Afghan Frise

The Afghan Hound is a tall, elegant sighthound that presents an aristocratic appearance with no trace of coarseness or plainness. Males typically stand around 27 inches at the withers while females measure approximately 25 inches, with both sexes weighing between 50 and 60 pounds. The breed possesses a distinctively refined head with a long, narrow skull that balances evenly with the foreface, and a slight but perceptible stop. The eyes convey an exotic Eastern expression, appearing to gaze into the distance, while the long ears are set low on the head and covered with luxurious silky hair. The jaws are strong with a scissor bite, and the nose is preferably black though liver is acceptable in lighter-colored dogs. The Afghan Hound's most striking feature is its magnificent coat, which consists of thick, silky hair that is very fine in texture. The hindquarters, flanks, ribs, forequarters, and legs are well covered with this flowing coat, while the ears and all four feet are heavily feathered. A distinctive characteristic is the short, close-fitting hair that forms a smooth saddle along the back in mature dogs, contrasting with the longer coat elsewhere. The breed is crowned with a prominent topknot of long, silky hair that adds to its regal appearance. The coat should be shown in its natural state without clipping or trimming, and all colors are permissible except merle, though white markings on the head are considered undesirable. Additional distinctive features include very prominent hipbones, large feet with thick pads that served as shock absorbers on rocky Afghan terrain, and a tail that ends with a characteristic ring curl. The hindquarters are powerful and well-muscled, often appearing as high or slightly higher than the shoulders, creating the breed's unique silhouette. The legs are straight and strong, providing the foundation for the breed's remarkable speed and agility. When moving, the Afghan Hound displays great style and beauty, carrying its head and tail high with an elastic gallop that demonstrates tremendous spring and power in its smooth stride.

The Bichon Frise is a small, sturdy dog that presents as a white powder puff with a merry temperament evident in its plumed tail carried jauntily over the back. Both males and females typically stand between 9.5 and 11.5 inches at the withers and weigh between 12 and 18 pounds, with the ideal being a compact, well-proportioned dog slightly longer than tall. The head is in proportion to the body, with a slightly rounded skull and a moderately defined stop. The dark, round eyes are surrounded by dark halos that accentuate the breed's soft, inquisitive expression, while the drop ears are covered with long, flowing hair and frame the face beautifully. The Bichon Frise's coat is its most distinctive feature, consisting of a unique double coat that gives the breed its characteristic powder puff appearance. The undercoat is soft and dense, while the outer coat is coarser and curlier in texture. When properly groomed, the coat feels substantial and plush, similar to velvet, and springs back when patted. The coat is trimmed to reveal the natural outline of the body in a rounded fashion, with longer furnishings left on the head, beard, mustache, ears, and tail. The overall effect creates a rounded, cloud-like silhouette that is uniquely appealing. While white is the primary coat color, shadings of buff, cream, or apricot may appear around the ears or on the body, though excessive coloring beyond ten percent of the mature coat is undesirable. The nose is large, round, and black, complementing the dark eyes and contributing to the breed's charming expression. The legs are straight and medium-boned, supporting the compact body with ease, while the feet are round and tight. The tail is set level with the topline and curves gracefully over the back, covered with flowing hair that adds to the breed's elegant appearance.