A self-assured, independent thinker that tends to hold itself apart from strangers yet shows a light-hearted, playful side with the people it knows. It is sensitive and does best with patient, gentle, reward-based training rather than firm handling. As a sighthound it has a strong urge to chase moving things.124
how to spot oneAfghan Hound coat and colours
long, fine and silky
A flowing, very fine coat covers the ribs, flanks, hindquarters and legs, while the back carries a shorter, close 'saddle' and the face is short-haired. A silky topknot sits on the head and the ears are heavily feathered. The body is lean and long-limbed with prominent hipbones, large feet and a tail that finishes in a ring.314
Comes inall colours accepted (FCI, UKC)commonly seen: fawngoldcreamredblackblack and tanbluegreybrindlewhitedominooften with a black mask314
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for an Afghan Hound. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 3 weeks
HaircutMany owners keep a short puppy cutevery 6 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseAbout 60 minutes a dayevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
how busy a day looksAfghan Hound exercise needs
High. The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day; Hill's gives a minimum of about 40 minutes plus daily walks. Free running should happen only in a securely fenced area, because the chase instinct can override recall.52
where they are happiestAfghan Hound at home
Best suited to a larger home with access to a well-fenced garden where it can stretch out and run safely.52
who they like aroundAfghan Hound with people and other pets
Bonds closely with its household and enjoys family life, while staying reserved with newcomers. Early, positive socialisation helps it grow into a confident adult.12
the hands-on bitsAfghan Hound grooming and care
Very demanding. The long coat needs daily attention (Royal Kennel Club) and regular bathing and thorough brushing, about weekly, to prevent tangles and mats. Expect seasonal coat changes in spring and autumn.52
what goes in the bowlAfghan Hound food and feeding
A good-quality complete dog food suited to a large, lean, active breed. Owners often find Afghans eat less than their size suggests; feed to keep a lean, athletic outline.2
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Afghan Hound, and at what times?
Feed your Afghan Hound at least two meals a day, as VCA recommends for adult dogs. The exact times can be set to your routine, but keep them consistent. For amounts, follow the food label and check with your vet to maintain a lean, athletic outline.27
What should an Afghan Hound eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a good-quality complete dog food suited to a large, lean, active breed. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, as listed by ASPCA. Always check with your vet for specific dietary needs.28
How often should I bathe an Afghan Hound?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 21 days, but ASPCA says at least once every three months, more often if needed. The long coat requires regular bathing to prevent tangles, so adjust based on your dog's activity and coat condition.529
How often does an Afghan Hound need brushing?
The long, silky coat needs daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles, as recommended by the Royal Kennel Club and ASPCA. Pet Wiki's plan suggests brushing every day to keep the coat healthy and beautiful.529
How do I trim an Afghan Hound's nails, and how often?
Trim nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every 28 days per Pet Wiki's plan. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and use proper nail clippers. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.9
How much exercise does an Afghan Hound need?
This breed needs high exercise, with the Royal Kennel Club suggesting over two hours daily and Hill's about 40 minutes plus walks. Pet Wiki's plan recommends about 60 minutes a day, always in a securely fenced area due to their chase instinct.52
How do I look after an Afghan Hound's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, never human toothpaste, as ASPCA advises. For ears, check weekly and keep them dry, especially since floppy ears trap moisture; never push anything into the ear canal. Pet Wiki's plan suggests daily teeth brushing and weekly ear checks.9
How long does an Afghan Hound live?
Afghan Hounds typically live between 11 and 14 years, according to multiple sources. With good care, they can enjoy a long, happy life.245
Is an Afghan Hound good with children and other pets?
Afghan Hounds bond closely with their family and can be playful with people they know, but they are reserved with strangers. Early, positive socialization helps them get along with children and other pets, though their chase instinct may be strong around small animals.12
Can an Afghan Hound be left alone?
