Afghan Hound – The Elegant Long-Haired Noble Dog

The Afghan Hound, a sighthound breed from Afghanistan, is known for its luxurious appearance, with long, thick, silky-smooth fur and a calm yet slightly aloof personality.

Also known as the Afghan hunting dog, the Afghan Hound is an ancient breed originating from the mountainous regions of Afghanistan. It stands out with its exceptionally long and flowing coat, elegant demeanor, and composed nature. Once favored by aristocrats, this breed is not commonly seen in Vietnam today.

In today’s article, let’s dive deeper into the fascinating world of the Afghan Hound with Dog breed!

Where Does the Afghan Hound Come From?

The Afghan Hound Has a Long, Thick, and Silky Coat

The Afghan Hound is an ancient breed with a history dating back thousands of years to the regions of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. It was originally bred and raised by nomadic tribes for hunting animals such as hares, antelope, and even snow leopards.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, British officers stationed in Afghanistan brought this breed back to England. Thanks to its elegant appearance and long, glossy coat, the Afghan Hound quickly became a favorite among Western aristocrats.

Today, the Afghan Hound is a top contender in dog beauty competitions and is also cherished as a family pet.

The average lifespan of an Afghan Hound is about 11 to 13 years.

Appearance of the Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound always captures attention with its noble look and flowing coat. Let’s take a closer look at its distinctive physical traits:

• Height: Males: 68–74 cm | Females: 63–69 cm

• Weight: Males: 26–34 kg | Females: 22–30 kg

• Body: Tall and slender but muscular

• Back: Straight and long

• Chest: Deep

• Legs: Long and agile; hind legs are more muscular, feet are large with thick pads

• Tail: Long and thin, curls upward like a ring

• Head: Long, slim, and well-proportioned

• Eyes: Almond-shaped, slightly slanted, usually dark brown or amber

• Ears: Long, drooping, covered in flowing hair

• Nose: Black or dark brown, highly sensitive

• Teeth: Scissor bite with moderate jaw strength

• Coat: Long and silky, covering the entire body. Coat colors vary and can include sand, cream, black, red, smoky blue, silver, or brindle.

• Gait: Light, graceful, and flowing

Temperament of the Afghan Hound

Appearance of a Purebred Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound is sometimes nicknamed the “cousin” of the Basset Hound (the short-legged French hunting dog) because they share some similar personality traits. Let’s dive into the details below.

Independent and Strong-Willed

Afghan Hounds are known for their independence. They don’t easily obey commands and are capable of making their own decisions, especially when hunting.

Elegant Yet Aloof

With their aristocratic appearance comes a touch of pride. Afghan Hounds can be aloof and even a little “snobbish” at times. They dislike being overly ordered around and may act cold or indifferent.

Energetic and Active

As sighthounds, Afghan Hounds love to run and play. They require plenty of space to move freely and are not suitable for small apartments or condos. Without enough exercise, they may become frustrated and destructive.

Smart but Stubborn

While intelligent, Afghan Hounds don’t enjoy repetitive training exercises like Border Collies do. When training this breed, patience and gentle guidance are key, as they don’t have a natural desire to please their owner.

Loyal but Not Clingy

Afghan Hounds are loyal to their owners but aren’t overly affectionate or clingy. They tend to keep their distance from strangers without being aggressive. Their way of showing love is subtle and refined—don’t expect cuddles like with other breeds!

How to Properly Care for an Afghan Hound

Afghan Hounds with Various Coat Colors

The Afghan Hound is a “noble” dog breed with an exceptionally long, thick, and silky coat. To keep them healthy and looking their best, proper care is essential. Let’s dive into the details below!

Nutrition for Afghan Hounds

With their slender build and less muscular frame, Afghan Hounds don’t require a high-protein diet. Instead, they thrive on a well-balanced and nutrient-rich meal plan:

• Protein: 30–40% of their diet, from sources like meat, fish, and eggs

• Fat: 15–20%, to provide energy—found in fish oil, animal fats, etc.

