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An owner of an Afghan Hound already knows how truly beautiful and regal the breed is. It should come as no great surprise that people who adopt dogs of this breed oftentimes enter them into professional dog show events. Prior to making this decision, there are a few things an owner needs to bear in mind.
As much as an owner may love their Afghan Hound, not all of them are suitable for the show ring. Every dog breed has something which is called a "breed standard," which means when a dog is entered into a show event they are judge upon certain criteria set forth by the American Kennel Club. For Afghan Hounds, breed standards will vary according to the country in which the dog show is held, but there are a few standards by which to judge whether or not the dog is suited for competition.
The following guidelines are outlined for owners to determine whether or not their dog meets the breed specifications set forth for show competition:
· Ears: should be set low on the skull and covered with a long, silky hair which is a hallmark of the breed.
· Eyes: a dark coloring with triangular shape is required.
· Neck: needs to be long and defined, giving the dog the regal appearance the breed is noted for.
· Mouth: upper teeth need to closely overlap which results in a regular bite.
· Skull: should not be very narrow, the head should be well balanced on the body with a long top-knot on the front of the head.
· Shoulders: need to be strong and muscular, but not excessively.
· Front legs: should be straight and even with the front shoulders.
· Back: should be even in structure and muscular. Hip bones should be level and medium-length, prominent and set apart.
· Feet: should be long and wide, covered completely with long, thick, sleek hair, the toes should be arched. Hind feed should have the same exact characteristics, but not be as broad as the front.
Coat: should be long and fine, extending over the ribs, quarters and flank of the dog. Hair from the forehead should be long and silky, with a distinctive top-knot on the head. All colors are acceptable, but white marks or spots on the face are considered a fault and will be penalized in a show.
· Tail: neither too long nor too short, held in an erect position when the dog is moving.
· Size: preferred height for the male is between 27-29 inches; females should be between 25-29 inches in height.
When showing an Afghan Hound, it is recommended a person get in contact with other people who have experience and a passion for the activity. An owner should join local area Afghan Hound groups or search online for various groups devoted to lovers of the breed. Finding someone who shares a love and passion for showing Afghan Hounds can look at your pet and determine whether or not the dog is show material and give you advice and information about how to proceed.
As much as an owner may love their Afghan Hound, not all of them are suitable for the show ring. Every dog breed has something which is called a "breed standard," which means when a dog is entered into a show event they are judge upon certain criteria set forth by the American Kennel Club. For Afghan Hounds, breed standards will vary according to the country in which the dog show is held, but there are a few standards by which to judge whether or not the dog is suited for competition.
The following guidelines are outlined for owners to determine whether or not their dog meets the breed specifications set forth for show competition:
· Ears: should be set low on the skull and covered with a long, silky hair which is a hallmark of the breed.
· Eyes: a dark coloring with triangular shape is required.
· Neck: needs to be long and defined, giving the dog the regal appearance the breed is noted for.
· Mouth: upper teeth need to closely overlap which results in a regular bite.
· Skull: should not be very narrow, the head should be well balanced on the body with a long top-knot on the front of the head.
· Shoulders: need to be strong and muscular, but not excessively.
· Front legs: should be straight and even with the front shoulders.
· Back: should be even in structure and muscular. Hip bones should be level and medium-length, prominent and set apart.
· Feet: should be long and wide, covered completely with long, thick, sleek hair, the toes should be arched. Hind feed should have the same exact characteristics, but not be as broad as the front.
Coat: should be long and fine, extending over the ribs, quarters and flank of the dog. Hair from the forehead should be long and silky, with a distinctive top-knot on the head. All colors are acceptable, but white marks or spots on the face are considered a fault and will be penalized in a show.· Tail: neither too long nor too short, held in an erect position when the dog is moving.
· Size: preferred height for the male is between 27-29 inches; females should be between 25-29 inches in height.
When showing an Afghan Hound, it is recommended a person get in contact with other people who have experience and a passion for the activity. An owner should join local area Afghan Hound groups or search online for various groups devoted to lovers of the breed. Finding someone who shares a love and passion for showing Afghan Hounds can look at your pet and determine whether or not the dog is show material and give you advice and information about how to proceed.
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