Since the the pandemic of 2020, more of us than ever have welcome a new four-legged friend into our homes, with the Kennel Club reporting soaring dog ownership.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your perfect pup.
Those with active lifestyles might want to consider a larger dog, while somebody with allergies will be looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
One dog that often appears at the top of people’s canine wishlists is the Afghan Hound – they are one of the most beautiful breeds and can make loving pets.
Here are 10 fun and interesting facts about Afghans.
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5. British invasion
Afghan Hounds were one of several breeds that first arrived in the UK in the 19th century by army officers returning from India - which at the time included Afghanistan . Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. A tricky customer
The Afghan Hound is notoriously aloof - making it arguably the most difficult breed of dog to train. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. A world first
On August 3, 2005, a team of Korean scientists become the first people to successfully clone a dog - an Afghan Hound named Snuppy. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. Natural athletes
Afghan Hounds can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour - making them one of the world's fastest dogs - and can jump up to a remarkable seven feet from a standing position. Photo: Canva/Getty Images