Afghan Hound

The Aloof Aristocrat 

With their flowy, human-like hair and regal stature, the Afghan Hound carries a dignified presence. This breed’s signature coat typically reaches from head to toe, draping their medium-to-large frame in a silky blanket of perfectly groomed fur—and they have an elegant personality to match.

Originating in the foothills and mountains of Afghanistan, the Afghan Hound has largely out run its niche as a small-game hunter, trading in the desert terrain for a life of elegance, class, weekly baths, and daily brushes. Because of their docile nature and friendly, welcoming demeanor, Afghan Hounds are a perfect addition to any family, especially those who love to brush this dog’s fine fur. 

At Happy Paws, we’re dedicated to helping all dogs, from purebreds to certified mutts, live their happiest, healthiest lives. Our dog supplements support common health areas, including joints, skin, and digestion, many of which address common issues for Afghan Hounds. 

In this article, we’ll explore the history of this silky breed, provide some information and tips on how to care for them, and help you decide which supplements are best for your regal pet, the Afghan Hound.

Quick Facts

Origin: Afghanistan

Size: Medium to large

Breed Group: Hound

Lifespan: 12–18 years

Coat: Long hair—weekly grooming recommended

Temperament: Aloof, stately, and compassionate

Exercise Needs: Daily walks alone do not meet this breed’s exercise needs. In another life, Afghan Hounds once roamed desert plateaus, chasing small game and fending off predators. Their appearance is deceiving; these dogs are accustomed to the school of hard knocks. And if they don’t get their daily exercise, these quick, independent-minded dogs can get a little antsy. So, be sure to carve out time in your day for runs, walks, and hikes, towing your regal bestie along for the ride.

Training: Because of their hunting prowess, Afghans have a certain prey drive that is next to impossible to wean out. So, squirrels, bunnies, and backyard cats beware. Outside of this quick-twitch prey drive, Afghans are relatively easy to train. Afghan Hounds are independent but enjoy positive reinforcement. But because of that stubborn prey drive and seriously impressive jumping skills, Afghan Hounds are best kept in a fenced-in yard and leashed on walks. 

Dog Health: Their long coat needs regular grooming, while their medium size and surprising intelligence call for unique exercises and training. Afghans can face unique health challenges that may arise at any age. We’ll discuss how to address your Afghan Hound’s health below. 

Happy Paws for Afghan Hounds

Enrich your Afghan Hound’s health with high-quality, tasty supplements like these!

In-Depth Look at These Popular Supplements

Help your Afghan Hound look and feel their best, ready to strut their stuff, with our line of high-quality, tail-waggin’ dog supplements! These healthy treats use natural, organic ingredients to enhance your Afghan’s physical and mental well-being while satisfying their taste buds. 

Here are a few products that can help your Afghan Hound. 

Skin & Coat Dog Chews: Our Skin & Coat Dog Chews support coat shine and skin health. These vegan, chicken-flavored soft chews utilize a blend of skin-supporting ingredients, including biotin and coconut oil, to promote dermal health and nourish your dog’s coat.

Cognitive Dog Chews: Afghan Hounds are highly intelligent. Our Cognitive Dog Chews help sharpen their minds well into their golden years. These vegan, chicken-flavored chews utilize a range of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to support optimal brain health and combat cognitive decline.

Digestive Health Dog Chews: Our Digestive Health Dog Chews use powerful, all-natural probiotics and enzymes to enrich your dog’s gut health and strengthen their digestive system. These healthy, tasty dog treats offer a delicious pumpkin flavor that spoils your pet’s palate while fortifying their gut flora.

10-in-1 Multivitamin Dog Chews: Our 10-in-1 Multivitamin Dog Chews use multiple essential nutrients to strengthen your dog’s daily health and give them a well-rounded supplement. One vegan, lamb-flavored dog treat introduces your dog to ten essential nutrients, helping keep them healthy, happy, and active. 

Hip & Joint Dog Chews: Soothe the symptoms of joint dysplasia with our Hip & Joint Dog Chews! Packed with a blend of joint-friendly ingredients, this dog supplement helps reduce inflammation and support joint health, thanks to compounds like glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid.

Immunity Booster Dog Chews: Allergies are common for this breed, and our Immunity Booster Dog Chews are here to help! These pumpkin-flavored soft chews utilize a range of adaptogenic mushrooms, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog’s immune system and help build a stronger immune system.

Common Health Concerns for Afghan Hounds

Like other large dog breeds, an Afghan Hound is often prone to common health issues like these:

Elbow & Hip Dysplasia: According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), many medium-sized to extra-large dog breeds are susceptible to elbow and hip dysplasia. This issue arises from birth when the bone in a joint is misshapen, causing an awkward fit in your dog’s joints. This defect may cause joint pain and stiffness, osteoarthritis, limping, and trouble standing up. 

Patellar Luxation: Patellar luxation occurs when a dog’s kneecap slips out of the joint. This can happen when a dog is consistently overweight. Maintaining your dog’s healthy weight can help manage the condition, while joint-friendly supplements can also be beneficial. If you believe your dog has patellar luxation, it’s best to speak with your veterinarian about next steps.

Digestive Issues: Large to giant breeds commonly experience digestive problems, such as bloating. These issues can stem from their diet, lifestyle, or genetics. 

Skin & Coat Maintenance: Due to their long, shiny coat, Afghans require specialized hair care to maintain their fur in a silky smooth condition. If owners don’t take the time to brush their Afghan’s coat daily, their fur can tangle, knot, and mat, causing discomfort and skin irritation. 

Allergies: Seasonal allergies can affect this breed, as they can many other dogs. Typically, allergies present as a skin rash, accompanied by itching and scratching. A strengthened immune system can help combat these common allergies.

