Afghan Hound — breed guide
Afghan Hound — temperament, grooming, exercise, heat tolerance and care, from the Leash Life breed guide.
At a glance
- Group
- hound
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 23–27 kg (51–60 lb)
- Life span
- 12–18 years
- Coat
- Long, fine, silky
Living with a Afghan Hound
- High energy — needs real exercise every day, not a stroll.
- Daily grooming — this coat is a commitment.
- Light shedding.
- Can be stubborn.
- Quiet.
- Good with children.
- Gets along with other dogs.
- Not a safe bet with cats — this is prey drive rather than a training problem.
- Not well suited to a flat — space, exercise need or voice works against it.
- Better with previous experience behind you.
- Average heat tolerance.
- Average cold tolerance.
Temperament
Aloof · Dignified · Comic · Independent
Health to watch
- Hip dysplasia
- Cataracts
- Anaesthesia sensitivity
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Questions people ask
Is a Afghan Hound good with kids?
Generally yes. Afghan Hounds are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Afghan Hound good with cats?
Usually not. This is prey drive rather than a training problem — a cat that runs can trigger it in a dog that is otherwise impeccably behaved.
How much exercise does a Afghan Hound need?
An hour or more of proper exercise every day.
Can a Afghan Hound handle hot weather?
About average — use normal hot-day sense.
Leash Life keeps a Afghan Hound's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.