The Afghan Hound has its origins in the cold highlands of the Middle East, and later found its way to Persia and Afghanistan. These dogs have a unique feature – long, thick hair that helps to keep them warm in freezing temperatures. Their coat comes in a variety of colors, such as gold, brown, white, and black. In the United States, the Afghan Hound is not very common and ranks as the 113th most popular dog breed, according to the American Kennel Club. Due to their high energy levels and large size, they require a spacious fenced-in yard to play in, making apartment living not recommended. While they were originally bred to assist nomadic tribes in hunting rabbits and gazelles, nowadays they are primarily kept as pets.
The Afghan Hound’s roots can be traced back to the cold regions of the Middle East, specifically the highlands. From there, it gradually made its way to Persia and Afghanistan. The Afghan Hound possesses a notable attribute – their long, flowing hair that serves as protection against the freezing weather. This breed exhibits a wide range of coat colors, including gold, brown, white, and black. In terms of popularity, the Afghan Hound is not widely seen in the United States, ranking as the 113th most common dog breed according to the American Kennel Club. Given their large size and active nature, they require a spacious enclosed yard for playtime, making apartment living less suitable. While originally bred for assisting nomadic tribes in hunting rabbits and gazelles, they are primarily kept as companion animals today.
Below, we look at Afghan Hound dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Afghan Hound, 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 Afghan Hounds!
| Dog Breed | Afghan Hound |
| Size | Large |
| Weight | 40-50 lbs (average) |
| Height | 22-25″ (average) |
| Location | Middle East, Afghanistan, Persia |
| Ancestry | Saluki (persian greyhound) |
| Date of Origin | ancient times |
| Group | Hunting Rabbits and gazelle |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years |
| Price | $2000 – $2500 |
| Family | Canidae |
| Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
The Afghan Hound is believed to be one of the oldest domestic dog breeds, originating around 4,000 BC in the mountains of Afghanistan. This is where the breed gets its name. In the 1920s, British soldiers brought the Afghan Hound to Britain, and it was later brought to the United States in 1926, gaining recognition from the AKC. Afghanistan is home to 13 different types of Afghan Hounds, and they have achieved prestigious wins, including Best in Show at the Westminster competition in 1957 and 1983. Due to their natural hunting abilities, these dogs were used by nomads in India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan to hunt large game, such as antelopes and leopards. Historical figures, like Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan, were known to own Afghan Hounds. Interestingly, Zeppo Marx of the Marx Brothers was one of the first Afghan Hound owners in the United States. In 1981, the breed gained popularity when Mattel introduced Barbie’s pet Afghan Hound, named Beauty. Moreover, the Afghan Hound holds the distinction of being the first dog to be successfully cloned. In 2005, a three-year-old Afghan Hound named Snuppy was cloned in South Korea using skin cells and 123 surrogate mothers. Although there were three successful pregnancies, one resulted in a miscarriage and another pup died from pneumonia shortly after birth. However, Snuppy lived a healthy life and reached the age of 10.
🐕 Afghan Hound Appearance
The Afghan Hound is a stunning and graceful dog that moves with grace and speed while it is on the go. The breed has a regal appearance thanks to its thick, lustrous coats. The Afghan Hound’s high pelvis adds to their already distinctive appearance and makes them agile and elegant. On top of an attractive, flowing body is a thin face. Since the ears are long and pendant, it is important to regularly check and clean them; you may do this while brushing the coat. According to the AKC, the silky coat comes in nine different colors that can vary substantially in color. Three of them are cream, silver, and black and brown. Markings might be compared to a mask.
| 👀 Eye Color | Brown |
| 🐽 Nose Color | Black |
| 🐕 Coat Color | Black, Red, Cream, Blue, Silver, White |
⚡ Fun Fact: Afghan Hound 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 Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is a fine family dog who tolerates kids and other pets well (under supervision), despite the fact that they are not particularly playful. They tend to be distant and observe rather than participate in the antics of youngsters and other household pets. Keep them on a leash though, since they do appear to like chasing cats a lot outside. They are frequently suspicious and distant with strangers as well. Before attempting to introduce them, it is best to give them time to become acclimated to the new individual. This is a non-overly demonstrative, autonomous dog that can be known to destroy certain items if left alone for an extended period of time. Due to the intelligence of the Afghan Hound, your home should be childproof. The Afghan Hound is an extremely intelligent dog that picks up new information fast. In fact, they might even educate you a little bit.
🤝 Are Afghan Hounds Friendly or Aggressive?
