Afghan Hound
Elegant, independent, and gentle, this breed stands out with its flowing coat and regal presence. Loyal yet sometimes reserved, Afghan Hounds make graceful companions for those who appreciate unique beauty.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
68–74 cm (male)
63–69 cm (female)
WEIGHT
25–30 kg (male)
23–27 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12–15 years
Afghan Hound: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Afghan Hound isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Afghan Hound's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Afghan Hound is known for its dignified, independent temperament and aloofness with strangers, while remaining loyal and affectionate with its family.
Key Personality Traits
Aloof but generally polite with familiar people
Independent thinker, not eager to please
Needs regular exercise, enjoys running outdoors
Playful when engaged, but not overly exuberant
Sensitive to change, prefers consistent routines
Strengths
- Elegant appearance and graceful movement
- Strong independent problem-solving abilities
- Loyal to trusted family members
- Low natural odor and minimal drooling
- Moderate exercise needs suit active owners
Challenges
- Prone to strong chase and prey drive
- Coat requires extensive regular grooming
- Can be aloof with strangers and guests
- Sensitive to harsh training methods
- Difficult to achieve reliable recall off-leash
Protect your Afghan Hound
Afghan Hound are active and energetic, but they can develop hip dysplasia and cataracts. Get peace of mind with PetSecur's comprehensive coverage.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Afghan Hounds are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
Afghan Hounds are intelligent but often display a strong independent streak, making training a challenge; they respond best to patient, consistent, and positive reinforcement methods.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–90 minutes daily
recommended per day
This breed has high energy levels and requires daily vigorous exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy, including running, play, and engaging activities to prevent boredom.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Afghan Hounds are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Afghan Hound would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Requires experienced handling and consistent training
Apartment Living
Needs space and may become restless in small apartments
Active Lifestyle
Enjoys regular exercise and activities with active owners
Kids
May be aloof and less tolerant with very young children
Multiple Pets
Usually gets along but may be independent with other pets
Being Left Alone
Dislikes being left alone and can develop separation anxiety
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Afghan Hounds compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Afghan Hound
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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