This card was intended to be issued by John Player & Sons in about 1940,
however a paper shortage due to the outbreak of World War II prevented this.
Fortunately, a number of the cards were printed and made available to
collectors. The cards were intended to be inserted singly into packets of 10
cigarettes. The title of the set is: "Dogs' Heads: A series from Paintings by
Peter Biegel". On the back, it says, "In its native country, and along the
North West Frontier of India (now northern Pakistan), the Afghan Hound has
been used for deer and leopard hunting for thousands of years. Comparison of
the dog as we know it today with the illustrations of it in the rock carvings
at Balkh, Afghanistan (dating from about 2200 B.C.) reveals that the breed has
not changed appreciably over the intervening centuries. The Afghan is a
powerful long-limbed hound and, because of its natural hunting instincts,
requires very little training in its own country. It was first exhibited in
England in 1907. Colourings vary but the golden-fawn finds much favour."
Afghan Hound Card 1(Players Dogs Heads, 1940)... $7.95 each
This card was issued by John Player & Sons in 1931. The cards were inserted
singly into packets of 10 cigarettes. The title of the set is: "Dogs: From
Paintings by Arthur Wardle (Full Length)". On the back, it says, "Afghan or
Barukhzy Hounds originated in the Balkh district of Afghanistan, where they
hunt in couples, the dog tackling the throat of the quarry and the bitch the
hind parts. The Afghan Hounds have a very quaint appearance, the face and the
top of the back being smooth, but the rest of the coat being long and flowing,
with a topknot like a hood of long silky hair on the head. Built like a
Persian Greyhound, these Afghan Hounds are more powerful. The colours are
brindle, fawn, red, cream and white. Black muzzles and black eartips are
common in brindles, fawns and reds. Height at shoulder about 27 1/2 in.
Weight about 66 lb."
Afghan Hound Card 2(Players Dogs full length, 1931)... $6.95 each
This card was issued by Hornimans Tea in 1961. It is called "Dogs". On the
back, it says, "This hound has been a native of Afghanistan since 2000 B.C.
and is said to be one of the dogs that Noah collected in the Ark. It was very
hard for foreigners to procure these hunting dogs and not until 1907 were they
introduced to Britain. In appearance they are unusual, having a long silky coat
with a short saddle on their backs. The thin tail tapers to a distinctive
ring."
Afghan Hound Card 3(Hornimans Tea, 1961)... $5.95 each
This card was issued by Priory Tea in 1957. It is called "I-Spy dogs". The
backs of the cards contain a form to fill out when this breed was spotted. The
cards were issued one at a time in packets of tea. On the back, it says, "An
unusual dog. I-SPY his long silky coat, keen face, and his baggy "trousers"."
Afghan Hound Card 4(Priory Tea, 1957)... $5.95 each
"CHAMPION DOGS"
'A Series of Real Photos' was issued in 1938 by John Sinclair, Ltd. This photo
is No. 1 in the series of 54 cards.
"SHAH SHUJA OF GEUFRON" Sire: Omar of Geufron Dam: Zabana of Kaf. Born: May 16th, 1931.
Winner of over 40 Firsts, and Cruft's Challenge Certificate, 1937.
The Afghan Hound is one of the oldest breeds known to man. Drawings
of a dog of exactly the same type have been found among the tombs
in Egypt. It is known that the Egyptian Princesses coveted and
treasured these dogs as pets. They are beautiful, affectionate,
good guards, and single-minded in their devotion. In Afghanistan they
are used in packs as hunting dogs, and as guards for the camp. Owned by: Dr. Betsy Porter, West Kirby, Cheshire.
Afghan Hound Card 5(Sinclair Champion Dogs, 1938)... $6.95 each
This is a head study of the same Champion as shown above. Card was issued
by John Sinclair Ltd. in Newcastle-on-Tyne in 1938. It is
from a series of "Champion Dogs, A Series of Real Photos." On the back of the
card, it says, (the same as above with the exception of the additional
last sentence)"Winner of over forty Firsts, and Cruft's Challenge Certificate,
1937. The Afghan Hound is one of the oldest breeds known to man. Drawings of a
dog of exactly the same type have been found among the tombs in Egypt. It is
known that the Egyptian princesses coveted and treasured these dogs as pets.
They are beautiful, affectionate, good guards, and single-minded in their
devotion. In Afghanistan they are used in packs as hunting dogs, and as guards
for the camps. The typical Afghan Hound has the appearance of extreme
alertness and intelligence, together with dignity and aloofness."
Afghan Hound Card 6(Sinclair Champion Dogs, 1938)... $6.95 each
This card was issued by George Bassett & Co. Ltd. in 1967. The cards were
inserted singly into packets of candy. The title of the set is: "Popular Dogs".
