Is an Afghan Hound Right for You?
The Afghan Hound is one of the most elegant and ancient dog breeds, instantly recognizable for its long flowing coat and aristocratic appearance. But beneath that beauty is an independent sighthound with a strong prey drive and a mind of its own. Afghan Hounds are intelligent and affectionate with their family, yet often reserved and aloof with strangers. They value freedom of movement, love to run, and are not known for eager obedience. Living with an Afghan means appreciating a dog that behaves more like a dignified companion than a highly responsive worker.
Afghan Hound — At a Glance
Temperament: Independent, dignified, sensitive
Breed Type: Sighthound / hunting dog
Height: 25–27 inches
Weight: 50–60 pounds
Lifespan: 12–14 years
Shedding: Low (heavy grooming required)
Exercise Needs: High (needs space to run)
Good for Families: Yes (with supervision)
Best for Owners: Patient, experienced households
Origin: Afghanistan
Size: Medium/Large
Afghan Hounds Ancient Origins
Originating from the mountainous regions of Afghanistan, these hounds boast a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Folklore has it that Afghan hounds were chosen by Noah to ride the ark and save the species, and ancient cave drawings and carvings depict dogs similar to Afghan hounds. In reality, no one actually knows how old they are!
Bred to Hunt by Sight
Afghan Hounds are classified as sighthounds, a distinction that sets them apart in the world of hunting dogs. Their exceptional vision and lightning-fast speed make them formidable hunters, relying primarily on their keen eyesight rather than scent to track down prey. Known for their ability to chase with remarkable precision, Afghan Hounds were historically used to corner game and keep it at bay until the hunters arrived. This unique blend of agility, speed, and visual acuity made them indispensable to hunters.
Afghan Hound Size and Appearance
One of the most notable features of Afghan Hounds is their distinctive appearance. With their long, flowing coat and regal stance, they exude an air of elegance and sophistication. Their beautiful, silky coat comes in many colors including black, cream and silver among many others. They are a medium/large sized breed reaching 27 inches in height and 60 pounds in weight.
Afghan Hound’s Closest DNA Relatives
In landmard research on modern dog breed development, the Afghan Hound has been shown to share the most DNA with an ancestor of the following breeds:
Saluki
The Furry Air Freshener
Afghan hounds are sometimes referred to as “the scented hound” due to the placement of their scent glands in their cheeks. These unique dogs have a unique trait where some emit a woodsy scent similar to musk that many people actually find quite pleasant. It’s like having a furry air freshener walking around!
Afghan Hounds Independent Nature
Known for their independent nature, Afghan Hounds possess a streak of aloofness that sets them apart from other breeds. Afghan Hounds were bred to be more independent and less eager to please. While they form strong bonds with their owners, they also value their independence and may exhibit a level of aloofness towards strangers. This aloof demeanor is not to be mistaken for unfriendliness, as Afghan Hounds are known to be loyal and affectionate towards those they trust
How Fast Can an Afghan Hound Run?
The American Kennel Club (AKC) conducts dog racing trials each December in Orlando, FL. called the Fast CAT Invitational. This is a 100 yard race where dogs run individually chasing a lure. The average running speed by Afghan Hounds is about 25.01 mph. The fastest recorded speed by a dog named DC Gaston La Gaffe Del Gran Pamir at 34.07 mph!
Afghan Hound Temperament
The CBARQ Dog Temperament Research study, conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, is a giant study of over 300 dog breeds and 60,000 individual dogs. In this study, the Afghan Hound ranks 13 out of 124 breeds in prey drive. If another small animal passes their sight, they are likely to give chase!
Are Afghan Hounds Stubborn?
In this same research, the Afghan Hound ranks very high (121 out of 124 breeds) in stubborn behaviors. Pack your patience when training an Afghan hound as they have a very independent nature!
Afghan Hound Humor!
Afghan Hound Intelligence
In the landmark book entitled, “The Intelligence of Dogs”, professor Stanley Coren researched and documented the intelligence of over 130 different dog breeds. In his book, the Afghan Hound ranks 79th out of 138 breeds in working/obedience intelligence. Essentially this means they will learn new commands in 80 to 100 repetitions and obey first commands 25% of the time or less. This puts them in the “lowest working and obedience intelligence” category. This is rather misleading as Afghan hounds were not bred as “people pleasers” but as independent thinkers.
The First Successful Clone of a Dog
was an Afghan Hound named “Snuppy,” born in South Korea in 2005. Snuppy lived a healthy and vibrant life for ten years until his passing in 2015. It is notable that Snuppy developed cancer around the same time as his cell donor, highlighting the intricate relationship between cloning and health outcomes. Despite this, Snuppy’s existence marked a significant milestone in the field of cloning and genetics, paving the way for further advancements and research in animal cloning technology.
Afghan Hound Health and Lifespan
Afghan Hounds have an average lifespan of 12-14 years. They are a hardy breed, but there are some health concerns to be aware of :
Chylothorax
heightened sensitivity to anesthesia
hip dysplasia
Check Your Afghan Hound Facts and take a fun Afghan Hound quiz!
Facts About Afghan Hounds-Final Thoughts
The Afghan Hound, with its majestic and regal appearance, has a rich history that traces back to ancient times in the rugged mountains of Afghanistan. These elegant dogs are known for their long hair, which requires regular grooming to maintain their stunning looks. They can be rather stubborn and independent and training will require consistency and patience, as they are generally not a breed that wants to “please you”. For dog owners looking for a loyal and graceful companion, who are willing to put the time and effort into training, the Afghan Hound can be a special pet. From their unique appearance to their gentle demeanor, Afghan Hounds truly stand out as a breed worth knowing more about.
