Afghan Hound Dog Breed: The Ultimate Guide

Afghan Hounds date back to ancient times, and the pedigree database dates back thousands of years ago by the people of Afghanistan, North India, and Pakistan. Originally bred as hunting dogs, these dogs are strong and independent, requiring plenty of exercise to keep healthy and mentally occupied. 

The Afghan Hound is a purebred canine known by multiple names, including Baluchi Hound, Tazi, Tazhi Spay, Da Kochyano Spay, Sage Balochi, Ogar Afgan, Eastern Greyhound, and Persian Greyhound. Still, the nickname “Tazi” is the most used abbreviated name for Afghan Hounds. Afghans are now kept as house pets and show dogs rather than hunters, although some adventurous owners take them lure-coursing to simulate a hunt.

What are the Breed Traits and Characteristics of Afghan Hounds?

Afghan Hounds are large, strong, and fast. The Afghan hound hunts by sight and, in its native Afghanistan, has been used to pursue leopards and gazelles. They are highly intelligent, independent, and think for themselves and make decisions.

They are used to making their own decisions while hunting. Afghans are no longer used for hunting in the U.S., but they have become popular companion dogs and house pets. Some of the Afghan Dog’s breed traits and characteristics are listed below.

Originally bred as hunting dogs, these dogs are strong and independent, requiring plenty of exercise to keep healthy and mentally occupied. Afghan Hounds are lean and active, needing at least two hours of exercise per day. Despite your Tazi’s independent streak, she will make the ideal jogging companion. Long walks are also fun, and any extra exercise they like to get involves playing with their canine and human playmates. 

They tend to be on their feet constantly, showing off their hair. However, some owners keep them shaved or short-haired to help them cool off in warmer environments.

What are the Physical Traits of the Afghan Hound?

Afghan Hounds are elegant and beautiful, with regal aloofness, and the Afghan Hound exhibits grace in movement. Tazis can reach 40 mph when on the run. Their coats are thick and shiny, giving the breed a luxurious look, but their thick coats hide significantly thinner bodies than one would expect for such a large dog

 The Afghan coat protected these hunting dogs in the rugged high-altitude mountain regions of Afghanistan. The physical traits of the Afghan Hound are listed below.

• Weight: Afghan Hound males weigh between 44 and 60 pounds, and females weigh between 40 and 50 pounds.
• Height: When measured at the withers, Afghan males stand between 24 and 29 inches high, with the females slightly lower at 22 to 25 inches.
• Coat: Afghan puppies have soft, shaggy, and curly puppy hair. They have monkey whiskers, the term for the fuzzy hair on their cheeks and over their saddles. The short, fluffy puppy coat begins to fall out at about one year, giving way to the glossy, steadily lengthening adult coat.

Tazis’ coats can be any color, but black, black-and-tan, cream, red, brindle, blue, domino or white are most prevalent. Afghans can also have a wide range of hues, and the creams and reds often, but not always, have black masks. The Afghan Hound has a striking appearance in motion, owing to its elastic, powerful stride, smooth pace, and sweeping hair.

Body: Underneath their luxurious coats, Afghan Hounds hide long, muscular necks, a deep chest, and well-sprung ribs. Tazis have prominent hip bones, widely spaced, muscular backs, and strong loins. Both forelegs and hindlegs are long and strong with lean muscles. Afghan Hounds appear aristocratic, with a proudly carried head and striking features. A balanced skull is decorated with a topknot. The dog should display a long, strong jaw.

The Afghan hound is swift and agile. Their wider apart and higher hip placement enables them to turn on a proverbial dime, allowing them to make quick turns while maneuvering around the uneven mountainous terrain of the Afghan. Their ability to run at speeds of up to 40 mph made them top-notch hunting dogs. The fastest racehorse reached 43.97 mph, putting the speed of the Afghan in perspective.

What is the Temperament of the Afghan Hound?

Although some say the Afghan Hound is the most unintelligent breed, others disagree. Their “inability” to learn and follow commands gave them the dumbest dog breed spot. However, dogs that can hunt leopards and gazelles without the guidance of humans are smart. On a hunt where the Tazis have to run down leopards and corner them until the human hunter arrives, the hounds must make many decisions on their own.

Although they tend to be aloof at times, Afghan Hounds’ personalities are endearing, loyal, and faithful. The aloofness is most apparent in the company of guests and strange dogs. They are indifferent to the presence of anyone other than their families. Tazis seem shy in the way they withdraw when guests are present. However, they are playful and affectionate when they are alone with their family. Parents must teach children how to play with dogs because Afghans have low pain tolerance and don’t like rough play.

