Afghan Hound: Your Complete Guide

The Afghan hound is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, originally coming from the mountains of Afghanistan as a hunting dog. Despite being hunters in the past, these dogs are calm, gentle, and endlessly affectionate with their families. They get along well with kids and other dogs too, though smaller animals aren’t the best fit for them.

In this article, we’ll explore every aspect of the Afghan hound in detail. This includes their history and origins, their appearance and size, their personality traits as a breed, intelligence, trainability, grooming needs, and lots more. 

If you’ve been unsure of whether this dog is the right breed for you, expect to have your question answered in the sections below.

Quick Look at the Afghan Hound

Below is a quick glance at the Afghan hound in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs. 

Weight/Height	24-29 inches, 50-60 pounds.
Coat Type	Straight, silky, long, and flowing
Grooming Needs
Shedding
Temperament	Independent, aloof, reserved, stubborn, gentle
Good With Kids
Good With Other Animals
Intelligence
Easy to Train
Energy Level
Barking Habits
Lifespan	12-14 years

What Is the History of Afghan Hounds?

The Afghan hound, sometimes referred to as an ‘Affie,’ originated in the mountainous regions of, you guessed it, Afghanistan, with its history tracing back thousands of years. Known for their beauty and unique appearance, these hounds were initially bred by nomadic tribes for their good hunting abilities. 

These dogs have always been prized for their speed, agility, and keen eyesight, all of which make them excellent hunters of game such as deer, wild goats, and even snow leopards. Their thick, flowing coat is designed to handle Afghanistan’s climate.

Afghan hounds are also strong and athletic, a necessary trait to navigate the rugged terrain of the country where they’re from.

The Afghan hound was and still is, to a degree, a symbol of nobility and prestige in its homeland and even abroad. These dogs were initially spotted by the international community in the early 20th century when they were brought to Europe by British soldiers returning from the Indian-Afghan borders. 

As you can imagine, their appearance and graceful demeanor piqued the interest of every dog enthusiast, which ultimately led to their recognition by major kennel clubs. Despite what they look like, Afghan hounds were and still are independent and sometimes a bit aloof, traits that go back to their days as solitary hunters in the mountains.

What Do Afghan Hounds Look Like?

You’ll recognize an Afghan hound by its long, silky coat, which flows elegantly and makes the dog look rather majestic. They have a refined head with a long, narrow muzzle and unique, high-set ears covered in long hair. Their tail is long, too, and often curls at the end. 

Coat colors you can expect from this breed include black, blue, cream, red, and combinations of these, with or without a black facial mask. Some hounds also have white markings on them–one of several variations in coat texture and color that is pretty common in this breed.

What Size Is an Afghan Hound?

The average height of an Afghan hound ranges from 24 to 29 inches at the shoulder. Their weight typically falls between 50 to 60 pounds, with males generally being larger and heavier than their female counterparts.

What Is an Afghan Hounds Coat Type and Length?

Afghan hounds have a long, silky coat, which is far and away the most recognizable part of the breed. The hair is fine and soft. It flows smoothly and can grow to considerable lengths, especially on the sides, flanks, and legs. The coat’s length and texture serve the purpose of insulation and protection, both of which are necessary in the mountains of Afghanistan.

What Is an Afghan Hound’s Temperament? 

Afghan hounds are a dignified and independent breed. When introducing to strangers, expect the dog to be both reserved and aloof around them. However, when it comes to their family, they are fiercely loyal. 

These dogs aren’t just elegant; they also have a playful and sometimes mischievous side. This mischievousness can sometimes show up as stubbornness, but we’ll delve into that later.

Are Afghan Hounds Good With Kids?

Yes, they are, especially if they’re raised with children from a young age. These dogs love their families and give them all their affection. This makes them gentle and tolerant by nature, but they may still be best suited for families with older children who would respect the dog’s boundaries. 

It must also be kept in mind that these dogs were originally solitary hunters, so they may not tolerate rough handling or overly boisterous behavior from anyone, though that can be said about many breeds out there.

Are Afghan Hounds Good With Other Animals?

