Afghan Hound Dog Breed Information

Group

Hounds

Weight

27-34 kg

Height

68-71 cm

Lifespan

12-14 years

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About the Afghan Hound

Reviewed by:

Dr. Julia Brassel

Veterinarian

The Afghan Hound is charm personified with its trademark long silky coat and exotic face. One of the most recognisable and oldest dog breeds in the world, it boasts elegance, style, and dignified mannerisms.

If you’re considering bringing this beautiful dog into your home, then this Afghan Hound dog breed guide is perfect for you!

From feeding advice and possible health problems to this stunning breed’s fascinating origins and history, everything potential Afghan Hound owners need to know can be found right here!

Whether you’re currently a pet parent to an Afghan or you’re thinking of adding one to your family, read along for a more detailed look at this breed.

What is the history & origin of the Afghan Hound?

The Afghan Hound is an ancient breed and some authorities believe that it’s the oldest pure breed! There’s even an ancient myth that it was a pair of Afghan Hounds that boarded Noah’s Ark, being representatives of the canine species.

The Afghan Hound existed before written history by around a few thousand years and it was developed within some of the most remote locations in the world. These areas are now known as Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan.

Because of this, the exact place and time of its origins will sadly never be known for sure. However, it is known that Afghans were fleet-footed and rugged hunting companions for centuries. They were also the status symbols for aristocrats, tribal chieftains, and royals in the mountain kingdoms of Asia.

This breed didn’t make its way into Western history until the late 19th century. English officers who were returning from the farthest corners of the British Empire introduced the Afghan Hound to Europe. By the early 20th century, the Afghan Hound became the favoured breed for the British gentry.

The Afghan was first registered by the American Kennel Club in 1927, but the first litter wasn’t born in Australia until 1935.

What is an Afghan Hound breed?

Part of the hound group, the Afghan Hound is a medium to large size dog with a slim build. More specifically, it belongs to a subcategory of hounds known as sighthounds.

These are dogs that rely on panoramic vision and incredible speed to find and pursue prey. Famous for its modelesque stance, this breed is now very popular on the showing circuit.

One thing to remember about the Afghan Hound is that they’re very capable escape artists! So a high fenced area is essential for these hounds.

Who is an Afghan Hound best for?

The large size and independent nature of the Afghan makes is better suited as a companion for adults. The breed tends to dislike being followed or played with by children and the quick movements of children tend to agitate the Afghan.

However, if you’re willing to put the time and effort into properly socialising your Afghan, there’s a chance it will adjust to children and learn to tolerate them. Children should also be taught to handle the dog with respect as early on as possible.

Afghan Hound Grooming & Shedding

Not many dogs have a coat as long as the Afghan Hound’s and when properly groomed, it’s breathtaking! It has a very fine texture like human hair and is very silky. Apart from the back, the entire body of the Afghan is covered in fur, even the feet and ears.

As you can expect, the long silky coat of the Afghan requires a lot of grooming. A few hours of brushing will be needed each week to prevent mats, tangles, and to remove debris.

The secret to keeping the coat looking beautiful is ensuring it stays tangle-free and clean. Regular baths with special canine shampoo and conditioner will be needed.

Do Afghan Hounds bark a lot?

The Afghan Hound is not a natural watchdog, so it’s unlikely you’ll hear them being very vocal. Although your Afghan may bark a couple of times if a stranger enters the house, it’s rare for them to bark excessively!

What is the average weight & height of an Afghan Hound dog?

When fully grown, male Afghan Hounds usually measure around 68-71cm at the withers and weigh around 27kg to 34kg. Females are smaller, typically reaching heights of 63-65cm and weighing around 22kg.

The Afghan Hound Club of New South Wales states that anything below or above the standard height is considered a “fault”. However, for the average non-showing dog owner, this shouldn’t matter.

Are Afghan Hounds easy to train?

Although they are known for being smart, when it comes to training the Afghan can be stubborn and aloof. Unless your goal is to train specifically for shows or dog sports, you might find it better to stick to basic household training.

