Afghan Hound
About the Afghan Hound
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Large (50-100 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 25-27" |
| Weight | 50-60 lbs |
| Coat Type | Long |
| Coat Length | Long |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
High (60-90 min/day)
60 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
High - Daily
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Moderate mental stimulation needed
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $2,000-$3,000 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,800/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Afghan Hounds may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Active Owners
- Allergy Sufferers
- Working Professionals
May Not Be Ideal For
- First-Time Owners
- Sedentary Lifestyles
- Low-Maintenance Seekers
Guides for your Afghan Hound
The story behind the Afghan Hound
Sighthounds of Afghan type have hunted the mountains and deserts of Afghanistan and neighbouring regions for many centuries, working with hunters and sometimes falconers to run down gazelle, hare and other quarry across ground where dogs had to think and turn for themselves. Regional strains differed, with heavier-coated mountain dogs and lighter desert types. British officers stationed in the region brought examples home in the early 1900s, and kennels in England during the 1920s and 1930s combined imported stock into the glamorous show dog now familiar worldwide. That western breeding emphasised the long silky coat and dramatic outline. Today the Afghan Hound is chiefly a companion and show dog, with a devoted following in lure coursing and racing clubs, and it remains a relatively uncommon choice for pet homes.
Originally bred for: Hunting, Coursing, Companion. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Afghan Hound
Lean sighthound build means ribs should stay easy to feel, and a quality diet with moderate fat supports that condition without padding the frame. Because the chest is deep, unhurried meals divided into two servings and calm rest afterwards are sensible habits rather than one large rushed bowl.
Watch for: Deep-chested build places this breed among those where bloat-conscious mealtime routines matter, so gulping, huge single servings and hard exercise around feeding are worth avoiding. Coat and skin quality can also reflect diet. Introduce any new food gradually and let a veterinarian guide the process.
Not sure what to put in the bowl? See our picks for the best dog food for large breeds.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket, and a slow feeder bowl if your dog inhales dinner. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Afghan Hound
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse chew toys built for strong jaws and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a properly sized crate.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.