Afghan Hounds are elegant and majestic looking dogs that are also very fast runners, getting up to speeds of 45km per hour!
These unique looking dogs bear themselves with dignity and pride, but are friendly, good natured and laid back at home. They are happy to relax elegantly on the couch like a sphinx, and can watch TV for hours on end without appearing to move or blink an eye.
But don’t let the laid back, low-key homebody image fool you - once outside, Afghan Hounds change into dynamic, energy-releasing dogs with a strong hunting instinct. In fact, some Afghans have such a strong prey drive that they can hardly be let off the leash. They are fast and need to run, so we recommend taking them for runs or teaching them to run alongside a bicycle.
Afghan hounds excel in dog sports such as lure coursing, which appeal to their hunting instincts. Their free spirit and independence can make them hard to train, so they are not recommended for novice dog owners.
Their fine long hair requires lots of grooming otherwise it will knot and mat very easily. Brushing after each outing is recommended to ensure a silky smooth look.
Weight: | 26-34 kg |
Health risk: | Medium |
Life expectancy: | 12-14 years |
Coat: | Short |
Grooming intensity: | Medium |
Monthly cost (food): | high |
Trainability: | Low |
Activity level: | Medium |
There are many sources to get your Afghan Hound from. Considering the number of homeless dogs without a future, we strongly encourage you to consider rescuing a dog. Your local shelter or rescue organisation can be a helpful place to start, or try contacting your local or national breed club or a reputable breeder and asking if they have pets available for rehoming. Many rescue organisations have active Facebook pages, which can also be a good place to enquire.
Here are some links that could be useful for finding an Afghan Hound to adopt:
To help your rescued Afghan Hound to settle into your home, our Rescue Dog Guide gives you tips and advice on bringing your rescue dog home.
If you decide you’d prefer to get your Afghan Hound from a breeder, the following guides will help you to find a responsible breeder:
The following organisations will be able to help you find breeders in your state in Australia. They will also be able to connect you with your local breed clubs, which are always a great source of information in regards to finding good breeders and rescue organisations.