| Afghan Hounds: the most honest dog breed review you'll ever find. Information about Afghan Hound personality and behavior. |
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My book, Your Purebred Puppy: A Buyer's Guide (published by Henry Holt & Co.), includes a full-page profile of the Afghan Hound, including these excerpts:
The AKC Standard calls him "an aristocrat, his whole appearance one of dignity and aloofness…eyes gazing into the distance as if in memory of ages past."
Some Afghan Hounds are indeed dignified, while others are silly clowns, and some alternate gleefully between the two.
Though quiet indoors, he should not be left unsupervised for long periods of time without personal attention and running exercise, for he bores easily and can become destructive.
Don't let this breed off-leash, for he is unbelievably fast and can gallop out of sight in seconds. His high hipbones make him one of the most agile of all breeds and one of the best jumpers. Fences must be high.
Standoffish by nature, he needs extensive exposure to people and unusual sights and sounds so that his caution does not become timidity. He is sociable with other dogs, but may chase smaller pets.
Obedience training will control his occasional bumptiousness and build his confidence, but you must be patient and persuasive, for sighthounds are extremely sensitive to leash jerking and may respond defensively if frightened. Independent and not particularly eager to please, their stubbornness takes the form of resistance rather than wild disobedience: They brace their legs and refuse to walk.
Afghans can be finicky eaters and hard to housebreak.
History
The Afghan Hound is a "sighthound" who relied on his keen vision and long legs to run down gazelles, hares, and leopards in Afghanistan, while huntsmen followed on horseback. His forte is not straightaway speed, like a Greyhound, but strength and agility over rugged terrain.
Size
24-28 inches and 50-60 lbs |
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Afghan Hounds
What's good about 'em
What's bad about 'em
- Has a tall, slender, elegant build
- Is extremely athletic and graceful -- can run swiftly and jump great heights
- Has a long, flowing coat that comes in many colors
- Can be both a dignified aristocrat and a silly clown
- Is gentle with people and other dogs
An Afghan Hound may be right for you.
| If you don't want to deal with... |
- Providing a safe enclosed area where he can gallop
- Shyness or suspiciousness when not socialized enough
- Emotional sensitivity to stress and abrupt changes in schedule
- Strong instincts to chase other living creatures that run
- Slowness to learn and an independent "what's in it for me?" attitude toward training -- can be very stubborn
- Lots of brushing and combing
- Slowness to housebreak
An Afghan Hound may not be right for you.
| If I were considering an Afghan Hound... |
My major concerns would be:
- Providing enough running exercise. Afghan Hounds don't need miles of running, but these sighthounds MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy through all-out galloping a few times a week. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored -- which they usually express by destructive chewing.
| Afghan Hounds need access to a large fenced area -- fenced because these independent dogs are likely to take off and not come back. If there is a dog club in your area, get your Afghan Hound involved in lure coursing (chasing a mechanized lure around a track or across an open field). This is an appropriate outlet for the full-speed galloping behaviors that are "hardwired" into his genes. |
- Providing enough socialization. Standoffish by nature, Afghan Hounds need extensive exposure to people and to unusual sights and sounds. Otherwise their natural caution can become shyness or suspicion, which are difficult to live with.
- The independent temperament. Afghan Hounds are not Golden Retrievers. They are independent thinkers who don't particularly care about pleasing you. Most Afghan Hounds are stubborn and can be manipulative. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.
| To teach your sighthound to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. My Afghan Hound Training Page discusses the program you need. |
- Chasing other animals. Most people do not realize just how fast and agile sighthounds are -- or how strong their instincts are to chase and seize fleeing creatures. They could seriously injure or kill your neighbor's cat or toy dog. In today's society, the legal liabilities should be considered.
- Emotional sensitivity. Be honest...is there tension in your home? Are people loud or angry or emotional? Are there arguments or fights? Afghan Hounds are extremely sensitive to stress and can end up literally sick to their stomachs, with severe digestive upsets and neurotic behaviors, if the people in their home are having family problems. Sighthounds are peaceful, sensitive dogs who need a peaceful, harmonious home.
| If you have small children, I do not recommend Afghan Hound puppies. First, young Afghan Hounds (up to about two years old) romp and jump with great vigor, and things can go flying, including people. Second, the temptation to chase and nip running children is a risk with young Afghan Hounds. Finally, even Afghan Hound adults may feel overwhelmed by the loud voices and quick movements that children can't help making -- and stress and shyness may be the result. |
- Grooming. Without frequent brushing, Afghan Hounds become a matted mess. If you can't commit to the brushing, you have to commit to frequent trimming to keep the coat short, neat, and healthy.
- Housebreaking. Afghan Hounds tend to resist being told what to do, and housebreaking is no exception. Expect four to six months of consistent crate training before you see results.
| Not all Afghan Hounds are alike! |
- There are energetic Afghans, and placid Afghans.
- Hard-headed Afghans, and sweet-natured Afghans.
- Serious Afghans, and good-natured goofballs.
- Introverted Afghans, and Afghans who love everyone.
| If you acquire an Afghan Hound puppy, you can't know for sure what he or she will grow up to be like. Because a good number of purebred puppies do NOT grow up to conform to the "norm." |
| If you're considering an adult Afghan Hound... |
There are plenty of adult Afghan Hounds who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you find such an adult, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you.
When you acquire a puppy, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult, you're acquiring what he already IS.
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