Afghan Hound

Canis Lupus

Last updated: January 31, 2023
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
© DragoNika/Shutterstock.com

These dogs were originally bred for hunting purposes. They are one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, though they are now found in several rescue shelters around the world. They are known to be as fast as racehorses. The fur that covers these hounds keeps them very warm, though they can be shaved as well. Afghan Hounds have scent glands that usually produce a musky but not malodorous scent.


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Afghan Hound Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis Lupus

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Afghan Hound Conservation Status

Afghan Hound Locations

Afghan Hound Locations

Afghan Hound Facts

Fun Fact
These dogs were originally bred for hunting purposes. They are one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, though they are now found in several rescue shelters around the world. They are known to be as fast as racehorses. The fur that covers these hounds keeps them very warm, though they can be shaved as well. Afghan Hounds have scent glands that usually produce a musky but not malodorous scent.
Distinctive Feature
Long fur and pointed muzzle
Temperament
Alert yet reserved and lively
Training
Moderately Easy
Diet
Omnivore
Average Litter Size
7
Type
Hound
Common Name
Afghan Hound
Slogan
First used as a shepherd and hunter!
Group
Dog

Afghan Hound Physical Characteristics

Color
  • Brown
  • Black
  • White
  • Gold
Skin Type
Hair

Afghan Hound as a Pet:

General Health
Energy Level
Shedability
Trainability
Intelligence
Tendency to Chew
Size
Family and kid friendliness
Yappiness / Barking
Moderate
Separation Anxiety
Moderate
Preferred Temperature
Average climate
Exercise Needs
High
Friendly With Other Dogs
Moderate
Pure bred cost to own
$1,000
Dog group
Hound
Male weight
50-60 lbs
Female weight
50-60 lbs

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Afghan Hounds are one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, though they are now found in several rescue shelters around the world.

Afghan Hounds date back to ancient times, and the pedigree database dates back thousands of years ago by people of Afghanistan, North India, and Pakistan. Though they are easily found in rescue shelters, breeders will also sell them to make a profit from their long yet silky hair.

Originally bred as hunting dogs, these dogs are strong and independent, requiring plenty of exercise to keep healthy and mentally occupied. They tend to be on their feet constantly, showing off their hair. However, some owners keep them shaved or short-haired to help them cool off in warmer environments.

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Afghan Hound infographic

3 Pros and Cons of Owning Afghan Hounds

To understand the advantages and disadvantages of adopting an Afghan Hound (especially considering the high price of the breed), this list provides an unbiased look. All of these factors should be considered when deciding if this breed is the right animal for the household. Here are a few pros and cons of the breed:

Pros! Cons!
Warm personalities: These dogs are social and loving with the members of their human family, making them a sweet family pet.Needs a lot of space: These dogs usually do not stay comfortable in small spaces and need a spacious area to let their energy out.


Energetic: If you are looking for a dog breed that is energetic and pushes you to get out of the house, this is the right pup. With a constant desire to exercise, they are a great jogging companion.
Strong chase instinct: These dogs have very strong chase instincts, which may not be best for small animals or especially excitable children.
Minimal shedding: If you are someone who is looking for a minimal mess and brushing, these dogs shed surprisingly little for having such a long coat.High-maintenance grooming: Even though they do not shed a lot, it takes a lot of time to groom these dogs because of their long, silky hair. This issue can be remedied by keeping the puppy shaved or short-haired, which some owners will do to keep their dogs cool when the weather gets warmer.

History and Origins

This ancient breed is believed to be one of the oldest purebred dogs, with some claiming that a pair of Afghan Hounds were on Noah’s Ark. Its exact origin in the vast area of Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan is unknown. However, it has been used as a hunting and status symbol for centuries. These sighthound dogs are able to locate their prey using their excellent vision and swift speed.

Since ancient times, the Afghan hound has been a part of Eastern culture. It was not until the late 1800s, when officers from the British Empire brought the breed to Europe, that it was recognized on a Western level. By the early 1900s, the Afghan hound had become a favorite of the British elite.

