Pooghan

by Mary Simpson

Published: November 28th, 2017

About Pooghan

Weight

45-65 lb

Height

22-28 inches

Lifespan

10-15 years

Group

Not Applicable

Best Suited For

First time dog owners, families with kids and other pets, those looking for a guard dog

Temperament

intelligent, playful, gentle, independent

Comparable Breeds

Poodle, Afghan Hound

Pooghan Basics

The elegant looking Pooghan brings together the intelligent, keen-to-please personality of the Poodle and the playful yet independent traits of the Afghan Hound to create a dog that is perfect for first-time dog owners. He does well with kids and other pets when properly socialized and has the potential to make a great guard dog.

The Pooghan brings the intelligent Poodle together with the independent Afghan Hound.

Origin

The Pooghan is a Designer Dog and likely originated in the 1980s when breeders first began crossing pure-bred dogs to produce smaller, hypo-allergenic or gentler variations of some of the more popular breeds.

Pedigree

The Pooghan’s non-purebred status means that he cannot join the coveted American Kennel Club (AKC). Both parent breeds however are long-time members – the Afghan Hound joined their “hound” group back in 1926 while the Poodle became a member of the “non-sporting” group in 1887.

Food / Diet

The Pooghan is an active dog however comes from two breeds that can be prone to joint issues so it is imperative your new pup not become obese. Plan to feed him a top quality kibble that is designed to meet his age, size and activity levels and never free-feed this breed as he can be prone to bloat if he over-eats. Feed him 2 to 3 smaller meals each day and time his exercise to be at least an hour after feeding (or before).

Pooghans are playful, family-oriented dogs that are great with kids and ideal for first-time dog owners.

Training

The Pooghan brings the smarts of the Poodle together with the often willful personality of the Afghan to produce a dog who will likely require patience to train. With any large dog, its important obedience and socialization be completed when young to successfully integrate him into a family environment and ensure he plays nice with other animals. A professional trainer might be the answer if you aren’t getting the results you want. For any dog, a rewards-based approach that includes the treats of your choice and loads of verbal praise will go a long way.

Weight

The Pooghan is a large dog that will weigh between 45 and 65 pounds.

Temperament / Behavior

Pooghans are playful, family-oriented dogs that are great with kids and ideal for first-time dog owners. In spite of the often independent characteristics found in the Afghan Hound, the Pooghan is a highly social dog that gets along well with other animals when properly socialized. He is gentle, friendly and loves to be part of all family activities. An alert, protective side makes him a great yet non-aggressive guard dog.

Common Health Problems

Most mixed breed dogs are able to by-pass the health issues common in their pure-bred parents however you should always read up on what your new pup could inherit. For the Pooghan, he can pick up joint and vision issues from both the Afghan Hound and Standard Poodle. He can also suffer from bloat, so exercise needs to be timed appropriately.

Life Expectancy

The Pooghan will typically live for between 10 and 15 years.

Exercise Requirements

The Pooghan is an active dog that needs long walks and the opportunity to run. The Afghan Hound side of this pooch is known for agility and would love nothing more than rigorous interactive playtime where he can stretch his legs by catching and returning balls or Frisbees. Afghan Hounds are considered “chasers” and will take off after anything and everything, so playtime might be best kept to your own fenced backyard versus an off-leash park.

The Pooghan is a gentle, friendly dog who loves to be part of all family activities.

Recognized Clubs

The Pooghan is also known as the Affydoodle, Affypoo andAfghanpoodle and is recognized by the Designer Breed Registry (DBR) and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).

Coat

In spite of being a non- to low-shedding dog, the Pooghan’s long, fine coat will require regular brushing 3 to 4 times per week to keep it tangle-free and looking its gloriously glossy best. This is the ideal dog for the owner who has the time and money to devote to his upkeep as regular visits to the groomers will be needed. As with most floppy eared dogs, inspection and cleaning should be done on a weekly basis to remove debris and prevent infection.

