A noble-looking breed, the Afghan Hound has been around since ancient times. It’s an independent dog that will require a lot of grooming and exercise. Here’s what you’ll want to know about this interesting and energetic breed.
Quick Stats
Group: Hound
Size: Medium/Large
Height: 27- 29 inches (68.58-73.66 cm.)
Weight: 58-64 pounds (26-34 kg.)
Shedding: Moderate
Grooming: Difficult
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Afghan Hound History
The Afghan is considered to be one of the most ancient dog breeds. It originated in Afghanistan where it was used by tribesmen as a sighthound in the deserts and mountains.
With its explosive speed, it could run down and catch a range of game and predators such as deer, rabbits, wolves, jackals, and even leopards. While it has been in existence since ancient times, in the past exportation of the breed was illegal. For this reason, it didn’t gain popularity in the West until the twentieth century.
Afghan Hound Characteristics
The Afghan Hound stands between twenty-seven and twenty-nine inches tall and weighs between fifty-eight and sixty-four pounds. It has an elongated and narrow head with strong jaws. The ears are long and covered with long hair. The tail is also long and is typically thin, ending in a curve or ring.
The Afghan Hound coat is lengthy and made up of rich and silky hairs that have an extremely fine texture. This creates an incredibly regal appearance for which the breed is well-known. The coat can be any color.
Afghan Hound Health
The Afghan is often very sensitive to medications and also anesthesia. As with all dog types, this breed is known to be affected by certain health conditions. The most common Afghan Hound health problems include:
-hip dysplasia
-tail injuries
-ear infections
-ear mites
-cataracts
-environmental and food allergies
-heart problems
The average Afghan Hound lifespan is from ten to twelve years.
Afghan Hound Temperament
This breed is intelligent yet sensitive. It can remain very playful even into its adult years and is good with children that are raised with it. Because the Afghan was developed to hunt on their own they are independent thinkers.
This can make them stubborn and more difficult to train than other breeds. Their hunting roots mean they will need a lot of daily exercise and if they don’t get it they can be destructive in the home. They also should not be trusted around small pets because of their high prey drive.
Afghan Hound Care
The Afghan is an energetic dog that will need at least one to two hours of exercise per day. For this reason, they can be an excellent choice for those who go on daily jogs. Having a yard that is large enough so that the dog can really run full out is recommended as well.
It will need to have a high and secure fence, however, as they are good jumpers and will chase after small animals without thinking twice about running off of the property. And of course, the Afghan shouldn’t be kept in a home with small pets which they may see as prey. Their long coat needs weekly bathing and a commitment to grooming. Brushing and combing are needed every day to keep it from getting tangled.
Afghan Hound Facts
-This is a breed that should always be walked on a leash. That’s because when an Afghan Hound commits to running after an animal it considers to be prey, it most likely won’t listen to verbal commands for it to stop or come back.
-Because of the breed’s sensitivity, Afghan Hound training should be done in a gentle manner that is fun for the dog and without harsh corrections.
-The Afghan will typically bond more closely with one or two members of the family whom it will follow commands from and prefer to spend the majority of its time around.
-While it may be long and flowing, the Afghan Hound coat does not shed nearly as much as other breeds. For this reason, it’s considered a hypoallergenic dog and can make an ideal companion for allergy sufferers.
-The Afghan’s feet have large and thick pads. These were very important for hunting in its homeland since they allowed the dog to run efficiently whether over sand or mountainous terrain.
Start Shopping for Dog Supplies!
Dogs That Look Like Sheep
Through artificial selection, dog breeders have created hundreds of unique breeds with a range of different physical characteristics. Some even look similar to other animals including sheep. So here are seven dogs that look like sheep, and what you’ll want to know...
Black And White Dog Breeds
Dogs’ coats can be many different colors; however black and white coats are always one of the most popular. The contrast created by these two opposite colors can really make for an eye-catching canine. So here are some of the top black and white dog breeds you’ll want...