When it comes to other dogs, your Affie will get along just fine. It’ll be most comfortable with dogs of a similar size and energy level, as their play style can be quite intense. However, don’t be surprised if you don’t see a reaction at all, as some Afghan hounds are simply indifferent to other dogs.

When it comes to cats and smaller pets, the high prey drive these dogs have can become a bit of a concern. They’ve always had a strong instinct to chase, so interactions with cats and small animals like guinea pigs or hamsters would likely not end well. 

Their hunting instincts from thousands of years ago can indeed still override their ability to coexist peacefully with smaller animals.

This also extends to wild animals due to their sighthound heritage. They are naturally inclined to pursue anything that moves quickly, such as squirrels, rabbits, or birds. If an Afghan hound is off-leash in areas where they might encounter wildlife, they might end up chasing a squirrel for several blocks.

Are Afghan Hounds Aggressive?

They’re not aggressive per se, but the fact that they’re aloof and independent by nature can lead to misunderstandings between them and their handlers. They’re not prone to snapping or growling without provocation and are generally not territorial or food aggressive, but may still exhibit these behaviors if not properly socialized or trained. 

Afghan hounds are a sensitive breed, and they will be defensive if they feel threatened or are handled roughly.

Do Afghan Hounds Bark?

Afghan hounds are gentle dogs, so they tend to be relatively quiet and can even be a good fit for apartments with noise restrictions because of that. They will still bark to let you know that a stranger is trying to break in or trying to deliver your mail, which is typical of most dogs. 

Apart from that, an Affie won’t make any unnecessary noise in the house.

Are Afghan Hounds Affectionate?

Affies love their families and shower them with their gentle, sometimes reserved affection. They’re simply too big to be considered lap dogs, but they certainly would be if they could fit. 

Their love language is also different. They won’t really beg you for cuddles or pets but will love you for them if you choose to pet them anyway. When it comes to strangers in the house, an Afghan hound may not be overly enthusiastic about greeting them, but they’ll still be polite and gradually warm up to new people over time.

Are Afghan Hounds Intelligent?

Intelligent, yes, but obedient? Not always. Like cats, these dogs will often know what you want them to do but would probably not choose to do so unless they feel like doing it. 

The breed is curious and alert by nature, both necessary traits for hunting dogs. They won’t follow your commands blindly, but they are quick learners and can absolutely excel in physically or mentally challenging activities. 

Combined with their independent nature, you get dogs that think for themselves a lot and act accordingly.

Are Afghan Hounds Energetic?

Yes, quite a bit. These dogs will thank you for all the exercise you can give them, physical or otherwise. This energy typically comes in bursts. However, you may also find your Affie perfectly content to lounge around the house for much of the day. Still, they do benefit from regular exercise to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. 

Daily walks and opportunities to run in a secure area will have to be part of your routine. These dogs love activities that allow them to stretch their legs and put their agility to the test, such as chasing toys or participating in dog sports like lure coursing (a sport that Affies are great at).

Are Afghan Hounds Easy to Train?

Afghan hounds can be quite challenging to train. As we discussed above, these dogs have all the intelligence and problem-solving abilities they need to learn new things, but their independence and stubbornness mean that they might just choose not to. 

You shouldn’t have much trouble teaching them basic obedience, but beyond that, they may not always exhibit the same level of eagerness to please as some other breeds do. 

The most common area for training an Affie is in lure coursing, but this, too, will require patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement from your side. These dogs do not respond well to harsh or forceful training methods as they’re already stubborn and will become completely disinterested if they feel pressured or controlled. 

If you’re looking to train your Afghan hound, you’ll want to make sure you have the right approach in mind.

Are Afghan Hounds Good Watchdogs?

As a breed, though they’re reserved around strangers, they tend not to be too suspicious of them. They’re alert to changes in their environment but aren’t particularly protective or vocal about them. 

If not reserved, these dogs are more likely to greet newcomers with curiosity rather than suspicion or aggression, which isn’t the best trait for a watchdog to have.

Are Afghan Hounds Good Service Dogs?

