Afador: Your Complete Guide
If you have ever wondered what would happen if you mixed the luxurious locks of an Afghan Hound with the insulated mane of a labrador retriever, the afador is the answer to your question. It is an elegant and affectionate breed that comes in a wide variety of looks depending on which genes the dog took too.
While they are not a breed that is impossible for newer owners, they should be reserved for those with a more active lifestyle. They aren’t as perky as some breeds, though they have a fair bit of get-up-and-go that needs to be exhausted daily to prevent behavioral issues.
One of the rarer and less spoken of mixed breeds among labrador fusions, the Afador is a highly underrated pooch with a wondrous amount of upsides. For those looking to better understand this seldom talked about canine, this article will be your complete guide to afadors.
Quick Look at the Afador
Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of its physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 50 – 75 pounds, 24 – 29 inches |
| Coat Type | Straight, Varied, Soft |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding | |
| Temperament | Sweet, Devoted, Playful |
| Good With Kids |  |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence |  |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years |
What Is the History of Afadors?
Afadors do not have an illustrious history through the long-forgotten centuries, though their parent breeds are at least a few hundred years old. The Labrador retriever is the more well-recorded of the two, dating back to the early 19th century. They were created by breeding St. John’s water dogs with various hunting dogs throughout Britain.
The Western world quickly adopted labrador retrievers, and they have become one of the most beloved breeds ever. To this day, they remain one of the most commonly found dog breeds, and if you haven’t adopted a labrador, you know several people who have. They are incredibly bright, loyal, obedient, and have become exceptionally gifted service dogs.
On the other end of the afador lies the always elegant Afghan hound that was once thousand to be thousands of years old. While some still hold to this theory, there is little to no evidence to back up the claim. What is proven is that the breed has been around since the 1800s and originated in Afghanistan.
It was quickly taken up in the United Kingdom and has become famous for its original appearance and dignified, aristocratic features. They were once very adept hunting dogs, though they are now almost exclusively owned for companionship.
Afadors were created in the frigid depths of Alaska around 2000 and have yet to reach the popularity of other labrador mixes, such as labradoodles. Despite this, they are quietly beloved by a few enthusiasts who have been introduced to the uncommon breed.
What Do Afadors Look Like?
The breed is wildly hard to pin down, and it would be hard to blame someone for incorrectly identifying them. Depending on which two dogs you grabbed, afadors can look wildly different from one another. When it comes to their color and markings, they come in black, brown, cream, or white and can be a uniform hue or vary in color and markings.
Because of this, folks in the market for an afador with a specific look may be searching for quite some time. They are as unique in appearance as they are in personality.
What Size Is an Afador?
Afadors usually sit on the larger side, with some barely breaking the medium threshold. They are not apartment dogs, and their broad and bulky physique can be a problem if they are not well-trained. Typically, an Afador will sit between 24 and 29 inches and weigh between 50 and 75 pounds.
What Is an Afadors Coat Type and Length?
Their coat will never be heavily curled or corded, so owners can reliably count on an Afador to have a straight coat. When it comes to the length of the hair, flip a coin and hope for the best. These dogs can take after their Afghan ancestors and have beautiful flowing hair or shift more to their labrador side and have a short, deeply insulated coat.
Sometimes, Afadors will have subtle variations of both, like a short, thick coat along the body with smooth, wavy hair protecting their ears. The breed has an incredible amount of individuality in appearance, and the mix has produced some truly stunning canines.
What Is an Afador’s Temperament?
While many are not as familiar with Afghan hounds as in the States as they are labradors, the two breeds share some very fortunate similarities. Like the labrador, the royal-looking Afghans are sweet and devoted to family, making them well-loved by those who have owned the breed. Similarly, labradors have become the personification of affable pooches.
The afador does not fall far from the tree and is quickly becoming recognized for its endearing and intensely likable attitude with an energetic streak that can overpower some owners. They are sometimes reserved around newcomers and should be trained and socialized to ensure they know how to interact with others and pets.