Health and Entertainment for your Afghan Hound

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The American Kennel Club first registered an Afghan Hound in 1927, but it wasn’t until the early 1930s that the breed started to become popular in the United States. One of the most important dogs of this time period was a breeding pair imported from England by Zeppo Marx, the youngest Marx Brother. The Afghan Hound has become known for its presence in shows and as a pet. A giant sculpture of an Afghan Hound named Kabul was created by Pablo Picasso in Chicago’s Daley Plaza.

Afghan Hound laying outside in the shade.

Afghan hounds are thought to be the oldest purebred dog.

©Paul Dixon (yettis doings) / CC BY-SA 2.0, Flickr – License

Size and Weight

With long and beautiful hair, these dogs have a slim but athletic physique. Female Afghan hounds are usually about 25 inches tall, though the males stand a little taller at 27 inches. Meanwhile, both female and male varieties weigh about 50 to 60 pounds.

Learn more about the best big dog breeds here.

Height (Male):27 inches tall
Height (Female):25 inches tall
Weight (male):50 to 60 lbs., fully grown
Weight (female):50 to 60 lbs., fully grown
Afghan Hound dogs are known for their lock-like hair.

An Afghan Hound usually weighs between 50-60 pounds.

©Flickr user Esparta, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons – License

Common Health Issues

The beautiful appearance of the Afghan hound can be deceiving, as the breed comes with multiple health concerns that will require regular veterinary care to prevent and treat them.

Their long legs and tall build put them at significant risk of hip and elbow dysplasia, evidenced by the misalignment of the bones in the joints that hold them. Issues often arise in the thyroid gland, which regulates various metabolic processes.

Juvenile cataracts can be another concern for this dog breed. These cataracts cloud the eye, preventing the dog from seeing clearly, eventually leading to blindness.

Laryngeal paralysis is common in these dogs. This paralysis makes breathing difficult, though the condition is treatable. Unfortunately, before the treatment begins, it is unclear if the animal will still have a good quality of life.

One of the diseases that this breed can permanently face is Von Willebrand disease. The condition prevents the blood from clotting since the animal would lack certain proteins that are supposed to manage the clotting. Though the trait is ingrained in the DNA, not all Afghan’s develop it.

The health issues that these dogs face will often depend on their breeding, which can be checked against the pedigree database. Overall, some of the common health issues relating to this dog breed include:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Juvenile cataracts
  • Thyroid problems
  • Laryngeal paralysis
  • Von Willebrand disease

Afghan Hounds are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia.

©xyom/ via Getty Images

Temperament

Afghan hounds are very content and easy-going in temperament, though they are always up and running. Due to their natural hunting desire, their intelligence is well-suited for outdoor activities that require endurance or energy. They also tend to be strong-willed and aloof.

While it is usually common for them to stay distant from strangers, they are very warm towards their human families. They can sometimes be timid with new experiences and people but are generally very brave, making them a good breed for protecting the home.

To ensure that these dogs become acclimated to other breeds, they need to be introduced to a social circle from early on.

Afghan Hounds are easy-going dogs.

©Hagon1 / CC BY-SA 3.0, from Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository – License

How to Take Care of Afghan Hounds

Before you finalize your decision to adopt the Afghan Hound from a rescue or a breeder, you need to understand the amount of care that goes into them. This breed has many grooming needs, and they need to be fed regularly to thrive and grow. Here are some things that you should know about taking good care of these dogs:

The Best Dog Food

Afghan dogs do well with a high-quality protein-based diet. Split the dog food into two meals, totaling approximately 2-2.5 cups of high-quality dog food a day (like Pedigree) to keep your pet satisfied.
Some of the human foods these dogs enjoy include chicken and sweet potatoes. However, the food and nutrition requirements of the Afghan hound puppies are different from those of adult varities, as they need more protein in their growth years.