Puppies

The Pooghan pup will quickly grow into a large dog and early socialization and obedience training is important – before he becomes unwieldy. Because this pup may inherit joint issues from his parent breeds, exercise should be regular and active but not over-exert tiny limbs. Early injury can present as serious problems later in life for this dog.

Photo credit: Oak Hill Farm Doodles

Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and a feline who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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Cats are often stereotyped as being aloof and independent. But beneath that mysterious exterior lies an intelligent and curious being capable of great things – you just have to learn how to tap into it! Whether you’re interested in trick training your cat as a form of mental enrichment or strengthening your bond and creating lasting memories, we have you covered. In this blog post, we will explore the world of cat trick training. This includes debunking common myths, breaking down the process of training a cat, and sharing a list of fun tricks to help you get started. Is it Possible to Train a Cat? Yes! Your cat is just as capable of learning how to perform tricks as your dog. However, there are some differences in how you approach this process. Dogs are often motivated by their bond with their handler and the praise they will receive for performing as expected. This is far less likely to work for your cat. Instead, you will need to find the right inspiration. For many, this comes in the form of high-value treats like diced chicken, sardines, or low-sodium tuna. The smellier the treat, the better. With the right motivator and a lot of patience, your cat can learn a wide variety of fun tricks and useful skills. How Long Does It Take to Teach a Cat a Trick? The time required for a cat to learn a trick will depend on many factors, including the difficulty of the trick, the cat’s eagerness to learn, and the way you approach the training session. We have two cats in our house, and they fall at very different ends of the spectrum. Pippen is highly trainable and quickly picks up tricks, while Jinx is much more stubborn and takes longer to come around. Several of these factors can be influenced by you directly. Have you found the right motivator for your cat? Are you experimenting with different training approaches to find the one that works best? Are you trying to move through the training process too quickly? However, some factors are beyond your control. If your cat is uninterested in training, even your best efforts to motivate them may fall short. Is it Too Late to Teach My Cat Tricks? There is an old myth that states: “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” This has been proven to be false by many trainers, with dogs even in their senior years. But what about cats? Is there an expiry date on when your cat can be taught to perform tricks? The best time to start training a cat is when they are young, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only time! Your older cat may be slower to learn or a little more reluctant to get started, but with a little patience and the right motivation, you can train cats of all ages.

How Acupuncture Can Help Cats and Dogs

Acupuncture is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and it can be used on people and pets to address a range of conditions. By balancing the flow of energy in the body, this technique can help reduce or resolve symptoms in a natural way.Many people have used acupuncture for their pets and achieved incredible results. But, like anything else, it might not be right for all pets or all conditions. And working with a qualified veterinarian who’s certified in pet acupuncture is key.Read on to learn more about acupuncture for cats and dogs.What Is Acupuncture for Dogs and Cats?In acupuncture, fine needles are placed in the skin on certain points throughout the body, referred to as acupuncture points or acupoints, in order to do things like restore energetic balance, reduce pain and inflammation, and support healthy blood flow. Based on your pet’s symptoms and condition, an acupuncturist will know where to insert the needles to get positive results.The needles shouldn’t cause any discomfort for your pet. In fact, pet parents often state that their animals become relaxed during their acupuncture sessions.Types of Pet AcupunctureThere are a few types of pet acupuncture, and an acupuncturist will determine which is best for your dog or cat.Dry needle acupuncture is the type of acupuncture that you’re likely familiar with. However, instead of using needles, acupuncturists can simply apply pressure to specific points on a pet’s body to support healing—this is known as acupressure.Other options include electroacupuncture, which combines the use of needles with an electric current, and laser acupuncture, which uses a cold laser to stimulate acupuncture points. The Benefits of Acupuncture for PetsAcupuncture can provide a host of benefits to pets when done correctly and by the right professional. As always, it’s wise to discuss this healing technique with your veterinarian to figure out if it’s appropriate for your canine or feline. And it’s important to discuss the potential risks or drawbacks before deciding if you want to try it.Some of the conditions that may be treated with the help of acupuncture include:Arthritis and joint problemsAcupuncture can be used to help relieve discomfort and pain associated with various conditions. If your pet has been diagnosed with arthritis or hip dysplasia, if they’ve been injured and are dealing with pain, or even if they’re having pain after a procedure, acupuncture might be a good treatment for reducing inflammation and improving mobility.In addition to acupuncture treatments, you can also help your pet feel more comfortable by using a heated bed like the K&H Thermo-Snuggle Cup Heated Cat Bed, which can also work well for small dogs. This product is machine washable and features soft fleece that your companion will love snuggling into. Its circular shape ensures your furry friend will feel nice and secure. Plus, you can use the removable heater to help alleviate discomfort and keep them warm while they relax or nap. 