On the back, it says, "Whenever this dog is seen it creates much comment
because of its dignified bearing and peculiar appearance. The coat is very
long, extending to the feet. The body is similar to the greyhound's in build
but somewhat heavier and not so prominently arched at the loins. The usual
colour is fawn, sometimes lightish, others nearly red and brindle. The dogs
make excellent companions and have good house manners."
Afghan Hound Card 7(Bassett Candy, 1967)... SOLD OUT
This card was issued by The British Automatic Company Ltd. in 1953. The cards
were obtained from weighing machines for the cost of one penny. The fronts of
the cards have an artist-drawn picture of the dog. The machine stamped the date
and the person's weight (in stones and pounds, 1 stone = 14 pounds) on the back
of the cards. The title of the set is simply "DOGS"
Afghan Hound Card 8(British Automatic, 1953)... $5.95 each
This lovely picture card was issued in 1938 by Gallaher Ltd.
and titled "Dogs 2nd Series". This lovely picture is No. 20
in a series of 48. The printing on the back of the card is as
follows: "The Afghan Hound is a dog which has size
without very much dignity. The hair is smooth on the face and
along the back, but gives way to very long, straggling hair
over the other parts, giving him almost a trousered appearance.
His expression is described as 'distant.' He walks with
a springy step, bearing his head and curly tail high.
The Afghan Hound usually stands just under thirty inches
at the shoulder, and may be any colour".
Afghan Hound Card 10(Gallaher Dogs 2nd Series, 1938)... $9.95 each
This card was issued by Epol Animal Food Company of South Africa in 1974. The set is
called "Dog Pictures" and is very hard to find. On the back, it says, "First
mentioned in ancient Egypt in the period 3,000 B.C. the Afghan is believed to
be the fastest hurdler of all hounds. Height 68-73 cm, weight 30 kg."
Afghan Hound Card 11(EPOL South Africa Pet Food Co.,1974)... $12.95 each
This lovely head study is from a painting by artist Arthur Wardle issued
by John Player & Sons in 1929 and titled "Dogs by Wardle-Heads". The following
is printed on the back of the card: "Although not very well-known generally,
the Afghan has been seen in certain show rings since last century. It was
not until after the Great War, however, that the breed became really popular.
The early dogs were all importations from Afghanistan, where the Afghan was
very highly prized by native rulers and huntsmen for its ability as a courser
of deer and other game. Rock carvings found among the remains of past civilizations
show that dogs of the Afghan type existed thousands of years B.C. but, except that
a hound of this type was known in Ancient Egypt, no definite statement of its
origin can be made."
Afghan Hound Card 12(Players Dogs Heads, 1929)... $5.95 each
These cards were called Premier trading cards and were made for use in vending
machines manufactured by the Oak Manufacturing Company of Culver City, California
in 1950 titled simply "Dogs". A beautiful representation of the Afghan Hound.
On the back of the card is printed the following: "The history of the Afghan
Hound can be traced back to Mt. Sinai to the period of 3,000 to 4000 B.C. Today
he is quite the rage in America as well as India, Persia and Arabia. In these
latter countries he is used for hunting the leopard.
The Afghan Hound is distinctively different from most dogs in that the
tail carriage is high. The hip bones are likewise high and much wider apart.
This structure gives him a walking motion like that of a monkey. He hunts by sight.
As a hurdle racer he has no equal".
Afghan Hound Card 13(Premier Trading Cards, Oak Mfg. Co., 1950)... $14.95 each
This card was issued by Service Line in Modena, Italy. There is
nothing printed on the back of the card. except the title of
the series "Dogs & Cats". Unfortunately I do not know
who posed for the picture.
Afghan Hound Card 15(Service Line Modena Italy, 1996)... $4.95 each
This "SWAP CARD" is No.33 in a series 36 of the 'Golden Fleece Australia "Pedigree Dogs"
issued in 1972. The following is printed on the back of the card: "The Afghan is one of
the oldest breeds in the world and is said to have originated on the Sinai Peninsula.
It has not changed its character in centuries. Considered one of the noblest dogs in the
world the afghan looks very proud. He is a one man dog. Used by ancient rulers for hunting
deer and snow leopards, the Afghan is bold and courageous.
His speed has made him a popular racing dog. Illust: Aust. Ch. "Chandari of Kazah" (Imp. N.Z.) Owners:Aacarsha Kennels, Vic.
Afghan Hound Card 17(Golden Fleece Australia, 1972)... $7.95 each
"OUR PUPPIES"
This is the No. 18 card in a series of 30 issued by Godfrey Phillips, Ltd.,
in 1936. The following is printed on the back of the card: "A native of
Afghanistan, this Eastern Greyhound is used by hillmen for sporting
purposes. It is strongly made, and has a long fine coat."