This breed can be left alone for moderate periods if well-exercised and mentally stimulated, but they bond closely with their household and may not like long solitude. The answer varies by individual; ask your vet or a good breeder for advice tailored to your dog.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
what to watchAfghan Hound health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Afghan Hound. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Hip dysplasia
The hip joint does not fit together well, which can mean stiffness and arthritis later in life. Hip test is one of the three CHIC tests the Afghan Hound Club of America requires; no published rate found ↗
Low thyroid (autoimmune thyroiditis)
The thyroid gland slows down, which can show as weight gain, a thin coat and low energy; it is managed with daily tablets. Thyroid test is a required CHIC test for the breed; the club keeps OFA thyroid statistics ↗
Cataracts and other eye problems
Clouding of the lens or other inherited eye changes that can affect sight, usually picked up at a yearly eye exam. Eye exam (CERF/OFA) is a required CHIC test for the breed; no published rate ↗
Chylothorax
A rare build-up of fatty lymph fluid around the lungs that causes breathing trouble and needs vet care. Breed is more likely to develop it than most; the club funds genetic research into it; no published rate ↗
Tests a good breeder can show you
Hip evaluation (OFA or BVA/KC) CHIC / Afghan Hound Club of America; UK Kennel Club Best Practice ↗
Eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist (CERF/OFA) CHIC / Afghan Hound Club of America ↗
Thyroid evaluation (OFA) CHIC / Afghan Hound Club of America ↗
From the breed club or a health scheme. Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat an Afghan Hound costs
Running costs for an Afghan Hound, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Afghan Hound legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Afghan Hound in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
homemade and simpleTreats they will love
Afghan Hound tip
For Afghan Hounds, choose low‑fat, high‑quality treats and give them sparingly, as they are prone to obesity and sensitive digestion. Always supervise treat time and avoid anything too rich or high in fat to help protect their stomach and pancreas.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
Zardin, the hound that set the early breed type, was invited to Buckingham Palace at Queen Alexandra's request after his 1909 Crufts appearance.10
2
In 2005 an Afghan Hound named Snuppy, produced in South Korea, became the world's first cloned dog and was named one of TIME's inventions of the year.10
3
Pablo Picasso said the big untitled sculpture he made for Chicago's Daley Plaza (1967) was modelled on his Afghan Hound, Kabul.4
4
The Ghazni-line hound Sirdar won Best in Show at Crufts twice, in 1928 and 1930.4
5
Afghan Hounds have taken Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club show in 1957 and 1983.4
6
The breed's big, well-padded feet, sometimes called 'snowshoe' feet, helped cushion it on stony mountain ground.10
7
Afghan Hounds appear in popular culture including Disney's Lady and the Tramp II and the children's cartoon Bluey.4
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed name comes from its country of origin, Afghanistan, where it was developed as a hunter in the hill country. It is also known as Tazi, Sag-e Tazi, Balkh Hound, and Barakzai Hound.11
stars of the breedFamous ones
Zardin An Afghan Hound brought to England from India by Captain John Barff in 1907, who became the model for the first breed standard in 1912.4
Sirdar of Ghazni A dog from Mary Amps's Ghazni kennel, the heavily coated mountain strain, who won Best in Show at Crufts in 1928 and 1930.4
This morning, I woke up to the sun warming my silky fur. I stretched, then trotted to the garden, where I chased a leaf that danced in the breeze. My human laughed and called me a silly beauty. After a gentle brush, I felt like royalty. We walked to the park, and I held my head high, my coat flowing like a banner. I greeted my favorite squirrel with a dignified sniff, but I didn't chase, I'm too elegant for that. At home, I curled up on my velvet cushion, dreaming of mountains and ancient palaces. My human whispered, 'You're my little prince,' and I wagged my tail in agreement. A perfect day for a noble hound like me.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganAfghan Hound history
The Afghan Hound grew out of the long-coated sighthounds kept by tribal peoples in the mountains and valleys of Afghanistan and neighbouring regions, where they hunted game such as deer, gazelle, hare and fox over rugged ground. Their long coat and large, cushioned feet suited the cold, rocky terrain. British officers returning from India and the Afghan frontier brought such hounds west in the late 1800s and early 1900s. A dog called Zardin caused a stir at Crufts in 1909 and became the model for the first written standard in 1912. After the First World War two influential lines arrived in Britain: the leaner Bell-Murray hounds from the desert plains around 1920-21, and the heavier-coated Ghazni hounds from the Kabul area in 1925, which included the celebrated show dog Sirdar. The Kennel Club gave the breed its own classes and challenge certificates in 1926, and the modern Afghan blends both types. British stock reached America in the 1920s, and the breed became especially fashionable in the 1970s. The FCI accepted it definitively in 1961.410121256
Standard No. 228, Group 10 (Sighthounds), Section 1 (Long-haired or fringed sighthounds); definitive acceptance 12 Dec 1961; current standard published 27 Jul 20216
The Royal Kennel Club
Hound Group; granted separate classification and challenge certificates in 192612
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