(Afghan Hound Database and Breed Information Exchange)
(Frank Townend Barton 1913)
(Preamble)
The first Afghan Hound "Breed Standard" was drawn up by the Afghan Hound Club in 1925. This early standard is frequently referred to as "The Denyer Standard" because Evelyn Denyer ("Of Kaf" Afghans - Bell Murray Type) was secretary of the Afghan Hound Club at this time and pivotal in drawing up the standard. This breed standard prevailed from 1925-1931.
The Afghan Hound Association drew up a competing standard in 1927 (strongly influenced by Mary Amps of Ghazni Afghan hounds), this standard existed from 1927-1946 when it was revised and the adopted by The Kennel Club as the official breed standard in 1950.
The current standard is basically the 1946/1950 version with several "revisions" being approved by The Kennel Club.
The important point to note is ALL the iterations of the "standard" 1925, 1927, 1946 and thereafter, ALL versions of the Breed Standard are strongly influenced by the original 1906 Indian Kennel Gazette Description of 1906 shown below
Steve Tillotson, 2011
Indian Kennel Gazette, October 1906
In the Indian Kennel Gazette of October 1906 the following extract appears in relation to Mr Banff's Zardin, and as the description of this hound may be accepted as typical of the class, the writer (Frank Townend Barton) has taken the liberty of copying the paragraph referred to, that will doubtless be of service to those interested in these Asiatic Greyhounds.
" Zardin is a light-coloured hound, almost white, with a black muzzle. He has a very long punishing jaw of peculiar power and level mouth; his head resembles that of a Deerhound, but with skull oval and prominent occiput, surmounted by a top-knot; ears fairly large, well-feathered, and hanging to side of head rather than carried to front. He has a keen, dark eye, and little or no stop. A long, strong, clean neck, fairly well arched, running in a nice curve to shoulder, which is long and sloping and well laid back; his back is strong, loin powerful and slightly arched. He, as well as all this class of hound, falls away towards stern, which is set on low, almost destitute of hair, and usually carried low.
He is well ribbed, tucked up under loin; forelegs straight and strong and covered with hair; great length between elbow (which is straight) and ankle. The forefeet are long, fairly broad, and covered with long hair. Not too narrow in brisket, which is deep, with good girth of chest. Hind quarters very powerful, furnished with plenty of muscle; great length between hip and hock, which is low and strong, a fair bend in stifle, hind feet not so long as fore feet, but fairly wide and well protected with hair. The hind quarters, flanks, ribs and fore quarters are well clothed with protective hair, thick and fine in texture, showing some undercoat. The coat on the back is shorter.
" He is a very handsome, strong and active-looking hound, and can, I think, be regarded as a typical specimen. The characteristics are that he is smart and upstanding, a combination of speed and power. Great length of head, length and breadth of feet, which should be well protected with hair, and graceful outline.
" The height of Zardin, I should say, is about 28 inches, or nearly so."
Frank Townend Barton 1913
Related content:
The Hyland Painting
The Origins Section
The Barukhzy (Afghan) And Allied Eastern Hounds. (Extract) by W. D. Drury 1903
Robert Leighton on Mrs Amps Ghazni 1926
UK - KAF (Bell Murray) Afghan Hounds, A Croxton Smith,
Country Life 1926 (extract)
Extract on The Afghan Hound from "The Practical Dog Book by Edward C Ash m.r.a.c (Dip. Hons.) 1931
The Barukhzy (Afghan) And Allied Eastern Hounds (Extract) from "British Dogs,
Their Points, Selection, And Show Preparation", by W. D. Drury 1903
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