The Afghan Sheepdog is a breed that was created by crossing an Afghan Hound and a Belgian Sheepdog. This magnificent dog is known for its large size, standing at around 30 inches tall and weighing approximately 45 pounds. Their coat is long, thick, and straight, and can come in light brown, brown and white, or black and brown colors.
When it comes to energy levels, the Afghan Sheepdog takes after both of its parent breeds. The Belgian Sheepdog is a herding dog and the Afghan Hound is a sports dog, so it’s no surprise that this breed has high energy. They love to be active and need plenty of exercise and playtime to keep them happy.
Originating from the Afghanistan Mountains, the Afghan Sheepdog has a preference for colder climates and enjoys having ample space to move around. If you’re considering bringing one into your home, make sure you have a suitable environment for them to thrive in.
Below, we look at Afghan Sheepdog dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Afghan Sheepdog, 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 Sheepdogs!
| Dog Breed | Afghan Sheepdog |
| Size | Large |
| Weight | 45-55 lbs (average) |
| Height | 20-24″ (average) |
| Location | Afghanistan |
| Ancestry | Afghan Hound, Belgian Sheepdog |
| Date of Origin | Unknown |
| Group | Herding |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years |
| Price | $1200 – $1400 |
| Family | Canidae |
| Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
The Afghan Sheepdog is a relatively new breed, so not much is known about its history. However, it is believed that the breed was created by crossing an Afghan Hound with a Belgian Sheepdog in Afghanistan. The Afghan Hound has a long history that can be traced back to the sighthounds of ancient Egypt. These dogs were used by Nomads to hunt for food. Although the Afghan Hound was not recognized by the American Kennel Club until 1926, they originated from the Afghanistan Mountains where their thick coat protected them from the cold. For many years, they lived in isolation in the mountains before their excellent sighthound abilities were recognized. When they first arrived in England in the 1900s, they were known as the Persian Greyhound or Barukhzy Hound.
The Belgian Sheepdog, on the other hand, was originally called the Groenendael. This breed was primarily used for guarding and herding. Initially, they were referred to as the Continental Shepherd and were associated with various names such as the Hollander Herder, German Shepherd, Briard, Beauceron, Malinois, Tervuren, and Laekenois. Although their origins can be traced back to the 1800s, they were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1912. The name Groenendael was given to them later, after the kennel that bred them since 1893. During World War I, Belgian Sheepdogs were utilized as draft dogs, messengers, and sentries. They had previously been successful as police dogs as well.
🐕 Afghan Sheepdog Appearance
With a long, thick coat and a curled tail like the Greyhound, the Afghan Hound is a tall, lean, and swift canine. The body of the Belgian Sheepdog is powerful and muscular, and its legs are well-muscled. It has long, black hair. They have huge, well-padded feet and a thoughtful, watchful look. Large, long-haired, with a big muzzle and long legs, the Afghan Sheepdog is a breed. In addition to being exceptionally lithe and elegant, their physique is powerful and well-muscled. The long, glossy hair is often straight but can occasionally be wavy in certain dogs. It also occurs in a variety of hues, including brown and white, black and brown, light brown, and tan.
| 👀 Eye Color | Brown |
| 🐽 Nose Color | Black |
| 🐕 Coat Color | Black, Red, Brown |
⚡ Fun Fact: Afghan Sheepdog dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn’t tolerate being left alone.
🐶 Traits & Temperament of Afghan Sheepdog
The Afghan Hound is endearing and self-reliant, yet it can also be goofy and distant. If they grew up with them, they get along well with bigger kids, but they still require supervision. Despite being affectionate dogs, they may occasionally be obstinate and distant, and it takes time for them to warm up to people. The Afghan Sheepdog dislikes outsiders and may often snarl or bark at anybody they see as a threat to their family or themselves. They are intelligent dogs who can quickly pick up what you teach them, but only if they are interested. Training can be challenging because to their obstinate nature, so you must be strong and establish your authority early on. In order for the Afghan Sheepdog to get along with other animals, they must be socialized as puppies. Otherwise, they’ll be timid and perhaps even hostile.
🤝 Are Afghan Sheepdogs Friendly or Aggressive?
Afghan Sheepdogs tend to get along well with other pets, but they may not be the most friendly towards strangers. However, they are known to be good with kids, making them a suitable choice for families with children. When it comes to cats and other dogs, Afghan Sheepdogs generally have an average level of friendliness. Additionally, these dogs are often recommended for elderly individuals, potentially due to their calm and gentle nature.