Generally not, including tasks typically performed by psychiatric service dogs. The independent nature and difficulties in training doesn’t make the Afghan hound a good service dog.

Afghan hounds can still make excellent emotional support animals or therapy dogs in certain contexts, though. If their handler is struggling with anxiety, for example, their gentle demeanor and presence can be an invaluable comfort for the struggling individual.

How to Care for an Afghan Hound?

Regular grooming to maintain their long coat is the most important part of caring for an Affie, including brushing several times a week and occasional baths. Alongside this, providing them with regular exercise, such as daily walks and opportunities to run, helps keep them physically and mentally engaged. 

Afghan hounds also benefit from a more nutritious diet, which goes hand in hand with regular vet check-ups, vaccinations, and parasite prevention.

Do You Need to Groom an Afghan Hound?

These dogs need a fair bit of grooming to maintain their long coat, typically needing brushing several times a week to prevent mats and tangles. Taking them to professional groomers periodically for more thorough grooming sessions, including baths, trimming, and nail clipping, may also be necessary to keep their coat in optimal condition. 

Yours may not be a show dog, but it still deserves (and, to an extent, needs) to be treated like one.

Do Afghan Hounds Shed?

For all their illustrious looks and colors, Afghan hounds don’t actually shed much. Their long, silky coat may release some hair, particularly during seasonal changes, but it is not typically a significant amount (especially when compared to some other breeds). 

Thanks to their minimal shedding, Affies are often labeled as ‘hypoallergenic,’ which can be a relief for allergy sufferers. Adding regular grooming to the mix can make this even better, making Afghan hounds a good choice for people that have allergies.

What Health Problems Do Afghan Hounds Have?

Like all breeds, Afghan hounds suffer from a host of common health problems. These are usually manageable with some help from your vet and preventive measures to make sure they don’t occur in the first place. 

Note that this is not an exhaustive list, and your Affie will not necessarily get all of these health issues:

Hypothyroidism: This occurs when their body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone. Signs include dry coat, weight gain, and lethargy. Regular vet checkups help with early detection and treatment with medication.

Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV): Bloat is a life-threatening stomach twist. To prevent it, avoid feeding the dog one large meal a day, and space out water intake. Talk to your vet about GDV risk factors and signs.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): An inherited disease where light-receptor cells in the eye gradually die off, causing vision loss ending in blindness. Responsible breeding practices help reduce its prevalence, while regular eye exams by a vet help monitor its development.

Panosteitis: This is a painful bone disease in young dogs. While there’s no sure prevention, maintaining a healthy weight and controlled exercise might help.

Laryngeal paralysis: This affects the airway, causing breathing difficulties, and its symptoms worsen over time. Spaying/neutering at a young age can be a preventative factor for this, while early diagnosis and surgery can improve quality of life.

Sensitivity: Afghan hounds are more sensitive to certain medications, such as cortisone or anesthesia. Discuss any anesthesia needs with your vet beforehand to ensure they use the right options.

How Long Do Afghan Hounds Live?

Afghan hounds typically live for 12-14 years.

What Should an Afghan Hound Eat?

Afghan hounds should be given a balanced and nutritious diet that includes high-quality protein, fats, vitamins, and fiber. Typically, adult Afghan hounds will need about 1.5 to 2 cups of dry dog food per day. It is crucial that you divide this into multiple (at least two) meals to prevent GDV. This breed is also larger than most dogs, so make sure the dog food is one that caters for their size. 

Affies can also be prone to sensitive skin and food allergies. If this is the case for your dog, you’ll need to get dog food with limited ingredients or choose novel protein sources. 

These dogs don’t have much potential for weight gain, but you should still be careful and make sure they’re at a healthy weight.

Is an Afghan Hound the Right Dog for Me?

An Afghan hound is the best dog for a family that wants a gentle, affectionate, but somewhat energetic dog in their house. If you live in an apartment and need a dog that doesn’t make too much noise, an Affie will be perfect for that, too, thanks to its reserved and quiet nature. 

However, as beautiful as these dogs are, their beauty comes at the price of a lot of grooming from their owners, which is something you’ll have to prepare yourself for.