Rough Diamond Pets

Original Function:  Sighthound, used to hunt prey by sight. 
Modern Function: Family Companion
Appearance: Tall dog of regal bearing with a long silky coat and tail with a ring curl at the end. Gives the impression of strength and dignity, stylishly combining speed and power. Typical oriental expression – the Afghan looks at and through one. Athletic and strong.
Weight/Height: 63-74cm; 20-27 kg
Coat Colours/Texture: All colours acceptable. Long, thick, fine, silky hair.

Grooming: The Afghan coat needs regular bathing, brushing and grooming to keep it clean, free of knots and looking healthy and beautiful.  This can take a couple of hours every week.
Character/Temperament: Aloof, dignified; aristocratic and proud.  Independent nature.  Can be reserved with strangers.  Deeply loyal, loving and even mischievous with their owners. 
Compatibility with other animals/cats: Correctly raised and socialized with dogs and other pets can be very successful.  However, interaction with other pets should be carefully supervised. 
Compatibility with people/children: Can be aloof and wary of strangers until properly introduced to them.  Must be socialized from puppyhood.  Good with children when properly respected and correctly treated by children.
Indoors/Outdoors:Indoors – but must be given suitable opportunities for walks and runs.  This is an active and athletic breed which does not require great space but needs and enjoys regular exercise.
Exercise/Training: Can be trained but handler needs patience and to be sensitive – the Afghan is independent and can be stubborn if he doesn’t want to do something! An ancient breed, it's prey drive will override any training.
Longevity/Health: Up to 14 years. Occur sometimes: Hipdysplasia, prone to bloat, anaesthetic sensitive, cataracts, hypothyroidism