{"id":112460,"date":"2014-10-12T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2014-10-11T21:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/?p=112460"},"modified":"2025-12-03T15:17:10","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T13:17:10","slug":"afghan-hound","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/us\/breed-afghan-hound-aboriginal","title":{"rendered":"Afghan Hound"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Aboriginal Afghan Hound<\/strong>, <\/strong>or Bakhmull<\/strong>, is a statuesque and spectacular dog with a proud, almost regal bearing and graceful movements that always turn heads. Its unusual appearance, combining wild, primal beauty with aristocratic refinement, draws admiring glances and sparks interest in this unique breed. Read more on Tvaryny<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Afghan Hound: Key Breed Characteristics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Aboriginal<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Breed Name<\/strong><\/td>Aboriginal Afghan Hound (Bakhmull)<\/td><\/tr>
Country of Origin<\/strong><\/td>Afghanistan (mountain regions)<\/td><\/tr>
Breed Type<\/strong><\/td>Hunting dog, sighthound<\/td><\/tr>
FCI Classification<\/strong><\/td>Not recognized, belongs to the group of primitive (aboriginal) breeds<\/td><\/tr>
Lifespan<\/strong><\/td>12-14 years<\/td><\/tr>
Height (at withers)<\/strong><\/td>Males: 27-29.5 in (68-75 cm), Females: 25.5-28.5 in (65-72 cm)<\/td><\/tr>
Weight<\/strong><\/td>Males: 62-79 lbs (28-36 kg), Females: 51-66 lbs (23-30 kg)<\/td><\/tr>
Temperament<\/strong><\/td>Independant, reserved, aristocratic, loyal to family, possesses a strong hunting instinct<\/td><\/tr>
Exercise Needs<\/strong><\/td>Very high, requires daily intense walks and opportunities to run free<\/td><\/tr>
Grooming Difficulty<\/strong><\/td>High (requires regular coat maintainance)<\/td><\/tr>
Attitude Toward Children<\/strong><\/td>Patient, but requires supervision (not a toy)<\/td><\/tr>
Attitude Toward Other Animals<\/strong><\/td>Can coexist with dogs, but views small animals as prey<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

History of the Breed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The history of the Aboriginal Afghan Hound is lost in the mists of time, making it one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. It is believed that its ancestors are ancient Asian sighthounds<\/strong> that have lived for millennia in the territories of modern-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the surrounding mountain regions. Unlike its famous relative, the show-style Afghan Hound – which was significantly transformed by Western breeders in the early 20th century – the Bakhmull has retained its primordial features. This is a true working dog, whose appearance and character were shaped by the harsh climate and difficult hunting conditions of the Hindu Kush mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The name “Bakhmull” likely comes from the Dari language and means “velvet,” a nod to the dog’s unique silky coat. For centuries, these dogs were an integral part of life for local tribes. They were not just hunters, but symbols of status and wealth. They were valued so highly that they were never sold, but could only be given as a gift to show great respect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

British officers serving in India and Afghanistan first brought these dogs to Europe in the 19th century. However, real work on preserving and popularizing the specific aboriginal type began much later, in the second half of the 20th century. The Bakhmull belongs to the large family of Eastern sighthounds, just like the Caravan Hound (Mudhol Hound)<\/a> or the Rampur Greyhound<\/a>, each of which has unique adaptations to its native region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What the Aboriginal Afghan Hound Looks Like: Standard and Appearance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The appearance of the Bakhmull is the embodiment of functionality and elegance. Every feature is perfectly adapted for fast running over rough terrain. The main difference from the show Afghan is a less extreme, but longer and silkier coat, and a more “natural” look.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n