This breed is known for being:
- Active
- Aloof
- Dignified
- Independent
- Clownish
- Happy
- Energetic
- Protective
- Alert
- Lively
- Watchful
🐩 Afghan Sheepdog Care & Maintenance
Although the Belgian Sheepdog sheds seasonally, unlike the Afghan Hound, which is hypoallergenic and does not shed much, the Afghan Sheepdog will probably shed a little more in the summer. Both the Afghan Hound and the Belgian Sheepdog require a lot of upkeep to maintain a healthy coat and skin, thus brushing with a firm bristle brush at least twice a week is advised. If not, they’ll slough off more and get matted and knotted. Even though they can be washed as needed, they often maintain themselves clean and tidy. If you reside in a warm area, professional trimming is advised. Additionally, you have to frequently wash their teeth, trim their nails, and check their ears for wax and dirt.
The Afghan Sheepdog dogs have a moderate shedding pattern, which is a normal part of their hair growth cycle. Regular brushing can help minimize the amount of hair that is shed. The shedding rate may vary depending on the dog’s overall health and the specific breed they belong to. As for bath time, it is recommended to give Afghan Sheepdogs a bath every 3-4 weeks.
🍖 Food: We recommend 2.8 cups daily, costing you about $1.20 – $1.40 daily, or around $34.00 – $45.00 a month.
🐾 Exercise: Afghan Sheepdog 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 10 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 Sheepdog dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
❤️🩹 Afghan Sheepdog Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for Afghan Sheepdog Dog Breed can be:
- Cataracts
- Hypothyroidism
- Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat
While minor concerns include:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Pannus
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Hypothyroidism
- Corneal Dystrophy
🤧 Important: Is Afghan Sheepdog hypoallergenic? No.
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Afghan Sheepdog.
⚡ Afghan Sheepdog Dog Breed Facts
What makes the Afghan Sheepdog a great choice for families with young children?
The Afghan Sheepdog is a great choice for families with young children because they are friendly and gentle with older children who they have grown up with. However, supervision is still necessary to ensure the safety of both the children and the dog.
Is the Afghan Sheepdog breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
No, the Afghan Sheepdog breed is not considered suitable for apartment living. They have high energy levels and need lots of space to run and exercise. Living in an apartment would not provide them with the necessary room to thrive.
How much exercise does a Afghan Sheepdog require compared to other breeds?
The Afghan Sheepdog requires a significant amount of exercise compared to other breeds. Due to their heritage as herding and sporting dogs, they have high energy levels and love to run. Daily exercise, such as long walks or runs, is essential to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
Is the Afghan Sheepdog breed known for being good with other pets?
The Afghan Sheepdog breed may not be known for being good with other pets. They need to be socialized as puppies to get along well with other animals. Without proper socialization, they can be shy and even become aggressive towards other pets.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Afghan Sheepdog?
Some low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Afghan Sheepdog include the Greyhound, Great Dane, and Neapolitan Mastiff. These breeds have shorter coats that require less grooming and have lower exercise needs compared to the Afghan Sheepdog.
What are the common health issues that Afghan Sheepdogs are prone to?
Afghan Sheepdogs are prone to various health issues, including hip dysplasia, bloat, allergies, and eye problems such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. Regular vet check-ups and a proper diet are important to manage and prevent these health issues.
Are Afghan Sheepdogs known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
Afghan Sheepdogs can be challenging to train compared to other breeds due to their stubborn nature. They are intelligent dogs and can learn quickly, but only if they are motivated and interested in the training. Consistency, firmness, and positive reinforcement are essential in their training process.
Are Afghan Sheepdogs more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Afghan Sheepdogs can be more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds. They are loyal and bond strongly with their family members, making them more susceptible to anxiety when left alone for long periods. Proper training and gradually increasing their alone time can help alleviate this issue.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the Afghan Sheepdog that are suitable for people with allergies?
Some dog breeds similar to the Afghan Sheepdog that are suitable for people with allergies include the Afghan Hound and the Poodle. Both of these breeds have hypoallergenic coats that produce fewer allergens, making them a better choice for individuals with allergies.
What sizes of dogs similar to the Afghan Sheepdog are best for individuals or families with limited space?
For individuals or families with limited space, smaller-sized dogs similar to the Afghan Sheepdog, such as the Afghan Hound or the Whippet, may be a better fit. These breeds still have similar characteristics and energy levels but require less space due to their smaller size.
Is the Afghan Sheepdog breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Afghan Sheepdog breed can be good with children with special needs, provided they are properly socialized and introduced from a young age. However, close supervision is always necessary to ensure the safety of both the child and the dog.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Afghan Sheepdog?
The grooming and shedding needs of the Afghan Sheepdog are high compared to many other breeds. Their long, thick hair requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. They are considered a high-shedding breed, so expect to find dog hair on your clothes and furniture if you have an Afghan Sheepdog.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Afghan Sheepdog dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.
