Okay, so the coat's not all it might be. And the physique is definitely not going to win any prizes in the Afghan hound Hunk of the Year awards.
But does this scrawny, raggedy canine called Aflie care? Not a bit.
This is the first time he has been able to move easily for years after four vets spent three hours shaving and cutting away more than 11lb of filthy, matted hair while he was under a general anaesthetic.
Bouncing back: Alfie was found in a pitiful state (left) and 11lb of his hair had to be cut away
Afghans are known for their beautiful long hair. But Alfie's coat had been neglected for so long that when he was found abandoned in Bradford he was barely able to walk.
RSPCA inspector Rachel Oprysk could not believe the level of neglect he had suffered. She said: "I was horrified at what state he came to us in.
"He was struggling to walk and cock his leg, because of the weight of his coat.
"He's probably not been groomed for months - if not years. The extent of the matting is the worst I have ever seen in a dog.
"Dogs like Alfie, with long hair, need a lot of attention to keep their coats healthy. It can be quite high-maintenance.
"The weight of the matting must have been painful - it would have been like having his hair constantly pulled.
"His skin had been infected from the constant drag and the dirt."
Alfie, the scruffy Afghan hound, after vets removed more than 11lbs of his hair, which was so matted he could 'barely walk'
Alfie, who is thought to be between two and four years old, is now almost bald in places, but is making a strong recovery.
"You can tell he's much more comfortable now," said Miss Oprysk. "He'll be on antibiotics for another week to get rid of his skin infections, but he's already a lot happier. He is bounding about and having fun, he must feel so much lighter.
"He can move around. He looks a bit dishevelled but as time passes, his coat will grow back just like human hair."
Alfie is recovering at the Animal Home and Clinic in Bradford, where he is kept indoors as much as possible so that he does not feel the cold.
Miss Oprysk is urging his owners to come forward. She has asked anyone who has any information to contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.
* 11 lbs = 5 kg
Bron: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... ation.html
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