An indigenous dog called the Afghan Shepherd does not participate in exhibitions, but this does not mean that it does not exist. Over the long centuries of nomadic life, the peoples of Afghanistan have created a unique breed that perfectly copes with its working mission.
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Description of the breed of Afghan Shepherd
Afghan Shepherd Dogs (care coce) are close relatives of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog.
Outwardly, they slightly resemble mastiff-shaped dogs from the time of Alexander the Great.
Dogs live in rugged mountainous regions and steppes where cynology is undeveloped and western breeding methods are not used. Therefore, representatives of the breed can significantly differ in appearance - skull shape, body structure, coat length, habits. Inside the breed, several characteristic types are distinguished.
Character, types and behavior
There are two ways to classify Afghan Shepherd dogs. The first - according to body type, and the second - according to the area where the dogs live.
Depending on the natural territory on which the breed was formed, three regional varieties are distinguished:
- A mountain dog with large bones and thick hair, well adapted for life in the mountainous regions of the Pamirs. It lives in highlands with high humidity and severe cold.
- A steppe dog with a long or medium coat of lighter build than a mountain one. The animal is fast and agile, similar to a greyhound.
- A desert dog is found in vast areas with low vegetation and a hot climate. It is characterized by medium size, short or half-long hair with a thick undercoat.
The mountain, steppe and desert varieties of the dog, the Afghan Shepherd, can have two types of physique - “lion” or “tiger”.
These pedigree types differ in appearance, move and behave differently. Those and other animals are agile, fast and very hardy.
Care “tigers” look taut and sporty, have a head in the shape of a brick or wedge, as well as short or medium hair. Their movements are cat-like, their head is always at the level of the body, and their front legs are tilted inward when running or walking.
Afghans "lions" have a heavier physique, medium height, large heads of a bear type, thick coat. Their movements are majestic, their heads are always high while walking.
Breed standard and puppy selection
Externally, care dogs are large dogs with short, medium or long hair and a dense undercoat. Longer hairs grow along the back and on the neck.
Description of the breed:
- the height of the females at the withers is 58–66 cm, weight - from 38 to 54 kg;
- the height of males is from 61 to 74 cm, weight - 40–80 kg;
- the shape of the head is wedge-shaped, rectangular or similar to a bear;
- tails and ears are usually docked;
- the back is straight, strong;
- the neck is long and strong;
- the muzzle is dry and muscular;
- the body is covered with dark spots that are not visible under the coat;
- coat color can be any.
Afghan Shepherd Dogs are not recognized by international cynological organizations, so there is no approved standard. This breed should not be confused with the long-haired Afghan hounds, which were recognized by the AKC in 1926. Care cochs were exported to other countries (Germany) to improve the Central Asian Shepherd Dog in local nurseries.
To choose a puppy of the Afghan Shepherd, you will have to go to Afghanistan and get from local residents. Nurseries of this breed in other states do not yet exist.
Maintenance, care and feeding
Afghan nomads traveled through mountains and deserts all the time in frost and heat over the land, which for many days did not provide food and water. Dogs had to survive in extreme conditions without interfering with the movement of the caravan. No one bought dog food for animals and did not prepare special food. Dogs adapted to the simplest and coarsest food that they received. They could go without food and water for a long time.
Care coce currently has not changed its character, it is a hardy and strong breed that is adapted to the harsh nomadic life. She needs freedom, you can not put this dog on a chain or in an aviary: it can become very aggressive. In Afghanistan, these dogs are valued, and the locals have their own secrets of raising and caring for a pet.
Dog's purpose
The Afghan nomads needed a very special breed of dog that would be very hardy, smart and vigilant in guarding livestock and property. They trusted Afghan Shepherds to guard their camps and caravans during seasonal travels. Dogs needed courage in the face of danger and an incredible adaptability.
Over the centuries, a dog breed has been formed with a strong character, a sense of pride and social status. She possessed a heightened sense of ownership, tenacity, strength and dexterity. All these qualities helped her protect the trusted territory from predators and thieves. Afghan Shepherds guard livestock and property. This is a working breed designed to protect caravans, flocks of sheep, goats and other cattle from wolves, tigers and thieves.
Parenting and training
In addition to extreme endurance, the Afghan Shepherd was required quickness and independence. They had to fulfill their purpose of protecting and helping people without special training and education. This feature makes the dog unique, but complicates its breeding and rearing in other countries.
Care can be very friendly and affectionate, deeply attached to the owner and members of his family.However, their independent character makes them incapable of regular training with assimilation of commands, unquestioning obedience and discipline.
Afghans are aggressive towards other dogs, animals, and people who enter their territory. They tend to express their feelings with a loud growl, indicating pleasure or aggression.
Perhaps the dog of the nomads of Afghanistan will be interested in modern dog handlers. And soon there will be nurseries, a special breed standard, and there will also be an application of its talents in Western society.
