What You Should Know Before Adopting an Afghan Hound

Breed Overview

Characteristic

Description

Size

Tall and lean, typically 25-29 inches (64-74 cm) in height and 50-60 pounds (23-27 kg) in weight

Coat

Long, silky, and comes in various colors including black, cream, red, and brindle

Head

Narrow and refined with a long, straight muzzle

Eyes

Almond-shaped and dark

Ears

Long and hanging

Temperament

Independent and aloof, but also affectionate and loyal to their owners

Gait

Graceful and high-stepping

Exercise needs

Moderate exercise needs, including daily walks and occasional runs in a safely enclosed area

Training

Can be independent and stubborn, but respond well to positive reinforcement training methods

Health concerns

Can be prone to hip dysplasia, eye problems, and allergies, among other health issues

The Afghan Hounds were first produced by nomadic peoples in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northern India. They were used to track games across mountainous terrain. They are proficient hunters and quickly become an icon in the canine world. 

Do you want to learn more about this breed?

Here are the 15 things you must consider before taking this pup home!

1. They are sensitive to anesthesia and prone to other health issues.

Many experts on Afghan Hound breeds advocate finding a vet familiar with sighthounds because of the breed's tendency to be sensitive to anesthesia. This is because of their naturally low levels of body fat.

They are also prone to some health issues, such as: 

• bloating
• hip and elbow dysplasia
• itchiness
• hypothyroidism
• eye problems
• and others.

2. They require regular grooming.

As one might anticipate, a mature Afghan's long, silky coat requires regular care. A few hours of weekly brushing is required to keep your dog’s hair free of knots and mats and eliminate debris.

It is also necessary to give your dog a bath once a week. Use shampoo and conditioner designed for canine use. Like dogs of all kinds, Afghans benefit from regular grooming sessions where their nails are clipped, ears are cleaned, and teeth are brushed.

The good news is that Afghan hounds shed so little that they are considered hypoallergenic! But regular grooming is still required. Maintain a weekly bathing schedule for your Afghan hound, and further coat conditioning is recommended too. 

You can also try the "puppy cut" to reduce the time spent on your dog’s hair. It is a short haircut of only a few inches in length. 

3. They have a distinctive appearance.

Afghan Hounds are tall, standing around 25-27 inches at the shoulder, although they are lean. In terms of size, they're a medium-large breed at just 50-60 pounds on average. 

Among the most eye-catching of all dog breeds, the Afghan Hound is very regal in appearance. Owning one will surely involve people trying to take a pic of your dog or trying to pet them. 

Afghan Hounds are famous for their elegant beauty. But the thick, silky, flowing coat served as protection from the harsh climate in mountainous regions where Afghans originally lived. Afghan dogs, raised to hunt, were kept warm by this amid the cold mountains.

Their huge paw-pads acted as shock absorbers on their homeland's punishing terrain. It protected them from rocks, and their bendy hips let them make sharp turns in tight spaces.

5. Afghan Hounds are known for their independent nature and can be difficult to train.

Afghans are known to be self-reliant, proud, and reserved among strangers, yet they quickly warm up and become fiercely devoted to those with whom they form close relationships. This makes it challenging for an adult Afghan to settle in a new environment. 

Keep in mind that an Afghan hound, while smart, is also fiercely autonomous. These dogs are notoriously difficult to train and have been likened to cats in terms of their disposition. 

Use positive reinforcement in training to determine what drives your dog, such as treats, toys, or praise. Be prepared to put in much time and effort if you want to train an Afghan. But, a well-matched Afghan hound and owner can be best friends forever.

6. They require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation.

Because Afghans are sighthounds, bred to hunt and chase prey by sight, they will have a strong instinct to run off in pursuit of perceived prey. So, walking off-leash is not advisable. 

Short walks do not provide enough exercise for this athletic breed, and some owners take their leashed Afghans on long runs once they reach maturity. 

Ideally, an Afghan should have the opportunity to run full out several times a week in a large, enclosed area. Afghans are tall, lean, and strong, which makes them excellent jumpers, so their exercise area must have a high, secure fence.

Afghan Hounds are intelligent dogs and may become bored without enough mental stimulation. You should provide plenty of toys and puzzles to keep their dog's mind engaged.

7. They are huge jumpers and have a high prey drive.

Being a sighthound, the Afghan Hound requires regular long-distance runs in an open area. Every area where you let them go off-leash must be properly gated because they are strong jumpers.

Because of their high prey drive,  seeing a small or furry pet on a walk or hike can make them take off after them. However, they can live harmoniously with a cat as long as they are properly and gradually socialized.

Afghan hounds make great apartment dogs so long as they get adequate exercise. Afghan hounds make quiet, low-maintenance house pets since they rarely bark, shed, or drool. 

They have a strong instinct to roam and should always be kept on a leash or in a securely fenced yard.

8. Afghan Hounds can be aloof.

Afghan hounds have a distinctive personality. They are not the kind of dog that will greet you enthusiastically at the door. While they aren't the face-licking variety, they develop strong attachments to their owners and show lots of love when they're with them. They can be very loyal and protective. 

In some cases, Afghan hounds can be reserved and suspicious of strangers. They’re just not as affectionate, not as comfortable with close touching, like petting, and so on. Early socialization is essential if you want your Afghan hound to flourish in a human environment.

Afghan Hounds are sensitive dogs and may not do well in homes with loud noises or chaotic environments.

10. They have a lifespan of around 12-15  years.

Afghan hounds tend to live for 12-15 years compared to other large dog breeds. Yet, this can be lower when health issues are involved. 

11. They are typically good with older children.

Despite its calm demeanor and lack of aggression, this dog is probably not best for families with toddlers or preschoolers. They are huge dogs that may be overpowered by curious toddlers who playfully pull at the dog's long locks out of curiosity.

12. They are very sensitive breeds.

The Afghan Hound is not a dog that adapts easily. They take time to warm up to new people and struggle to adapt to different environments. They thrive on predictability and are often stressed out by noisy changes. They are easily frightened.

13. Afghan hounds need to have a balanced diet to thrive.

Sight hounds like Afghan Hounds tend to be on the leaner side, and the breed's signature prominence of the hip bones is an aesthetic more than a health issue. But remember that your active, athletic Afghan Hound requires a balanced diet to thrive. They thrive on a diet rich in high-quality protein. 

It is recommended that Afghan adults have 2–2.5 cups of dry food per day, split between two meals. Wet food can be used to supplement dry food or serve as the main source of nutrition. Overweight adult Afghan hounds should have their food intake reduced and their activity levels increased.

14. They are not for first-time dog owners.

This high-maintenance breed may be too much for first-time dog owners to handle. While most people looking to get a dog hope for a cuddly companion, the Afghan hound tends to be more aloof.  Another reason they are not a good choice for novice owners is that they also require much effort in training.

15. They are very fast dogs.

Like other sighthound breeds, the Afghan hounds are incredibly fast on the run. They can maintain their speed for a long distance. They have amazing stamina, having been bred for long days in the field.

Summary

In summary, Afghan hounds make for a dependable, placid, but self-reliant friend. They can be clownish and playful, but their independence can be frustrating during training. It enjoys the freedom to hunt and chase small animals. Yet, it gets along well with feline housemates. A dog that is reserved for the family and wary of visitors. Getting one will surely make your life more interesting!