Are Afadors Good With Kids?
Afadors are not known for being aggressive animals, and both ancestral breeds are genuinely pretty good with rugrats in the house. However, afadors are big and brawny with a lot of energy, so an untrained dog playing with a small child could lead to injuries. If you plan on bringing an afador into your home, you should monitor and train it around your child.
For kids around the neighborhood and family friends, try to socialize the dog with other people, both big and small, to get the afador used to being around folks of different sizes. The mixed breed is usually intelligent and can catch on quickly, so a bit of patience may make them wonderful friends and companions for you and your children.
Are Afadors Good With Other Animals?
Depending on the size and species of the pets you have in your home, the breed can easily get along with them. Afadors do have a prey drive that is anything but dormant and may initially chase after skittish cats and other smaller animals. This does not mean they are a lost cause with other animals and can coexist if they are slowly raised and integrated with them.
It is essential to loudly and frequently praise good behavior and actions, such as moving slowly and gently around smaller animals. If you have other pets that are naturally hostile or apprehensive towards other four-legged friends, it may be worth looking into a more agreeable dog.
Are Afadors Aggressive?
To say that afadors are an aggressive breed would heavily mischaracterize the jumpy giants. They are protective, however, and may not react well to new faces that are overly friendly or forceful with family members. That doesn’t mean that the afador will cut loose and jump at someone, but they should be trained to understand when to show their defensive side.
Do Afadors Bark?
You only have to hear their powerful pipes once to know how intimidating their bark is. Unfortunately, you will likely hear it ad nauseam until they get trained out of the behavior. Their watchdog ancestry has made afadors incredibly alert and diligent towards the surroundings of their home. If a dog walks by or a package is delivered, your afador will be sure to let you know.
Because of this, it is recommended that they move into a house with a bit of space between neighbors. It is not a Pomeranian, and its powerful voice will carry throughout your apartment complex, quickly becoming an issue. They will eventually quiet down when they become familiar with the territory and receive training, but it can be a long road for some.
Are Afadors Affectionate?
They are wonderfully affectionate with their owners and make great couch companions for people who want to relax with their dogs. While some may be a bit reserved initially, almost all will grow into fast friends with their family and usually become favorites in the household. If you want a bigger breed that will spend time beside you, the afador is a great choice.
Are Afadors Intelligent?
If you still have that coin from earlier, go ahead and give it another flip. Afadors have a massive potential to be remarkably bright and usually are. That said, while Labradors are uncommonly sharp, Afghan hounds are not considered intelligent dogs. This judgment is unfair, as they are more independent than most and aren’t concerned about following commands.
Unfortunately, that independent streak can be inherited in afadors, making otherwise clever canines seem like dopey, tail-chasing goofballs. So, while it is likely that the canine will be smart, it is not always guaranteed, nor is it relevant. Your pooch could qualify for Mensa, but if they never listen, it doesn’t matter.
Are Afadors Energetic?
They can be very energetic and seem almost overbearing to some, though this can be eliminated by giving the afador a bit of daily playtime. As previously stated, they are not fit for small, compact homes and will need a place to stretch their legs and get exercise. A fenced-in backyard, dog park, or nearby hiking trail will make an owner’s life far easier.
If you live an active lifestyle, your afador will happily come along for the adventure. Keeping your dog moving will not only benefit its personality and anxiety levels but also keep them healthy and hearty for much longer than if they were sedentary.
Are Afadors Easy to Train?
Have you ever had so much coffee that you couldn’t read your own name without getting distracted? That is an everyday reality for several dog breeds, and Afadors have a stubborn streak to add insult to injury. They will usually be jumpy, disobedient, or ignore you entirely at first, which can prove challenging for impatient or inexperienced owners.
An afador can become one of the best-behaved dogs a person has ever seen, but it will require a lot of patience and deep, deliberate breaths. Giving them some playtime before training can help them “zero in” and make it a pleasant part of the day for both of you. After some initial static, training will become easy and an invaluable way to bond with your afador.