With the pronounced risk of hip and elbow dysplasia that accompanies Afghan Hounds’ lanky frame, adding glucosamine to this dog’s diet is a good plan. Hypothyroidism is another serious concern, and this condition has an association with laryngeal paralysis. Feeding Afghan Hounds an organic diet could help mitigate endocrine (hormonal) disruptions linked to hypothyroidism and laryngeal paralysis.

That’s why A-Z Animals recommends Castor & Pollux Organix Grain-Free Dry Organic Dog Food for Afghan Hounds.

Though it’s intended for senior dogs, this recipe is ideal for Afghan hounds’ joints and endocrine systems. The chondroitin and glucosamine reinforce their hips and elbows to keep them mobile as they go through life. And the healthy, certified organic ingredients sans artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors, antibiotics, or added growth hormones may protect your Afghan Hound from endocrine problems.

Check Chewy and Amazon for these products.

Castor and Pollux Organix Grain-Free Dry Food
  • Made with organic, free-range chicken as the first ingredient accompanied by organic sweet potatoes.
  • USDA organic certified chicken dog food containing no artificial preservatives, flavors or colors
  • Organic flaxseed, blueberries and sweet potatoes provide extra nutrition and health benefits in a mouthwatering meal.
  • Organix provides complete and balanced organic diets for your faithful and precious pooch.
  • Organic dog food made without corn, wheat, soy, chickpeas or lentils.


Check Chewy Check Amazon

Maintenance and Grooming

Afghan hounds do not shed much, but brushing through their long hair takes a while, so account for the extra time during their grooming session. These sessions should include regular bathing to prevent dander and to keep their fur glossy.

Brush through the hair while it is still moist, using a grooming spray to prevent painful tangles. Often, these dogs require some type of oil to nourish the fur. In the same session, owners should keep their pet’s nails trimmed.

If you want to spend less time on their hair, they need to keep their pet short-haired.

Training

When it comes to training, the strong-willed nature of the Afghan hounds makes them quite stubborn. A firm but positive tone is necessary to convey authority, though owners may still have a hard time with training. They are not known to be obedient and often do not respond to training tricks.

Afghan Hound dogs are popular show dogs.

Afghan Hounds can be tricky to train due to their strong will and stubborn nature.

©I, Lilly M, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons – License

Exercise

Afghan hounds are highly energetic dogs, which means that they need to have regular exercise to keep them happy. Optimally, make sure that your dog gets at least two hours of exercise every day for it to remain fit and healthy.

They would need a lot of space to run around. Physical activity is known to positively impact these dogs, helping them to maintain their good behavior.

Puppies

An Afghan hound puppy needs to be taken care of in a similar way as you would take care of an adult variety. However, they will need to have more protein in their diet than adults, helping them to grow into athletic and strong adults. To ensure that the food is not overwhelming, break their meals into several small meals.

Afghan Hound Puppies standing in grass

Afghan hounds are high-energy dogs and need a minimum of 2 hours of exercise per day.

©otsphoto/Shutterstock.com

With Children

Afghan hounds are great with children. They are playful, and their energy often makes them compatible to be the perfect playmates with the children. It is said that the best would be to let your puppy grow old with your children to increase as well as maintain their compatibility. However, Afghan hounds usually have low pain tolerance which could sometimes be a problem with children in the long run.

Afghan Hound (Canis Lupus) - running in grass

Afghan Hounds love to play but need time after they eat before exercising.

©Maria Ivanushkina/Shutterstock.com

Dogs Similar to Afghan Hound

Though it is easy to see the history of the Afghan hound on a pedigree database, some pet owners may want an alternative breed that would work for them. Here are some dogs that are similar to the Afghan:

Basenji: These dogs were also originally bred for hunting purposes. They are energetic and affectionate and are often known as barkless dogs.

Bloodhound: These dogs were originated in France and were used for hunting purposes. They are now also used for tracking people down.