Scientists Found a New Type of Training that Makes Dogs Better Behaved

Training a dog can seem intimidating, and doesn’t always yield the expected results. Luckily for all dog owners out there, a new study has found another way to train your four-legged companion. Scientists at Aberystwyth University, located in Wales, United Kingdom, have discovered that scent training could improve pet dogs' behavior. The study shows that pet dogs trained to detect scents have a better mental ability and capacity to carry out certain tasks.Previous research only compared highly trained working dogs, like assistance dogs or search and rescue dogs, with untrained pet dogs. Now, for the first time, the researchers have tested the effects of scent training on two groups of untrained dogs. A research team from Aberystwyth University led the study in collaboration with Emma Stoker, owner of Puppy Plus, a dog training company based in Newton, Wales.The study involved 40 dogs of varying degrees of training, whose owners were asked to fill out a questionnaire with basic information about their pet. Researchers gave the dogs two tasks, both requiring impulse control. In the first test, called the “detour task”, the dogs needed to navigate a transparent barrier to get food. The second “A not B task”, tested the dogs’ ability to switch their choice from one pot to another, depending on where food was placed. Researchers separated the dogs into two groups to see whether their ability to detect scents would improve their cognitive ability. The dogs in the first group were given the “detour task” and had to navigate around a transparent barrier to get a treat. In the second group, the researchers said “Look” to the dog to get its attention and then showed it a treat before hiding it under a pot. Dogs in the second group underwent scent training, separated into three phases - familiarization, training, and test phase. In the first phase, only one pot was used. In the training phase, two pots were used, and in the final, test phase, three pots were used.Pate scent was rubbed on all pots to make it harder for the dogs to sniff out where the treat was hidden. If the dog didn’t respond within 20 seconds of being released to find the treat, or if it picked the wrong pot, the dog was shown the treat but wasn’t rewarded. Researchers discovered that dogs who received scent training performed the tasks more efficiently than those who weren’t trained. The study also showed that scent training improved dogs’ inhibitory control and helped them focus on completing a specific task. What’s important for dog owners to know is that poor impulse control is believed to be the main cause of a lot of unwanted behaviors in dogs, such as house soiling and destructive behavior. This new study suggests that scent training could help owners improve their dogs’ behavior. Dr. Sarah Dalesman, the co-author of the study, said: “This research shows that dogs that train primarily in scent work have stronger inhibitory control, suggesting that this training can have a positive effect on their behavior.”“Scent training is offered by a lot of dog trainers, and easy to practice at home. It might offer a great way for owners to improve their pets’ behavior, and we’re aiming to test this theory in future studies.”If scent training isn’t compatible with the way your pup learns, you can try agility or puzzle training. Puzzle training provides mental and physical stimulation and can come in handy when a dog needs to stay home alone or confined. Agility training is another option. Agility is a sport in which you direct your dog through a pre-set obstacle course allowing them to gain problem-solving skills. Try different training activities with your dog to find out what you and your pooch enjoy doing together the most.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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