True to their independent natures, Afghans are not protective and no good as guards or watchdogs, and they are not aggressive and dismiss anyone threatening them with aloofness.

If they bark once or twice when visitors arrive, that will be a lot. Afghans have no problem with being alone, even if their parents are at work, but 4 to six hours may be their limit, and after that, they might become destructive.

What are the Social Behaviors and Nature of Afghan Hounds?

The Afghan Hound breed’s temperament is steady, calm, and quiet. Afghans are independent and can correctly respond to changing circumstances without human direction. Afghan Hounds are highly suitable as home companions but they are not protective and owners should not rely on their Tazis to guard their homes and warn them of potential trespassers or predators. The Afghan is loyal, gentle, and quietly affectionate with its own family, including children and family pets, once adequately socialized in interacting with children and other pets. They tend to treat strangers with aloofness and indifference. Afghans are not aggressive, and unlikely to attack.

What is the General Information about Afghan Hounds?

One of the world’s oldest breeds, the Afghan Hound, was bred for speed, agility, and strength. They needed these characteristics to hunt large prey and survive the cold, rugged high altitude mountain regions of Afghanistan. The Afghan Hound radiates elegance. This one-of-a-kind, ancient dog breed has a unique appearance showing a thin, fashion-model build with a dramatic silky coat. The Afghan has a straight front, proudly carried head, eyes gazing into the distance as if in memory of ages past. Afghan enthusiasts describe this Hound as both aloof and comical.

He was bred to course hares, gazelles, and even leopards over the rugged terrain of his native Afghanistan. Today, this medium-size sighthound, weighing 50 to 60 pounds, still has a strong instinct to run and chase. However, most are loyal and loving companions to families worldwide, and Australians appear to be particularly fond of Afghans. 

The Afghan Hound is perhaps the most recognizable of the long-haired sighthounds. This regal Hound is athletic, and instead of hunting, they perform well in lure coursing, agility, and other dog sports. While affectionate or even clownish with family, the Afghan Hound is not a dog who will rush to greet strangers at the park or welcome visitors to your home. 

The Afghan Hound comes from Afghanistan, where the original name for the breed was Tazi. The breed has long been thought to date back to the pre-Christian era. DNA researchers have recently discovered that the Afghan Hound is one of the most ancient dog breeds and dates back thousands of years.

A video of an Afghan Hound swimming underwater went viral, making people believe swimming underwater is a breed trait. The fact is all dogs, regardless of race, decide for themselves. Some love swimming and others are not fond of any waterbody bigger than the size of a puddle. 

How to Feed an Afghan Hound?

Afghan Hounds do best on high-quality dog food, whether homemade with veterinarian guidance or commercial dog food. Any diet should be life-stage appropriate, like Afghan puppies, adults, or seniors. Afghan puppies should be fed food specifically formulated for large breed puppies. This will help their long bones grow and develop at a proper rate and help prevent a condition known as panosteitis, or ‘growing pains. Afghan Hounds will do well on most high-quality commercial dog food brands as adults. Afghan Hounds tend to become bloated if their food is not divided into two daily meals. Dog parents are advised to feed their Afghan Adults between 800 and 1.200 calories or 2 to 2.5 8-oz cups of good quality kibble per day in two separate meals. Puppies should have their daily food in two or three measured meals instead of one meal per day. Choosing the wrong puppy food, which contains too much calcium, could cause permanent bone damage and hip disease in large breeds.