• Fiber & Carbohydrates: 20–30%, from grains, vegetables, and fruits

• Vitamins & Minerals: Add yogurt, cheese, and other supplements

• Clean Water: Must be available at all times

Feeding Schedule by Age:

• 2 to 6 months old: 4 meals/day of soft, easy-to-digest food, cut or minced into small pieces

• Over 6 months old: 2 meals/day with all essential nutrients; avoid greasy foods and combine with quality dog kibble

Foods Afghan Hounds Should Avoid:

• Overly spicy, salty, or sweet foods

• Greasy or oily food

• Chocolate

• Cow’s milk

Coat Care for Afghan Hounds

With their famously long, flowing coat, Afghan Hounds require dedicated grooming to maintain their regal look:

• Brush daily to keep the fur smooth, detangle knots, and remove dirt or loose hair

• Bathe 2–3 times per week

• Trim the fur around the legs and face regularly

• If possible, bring your Afghan to a pet spa for professional grooming

Exercise & Training for Afghan Hounds

Afghan Hounds are energetic and need daily physical activity to stay happy and well-balanced:

• Allow at least 1 hour of off-leash running daily in a safe, fenced-in area

• Always use a leash when walking outdoors, as Afghan Hounds have a strong prey drive and love chasing small animals like squirrels, mice, or cats

• Start training early using positive reinforcement, as they can be quite stubborn and independent

Health Care for Afghan Hounds

To keep your Afghan Hound healthy, regular vet care and vaccinations are essential:

• Ensure full vaccinations rabies, 5-in-1, 7-in-1

• Use flea, tick, and parasite preventatives

• Schedule health checkups twice a year

• Monitor your dog daily—if you notice anything unusual, visit the vet promptly

Ideal Living Environment for Afghan Hounds

Afghan Hounds need spacious environments where they can move freely. They are not suited for small apartments and do best in cool climates, as they do not tolerate heat well.

Common Health Issues in Afghan Hounds

Afghan Hound with a Striking Coat

The Afghan Hound is prone to certain health issues—some inherited, others caused by lifestyle or diet. Let’s explore some common conditions in Afghan Hounds, along with tips on how to prevent and treat them:

Common Health Issues in Afghan Hounds

Afghan Hound Price & Buying Tips in Vietnam

Thinking of bringing home an Afghan Hound? Let’s take a look at pricing and what to know before buying one in Vietnam.

Afghan Hound Price Guide

Currently, Afghan Hounds are relatively expensive in Vietnam due to their noble status and rarity in the country.

Tips for Buying an Afghan Hound in Vietnam

Because of their high value, here are some tips to help you make the right purchase:

• Choose a reputable breeder: Only buy from trusted kennels or breeders to ensure you’re getting a purebred, healthy dog at a fair price.

• Check documentation and health: Carefully review all paperwork verifying the dog’s lineage, health condition, and breed purity. Make sure the dog shows signs of good health and matches Afghan Hound standards.

Gallery of Elegant, Noble Afghan Hounds

Take a look at our curated gallery of stunning Afghan Hounds below to see why this breed is often praised as the "noble dog" of the canine world!

Afghan Hound Making a Glamorous Appearance in Bazaar Magazine

Afghan Hounds with Unique and Distinctive Coats

Photo of a Stunning Purebred Afghan Hound

The Most Fashionable Afghan Hound in the World

A Vietnamese Girl and Five Glamorous Afghan Hounds

Through the article above, giongcho.org has provided you with comprehensive information about the Afghan Hound—a hunting dog breed known for its elegant and unique appearance. However, since this breed is still quite rare in Vietnam, anyone interested in owning one should do thorough research and consider their decision carefully.

And don’t forget—our Blog section has many more fascinating articles about dog breeds from around the world. Be sure to check them out!