still rather annoying and could be quite dangerous for the dog. Don’t expect to be able to teach your Afghan Hound to come back to you when he is running free. You should practice the “come” command, but you will never have a 100% reliable response. It is better to deal with this aspect of the breed than to fight it, so you must find safe, securely enclosed areas for free running and always keep your hound on lead in open areas.

All of this independence makes the Afghan Hound more of a specialist breed than a typical “pet” breed. This does not mean that Afghans do not make good companions to the non-exhibiting owner, it just means that they are not necessarily the sort of dog to fit into all households. In this discussion of Afghan Hound temperament, I have described the temperament that has typified the breed for generations. It could be argued that, in recent years, the trend has been toward a somewhat easier temperament in some ways, due to selective breeding. Many Afghan Hounds nowadays are more outgoing toward strangers, bouncier and more similar to other, less aloof, breeds. Whether this is a satisfactory trend is a point for debate; many who know the Afghan Hound temperament in all its glory would vehemently defend the original traits as superior. I, personally, would prefer not to be greeted as a long-lost friend by an Afghan Hound who does not know me, but I can see that it is easier to walk in public places with this type of dog than with a reserved, shy and sometimes anxious dog.

Majestic dignity is a defining trait of the Afghan Hound breed.

To appreciate these dogs, it is essential to understand them. It is necessary to think like an Afghan Hound to see the world through the dog’s eyes. Afghan Hounds I have lived with have held strong links to their historical origins, have had strong opinions of their own self-worth and have expected a high degree of comfort and respect around their home. I do not believe that Afghan Hounds function well as kennel dogs, as these hounds require the proximity of like-minded humans in order to be undemanding and relaxed companions. These are not lap dogs, they are deeply committed friends.

Breeders strive to produce Afghan Hounds with healthy hips that will have the speed, agility and stamina so typical of the breed.

BREED-SPECIFIC HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Afghan Hounds are fortunate in having a reputation for being prone to very few of the more well-known canine hereditary problems. There are, however, some conditions that the would-be owner should know more about.

HIP DYSPLASIA

Hip dysplasia is a distressing condition that affects the hip joint. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint that may be affected by, mainly, the socket’s not being deep enough or being incorrectly formed or the incorrect formation of the head of the femur. When this occurs, a general laxity of the hip results. Often, the consequences are changes of an arthritic nature that take place in the joint. This condition is a painful one, and the dog suffers lameness and pain if arthritis is present.

Potential breeding stock should be x-rayed for signs of this condition, and a number of breeders will take the opportunity of having their dogs routinely x-rayed. A veterinarian takes the x-rays, which are sent to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and examined. A panel of vets checks the x-rays and grades them according to a specific system. The grading system used gives breeders the opportunity to ascertain if a dog’s hips are affected and, if so, to what degree.

Dogs 24 months of age and older should have their hips x-rayed and the x-rays evaluated to determine if any degree of dysplasia is present. There are seven possible OFA grades: Excellent, Good, Fair, Borderline, Mild, Moderate and Severe. Excellent, Good and Fair are considered normal, and dogs with these gradings will receive an OFA number. The other four gradings do not warrant an OFA number, with the latter three indicating that the dog is affected by some level of dysplasia. Dogs that do not receive OFA numbers should not be used in breeding programs.

When visiting a litter, a potential owner should ask to see documentation of the litter’s parents’ hip clearances from the OFA or another accredited organization; similar hip-testing schemes are in place in countries around the world. Good breeders have all of their breeding stock tested and only breed from those dogs and bitches who have received appropriate clearances.

PUPPY COAT

The close coat on the face of an Afghan Hound allows the easy viewing of these dogs’ wonderful expressions. However, many young Afghan Hounds, say 5–15 months old, carry a lot of soft coat on the face that is termed “puppy whiskers” or “monkey whiskers.” Sometimes a puppy has so much of this coat that it is hard to imagine the beautiful refined head beneath. This coat should be lost naturally at the time of the first big coat change.

EYE PROBLEMS

Cataracts: There are two types of cataract to be discussed here. There is a cataract that causes an opacity of the lens of one or both eyes, appears in the older Afghan Hound, is not considered hereditary and may affect any breed. During the 1970s, however, there was much concern regarding young Afghan Hounds with cataracts. Juvenile cataracts were found to be passed on through families, i.e., inherited. Much work was undertaken to remove and/or exclude dogs carrying this defect from breeding programs with the ultimate goal of eventually eliminating this problem from the breed.

Entropion: Entropion is a term used to describe inversion of the eyelid and eyelashes. This causes irritation to the eyes and may result in eye infection and weeping. The condition is generally considered to be inherited and is thought by some experts to be brought about by the repeated selection of dogs with small eyes (whatever the breed) for breeding. Entropion can be treated by a relatively simple operation. However, dogs affected with this defect should not be used for breeding, even if it has been surgically corrected.

MOUTH PROBLEMS

In Afghan Hounds, the AKC standard calls for a bite in which the upper and lower incisors meet together exactly, a bite known as level. This is a difficult mouth to breed correctly, and it is a bite that is prone to alteration by becoming undershot (with the lower incisors protruding) with age. In addition, a level bite will often cause increased wearing of the incisors. A scissors bite, in which the upper incisors closely overlap the lower, is seen in the breed and is preferred in some other countries, but the level bite is preferred as per the AKC standard.

In some dogs, individual or groups of the lower incisors may protrude out of line, thus overlapping the corresponding upper incisors. This type of mouth is termed a “wry mouth.” The mouth is uneven and may be less efficient in a hunting dog. This type of mouth is unlikely to seriously affect most dogs kept as companions. However, with a wry mouth, an Afghan is not suitable for showing. Since mouth defects are often passed on to future generations, it would be unwise to breed from an Afghan Hound with a wry mouth.

DO YOU KNOW ABOUT HIP DYSPLASIA?

X-ray of a dog with “Good” hips.

X-ray of a dog with “Moderate” dysplastic hips.

Hip dysplasia is a fairly common condition found in pure-bred dogs. When a dog has hip dysplasia, his hind leg has an incorrectly formed hip joint. By constant use of the hip joint, it becomes more and more loose, wears abnormally and may become arthritic.

Hip dysplasia can only be confirmed with an x-ray, but certain symptoms may indicate a problem. Your dog may have a hip dysplasia problem if he walks in a peculiar manner, hops instead of smoothly runs, uses his hind legs in unison (to keep the pressure off the weak joint), has trouble getting up from a prone position or always sits with both legs together on one side of his body.

As the dog matures, he may adapt well to life with a bad hip, but in a few years the arthritis develops and many dogs with hip dysplasia become crippled.

Hip dysplasia is considered an inherited disease and only can be diagnosed definitively by x-ray when the dog is two years old, although symptoms often appear earlier. Some experts claim that a special diet might help your puppy outgrow the bad hip, but the usual treatments are surgical. The removal of the pectineus muscle, the removal of the round part of the femur, reconstructing the pelvis and replacing the hip with an artificial one are all surgical interventions that are expensive, but they are usually very successful. Follow the advice of your veterinarian.