• Food options for Afghan puppies can be seen below.
  • Fresh Food Option: Nom Nom veterinary nutritionists offer four recipes, including beef, pork, chicken, and duck, combined with real, fresh foods, good enough for people to eat, and developed for your Maremma Sheepdog’s unique needs.
  • Dry Kibble Option: ORIJEN Puppy Large Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food contains 85% premium animal ingredients. Each ORIJEN dog food recipe provides a strong source of essential protein, vitamins, and minerals in their most nourishing forms. It’s a high-protein diet designed to feed your Afghan puppy’s carnivorous cravings.
• Food options for Adult Afghan Hounds can be seen below.
  • Fresh Food Option: Ollie’s 100% human-grade recipes step up to the plate with real, high-quality ingredients for happier, healthier mealtimes for Adult Maremma Sheepdogs
  • Kibble for working dogs: With the pronounced risk of hip and elbow dysplasia that accompanies Afghan Hounds’ slim frame, adding glucosamine to this dog’s diet is a good plan. Hypothyroidism is another serious concern, and this condition has an association with laryngeal paralysis. Feeding Afghan Hounds an organic diet like Castor & Pollux Organix Grain-Free Dry Organic Dog Food for Afghan Hounds could help mitigate endocrine (hormonal) disruptions linked to hypothyroidism and laryngeal paralysis. Though intended for senior dogs, this recipe is ideal for Afghan hounds’ joints and endocrine systems. The chondroitin and glucosamine reinforce their hips and elbows to keep them mobile as they go through life. And the healthy, certified organic ingredients excluding artificial flavors, preservatives, colors, antibiotics, or added growth hormones may protect your Afghan Hound from endocrine problems.
• Food options for Afghan Seniors can be seen below.
  • Fresh Food Option: Farmer’s: Dog Choose from a variety of fresh, personally portioned recipes, including chicken, beef, turkey, and more.
  • Dried Kibble Option: With the pronounced risk of hip and elbow dysplasia that accompanies Afghan Hounds’ slim frame, adding glucosamine to this dog’s diet is a good plan. Hypothyroidism is another serious concern, and this condition has an association with laryngeal paralysis. Feeding Afghan Hounds an organic diet like Castor & Pollux Organix Grain-Free Dry Organic Dog Food for Afghan Hounds could help mitigate endocrine (hormonal) disruptions linked to hypothyroidism and laryngeal paralysis. The chondroitin and glucosamine reinforce their hips and elbows to keep them mobile as they go through life. And the healthy, certified organic ingredients excluding artificial flavors, preservatives, colors, antibiotics, or added growth hormones may protect your Afghan Hound from endocrine problems.

What are the nutritional needs of the Afghan Hound?

The nutritional needs of an Afghan Hound include high levels of specific nutrients. The essential nutrients for Afghan Hounds are listed below:

• Protein: Afghan Hounds need natural animal protein, valuable for the amino acids they contain that are essential for Tazi’s health. Equally important is the fact that protein builds lean muscles and provides energy.
• Fat: Animal protein also provides adequate fat, an additional energy source that boosts the Afghan’s metabolism. However, there is a fine line between enough and too much. Excessive fat levels in the dog’s daily diet could result in weight gain and, ultimately, obesity. Most importantly, adult and senior Afghan Hounds need lower fat levels than puppies.
• Carbohydrates: Although carbs are not essential nutrients, they are crucial energy sources. Giving the Afghan sufficient carbs will provide energy, encouraging the body’s protein absorption to build lean muscle. Beware, though, too much carbohydrate can lead to obesity.
• DHA: DHA is one of the components of omega-3 fatty acids. It promotes proper eye and brain development in Afghan puppies. DHA develops cognitive development in puppies and slows cognitive decline in older dogs. Furthermore, omega fatty acids benefit aging dogs by treating chronic kidney disease and canine arthritis. Omega-3 oils improve the coat health of Afghan Hounds.
• Micronutrient: Taurine is one micronutrient that aids heart health, and other valuable micronutrients for the promotion of strong joints in Tazi are chondroitin and glucosamine.
• Minerals: Beneficial minerals for an Afghan’s growth include a healthy balance of phosphorus and calcium. Pre- and probiotics and chelated minerals provide additional health to the diets of Afghan Hounds.

How Much Should an Afghan Puppy Eat?

The Afghan is a large breed. Guidance for feeding puppies is listed below.

• Afghan puppies need slow, sustained growth to help prevent orthopedic problems, such as hip dysplasia. Raise them on a diet designed for large-breed puppies. Whatever diet you choose shouldn’t overemphasize protein, fat, and calorie levels.
• Afghan Hounds should be fed according to a schedule, spreading meal times over three or four meals per day. Getting the puppy accustomed to meals at specific times is better than leaving food out to allow feeding throughout the day.
• Afghan Hounds with medical conditions like hypoglycemia or low blood sugar are the exceptions because they need to nibble bits of food throughout the day.
• Never feed your puppy from the table. It only encourages begging. Everyone in the family must follow this rule.

Afghan puppies should eat a healthy, balanced diet because of the intense exercise they need every day. Tazi Dogs tend to become overweight as they get older, so it’s important to monitor how much food they’re consuming from the time they are puppies. In addition, they have a risk for hip dysplasia, and joint supplements can keep them feeling healthy.

