SOME GOOD REASONS NOT TO GET AN AFGHAN HOUND.

This is a very serious topic! Most people buy their pet on impulse and don’t put much thought into their future family member. It is always best to fully research your choice of dog, as certain breeds just don’t fit into every family. The Afghan is one of these.

Afghans require a great deal of grooming. Bathing and brushing out are imperative. If missed mats can form in the coat with an almost magical speed.

An Afghan is a very tall dog. Being what they are, Affies are going to make the best of the situation and can reach things your children have trouble fetching, which ties in with the next reason.

Afghan Hounds are thieves and will not restrict their activities to only food. Some take great pride in stealing clothing, money and Kleenex. They are also really good at hiding what they steal.

Secure fencing is very much needed, unless you are something of an athlete yourself. An Afghan can trot at 12 mph, gallop at 35-40 mph, broad jump 20 ft and take a 5 ft fence without even a gasp or a blink.

Afghans are not naturally obedient. As quick witted, think on your feet hunters, they rely very much on their own instincts and intelligence. They think that some of the things that people ask them to do are pretty silly. Who are we to tell Afghans what to do anyway? The Afghan is the boss, right?

Not prone to being galloping gourmands like some dogs, Afghans can be very picky eaters.

If you don’t like cats, you won’t like the Afghan. They have a lot in common, especially with regard to temperament. Afghans make their own friends and aren’t easily swayed by what you think they should like. As far as an Affie is concerned, people are just sad excuses for an afghan hound and they have to put up with our mistakes. Gracious, aren’t they?

If you don’t have a really good sense of humour, if you think that Homes and Gardens is the epitome of how your house and lawn should look, if you run out of patience easily, if you want your dog to bring your slippers now, or if you have the nerve to expect to be able to sit on the sofa alone, or at all, the Afghan isn’t for you.

Judy Brandenburg USA.