Afghan Hound Card 18(Godfrey Phillips OUR PUPPIES, 1936)... $12.95 each
A more recent card is this one issued by John Players & Sons in 1979. It comes
from a series called "Grandee, Top Dogs Collection". On the back, it says,
"Although built on greyhound lines these hounds are quite distinctive. In a
variety of colours with long silky ears, heavily coated legs, a silken topknot,
a short coated "saddle", shortish tail with a ring at the end and with proud,
enigmatic eyes. Resident in Afghanistan and its borders for many centuries,
they used to hunt and kill anything from deer to leopard and also guard the
flocks and villages. Arrived in Britain in 1894 but did not really catch on
until the famous Zardin was exhibited at the Crystal Palace in 1907. Hours of
skilled preparation are needed to present them in show condition. For those
who want them as companions they will need plenty of exercise and a lot of
grooming. They are intelligent hounds and good guards. Recently Afghan Racing
has become a popular sport and some very good times are put up, the hounds
obviously enjoying it immensely. Height approx 25-29 inches."
Afghan Hound Card 19(Players Top Dogs Grandee, 1979)... $9.95 each
This lovely card was intended to be issued by John Player & Sons in about 1940,
but a paper shortage due to the outbreak of World War II prevented this.
Fortunately, a number of the cards were printed and made available to
collectors. The cards were intended to be inserted singly into packets of 20
cigarettes. The title of the set is: "Dogs: A Series from Paintings by Arthur
Wardle". On the back, it says, "The Afghan Hound is thought by some authorities
to be of Egyptian origin, the theory being based on the existence of rock
carvings in tombs in the valley of the Nilew which depict dogs of this type.
They were made several centuries before Christ, so the Afghan is one of the
oldest of all breeds. How it became established in Afghanistan is not known,
but it has existed there for centuries and been highly prized by the sirdars
and shikaris as a courser of gazelle and other game. The breed is extremely
hardy and a fast mover over difficult ground. In this country it has been kept
chiefly as a show dog or companion, but it has occasionally appeared at the
meetings of the Saluki Coursing Club."
Afghan Hound Card 21(Players Dogs Heads, 1940)... $14.95 each
Afghan Hound Card 22(Origin and History)... $9.95 each
Afghan Hound Playing Cards
Sorry, we don't have any complete sets of playing cards. These were
from collections of antique cards and there is no way of knowing how
old they are or where one might find more of them. They are certainly
a part of Afghan Hound history.
Afghan Hound Playing Card 1... $4.95 each
This playing card was issued in 1996 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. It was printed
in Belgium and the lovely illustrations were done by Tomas Markevicius as part
of the "Dogs of the World" Card Collection. The Afghan Hound is appropriately
the queen of diamonds. To the right is a copy of the back of the
cards from this set.
Afghan Hound Playing Card 2... $5.95 each
Afghan Hound Playing Card 3... $5.95 each
Afghan Hound Playing Card 4... $4.95 each
Afghan Hound Playing Card 5... $4.95 each
This card featuring the Afghan Hound was enclosed in a deck of playing cards.
A description as follows is printed on the back of the card.
"Character:
The Afghan is dignified, aloof and fond of comfort. Though it enjoys nothing
more than surveying the scene from a cosy armchair, the afghan is not the
ideal choice for apartment dwellers or even those with a small house and garden.
Coat:
The glamorous coat how carried makes it a spectacular show dog for those who
are prepared to spend up to 15 hours on coat preparation for the show ring.
size: 28kg.
Country Origin: Afghanistan
Afghan Hound Playing Card 6... $9.95 each
Afghan Hound Playing Card 7... $9.95 each
Afghan Hound Book Mark
This is a one of a kind. A must for the Afghan Hound Collector.
Afghan Hound Bookmark... $9.95 each
Afghan Hound Cigar Bands
Afghan Hound Cigar Band (left)... $5.95 each
Afghan Hound Cigar Band (right)... $5.95 each
Afghan Hound Cigar Band 2... $7.95 each
Afghan Hound Cigar Band (top)... $7.95 each
Afghan Hound Cigar Band (middle)... $7.95 each
Afghan Hound Cigar Band (bottom)... $7.95 each
Afghan Hound Cigar Band (red)... $5.95 each
Afghan Hound Cigar Band (blue)... $5.95 each
Afghan Hound Cigar Band (green)... $5.95 each
Afghan Hound Cigar Band (purple)... $5.95 each
Afghan Hound Cigar Band (orange)... $5.95 each
Afghan Hound Post Cards
A really neat post card. You get the post card and the Romanian
stamp for the price of the post card only.
Afghan Hound Post Card... $9.95 each