What are the Common Health Problems of Afghan Hounds?

Afghan Hounds are a healthy breed, but 6-monthly veterinarian checkups remain essential. 

Afghan Hounds are medium shedders and their grooming needs are moderate. Afghan Hounds are predisposed to several health problems, some of which are listed below.

• Cataracts: Disease of the lens of the eye resulting in loss of sight.
• Corneal dystrophy: Fluid buildup inside the eye causing pain and affecting vision.
• Dilated cardiomyopathy: Enlarged and weakened heart muscle resulting in inefficient pumping and heart failure.
• Hereditary myelopathy: Disease of the nervous system (brain and/or spinal cord) that affects muscle coordination progressing to paralysis.
• Sensitivity to anesthesia is an issue the Afghan hound shares with the rest of the sighthound group, as sighthounds have relatively low levels of body fat.
• Hypothyroidism involves insufficient thyroid hormone production, causing hair loss, dry skin and coat, and susceptibility to other skin diseases in Afghan Hounds.
• Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a disease associated with the heart. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs for this disease and will not breed dogs that have it.
• Hip dysplasia is a deformation that occurs and develops as Afghan puppies grow. It is caused by loose joints that prevent the ball part of one bone from sliding smoothly in the socket of the other joint bone. Instead, it grinds and rubs in the joint, causing painful wear and tear damage as the Tazi grows and becomes heavier. Although it could start in puppyhood, it usually only becomes evident in adult dogs, making annual medical examinations crucial.
• Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) or Gastric Torsion – often known as ‘bloat.’

This life-threatening disorder happens when an Afghan’s stomach fills with gas and becomes twisted. This is an emergency and requires urgent veterinary attention.

Afghan owners are recommended to have the following three health tests done:

• Hip Evaluation
• PRA Optigen DNA Test
• Ophthalmologist Evaluation
• Thyroid Test

Afghan Hounds are lean and active, needing at least two hours of exercise per day., and therefore they do not need as much exercise. However, please take note of their independent streak, and accept that your Tazi will not likely be the perfect jogging companion. A long walk is more to their taste, and any extra exercise they like to get involves playing with their canine and human playmates. 

How to Train an Afghan Hound?

Start training your puppy the day you bring him home. Even at eight weeks old, he is capable of soaking up everything you can teach him. Please don’t wait until he is six months old to begin training, or you will have a more headstrong dog to deal with.

If possible, get him into puppy kindergarten class by the time he is 10 to 12 weeks old, and don’t forget to socialize your Tazi pup all the time. New Afghan owners should be aware that even though the Afghan hound is not prone to aggression, socialization can help your Tazi learn how to interact with young children.

Back in the time when Afghan Hounds would often have to function independently without human guidance, they made independent decisions while running down gazelles. Those traits are inborn, and even though Afghan Hounds no longer hunt, their independence remains. This independence can make them more challenging to train and requires a steady but firm hand to make them acceptable family pets.

If training does not commence at six or eight weeks, the owner or trainer will have a challenging job. Fortunately, Afghans hardly ever bark, and the owner would be spared the problem of trying to teach his Tazi when to bark and when not to bark.

Adult Afghan Hounds instinctively follow their heads rather than obey commands, unless that was what the hound wanted to do in the first place. A human with a strong character should train this breed to help them understand that although they are in charge and making the decisions while hunting, there is another master back at home. Training an aloof, independent Afghan can be a patience-testing exercise.

Taxis tend to favor one person and see them as their ‘master.’ Once they have accepted their master, the training becomes less challenging. However, there is no set period it will take to take to train your Afghan because some Tazis take longer to become receptive to training. 

Physical exercise is not enough for highly intelligent dogs like Afghan Hounds, and they need mental stimulation as well. However, the only way the Tazi can maintain high intelligence levels is by frequent mental stimulation to exercise their brains, similar to dogs who spend their days running need to exercise their bodies. If Afghan Hounds do not get the necessary mental stimulation, they’ll find their own entertainment, usually with projects you won’t like, such as digging and chewing.

What is the Afghan Hound History?

The Afghan Hound has virtually unknown origins. The Tazi Hound is the cousin of the Persian Greyhound called the Saluki. It is suggested that the ancestors of the cousins came from Persia, now Iran, to Afghanistan, where the climate and rough terrain caused the breed to develop their long coats and other physical changes necessary to live and hunt in the harsh terrain of Afghanistan. The Afghanistan royalty favored the regal Afghan Hound.