The hunting drive of the Afghan is incredibly strong, so even well trained Afghans may rebel and refuse to listen to basic commands if they spot prey in the distance!

This breed is very sensitive and doesn’t respond well to harsh training. A gentle but firm approach is the way to get the best out of an Afghan.

Harsh handling can result in this breed withdrawing or becoming mildly hostile. Kindness and patience work best with the Afghan. You’ll also need to understand that there may be times when the dog just does not want to cooperate!

How do Afghan Hounds behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Afghan Hounds are usually one-person dogs. Don’t expect this breed to welcome guests with a wagging tail. It’s more likely that they’ll be given the cold shoulder with a look of indifference from the hound.

This beautiful breed is very self-confident along with an independent streak and a strong will. However, there are times when the Afghan can be a bit ditzy!

Does the Afghan Hound have any common health issues?

Like many purebred dogs, the Afghan is predisposed to certain health conditions. But, this doesn’t automatically mean your hound will suffer from any of them. A responsible breeder will always be honest and open about the health of their breeding stock.

They should also provide a health clearance demonstrating that the puppy’s parents don’t suffer from any of the health issues common with this breed, including:

Cancer: Symptoms that could indicate cancer include sores that don’t heal, bleeding from any bodily openings, difficulty breathing, or abnormal swelling around a sore. Cancer treatments typically include surgery, chemotherapy, and medication.
Allergies: Allergy symptoms in the Afghan Hound are usually the same as in humans – eye and nasal discharge, sneezing, lethargy, and hair loss. Treatments can vary depending on the cause, but they may include medication, environmental changes, and dietary restrictions.
Hypothyroidism: This is a thyroid gland disorder. Symptoms include bacterial skin infections, lethargy, depression and chronic ear infections. This disorder is usually treated with diet changes and medication.
Juvenile cataracts: The CERF – The Canine Eye Registration Foundation, states that cataracts are a complete or partial lens opacity. They can also cause vision impairment and even blindness. Depending on how severe it is, cataracts are sometimes surgically removed.

What is the lifespan of an Afghan Hound?

The Afghan Hound usually has a life expectancy of 12-14 years. A healthy and tailored diet, plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and regular wellness checks can all help your hound to live as long and as healthily as possible.

How much does an Afghan Hound need to be fed?

Like other dogs, the Afghan Hound should be provided with a diet of high-quality dog food that is rich in protein. Adult Afghan Hounds typically need to eat two accurately measured meals a day, with dry food being supplemented with wet food.

Afghan puppies, elderly dogs, or those who are ill or injured will have different dietary needs, so it’s essential to get advice from your vet when deciding on a diet for your dog.

How much can you expect to pay for an Afghan Hound in Australia?

If you’re set on an Afghan, be prepared to pay at least $1,000 for one of these glamorous dogs. Always steer clear of people offering ridiculously cheap puppies as they probably haven’t had health screenings and may be bred unethically.

You could contact a national breed club to find reputable breeders near you. Another option is to adopt an adult dog from a shelter.

Afghan Hound FAQs

Are Afghan Hounds good for first-time dog owners?

Afghan Hounds aren’t recommended for first-time owners because they can be quite demanding and difficult to train. Their independent and aloof natures mean that they’re better suited to experienced owners.

These active dogs may prove to be too much for the novice dog owner, possibly resulting in behavioural issues.

Can an Afghan Hound live in colder climates?

Yes, your pet Afghan Hound was bred to work in the mountains of Afghanistan, meaning they naturally do best in colder weather. Not surprisingly, the Afghan doesn’t do well in hot weather because of its long coat.

If you do live in a hot climate, always monitor your hound to check for signs of overheating. Plenty of clean, fresh water should be available at all times and room fans can help to keep your dog cool.

Are Afghan Hounds prone to separation anxiety?

Yes, because the Afghan Hound tends to bond deeply with their human, they can suffer from separation anxiety if they’re left on their own. For this reason, there should, ideally, always be someone at home so your hound doesn’t become stressed or anxious.