The Afghan Hound Standard and the Standard of the Afghan Hound in New Zealand
Following the Breed Standard below is a series written by local breeder/judges in response to questions put to them by Lyall Payne for this breed supplement
CHARACTERISTICS
The Afghan Hound should be dignified and aloof with a certain keen fierceness. The eastern or oriental expression is typical of the breed. The Afghan looks at and through one.
GENERAL APPEARANCE
The gait of the Afghan Hound should be smooth and springy with a style of high order. The whole appearance of the dog should give the impression of strength and dignity combining speed and power. The head must be held proudly
HEAD AND SKULL
Skull long, not to narrow with prominent occiput. Foreface long with punishing jaws, and slight stop. The skull well balanced and surmounted by a long "topknot". Nose preferably black but liver is no fault in light coloured dogs.
EYES
Should be dark for preference but golden is not debarred. Nearly triangular, slanting slightly upwards from the inner corner to the outer.
EARS
Set low and well back, carried close to the head, covered with long silky hair.
MOUTH
Level
NECK
Long, strong with proud carriage of head
FOREQUARTERS
Shoulders long and sloping, well set back, well muscled and strong without being loaded. Forelegs straight and well boned, straight with shoulder. Elbows held in
BODY
Back level, moderate length, well muscled, the back falling slightly away to the stern. Loin straight, broad and rather short. Hipbones rather prominent and wide apart. A fair spring of ribs with good depth of chest
HINDQUARTERS
Powerful, well bent and well turned stifles. Great length between hip and hock with a comparatively short distance between hock and foot. The dew claws may be removed or remain at the discretion of the breeder
TAIL
Not too short, set on low with ring at the end. Raised when in action, sparsely feathered
COAT
Long and very fine texture on the ribs, fore and hind quarters and flanks. From the shoulder backwards and along the saddle the hair should be short and close in mature dogs. Hair long from the forehead backwards with a distinct silky "topknot". On the foreface the hair is short as on the back. Ears and legs well coated. Pasterns can be bare. Coat must develop naturally
COLOUR
All colours are acceptable
WEIGHT AND SIZE
Ideal height dogs 27 inches to 29 inches. Bitches two inches to three inches smaller
FAULTS
Any appearance of coarseness. Skull two wide and foreface too short. Weak underjaw. Large round or full eyes. Neck should never be too short or thick. Back too long or too short
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