All About Afghan Shepherd Dogs

Afghan Shepherd Dogs are called one of the oldest breeds. Very often there is confusion in the definitions: Afghan Shepherd, Afghan Hound, Saga Koche (heap) - are they the names of one breed or are they all representatives of different breeds? Let's try to figure out how they differ.

Saga Koche (Afghan Shepherd Dog) is a little-known ancestor of the modern Central Asian Shepherd Dog - Alabai. The weight of these dogs varies in a wide range from 38 to 80 kg, the “fork” of growth is also variable - from 66 to 90 cm at the withers.

The Persian name of the breed is “Kuti”, “Kuchi”, it has nothing to do with the pampered and graceful Afghan hound. Just look at these two dogs, and the differences between them become visible to the naked eye.

The breed has lived in Central Asia since ancient times, perfectly adapted to harsh climate conditions. The breed practically did not undergo selection; it is truly “clean”. Representatives of the saga koche are mountain, steppe and desert types - depending on the initial habitat conditions.

Each type has its own physique. These dogs are very strong, tough and independent, of course, at present they are much more socialized than before, however, before you get such a pet, you should think carefully.

Beginner breeders are unlikely to be able to cope with the upbringing and training of such a self-sufficient and strong animal.

Saga coce - large dogs with a hard coat. Their necks are long and strong, their ears cropped, as well as their tails.

Representatives of the desert type, in addition to wool, have a thick undercoat, while the steppe saga coce are distinguished by elongated wool. Mountain-looking dogs are broad-bred, and steppe dogs are more easily and elegantly folded.

The colors and type of coat can be different, the head can have a different shape and size. Common features of the breed are:

• great physical strength;
• indefatigability in movement on inconvenient surfaces - mountains, sand, hills;
• the presence of a suspension in the neck.

Although the saga’s coat is thick, it is not necessary to take special care of it.

Since dogs are adapted for living outdoors, their appearance is the result of such living. The only human intervention in the appearance of these tetrapods is stopping the ears is almost “under zero” and the tail is 1/3 of the length.

Advantages of the Afghan Shepherd, of course, are such qualities as:

• excellent health;
• undemanding care;
• excellent watch and security qualities;
• remarkable strength and endurance.

The disadvantages, but rather, the features of the breed should include:

• the need for early socialization and constant communication with the owner;
• aggressiveness, intolerance towards strangers, even if the dog is socialized;
• “Loud” breed, the dog barks, howls, growls;
• cannot remain alone, the dog becomes aggressive and angry;
• You can’t keep dogs in the apartment, only a fenced area in a private house is suitable.

By the nature and temperament of the dog, the saga koche breed is fully consistent with the conditions in which they historically lived. They are independent, balanced and fearless. They are merciless in battle, aggressive towards strangers, often stubborn even in relation to their own master. At the same time, they are faithful and strongly attached to the owner and members of his family.

Also, do not allow clashes and fights of the Afghan Shepherd with other members of the canine family. Saga Koche needs communication with the owner in huge numbers, otherwise he will become uncontrollable and aggressive.

This is a very "talkative" breed, such dogs show their joy and sadness by barking, growling, howling and other sounds. Such “vocals” can frighten unusual people.

In order to properly study the characteristics of the character and temperament of your pet, the owner needs as much time as possible to be with him.

Due to genetically-based aggression against all people who are not members of the family, as well as animals, walking with him will be almost impossible.

In addition, a stranger will simply not be able to enter the apartment, the saga will be against this, and it is good if the dog only bothers the guest.

The boundaries of the protected area are determined by the dog itself. And very often this is not only a house, courtyard and fenced area. To people who have not seen such dogs before, they may seem sleepy and slow, but this is not so. The apparent relaxation of the dog only says that he builds up strength to "jerk" out of place with the speed of lightning, if he decides that a stranger approaches the house

The soche koche attack is swift and powerful, therefore if you are not confident in your own abilities, do not go into the houses where the saga coce live.

There are only 2 sage koche kennels in the world. For example, from European countries only Germany can offer puppies of this breed for sale. The German kennel is periodically replenished with dogs from Afghanistan, this is done in order to maintain the purity of the breed.

The cost of a saga koche puppy starts from 18.5 thousand rubles (2019). This is if you make a purchase in Afghanistan.

And in a German nursery, the price is 3-4 times higher. It is also necessary to coordinate with the breeder the purchase of the puppy specifically in Russia, as they do not always agree to this.

The shepherds of Afghanistan chose and continue to choose puppies of saga koche like this: they squat before each of them and make cotton with palms right in front of the baby’s nose.

This dog was not created to live in a city apartment or to sit on a chain (not a single dog has been created for a chain).

It is much better for the animal so that at night you can go out and run around the territory.

Of course, the area around the house must be securely fenced, otherwise strangers can suffer, whom the dog will take for strangers and attack.

Regularly (every day) you need to examine the eyes and ears of the dog, but a puppy should be accustomed to these procedures. An adult dog does not understand the owner’s manipulations and gets angry.

If the dog enters the house, it is necessary to wipe its paws (and it is also advisable to accustom it to this in puppyhood).

You need to spend a lot of time with her she cannot be left alone.

If you do not pay attention to this animal for a long time, then aggression and power will prevail over common sense and obedience.

Representatives of the breed are absolutely unpretentious in food. Indeed, since ancient times, their food was like a camel - to eat, how and what happens, and drink when possible. The dogs accompanied the caravans and got used to a very meager set of products. Survival was provided only by the most powerful and unpretentious animals.

This does not mean that the modern saga koche should be kept on bread and water. They should have constant access to clean drinking water, as well as regular and satisfying food.

The more physical activity a dog regularly experiences, the greater the amount of protein (i.e. meat) it needs. Otherwise, it will be difficult for her to maintain her excellent health at the proper level.

If the owner wants to transfer the dog to dry food, it must be a good, expensive composition of the category “holistic”.

Since the saga koche is a street breed, it does not need frequent hygiene procedures. However, as it gets dirty (for example, slushy in autumn and spring), the dog needs to wash its paws, and if it lives in the house, then after each walk.

Mostly representatives of the breed live in Afghanistan.

Russians are more likely to have Alabaev. Hair combing is necessary 2-3 times a week, physical activity - daily. If the dog participates in the exhibition, before it starts, you need to wash the dog with a special dry shampoo.

The problem of training and raising the Afghan Shepherd is the same - the independence of the nature of the dog. She is loyal to the owner, loves him, but she has big problems with obedience. And if you recall the physical strength of this breed and how tough her character is, it will be very difficult for a novice breeder to cope with a dog. The owner should explain once who is in charge of the house once - intelligibly and strictly.

Previously, the dog was advised to beat, and the advice came from dog handlers. Now cruelty to animals is unacceptable.Explain your leadership position through words and intonation.

This breed needs constant physical activity, because it is used to it historically. City conditions are not suitable for this.

Therefore, the dog must be kept only in a private house with extensive fenced territory, where the dog can move a lot without harming its activity to others. Classes with a professional dog handler should be regular from a young age.

A small video from the Tajik nursery about the Saga of Koch (Afghan Shepherd) can be seen below.