Are Afadors Good Watchdogs?
This category may ease your mind if you are concerned about the afador and its eccentricities. While the canines can be energetic and a bit stubborn, they are incredibly gifted watchdogs with imposing figures that can scare off anyone looking to take a television. Their bark sounds like it is coming from a domesticated grizzly, and they have well-trained senses.
Are Afadors Good Service Dogs?
Afadors descend from one of the most intelligent and capable service dog breeds available today: the labrador retriever. Unfortunately, they tend to be less responsive than labradors and are prone to less-than-agreeable character traits. Whether they will make a good service dog depends on which puppy you pick from the litter.
For every afador who is stubborn, strong-willed, and overly energetic, there will be one who is agreeable, intelligent, and devoted to task-driven activities. Picking them out for service positions will depend on individual personality.
For emotional support tasks, the afador will usually be a good fit. Whether they are stubborn or not, they are affectionate, lovable, and very fond of their owners. If you need a companion to help calm your nerves or get your mind off anxious or racing thoughts, the afador makes a good candidate.
How to Care for an Afador?
Taking on an afador is a tall task for newer owners, though they are from the hardest breed to look after. Give them regular exercise daily for around 45 to 60 minutes, look after their coats, and be diligent about training them to work out any bad habits. It is important to be consistent with them, as the breed will happily do what they wish if given the chance.
Do You Need to Groom an Afador?
Some people get low-maintenance afadors that only require occasional grooming, though these pups are the exception. An afador will require regular grooming, and we recommend running a brush over them every three to four days to stay on top of their coat. If they have a longer coat, you will need to bathe them somewhat frequently.
Keep an eye on their ears after exercise to avoid hidden grime and dirt build-up, and always brush their teeth frequently to prevent any unwanted oral diseases.
Do Afadors Shed?
Afadors shed quite a bit on average, and prospective owners should expect quite a bit of errant fur in and around their houses. The amount of shedding will vary from dog to dog, though grooming is a necessity to keep your house from being overrun with dog hair. Like most dogs, they will have heavier shedding seasons where brushing may need to increase.
What Health Problems Do Afadors Have?
Afadors are not disease-prone or wildly unhealthy, though they have some common afflictions that come from their ancestors. Keeping them on a healthy diet and providing them with an active, happy lifestyle can decrease the possibility that they have medical issues.
Afadors have a higher likelihood of the following health issues:
Most breeders will have the medical background of afadors and other canines. Owners should always request and check the health history of any dog before purchasing them.
How Long Do Afadors Live?
Afadors have a reasonably long lifespan for a larger dog, which typically sits around ten to twelve years. Keeping them on a consistent and nutrient-dense diet and committing them to a fairly active lifestyle will help extend the lifespan of an afador. Similarly, giving them regular vet checkups and monitoring any indicators of poor health is crucial.
What Should an Afador Eat?
Afadors should get a consistent diet of food designed for medium-to-large dogs with active lifestyles. They are prone to weight issues, so it is important to monitor how much they eat and portion it out so they do not indulge too frequently. Adjust their diet if they exercise more or less than usual, as a dog’s lifestyle will differ depending on their household.
Is an Afador the Right Dog for Me?
The breed is undoubtedly an incredible choice for a dog, though they require an owner with a lot of patience and a bit of experience handling dogs. Novice owners who are up to the challenge could get an afador, though the dog may be more than some are ready for. Similarly, those in an apartment or a confined home may want to steer clear of the affectionate pooches.
They will require regular care and may need to visit a bathtub or dog groomer more often than the average dog. Because of this, it is heavily recommended that would-be adopters prepare for grooming fees and frequent brushings throughout the week to look after their afador.
With the usual disclaimers out of the way, afadors are breathtaking animals with heart-melting eyes and incredibly unique and endearing attitudes. They can sometimes be found in shelters as they are not particularly well-known, so it is worth checking around. If you can give an hour or two of your day to your new companion, they will become an unforgettable chapter of your life.