July 19, 2025, 1:54 pm | Read time: 5 minutes

Origin

The history of the Afghan Hound dates back to around 4000 B.C. In its native Afghanistan, it served humans as a guardian and hunting companion. Its role as a so-called “sight hound”—a dog that visually spots and pursues prey—made it indispensable in the mountainous and inhospitable regions. Its hunting qualities were so highly valued that exporting the dogs was punishable by death.

Nevertheless, around 1890, a British officer managed to bring the first specimens to Great Britain. There, modern breeding began by crossing various Afghan types—including short-haired desert dogs and long-haired mountain types. From the 1930s, the breed also spread in Germany. As its role shifted—from hunting to show dog—the appearance was refined: The coat became more voluminous, improving its look but limiting its performance in sporting activities.

Appearance & Coat

The Afghan Hound impresses with its graceful, tall appearance. Males reach a shoulder height of up to 74 cm, females up to 69 cm. Despite their slim, athletic build, the dogs weigh up to 30 kg. Characteristic is the long, silky coat, which can be any color and is particularly dense. It has always protected the animals from harsh mountain climates and is their most striking feature.

The head sports a distinctive, silky topknot, while the face and tail are covered with shorter hair. The tail itself is curled and usually carried upright. The dense coat makes the Afghan appear almost as if wearing “pants.” Its noble, almost aristocratic aura is further emphasized by its upright gait and proud gaze.

Character & Temperament

Afghan Hounds are known as independent hunters, which is also evident in a domestic setting. They are considered confident, intelligent, and sometimes stubborn. Absolute submission is foreign to them—instead, they expect respect and trust from their humans. In familiar surroundings, they are calm, friendly, and alert, without tending to bark.

They behave rather reservedly towards strangers. Their strong memory of people and situations underscores their sensitive yet proud personality. Despite their willfulness, Afghans are loyal companions closely bonded with their caregivers. Their hunting instinct is strongly pronounced, which is why they tend to be independent outdoors—a recall is then difficult to enforce.

Training

Training an Afghan Hound requires experience, patience, and consistency—but not harshness. As a sensitive animal, the Afghan reacts adversely to inappropriate strictness, which can lead to mistrust. Instead, building a trusting relationship should be the focus. The dogs are capable of learning but are not motivated by traditional command structures.

Early socialization, clear rules, and patient training are essential. Due to the strong hunting instinct, a reliable recall is difficult to establish—free running is only possible to a limited extent. Therefore, the breed is not suitable for beginners. However, those who commit to the training effort will be rewarded with a strong-willed partner.

Proper Care & Maintenance

The Afghan Hound needs plenty of space, time, and tranquility. While living in a city apartment is theoretically possible, it does not meet its needs. Ideally, a house with a large, securely fenced garden is best. Its need for movement is enormous—two long walks daily and additional exercise through running or coursing are essential. Despite its temperament, the Afghan loves peace at home and feels comfortable in harmonious, non-hectic households. The dog is suitable for families with older, respectful children. Coat care is very demanding: Daily brushing in multiple layers, monthly baths with special dog shampoos, and regular ear checks are part of the routine. Ear protectors during meals and consistent parasite control are also important.

Nutrition

Afghan Hounds require a protein-rich, balanced diet due to their high energy consumption. High-quality food with a high meat content forms the basis. Ideally, the diet is supplemented with vegetables, fruits, and grains to provide vitamins and fiber. Additives, sugar, and salt should be avoided. The amount of food should be adjusted individually according to activity level. Two meals a day are sufficient for adult dogs, more for puppies. It is also important to allow a sufficient digestion break after eating. A gentle food transition is recommended to avoid stomach problems. Consultation with a veterinarian ensures a needs-based feeding plan.

Susceptibility to Certain Diseases

Despite generally robust health, Afghan Hounds show increased susceptibility to certain hereditary diseases. These include hip dysplasia (HD) and cataracts, an eye disease that gradually restricts vision. Particularly severe is the so-called Afghan myelopathy, a breed-specific degeneration of the spinal cord in the neck and chest area. This usually occurs in the first year of life and quickly leads to complete paralysis of all limbs. Since no cure is possible, choosing a responsible breeder with comprehensive health care is especially important. Regular veterinary check-ups help detect and treat problems early.

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The Afghan Hound at a Glance

• Character: Independent, loyal, alert, with a strong hunting instinct
• Size: Males up to 74 cm, females up to 69 cm
• Weight: Up to 30 kg
• Coat: Long, dense, silky; all colors allowed
• Care Requirement: Very high, daily brushing necessary
• Exercise Needs: Extremely high; ideal for coursing or sighthound racing
• Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
• Special Features: Free running only possible to a limited extent, demanding in care and training