Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is one of the world's oldest dog breeds, with ancestry tracing back thousands of years to the mountainous regions of Afghanistan and surrounding areas.
Originally developed to hunt large prey across rugged terrain, this elegant sighthound combines striking beauty with remarkable athleticism.
20-27kg
Weight
Large
Size
12-13yrs
Lifespan
About the Afghan Hound
Standing 63–74 centimetres tall and weighing 20–27 kilograms, the Afghan is a large, imposing dog that moves with a distinctive springy gait. Its most defining feature is undoubtedly the long, silky coat, which demands considerable grooming commitment, typically requiring several sessions weekly to prevent matting and maintain its luxurious appearance. Afghan Hounds are dignified and often aloof with strangers, yet they reveal a surprisingly affectionate and loyal side once trust is established. They generally adapt well to family life and get on with children, though their strong instinct to chase means they require a securely fenced garden and should never be off-lead in unsecured areas. Sensitive and intelligent, they respond far better to calm, positive training methods than to harsh correction. With exercise needs exceeding two hours daily, this breed is best suited to experienced owners who can meet its substantial grooming demands and provide regular opportunities to run freely in a safe environment.
Afghan Hound at a Glance
- Group
- Hound
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 20–27 kg
- Height
- 63–74 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–13 years
- Coat
- Long
- Sheds
- Yes
- Exercise
- More than 2 hours per day
- Typical price
- £800–£1500
Afghan Hound Temperament
The Afghan Hound is a dignified and aloof breed with a surprisingly affectionate side once trust is established. Loyal and deeply attached to its family, it generally gets on well with children and adapts readily to household routines. As a sighthound, it has an overwhelming instinct to chase, which means it should never be allowed off the lead in an unsecured area. Afghans can be independent and somewhat wilful, making training a patient exercise. Their sensitive, gentle nature means they respond far better to calm, positive methods than to any form of harsh correction.
Afghan Hound Lifestyle
The Afghan Hound is happiest in a spacious home and really benefits from a large, secure garden. A country setting suits them well.
Dog Food for Afghan Hound
Top-rated foods for Large breeds, ranked by FurScore. How we score →
Recommended Food for Afghan Hound
Afghan Hound Food Costs
Estimated based on a typical Afghan Hound weighing around 24 kg, using the food prices shown above.
Per day
£4.40 - £4.69
Per month
£132 - £141
Per year
£1607 - £1713
Afghan Hound Characteristics
The Afghan Hound requires a great deal of exercise and does best with an active owner and is reasonably easy to train with patience and consistency. They get on well with older children and can be left for short to moderate periods without issue. The coat is fairly high maintenance and needs consistent upkeep and sheds at a fairly average rate.
Afghan Hound Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strikingly elegant, with a flowing coat unlike any other breed
- Deeply loyal and affectionate with those they trust
- Naturally athletic and well suited to sighthound sports like lure coursing
- Can thrive in various homes provided there is a securely fenced garden
Cons
- The coat demands daily brushing and regular professional grooming
- Sheds noticeably, particularly during seasonal coat changes
- A powerful prey drive makes reliable recall difficult to achieve
- Their size and energy mean they need plenty of space and vigorous daily exercise