Afghan Hound dogs tend to have difficulty getting along with other pets and may not be very friendly towards strangers. However, they are generally good with children and can be a suitable choice for families with kids. Although they may not be the most cat-friendly dogs, Afghan Hounds have an average level of friendliness towards other dogs. Due to their calm and gentle nature, they are often recommended as companions for elderly people.
This breed is known for being:
- Aloof
- Dignified
- Independent
- Clownish
- Happy
🐩 Afghan Hound Care & Maintenance
The long, silky, and dense coat of the Afghan Hound requires a lot of upkeep. Every day brushing and a thorough brushing and grooming at least once a week are required for your Afghan Hound. This entails using a pin brush, slicker brush, and fine-toothed comb to gently and individually remove each mat and tangle from the fur. Prior to grooming, give your dog a bath using specific shampoo and conditioner. Brush your Afghan Hound from the skin up, then separate the hair with a blow dryer on the low setting. Pay close attention to the areas under the arms, in the space between the toes, and behind the ears. Examine the ears carefully since they often become infected because they are pendulous. For optimal dental health, you should also brush your Afghan Hound’s teeth every day. You should consider raising your Afghan Hound in a home with a large yard. You will have to take them on extra-long walks each day if you live in an apartment. Additionally, you must feed them premium dog food per your veterinarian’s recommendations.
Afghan Hound dogs have a moderate level of shedding, which is a normal part of their hair growth cycle. Regular brushing can help minimize the amount of hair that is shed. The extent of shedding can vary depending on the dog’s overall health and the specific breed they belong to. When it comes to bathing, Afghan Hound dogs typically require a bath every 3 to 4 weeks.
🍖 Food: We recommend 3 cups daily, costing you about $2.75 – $3.00 daily, or roughly $80.00 – $90.00 a month.
🐾 Exercise: Afghan Hound 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 8 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: Afghan Hound dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
❤️🩹 Afghan Hound Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for Afghan Hound Dog Breed can be:
- Demodectic Mange
- Cataracts
- Hip Dysplasia
- Thyroid
- Corneal Opacities
While minor concerns include:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Retinal Dysplasia
- Glaucoma
🤧 Important: Is Afghan Hound hypoallergenic? Yes.
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Afghan Hound.
⚡ Afghan Hound Dog Breed Facts
What makes the Afghan Hound a great choice for families with young children?
The Afghan Hound’s tolerance and patience with children make it a great choice for families with young children. They are known to be gentle and understanding, although supervision is still recommended.
Is the Afghan Hound breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
No, the Afghan Hound is not considered a suitable breed for apartment living. They have high energy levels and need a large fenced-in yard to play and run around in.
How much exercise does a Afghan Hound require compared to other breeds?
Afghan Hounds require a significant amount of exercise compared to other breeds. They have a high energy level and need daily exercise to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
Is the Afghan Hound breed known for being good with other pets?
While Afghan Hounds generally tolerate other pets well, they are not known for being overly playful with them. They tend to remain aloof and observe rather than actively engage. However, proper socialization and supervision are still important.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Afghan Hound?
Some low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Afghan Hound include the Basenji, Greyhound, and Saluki. These breeds also have short hair and require minimal grooming.
What are the common health issues that Afghan Hounds are prone to?
Afghan Hounds are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and thyroid problems. Regular vet check-ups and proper care are essential to maintain their well-being.
Are Afghan Hounds known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
Afghan Hounds are generally easy to train and highly intelligent. They have a quick learning ability and can pick up commands and tricks relatively fast.
Are Afghan Hounds more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Afghan Hounds can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. They are known for their sensitivity and may become destructive if they feel lonely or neglected.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the Afghan Hound that are suitable for people with allergies?
Some dog breeds similar to the Afghan Hound that are suitable for people with allergies include the Afghan Hound’s close relatives, the Saluki and the Basenji. These breeds have short hair and produce less dander.
What sizes of dogs similar to the Afghan Hound are best for individuals or families with limited space?
For individuals or families with limited space, smaller breeds similar to the Afghan Hound, such as the Saluki or the Whippet, may be more suitable. These breeds have a similar slim build but are smaller in size.
Is the Afghan Hound breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Afghan Hound can be good with children with special needs, but it is important to supervise interactions and ensure that both the child and the dog are comfortable and safe.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Afghan Hound?
The Afghan Hound has a high-maintenance grooming routine compared to many other breeds. Their long, flowing hair requires regular brushing to prevent matting, and they are known for their shedding. Regular grooming and maintenance are necessary to keep their coat healthy and beautiful.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Afghan Hound dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.
