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American Bulldog
Afghan Hound
Dignified and aloof, the Afghan is an aristocrat among dogs. It is an excellent hunter, though mostly appreciated for its spectacular appearance and as a show dog.
Physical Characteristics
Covered with thick, silky hair, which comes in various colors, the Afghan Hound, in fact, resembles a greyhound in build and is known for its ability to chase fleet game and double-suspension gallop. Its high pelvis and a short back, meanwhile, allow the breed to turn easily and jump great heights, both must-have characteristics for a dog that originally chased game on rocky terrain. The Afghan Hound’s big feet also offer it protection from injuries incurred from running on rough ground, while the silken coat is effective in beating cold.
Moving with the tail and head held high, its expression is proud and dignified and its gait is bouncy and elastic.
Personality and Temperament
Although a slightly reserved and occasionally timid breed, the Afghan Hound loves to hunt and chase. However, an Afghan Hound can live happy life indoors. The breed is not rough with children (who love its clownish and happy temperament), but the dog may become moody at times and behave badly. Some might even say the Afghan Hound almost resembles a cat in its independent nature.
Care
This perfect house dog requires careful brushing and combing of its coat. Special care should be given at the time when the dog sheds its puppy coat. The Afghan Hound also requires daily exercise such as a long walk or a short sprint. In fact, this hound loves to run at a fast pace in small areas. Afghan Hound lovers should make it a point to provide the dog outdoor access and a nice, soft bed.
Health
The Afghan Hound, which has an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years, is not susceptible to any major health concerns. It should be noted that the breed can suffer from tail injuries and reacts to barbiturate anesthesia. Health ailments like canine hip dysplasia (CHD), cataract and necrotic myelopathy are also occasionally seen in the breed. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may run hip and eye exams on the dog.
History and Background
The Afghan Hound is an ancient breed. It belonged to the Middle Eastern sighthounds, and its ancestors date back to the time of the Egyptian pharaohs. Initially, the breed was used a coursing hound by nomadic tribes to hunt for meat and hare, with the help of falcons, who swooped down at the prey. Gradually, after several generations on the mountainous lands of Afghanistan, the Afghan Hound developed into a nimble, swift dog with great stamina and leaping ability.
For centuries, the breed was isolated in the Afghan Mountains and was first brought to England during the first half of the 20th century. These dogs were originally referred to as Barukhzy Hounds or Persian Greyhounds. Diverse in nature, it was the Zardin variety that eventually became the most favored.
The breed quickly became the prize of the glamor world, and soon became popular in other circles, such as dog shows. The Afghan Hound reach the apex of its popularity in the 1970s, but still well known throughout the world.
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Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is a wiry-haired terrier-like toy dog. It makes a good house pet due to its intelligence and cordialness towards other animals. With its big beard and long eyebrows, the dog is visually exquisite but tough in nature, as it was bred to chase vermin. In France the breed is described as the “moustached little devil,” due to its mischievous trait.
Physical Characteristics
The Affenpinscher’s facial expression, with a beard and long eyebrows, makes it look like a monkey and even comically serious. Its rough coat is an inch long throughout the body and a little longer on the chest, head, neck, legs, and stomach. Originally, the function of it coat was to provide protection from harsh weather conditions and vermin.
The medium bone, sturdy, compact, and square-proportioned Affenpinscher is a smaller variety of a working terrier, but is not as delicate as it appears. It is very tough, active and nimble enough to chase and catch rats and mice. The dog’s gait, meanwhile, is confident and light.
Personality and Temperament
The Affenpinscher is distinguished from other terriers by its quality of being good with pets and other dogs. This small dog is at its best with its family, which enjoys humor and entertainment.
It is a real “monkey” terrier with respect to its character as well as its appearance: it may be an inquisitive, bold, busy, and stubborn terrier by nature but it is also mischievous, playful and fond of behaving like a monkey. The Affenpinscher also has a tendency to climb and bark.
Care
Some lively indoor games, short walks on a leash or outdoor romps can meet the exercise requirements of the active and energetic Affenpinscher. The dog cannot live outside but loves to play outdoors. The rough coat requires combing two or three times a week and shaping once every three months. Shaping is done for pets by clipping, while show dogs need stripping.
Health
The Affenpinscher, which has an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years, has a tendency to suffer from minor diseases like patellar luxation and corneal ulcers. Respiratory difficulties, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), and open fontanel are sometimes seen in this breed as well. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may run knee and cardiac tests on the dog.
History and Background
Referred to as the “Diablotin Moustachu” or the “moustached little devil” in France, the Affenpinscher is among the oldest of toy breeds. Its name offers an apt description of the breed: affen, which means monkey, and pinscher, meaning terrier. The origins of the Affenpinscher are not so clear. While Dutch painters often sketched dogs that resemble this curious breed in the 15th century, there is no proper evidence to support the breed’s origin.
In 17th-century central Europe, several small terriers were experts in dispatching rats. These terriers were also used in Germany to keep kitchens and stables free from rodents. There were smaller types of the same dog that functioned as women’s lap dogs, could kill mice, and entertain the house with their funny antics. Later, it is believed, this small strain developed as the Affenpinscher, which was then improved by crossing with the German Pinscher, Pug, and German Silky Pinscher.
Many wire-coated toys, including the Brussels Griffon, descended from the Affenpinscher. The breed is most popular in Germany, often claimed to be its native land. The American Kennel Club granted it recognition in 1936, but the Second World War reduced its popularity. Today the breeds remains rare in the United States and even in Germany.