Around the year 2000, the Afador was created by crossing the Afghan Hound and Labrador Retriever. This unique hybrid dog is still relatively uncommon, and breeders are working hard to preserve its temperament and beauty. The Afador has a head that resembles the Afghan Hound, while its body form is more similar to the Labrador Retriever. They are small dogs with short, silky hair on their faces and long, fine hair on their bodies.
The Afador combines the best qualities of both breeds. They are known for their courage, dignity, devotion, and patience. However, it’s important to note that since they are hybrids, they cannot be registered as purebred dogs with the American Kennel Club.
Below, we look at Afador dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Afador, characteristics, and must-know facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and much more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Afadors!
| Dog Breed | Afador |
| Size | Large |
| Weight | 50-65 lbs (average) |
| Height | 24-27″ (average) |
| Location | Alaska |
| Ancestry | Afghan Hound, Labrador Retriever |
| Date of Origin | 2000 |
| Group | Sporting |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years |
| Price | $400 – $1000 |
| Family | Canidae |
| Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
The Afador, a unique breed that combines the Labrador Retriever and Afghan Hound, was originally bred in Alaska. While still relatively uncommon, the popularity of Afadors has increased over the past decade. These dogs offer the best of both worlds, with the Labrador’s intelligence and energy complementing the Afghan’s beauty and grace. As the breed evolved, breeders began using second-generation Afadors to produce new litters. This crossbreeding makes it difficult to predict the specific traits each Afador puppy will inherit, as it depends on the dominance of each parent’s genetics. To establish a more consistent breed, breeders are now working to determine the desired proportions of Labrador Retriever and Afghan Hound in each Afador.
The Afghan Hound, originating from Afghanistan, is considered one of the oldest dog breeds, dating back to the pre-Christian era. Known for their elegance, Afghan Hounds possess a regal appearance. On the other hand, the Labrador Retriever is a beloved breed due to its intelligence, affectionate nature, and playful temperament. Labrador Retrievers are often employed as guide dogs and working dogs because of their intelligence and friendly demeanor. Afadors typically exhibit strength and confidence, making them excellent retrievers. They enjoy both work and play, making them great family pets and watchdogs. However, they may have a tendency to chase small animals without prompting. Despite not being registered with the AKC as a purebred, Afadors are classified under the hounding and sporting groups.
🐕 Afador Appearance
The Afador is a medium-sized dog with long legs, an athletic frame, and a slim body. They have a big, round head, a long, tapering muzzle, a brown or black nose, dark, almond-shaped eyes, a peculiar face, and drooping, folded ears. They are powerful. Nevertheless, these characteristics might change based on the Afghan Hound and Labrador Retriever mix. Their coat is straight, long, smooth, and between medium and long in length. Almost every hue, including white, gray, red, brown, black, tan, and blends of any of these, is available for the Afador. Most wear a nice, black fur coat as a disguise over their faces. They stand between 25 and 30 inches tall, weighing between 60 and 75 pounds, with the males being slightly bigger than the females. The Afador is a sturdy and bulkier dog than its Afghan Hound father, but it is slimmer and more graceful than the Labrador Retriever. However, if the Afador is of a second generation, its physical traits may be quite different.
| 👀 Eye Color | Brown |
| 🐽 Nose Color | Black, Brown |
| 🐕 Coat Color | Black, Gray, Fawn, Red, Brown |
⚡ Fun Fact: Afador dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don’t mind being left alone for a few hours either.
🐶 Traits & Temperament of Afador
The difficulty of teaching them has been one of the main criticisms of Afador owners. They require direction and constant, constructive punishment. They tend to assume they don’t need to listen to you since they are so educated and independent, so be ready to stick to what you say. To assist you teach your dog if you are a novice dog owner, you might wish to employ a professional trainer. Due to their energy and impulsiveness, these canines get along well with older children. It is advisable to oversee your Afador when it is being used by kids under five because smaller children run the risk of being pushed over or trodden on. If they are properly socialized from the beginning, they get along with other pets. You must let your Afador know that any tiny animals you own, like as cats or puppies, are not prey. Because they get so excited and tend to bark, they are not well suited for apartment living, but if given the right amount of exercise each day, they can adjust.
🤝 Are Afadors Friendly or Aggressive?
Afador dogs thrive when they are the sole pet in a household. They are not particularly fond of unfamiliar people, so they are not considered stranger-friendly. Similarly, when it comes to interacting with children, Afador dogs may not be the most suitable choice. If you have kids, it is important to carefully consider whether this breed is a good match for your family. Afador dogs are also not known to be cat-friendly, so if you have feline companions, it may not be ideal to introduce an Afador into your home.
When it comes to interacting with other dogs, Afadors show an average level of friendliness. While they may not be the most sociable breed, they can still get along with other dogs reasonably well. However, it is important to monitor their interactions and ensure they are introduced properly to new canine companions.
