In a nutshell: High-speed flying beauty
 Description
An elegant and noble hound with long flowing coat that
comes in a myriad colours. Very fast, very active and very self-centred. Afghans have
a reputation for being ‘beauties without brains’ - but any Afghan owner will tell you
that they are highly intelligent. Unfortunately, it is a different kind of intelligence to
a Border Collie. Afghans do not do things to please you; they do things to please themselves!
Temperament
They tend to
sleep their days away
at home, but turn into high-speed maniacs outdoors. Their independent character means they can be stubborn and require an understanding handler. Will not tolerate harsh handling;
they do everything in their own time and on their own terms. They are slow to mature and remain
clowns into advanced age. They are sight-hounds and have a high chase instinct that can be a
problem.
 Advantages
as an agility dog
-
Built to twist and
turn and can do so at great speed
-
Natural jumpers who
easily clear 6 foot fences at home – make sure your garden is well fenced!
-
Really enjoy agility
-
Very very fast
-
Guaranteed to get you
noticed and turn heads
Disadvantages as an agility dog
-
Get bored easily and
switch off – you need to be one step ahead at all times to keep your Afghan focused
-
Very fast – so need a
fit owner who can keep up!
-
One can never trust an
Afghan 100%. They will perform one day, then totally ignore you the next!
-
High maintenance coat
that can get in the way when working and becomes a problem in wet and muddy conditions
Rating out of 10:
20/10
if you are prepared to put the time and effort into training and developing a relationship
with your Afghan. They are natural athletes who love to be the centre of attention and to
show off. Moreover, you are guaranteed never to be bored with an Afghan!
Examples of dogs that have done well in agility:
A real rarity at UK
agility shows, but some are successfully competing in USA and Finland, with several gaining
their agility titles.
What's it like to live with as a pet
There
is nothing like being owned by an Afghan – they are amazing dogs in both their physical and
mental being. Not a dog for everyone, but for those who understand the breed, they make
very special pets. If you fall in love with the breed, you will never be without one. Loyal
and affectionate with owners, Afghans can be aloof with strangers and can make good
watchdogs. They are not in-your-face dogs, and despite their size don’t need much space at
home – provided they receive plenty of exercise. Coat needs weekly brushing and baths,
otherwise it will matt. However, all the time and effort is well worth the end result!
Would you buy another one for agility?
I personally will never
want to be without an Afghan. Training them is a real challenge, but you are guaranteed to
have fun. However, if I wanted a dog for serious competitive agility, I
would get something
with an easier coat – on the second thoughts I can always clip mine off!
Sources: Masha Shaverneva
Photos: Masha Photo
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