Afghan Hound

• ExerciseHigh

  Needs a good workout or long walk every day.

• GroomingDaily grooming

  Daily brushing (and pro grooming) keeps the coat in shape.

• Living spaceHouse with room

  Does best with room to move and a yard.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment12–18 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Cataracts · Hip dysplasia · Hypothyroidism

The Afghan Hound is a stunning, silken-coated sighthound with a hunter's engine underneath — bred to course game across harsh mountains, it is aristocratic and aloof in public and surprisingly silly and clownish with its own trusted people. Independent, dignified and sensitive, it is not an obedience dog: it thinks for itself, gets easily bored with repetition, and responds only to gentle, patient, positive training with a sense of humour. It needs the chance to run flat-out in a safe enclosed space, has a strong prey drive so can't be trusted off-lead near small animals, and forms deep but understated bonds. The glorious long silky coat is a major commitment: it mats very easily and needs thorough brushing several times a week (realistically most days), plus regular bathing to keep it flowing. Health-wise the Afghan is a relatively robust, long-lived sighthound, but buy from a breeder who screens, and be aware of hip dysplasia, cataracts and other eye disease, hypothyroidism, and bloat (feed measured meals and rest after eating); its low body fat also makes it sensitive to anaesthesia (tell your vet). Commit to the grooming, give an Afghan safe running, gentle handling and patient training, and this elegant, quirky hound will be a devoted companion for twelve to eighteen years.

• How much exercise does a Afghan Hound need?

  High. Needs a good workout or long walk every day.

• How much grooming does a Afghan Hound need?

  Daily grooming. Daily brushing (and pro grooming) keeps the coat in shape.

• Is a Afghan Hound suited to apartment living?

  House with room. Does best with room to move and a yard.

• Is a Afghan Hound a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Afghan Hound live?

  12–18 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Afghan Hound?

  Keep an eye out for Cataracts, Hip dysplasia, Hypothyroidism. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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