Lastly, Afador dogs may not be the best choice for elderly individuals. This breed requires regular exercise and mental stimulation, which may be challenging for older adults to provide. Additionally, their independent nature might not be the best fit for those who may require a more dependent and low-energy companion.
Afador dogs are best suited for families without other pets, who do not have young children or cats. While they can get along with other dogs, their friendliness may be average. Elderly individuals should carefully consider their ability to meet the exercise and mental stimulation needs of an Afador before bringing one into their home.
This breed is known for being:
- Stubborn
- Energetic
- Alert
- Affectionate
- Loyal
- Athletic
- Guarding
🐩 Afador Care & Maintenance
The Afador’s long, silky coat requires a lot of attention to avoid matting and tangles. Although the Labrador Retriever is a mild shedder and the Afghan Hound is reputed to be practically hypoallergenic, the Afador is likely to shed. At least twice a week, brush them with a metal comb and bristle brush. The easiest approach to maintain your Afador free of knots is to comb it one handful at a time, beginning at the bottom. Due to their long hair and preference for outdoor play, Afadors may require shampooing more frequently than other breeds of dogs. Use the gentle wash that your veterinarian has advised. Once a week, the ears should be examined and cleaned to remove extra wax and dirt. Depending on the size and age of your Afador, they should have two to three cups of premium dog food every day. You should suggest to your veterinarian that you feed your Afador smaller meals multiple times during the day because Afghan Hounds are prone to bloating.
Afador dogs have a higher than average amount of shedding. This is a normal part of their hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss can vary depending on their health and the specific breed they belong to. If you’re not a fan of constantly vacuuming, you may want to think twice about getting a puppy from the Afador breed. Additionally, it is recommended to bathe Afadors every 4-6 weeks.
🍖 Food: We recommend 2.5 cups daily, costing you about $1.20 – $1.40 daily, or approximately $34.00 – $45.00 a month.
🐾 Exercise: Afador dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly 9 miles per week, which equates to about 45 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.
Did you know: Afador dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn’t the perfect choice for you.
❤️🩹 Afador Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for Afador Dog Breed can be:
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Retinal Dysplasia
- Hip Dysplasia
- Subaortic Stenosis
- Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat
While minor concerns include:
- Entropion
- Cataracts
- Fanconi Syndrome
- Hemophilia
🤧 Important: Is Afador hypoallergenic? Yes.
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Afador.
⚡ Afador Dog Breed Facts
What makes the Afador a great choice for families with young children?
The Afador is a great choice for families with young children because they are patient, affectionate, and good with older children. However, supervision is recommended for younger children as the Afador’s high-spirited playfulness can accidentally knock them down.
Is the Afador breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
The Afador breed is not considered suitable for apartment living due to their excitable nature and tendency to bark. They require a larger space and would benefit from a yard to burn off energy.
How much exercise does a Afador require compared to other breeds?
The Afador requires a moderate amount of exercise compared to other breeds. Daily exercise such as walks, playtime, and mental stimulation is necessary to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
Is the Afador breed known for being good with other pets?
The Afador breed can get along with other pets if they have been properly socialized. However, caution should be exercised with small pets like cats or puppies, and it is important to teach the Afador that they are not prey.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Afador?
Some low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Afador include the Labrador Retriever and the Afghan Hound. Both have short hair and require minimal grooming.
What are the common health issues that Afadors are prone to?
Afadors are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain health issues. Some common health issues that Afadors may be prone to include hip dysplasia, bloat, and ear infections.
Are Afadors known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
Afadors can be a bit challenging to train due to their intelligence and headstrong nature. They require consistent positive discipline and structure in their training. It is recommended for inexperienced dog owners to seek professional help in training an Afador.
Are Afadors more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Afadors can be prone to separation anxiety, especially if not properly trained and socialized. They are a loyal and affectionate breed, and may become anxious when left alone for long periods.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the Afador that are suitable for people with allergies?
For people with allergies, some hypoallergenic dog breeds similar to the Afador include the Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Portuguese Water Dog. These breeds have hair instead of fur, which reduces the amount of allergens they produce.
What sizes of dogs similar to the Afador are best for individuals or families with limited space?
For individuals or families with limited space, smaller sizes of dogs similar to the Afador, such as the Labrador Retriever or Afghan Hound, may be more suitable. However, it is important to ensure that these dogs still receive adequate exercise and mental stimulation despite the limited space.
Is the Afador breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Afador breed can be good with children with special needs, particularly older children who can handle their high energy and playfulness. However, supervision is still recommended to ensure safety for both the child and the dog.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Afador?
The grooming and shedding needs of the Afador are moderate. They have long, fine hair that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangles. They are likely to shed, so regular brushing with a metal comb and bristle brush is necessary. Shampooing may be needed more often than other dogs due to their long fur and outdoor activities. Ears should be checked and cleaned once a week to prevent excess wax and debris buildup.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Afador dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.
