The Afghan Hound is truly one of the most breathtaking dogs in existence today, yet do not let his dainty appearance deceive you… he can also be a fierce hunter! Originally bred to hunt both large and small game, his prey drive is strong and needs to be accounted for at all times. Owners of Afghans cannot simply let their dogs off-leash whenever they feel like it, for the appearance of a squirrel or a cat will almost certainly cause the dog to take chase! With the ability to run at high speeds, an Afghan can be out of sight within seconds, putting them in danger of being hit by a car. Owning this breed means one must be responsible – high prey drive + swift movement + independent nature can equal disaster if not controlled. A tall fence is a must!
The Afghan was bred to make decisions on his own, without the help of people, and so this is what he does! Often classified as unintelligent by the naive, this sighthound is actually incredibly clever… at getting what he wants. He is not the go-to breed when it comes to obedience, however he may astound you when it comes to trickery and inventiveness. This said, it is possible to train and even compete with an Afghan in obedience! The trick is to find ways to keep the dog motivated and having fun, while avoiding harsh techniques that will almost inevitably cause him to shut down.
The breed has a distinctive cat-like personality that can best be described as aloof. Their affection is subtle and often reserved for special occasions. This said, some Afghans have goofier temperaments than others and quite enjoy clowning around. Temperament depends on genetics as well as upbringing, although females more likely tend to be aloof than males. Afghans may be shy around new people, which is normal. Fear or aggression, on the other hand, is not normal. Because they are extremely quiet, they aren’t likely to make the best watchdogs – nor will they take it upon themselves to defend the house.
Afghan Hounds are most comfortable in homes which are stable and quiet, and in which they aren’t left alone for long periods of time. They definitely prefer familiarity to surprise. Young children that run around causing a ruckus aren’t normally the best match for most Afghans. This breed can get along with kids, although older kids are a far better match.
Grooming is an absolute necessity with these long coated dogs! An owner should expect to spend 2-3 hours a week tending to grooming needs. Coats that are not kept brushed out (to the skin) will mat and can become real disasters! It can take hours to fix a coat that hasn’t been taken care of correctly, and sometimes it will need to be shaved off completely and allowed to grow back in. Regular baths are also needed in order to keep the coat free of dirt and grime which can then break the hair off. Many Afghans are bathed every week in order to keep up the coats!
Exercise is also very important in the care of the Afghan Hound, although they may not need as much as you might think. Afghans are sprinters which means they will give it their all for a short bit… and then come inside to rest. This is why access to a fenced area is so important – they really need to get out and run! Walks are important as well, but most Afghans would prefer a sprint in the yard to a more structured walk. With many sighthounds, walks are great for training, socialization and bonding while yard-sprinting is great for exercise. In some situations – such as with apartment living – extra walks will need to take the place of running, although it is best to find a fenced area to take the dog on a regular basis.
Afghans generally get along very well with other dogs without much “squabbling”. This may be because they were occasionally hunted in packs and therefore tend to ignore other dogs. Their mostly-gentle nature with other canines, however, usually doesn’t hold over with small animals. Cats, birds, hamsters and other small pets are often looked upon as prey. If the animal is running freely, it is even more likely that the Afghan will go after it. The instinct to chase, catch and kill is very hardwired in the breed.