Austrian Dog Breeds
Dogs That Look Like A Carpet
The best part about dogs is that there's a breed out there for every kind of person. If you're searching for dogs that look like a carpet, you'll be surprised to find that there are quite a few breeds that fit the bill. So here are nine different carpet-looking dogs!...
Hungarian Dog Breeds
When looking to adopt a dog, you might be overwhelmed by all of the choices. After all, there are hundreds of different breeds to choose one, and each is just as adorable as the next! Not only do dogs come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, but each dog also...
Dogs That Look Like Dingoes
Black Panther Looking Dogs
One of the many wonderful things about dogs is that they come in all kinds of colors, sizes, and personalities. If you want a dog that looks a certain way, you have hundreds of breeds to choose from! If you are searching for a dog that looks as sleek and powerful as a...
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Dogs are the most popular pets in the entire world, with an estimated 33% of the earth's population owning at least one adorable pooch. Unfortunately, no matter how much you love dogs, there is one thing that can get in the way of you enjoying a canine of your own;...
American Dog Breeds
While dogs, as we know them today, are all ancestors of the wolf, different countries have carefully selected certain traits to create numerous different breeds. Just because some breeds were created in the same country, however, does not necessarily mean they will...
Tricolor Dogs
Part of what makes dogs so charming is that no two dogs look exactly alike! They come in so many different sizes, shapes, and of course, colors. One popular trait that many owners adore is tricolor dogs. Tricolor dogs have a coat that comes in three colors. The dog's...
Dogs That Look Like A Mop
With so many breeds on the planet, it’s no surprise that canines come in a wide variety of different coat types. However, seeing a dog that looks like a mop isn’t an everyday occurrence. So for those who love dogs with coats that are totally unique, here are the top...
Dogs That Look Like Wolves
Humans have been breeding dogs for centuries. With such adorable breeds as pugs and Pomeranians, it can be easy to forget where all of these dogs are descended from. Many modern dog breeds don't look anything like their ancient ancestors; wolves. However, there are...
Fox Looking Dogs
There are so many dog breeds in the world today that it can be overwhelming to choose one to take home with you. Different breeds come in a variety of different shapes, sizes, and colors, but those differences don't make any one breed less adorable than the other! Of...
Dogs That Look Like Lions
The lion is considered to be the king of the jungle. Yet while they may appear regal, lions are at the same time powerful and fearsome predators. Having a lion at home isn’t an option however there are many lion-like dogs that make fantastic pets. Therefore, lion fans...
Chinese Dog Breeds
All dogs are descended from the same breed: Canis lupus familiaris. However, over time, humans were able to domesticate dogs to have different physical features and temperaments. Today, there are around 360 officially recognized dog breeds, which come from all over...
African Dog Breeds
Dogs are undoubtedly the most popular pets in the entire world. With over 360 recognized breeds today, it's no wonder different breeds have origins from every country imaginable. The continent of Africa has contributed many different dog breeds, as well. So here are...
The Cleanest Dog Breeds
Are you considering getting a dog, but don't want to deal with too much mess? Then you've come to the right place! Dogs make wonderful pets because no matter what you want in a furry companion, you're sure to find a breed that works for you. Today, we're going to take...
Dogs That Look Like Bears
When it comes to comparing canines to other animals, most people automatically think of examples such as wolves, and foxes. However, there are actually many dogs that look like bears. From those that look similar to black bears, grizzlies, polar bears, and even teddy...
Dogs That Look Like Polar Bears
Many dog breeds look similar to other types of animals. For example, there are breeds that remind us of lions, foxes, wolves, and even bears. And a few special canines closely resemble polar bears. So here are the top dogs that look like polar bears and what you’ll...
Dogs With Purple Tongues
Most canines have pink tongues. Amazingly, however, there are actually a few different types of dogs with purple tongues. This is a highly unusual trait. So here are the only dog breeds with purple tongues on the planet, along with what you’ll want to know about them....