Afghan Hound: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

The Afghan hound is a majestic dog, known for their long, silky coat. They are a medium-large and slim breed of dog popular for their show-worthy qualities. In addition to their striking appearance, Afghan hounds are known for their independence and self-confidence, as well as their sweet, fairly quiet, and humorous nature around humans they are comfortable with.

Though the breed originated in Afghanistan (where the breed name was Tazi), most of today’s Afghan hounds are thought to have originated in early 20th century Great Britain.

Learn about the Afghan hound’s history, care needs, temperament, and more.

Characteristics of the Afghan Hound

It's tough to miss an Afghan hound when they trot by with their regal carriage, head held up high, and long locks swaying. This eye-catching breed is extremely self-confident, and with that comes a bit of a strong will and independent streak. When they want, this hound can also act clownish, lazy, and a bit ditzy.

History of the Afghan Hound

It is hard to pin down exactly when the Afghan hound first appeared, as its presence predates written history; however, one of the first published descriptions of the breed appeared in a drawing by English soldier Thomas Duer Broughton when he was in India in 1809. Afghan hounds are considered one of nine ancient or “basal” breeds, meaning their DNA is more closely related to the dogs of ancient history than common contemporary breeds.

Afghans can be traced back to several regions in Afghanistan, with distinct differences in their coat and color depending on where they are from. Afghan hounds from mountainous areas have thick and dark coats, while those from the desert have coats that are lighter in color and volume. For centuries, they have served as hunting companions for humans, who rely on them for their speed, quick and independent thinking, and panoramic vision—common traits of all sighthounds.

Today’s Afghans are primarily the result of breeding efforts made by the English in the 1920s. The breed had become a mainstay of British soldiers and noblemen in the early 1900s but almost died out during World War I, when resources shifted and it became difficult to breed and care for companion animals. In the mid-1920s, British military officers began bringing Afghan hounds to the West, and in 1927, the breed was registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC). By the 1980s, Afghan hounds in America had become mainstays of the show-dog and obedience circuits.

Afghan Hound Care

This dog has a somewhat high level of exercise and grooming needs due to their energy and long locks. After an Afghan hound has had the chance to run around, they will often be happy to settle in on the couch with their humans.

Though brushing is a must for this dog, amazingly enough, the Afghan's coat is almost dander-free, thanks to particles becoming trapped in the hair, a lack of an undercoat, and somewhat minimal shedding, which is why this is considered a hypoallergenic breed.

If you have the time to exercise an Afghan hound to wear them out, even this large dog can be happy lounging around and napping in smaller apartment spaces after they've run around. But they can also become overexcited and then destructive if left alone in small living quarters, just like most other dogs.

Exercise

Afghans need about two hours of daily exercise, including walks or runs, as well as activities that make use of their natural hunting drive, such as lure coursing. This breed loves to hike and swim as well.

It is also recommended that the Afghan has a chance to run off-leash in an enclosed area once or twice a week. A fenced-in area for supervised exercise and play is important for this dog, as they are known to run off, especially if an animal grabs their attention and their prey drive kicks in. A dog who runs off could get hurt, especially if they run into traffic, but a fenced-in yard will keep your pet safe.

Grooming

Due to their long coat, grooming is an essential part of an Afghan's care. The fine and silky coat must be brushed regularly to prevent mats and tangles, though baths are only required as necessary. Brush an Afghan hound’s coat multiple times per week to maintain its silky texture and reduce shedding.

Aside from frequent brushings, Afghan hound grooming requirements are relatively basic. Nails should be trimmed as needed, and proper dental care provided on a regular basis. Long hair around their ears means that Afghan hounds are often prone to ear infections, so ears must be kept clean and checked regularly for signs of irritation or infection. Many pet parents tie the hair on their dog’s head up in a top knot to prevent it from getting into their food or trapping bacteria around their ears.

Training

Although they are known for their smarts, Afghan hounds can be aloof and stubborn when it comes to training. Unless the goal is to train for shows, obedience, or sport, most pet parents find it sufficient to stick to the basics of household training. These dogs do best with positive reinforcement, and patience is required to train them, as they can be independent.

Keep in mind that because their hunting drive is one of their strongest features, even the best-trained Afghan hound may still refuse to listen to “stay” or “come” if they are in pursuit of prey. If you hope to train your dog to be a watchdog, the Afghan hound isn’t the ideal breed choice. These dogs have a low tendency to bark, so they aren’t the type to alert you to everything they see outside the home.

Common Health Problems

Like all purebred dogs, Afghan hounds are prone to specific health problems, though that does not mean that all dogs of the breed will experience them. A responsible breeder will be open and honest about any known health conditions affecting the line a puppy is bred from and will also provide health clearances showing that a puppy’s parents do not suffer from one of the health problems common to the breed, such as:

• Allergies: Dogs can be allergic to many things, such as food and things in their environment. Skin allergies may cause itching, while food allergies could cause digestive issues.
• Hip dysplasia: This orthopedic condition affects the stability of the hip joint and how it functions.
• Hypothyroidism: This condition develops when the thyroid gland does not make enough hormones, causing problematic symptoms such as weight gain.
• Juvenile cataracts: This problem causes opacity of the eye lens. It can cause vision loss.
• Demodectic mange: This is a skin disease caused by mites. Symptoms include loss of hair on the face or body.
• Von Willebrand disease: This condition affects the clotting ability of the blood. If a dog is injured or undergoes surgery, it can be difficult to control bleeding.

Diet and Nutrition

Like all dogs, Afghan hounds do best on a diet of high-quality, protein-heavy food. Adult Afghans should eat about 2 to 2.5 cups of dry food a day, divided into two meals, though dry food can be supplemented in part or entirely by wet food.

Afghan puppies, seniors, and those experiencing injury or illness have different nutrition needs, so it’s important to get clear directions from a qualified vet when determining their diet. Limit food and increase exercise for adult Afghan hounds who are overweight.

Where to Adopt or Buy an Afghan Hound

If you buy your Afghan hound from a breeder, expect to pay an average of $1,000 for this elegant dog. However, prestigious breeders may charge upwards of $2,500 to $5,000 for a show-worthy Afghan.

If you're able to give an Afghan hound the high amount of attention and exercise they need, this could be the perfect dog for you. But be sure to do your research to get a full idea of what life with an Afghan hound is like. You can find additional information by reaching out to reputable Afghan hound breeders or Afghan hound rescue groups, including:

• Afghan Hound Club of America
• Afghan breeder directory (U.S.)
• Afghan Hound Club of America National Rescue (U.S.)

Afghan Hound Overview

Afghan hounds are known for their looks, but they’re also smart, sensitive, and loyal. Patience is required when it comes to training, and this breed is great for active families that will give their pet the exercise they need. Plus, this is a hypoallergenic breed that can be a good choice for those with allergies.

Pros of Afghan Hounds

• Quiet, not a big barker
• Sweet and gentle nature
• Great chaser
  

Cons of Afghan Hounds

• Requires fair amount of grooming
• Can be stubborn and has a tendency to be more self-directed
• Long hair makes them prone to ear infections
  

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More Dog Breeds and Further Research

Afghans are great dogs, but do some research on similar breeds to be sure. Breeds with a lot of the same characteristics include:

• Basenji
• Chow Chow
• Rhodesian Ridgeback

All dogs are unique, but you can tell a lot about what you might be able to expect about a dog’s personality from their breed. For more information, check out all of our other dog breed profiles.