Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound is one of the oldest purebred dog breeds, with origins tracing back thousands of years before recorded history. Developed in the rugged mountain regions of Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan, its exact origins remain unknown due to the breed’s ancient roots and remote development. For centuries, Afghan Hounds served as elite hunting companions and status symbols for royalty, tribal leaders, and aristocrats across Asia’s mountain kingdoms. As sighthounds, they rely on keen vision and speed to chase prey, a trait deeply embedded in their heritage. The breed first entered Western history in the late 1800s when British officers brought them back from colonial expeditions. By the early 1900s, Afghan Hounds became a favorite among British nobility, and the AKC officially recognized them in 1927. Their popularity in the U.S. grew in the 1930s, thanks in part to celebrity breeders like Zeppo Marx, who imported a pair from England. Today, the Afghan Hound remains celebrated for its elegance as a pet and its striking presence in dog shows, even inspiring iconic art like Pablo Picasso’s Kabul sculpture in Chicago’s Daley Plaza.