Greyhound: These dogs are known to be the fastest dog breed. They are racers and make sweet and calm pets, especially when they are old.

Famous Afghan Hounds

Pablo Picasso famously adopted an Afghan Hound named Kabul, including him in many famous paintings to show his admiration. These animals are often featured in dog shows, allowing their elegance to be admired. Among the many famous celebrities who have brought this dog into their families are Salvador Dali and Marianne Faithfull.

Afghan Hound (Canis Lupus) - puppy playing with ball

Afghan Hound puppies love to play but have a low pain tolerance. They cannot run for long periods of time without needing a break.

©otsphoto/Shutterstock.com

Here are some of the popular names for the Afghan hound dogs:

  • Prince
  • Marques
  • Nicholas
  • Princess
  • Leopold

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About the Author

Heather Hall is a writer at A-Z Animals, where her primary focus is on plants and animals. Heather has been writing and editing since 2012 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture. As a resident of the Pacific Northwest, Heather enjoys hiking, gardening, and trail running through the mountains with her dogs.

Afghan Hound FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Are Afghan Hounds herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores?

Afghan Hounds are Omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and other animals.

What Kingdom do Afghan Hounds belong to?

Afghan Hounds belong to the Kingdom Animalia.

What class do Afghan Hounds belong to?

Afghan Hounds belong to the class Mammalia.

What phylum to Afghan Hounds belong to?

Afghan Hounds belong to the phylum Chordata.

What family do Afghan Hounds belong to?

Afghan Hounds belong to the family Canidae.

What order do Afghan Hounds belong to?

Afghan Hounds belong to the order Carnivora.

What type of covering do Afghan Hounds have?

Afghan Hounds are covered in Hair.

What genus do Afghan Hounds belong to?

Afghan Hounds belong to the genus Canis.

What are some distinguishing features of Afghan Hounds?

Afghan Hounds have long fur and pointed muzzles.

How many babies do Afghan Hounds have?

The average number of babies an Afghan Hound has is 7.

What is an interesting fact about Afghan Hounds?

Afghan Hounds were first used as shepherds and hunters!

What is the scientific name for the Afghan Hound?

The scientific name for the Afghan Hound is Canis Lupus.

Are Afghan Hound good with kids?

Yes, Afghan hounds are good with kids and make great playmates around them.

How long does Afghan Hound live?

The lifespan of the Afghan hounds is usually 12-14 years.

How much does an Afghan hound cost?

The price to adopt an Afghan hound is usually around $1,000, though it is much less from a rescue. Every additional grooming trip costs around $65, but the annual cost will depend on how often you bring your pet to be washed, detangled, and brushed.

What age does an Afghan hound get its adult coat?

Afghan hounds usually get their adult coat when they are about 1 year old.

Are Afghan Hounds good family dogs?

Yes, Afghan hounds make great family dogs. They are affectionate and loving.

Do Afghan hounds bark?

Afghan hounds might bark at strangers coming into the house. However, they typically are gentle and shy.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources
  1. hillspet.com, Available here: https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/dog-breeds/afghan-hound
  2. mentalfloss.com, Available here: https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/76999/10-elegant-facts-about-afghan-hound
  3. dogbreeds911.com, Available here: https://www.dogbreeds911.com/large-dog-breeds-afghan-hound.html
  4. pawdiet.com, Available here: https://www.pawdiet.com/breeds/best-dog-food-for-afghan-hound/
  5. afghanhoundclubofamerica.org, Available here: https://afghanhoundclubofamerica.org/index.php/information/grooming
  6. tythedogguy.com, Available here: https://tythedogguy.com/how-to-train-your-dog/afghan-hound/
  7. dogtime.com, Available here: https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/afghan-hound
  8. dogtime.com, Available here: https://dogtime.com/dog-names/dog-names-by-breed/2277-dog-names-afghan-hound-dog-names

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