Around 1890, after the Second Afghan War, British soldiers brought Afghan Hounds to England. The first specimens shown in London in 1907 were hugely popular. An English breed club was established in 1925, and the following year the Afghan Hound breed was accepted by the American Kennel Club, and by 1930, the Afghans appeared in France.

What are the Maintenance Needs of Afghan Hounds?

After its first year, an Afghan Hound grows into its adult fur; from then on, a Tazi needs thorough brushing each day to prevent tangles and matting. The brushing distributes the natural oils through the hair to keep it loose and shiny.

 Unlike most other dogs needing a bath only a few times a year, you will need to make a standing appointment for a weekly session with a professional dog groomer experienced in taking care of Afghan Hounds’ hair. Weekly bathing, shampoo and conditioner treatment, and sculpting the hair perfectly as it should be could be costly. The weekly grooming session could cost between $60 and $100.

What is the Average Maintenance Cost for the Afghan Hound?

Before committing to purchasing an Afghan Hound puppy, it is a good idea to do your due diligence and become familiar with the demands owning a Tazi could load on time and money. An Afghan Hound puppy could cost between $2,000 and $2,500, with the average price being $2,250. That depends on the breeder and the linage, and a Pure-bred, papered pup could cost significantly more.

First-year expenses are around $4,335 and will be about $1,785/year (or $149/month) after that. The first year of an Afghan Hound’s life will involve significantly higher vet costs like vaccinations, tests for congenital diseases, microchipping, neutering, or spaying.

Some of the annual estimates of essential costs are listed below; however, none of the food and water bowl, bedding, toys, etc., are included here.

• Premium Food & Treats $400 – $900
• Vet Bills & Preventative Care $700 – $1500
• Training $20 – $300
• Registration & Tags $10 – $20
• Insurance $720 – $1320
• Weekly grooming $3000 – $5000

Potential Afghan parents need to be aware of the expenses they will encounter

How to Name an Afghan Hound?

Naming your Afghan Hound might require different criteria than new Tazi parents expect. Finding inspiration and taking time to choose a name for your precious little ball of fluff is essential, but keep in mind that your puppy will respond to the sound of your call and not the name. Choosing a name with two syllables is the secret to making a unique sound by which to call your Tazi puppy. 

Another issue to consider is that you will undoubtedly do some obedience training, teaching your Afghan to “sit,” “stay,” “down,” “come,” and more. If you choose a one-syllable name, it might confuse your Tazi Pup if its name sounds like a command. It is also a good idea not to lose sight of the fact that the ball of fluff will ultimately become a longhaired beauty that stands 30 inches tall and weighs 60 pounds. Pixy or Puffball might no longer be an appropriate name by that time. Below are examples of boy and girl Afghan names inspired by the Tazi’s Afghanistan origins.

If you choose short names, use them in regular communication with your Afghan pup, but find a way to add something for when you call your Tazi to establish a sound she will associate with you from a distance. For example, change the name Rose to Roh-zee every time you call her. You can bet the day will come when you’ll have to take to the streets to find your wandering Afghan, and you’ll want her to respond to your calls.

What are the Different Types of Afghan Hounds?

Afghan Hounds were bred in various areas of Afghanistan and across the borders as hunters traveled and brought their Afghans with them. Below is a list of some of the resulting breeds.

• The Tasy breed comes from the Caspian Sea area of Russia and Turkmenistan.
• The Taigan from the mountainous Tian Shan region on the Chinese border of Afghanistan
• The Saluki is a breed with ancient origins bred in the United Kingdom and Germany, said to be the closest relatives of the Afghan Hound.
• The Sloughi is primarily of North African stock and is a separate breed.

What Dog Breeds are Similar to the Afghan Hound?

The Afghan Hounds have become popular companion dogs, some used for canine athletics, others are show dogs, and then there are thousands of Tazis living with dog-loving families worldwide. However, families who are not quite ready for the high maintenance of an Afghan Hound might want to look at any of the following similar breeds with lesser exercise and grooming needs.

• Basenji: These dogs were also originally bred for hunting purposes. They are energetic and affectionate and are often known as barkless dogs.
• Bloodhound: These dogs were originated in France and were used for hunting purposes. They are now also used for tracking people down.
• Greyhound: These dogs are known to be the fastest dog breed. They are racers and make sweet and calm pets especially when they are old.