Afghan Hound Progression: Growth Chart, Milestones, and Training Tips

Afghan hounds are striking and unique dogs. Their coat is spectacular and they are known for their poise and elegance. Owning these dogs is both a joy and a challenge and you need a certain level of expertise. Consulting an experienced owner/breeder or a vet is always advised but to get you started we have provided an Afghan hound growth chart. You can use it to get a rough idea about Afghan hound progression along with some milestones and training tips.

Breed Summary

The Afghan hound is one of the oldest purebred dogs on the planet – pre-dating written history. Its exact place of origin may be in the countries now known as Afghanistan, India, or Pakistan – no one is sure. English officers returning from the British Empire brought the dog with them. It became an AKC registered breed in 1927. They are a large and regal dog with a spectacular long coat which can be a range of colors including black, black and tan, cream, and white.

Afghan Hound Growth and Weight Chart by Age

New owners are often very anxious about their pup’s weight. If a pup is not gaining weight it can indicate a failure to thrive. On the other hand, if the pup is gaining too much weight it can lead to health problems later on. Whilst there is no such thing as a fixed weight for pups, there is a broad normal range. It is important that you get your pup weighed by your vet regularly so that they can keep an eye on how they are growing. Here is a very rough guide to what Afghan hound pups should weigh at the various ages of their development.

When Will My Afghan Hound Stop Growing?

Most Afghan hounds have reached their full height by around 12 months. However, they can continue to gain weight and fill out until they are two years old.

How Big Will My Afghan Hound Be When It’s Fully Grown?

The breed standard for Afghan hounds requires them to have a straight front and large feet! Male dogs should be 26-28 inches high and weigh around 60 pounds. Females should be 24-26 inches high and weigh around 50 pounds. The exact weight that your mature dog reaches will depend on a number of factors including their gender, genetics, environment, and diet.

When Should My Afghan Hound Be Spayed or Neutered?

The current advice regarding spaying/neutering from the American Kennel Club is that it may be best to wait until the age of 12-18 months to carry out the procedure in larger dogs like the Afghan hound. However, they also stress that they “promote the professional judgment of the veterinarian in developing an informed, case-by-case assessment of each individual patient, taking into account all the potential risks and benefits of spay/neuter.” So, this is something you need to discuss with your vet.

When Should My Afghan Hound Be House Broken?

Afghan hounds can be stubborn and are not that bothered about pleasing their owners which can make housebreaking them a challenge! It is vital that you provide them with a suitable place to go potty and that you give them regular access to it. You are likely to find that using a crate helps a lot with house training this breed. Dogs don’t like to poop and pee in their crate and this helps them to wait until they are somewhere suitable.

When Should My Afghan Hound Stop Eating Puppy Food

Your breeder will provide you with the food that your pup is already eating so stick with that for a while if you can. Then, you can transition gradually to another food designed for large breed pups. Puppies need three meals a day but this can drop to two a day when they are about a year old. Refer to specific guidance from your vet and the guidance provided on the dog food packaging for when you should transition to an adult food. All food transitions should be done gradually to prevent stomach upsets.

When Will My Afghan Hound Start Losing Teeth?

Most pups start to lose their teeth at around four months of age but this can vary. Your dog should have their adult teeth by six months of age but check with your vet if you have any concerns. Afghan hounds commonly suffer from dental conditions so it is important that you get your pup used to having their teeth cleaned from a young age.

When Should I Start Training My Afghan Hound?

Afghan hounds are intelligent but they are also independent thinkers. They have a reputation for being tricky to train. They are also sensitive and some experts advise that you should not start anything complicated with them until they are over six months. It would be wise to consult a breed expert because you often need to be creative when training this breed. Socialization is vital with this breed and can start a lot younger.

What Cues Should I Teach My Afghan Hound First?

Walking on a leash properly is a crucial skill for such a large dog with an independent spirit. Getting your Afghan to come back to you is also vital so the ‘come’ command is a good one to start with. There has got to be something in it for them so make sure that you have treats! You may find it useful to get advice from the Afghan Hound Club of America or from your local club.

When Will My Afghan Hound Calm Down?

This depends on what you mean by calm down! Off-leash walking will never be possible with this breed because they will bolt at 30mph if they spot a critter. They can also leap over a six-foot fence from a standing position to get out of a yard. That said, calmer pups tend to make calmer adults and it will help if they get plenty of off-leash exercise in a secure enclosure.

Common Health Issues Your Afghan Hound Might Experience

In addition to dental issues, Afghan hounds tend to have low body fat stores and this will make them sensitive to anesthesia. Make sure that any vet that you consult has experience with the breed. This is a deep-chested breed that can suffer from bloat. The abdomen swells suddenly and it can be life-threatening so you need to know the signs to look out for. The health tests recommended by the Afghan Hound Club of America are:

• Hip evaluation
• Thyroid evaluation
• Ophthalmologist evaluation

Pictures of Afghan Hounds as Puppies

Pictures of Afghan Hounds at 6 Months

Pictures of Fully Grown Afghan Hounds

The photo featured at the top of this post is © WildStrawberry/Shutterstock.com