History of the Afghan Breed

The Ancient Beast

As the story goes, as Noah hurriedly loaded up the ark, bracing his ragtag crew of critters for a long journey at sea, he had to pick one breed to serve as the ambassador for all dogs. One breed to patiently wait for the flood levels to subside. One breed to represent all dogs. Surveying the suitors, Noah chose the Afghan Hound. Maybe he needed something to do to help pass the time, and the hours of weekly brushing served as a time-consuming activity. 

Raised in the desert plains and plateaus of ancient Afghanistan, the Afghan Hound is one of the oldest breeds, dating back nearly 6,000 years. Unlike other hounds, the Afghan is a sight hound, which are common in Central Asia and the Middle East. Sight hounds hunt based on (you guessed it) sight, while other hounds use their big sniffer to track game and pick up trails. These dogs pick a spot high over the hunting range and keep their thousand-yard stare fixed on the valley below. Once a gazelle poked its head up, the Afghan Hound would leap into action—in an elegant, aristocratic fashion, of course.

The Journey West

In the early 20th century, British soldiers brought this breed home. These dogs weren’t as militant and compact as the UK’s native bulldogs, like the Staffordshire Terriers and Bull Terriers. And they certainly were a little larger and (some would say) more regal than the English Cocker Spaniel. This dog was unique, certainly to a Western audience that had no breed to compare it to. The hound’s distinct look helped it gain popularity, but its personality and temperament helped it earn a cult-like following. 

The Pop Icon

The Afghan Hound quickly became a fashion symbol, loved by Hollywood actors like Grace Kelly, painters such as Picasso, and families across the country. In the early ’70s, this dog was a fixture in the hippy movement. In 1979, Mattel introduced Barbie’s dog, Beauty, a small action figure Afghan Hound with realistic-looking fur.

Though perhaps not the most common dog breed today, the Afghan Hound is undeniably one of the most cherished. Its distinctive fur, substantial size, and delightful personality have garnered a loyal following, with many families feeling incomplete without the playful and elegant presence of an Afghan in their home.

The Afghan’s Temperament

If you’ve met an Afghan, chances are you didn’t catch their attention right away. These dogs are reserved and independent. They aren’t shy, but they also aren’t natural extroverts. Owners tend to agree that their Afghans are always watching something else, off in the distance. They’re smart, but they don’t instantly agree to being ordered around. They are friendly but tend to be aloof.

But as sighthounds, these dogs have a pretty fantastic prey drive that’s next to impossible to weed out. So, it’s always best to train and socialize Afghan Hounds early to reduce prey drive behaviors. Keep them in a fenced-in yard or on leash. Also, if you have cats in the house, it’s best to train and socialize your Afghan Hound to recognize felines and friends, not foes. 

Tips to Care for an Afghan Hound

Like all other breeds, the Afghan Hound requires a few essential activities to maintain its health and appearance. Here are a couple of tips to help Afghan stay happy, healthy, and lively, from their puppy years and well into their golden years.

Daily and Weekly Coat Maintenance 

Just by looking at an Afghan Hound, you already know how important coat maintenance is. Experts recommend a few hours a week spent just brushing their coat. Haircuts and professional grooming appointments can also help keep your Afghan’s coat looking healthy and shiny. 

What to Do:

• Brush coat daily
• Schedule routine grooming appointments

Daily Exercise

Afghans were once bred to roam desert mountains and plains for days, in search of small game. So, they have a higher need for exercise and mentally stimulating activities than other breeds. These dogs love long walks, hikes, and even runs. They might be a little too “cool” to play fetch and tug-of-war, but try to find new ways to tire your Afghan out. 

What to Do:

• Provide long walks, hikes, or runs. They may be beautiful, but they love a good workout.

Gentle, Affirming Training

These dogs possess an uncanny intelligence that doesn’t always adapt well to traditional training methods. Many breed experts agree that you need to instruct your Afghan gently. Also, try to find ways to convince this breed that your command was their idea. These dogs have a high IQ, but they don’t always love to listen. 

What to Do:

• Use gentle, affirming tones when training

Happy Paws: High-Quality Dog Supplements 

Keeping your dog happy, healthy, and active shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. At Happy Paws, we’ve designed our dog treats with the best ingredients and flavors possible (our dogs definitely approve!). We’ve made sure these treats are certified organic, non-GMO, and third-party tested for purity, letting you spoil your dog easily with healthy, tasty dog treats. 

FAQ

Are Afghan Hounds a good family dog?

Like any dog, Afghan Hounds can make a great family dog with the right training and for the right family. They are often aloof, trusting only a select few. But once they’ve carved out a special place in your home, they’re family for life. Afghans do best in active homes, as they need a few hours of exercise each week. They need a fenced-in yard and are not suited for off-leash walks. Their high prey drive can flood the mind at the sight of squirrels, possums, raccoons, or any other small animal, and away they go. 

Can an Afghan Hound be left alone?

This breed is typically pretty independent. After all, they were entrusted to roam desert mountains for days in search of small game. So, you can generally leave them home alone.

Do Afghan Hounds shed a lot?

All Afghan Hounds have long, flowing hair that grows continuously and sheds infrequently. So, you won’t find much of their hair bundling up around your home. But you will have to cut this hair periodically to keep it short. 

Are Afghan Hounds high maintenance?

Thanks to their coat maintenance, Afghan Hounds can be considered high-maintenance dogs. But they are just so beautiful, so it’s an easy compromise. 

Do Afghan Hounds bark a lot?

Afghan Hounds rarely bark. They are quiet and observant.

How do you give your dog health supplements?

You can give your dog a Happy Paws health supplement in several ways. First, we’ve designed these supplements as dog treats, so you can give them to your pupper as a reward for good behavior. Or, you can add it to your dog’s kibble; they make a pretty tasty topper, too.