Buying or Adopting an Afghan Hound

Should You Even Get a Dog? Are You Sure?
Important – I've been helping people choose and find dogs for nearly 40 years, and honestly, some people who decide to get a dog are making a big mistake... [read more]

The Truth About Purebred Dogs
Pros and cons... (most people don't know about the cons)

The Truth About Crossbred Dogs
Pros and cons... (don't get taken by breeder hype)

The Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs
Pros and cons... (are mixes inferior to purebreds and crosses?)

Is an Afghan Hound the right breed for you?

Afghan Hound Review
I'll tell you what's good about 'em, and what's bad about 'em... most honest review you'll ever find

Dog Breed Traits – Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family.

Are YOU the right owner for an Afghan Hound?

Can you provide what this breed needs?

• Someone home most of the day
• Fenced yard (6-8 feet high, not an electronic/underground fence)
• No young children in the household
• No very small dogs in the household
• No cats in the household
• Restricted exercise when young – until maturity (at least 18 months old), exercise restricted to multiple short (20 minute) walks, fetch games, and playing with other dogs – no forced running (beside a jogger or bicyclist), no long-distance treks, minimal jumping
• Ample exercise after maturity – enough ongoing exercise that your Afghan Hound stays slim and is tired enough to sleep contentedly and not get into mischief
• "Mental exercise" – interesting activities that keep the mind stimulated, such as lure coursing, a dog sport for sighthounds; challenging dog toys; a homemade obstacle course; tricks and games such as Hide 'n Seek; instructions in my training book, Teach Your Dog 100 English Words
• Brushing – a lot (unless you clip the coat short)
• Trimming/clipping – every few months
• An indoor lifestyle, except for exercise and bathroom breaks
• A meat-heavy diet, either homemade or commercial – meat is expensive, so people with less money should opt for a smaller dog
• An owner with enough money to treat the health problems Afghan Hounds are prone to (pet health insurance can really help here!)
• Commitment to provide thorough socialization – introducing your Afghan Hound to lots of people and other animals
• Commitment to establish the proper Leader-Follower relationship with your Afghan Hound, teaching him to listen to you and do what you say

Which sex? What age?

Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs
Which one makes a better pet?

Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog?

Where can you buy or adopt an Afghan Hound?

Afghan Hounds are not a very common breed in the United States. Out of 189 breeds in the American Kennel Club, where 1 is most popular and 189 is least popular, Afghan Hounds rank 113th. Like all sighthounds, Afghan Hounds have an appearance and temperament that's quite different from most dogs. That appeals to some people, but turns a lot of other people off.

Adopting From Dog Rescue Organizations
Afghan Hounds are available from Dog Rescue groups. Afghan Hounds are typically turned over to Rescue because they need so much grooming, or because they're challenging to train, or simply because they act differently than more familiar breeds.

Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
Afghan Hounds are rarely found here because Afghan Hound Rescue groups keep their eyes peeled on shelters and humane societies across the country. On the off chance that an Afghan Hound turns up at a shelter, the rescue group typically moves in quickly to take the dog.

Buying From a Dog Breeder

You should buy an Afghan Hound from a show breeder, who breeds Afghan Hounds to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring. You might also be able to buy an Afghan Hound from people who "just breed pets" or "just had one litter." But should you? Be sure to read the article to learn more about these people.

Here's one difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible breeder – BOTH PARENTS of an Afghan Hound puppy should have:

• a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America's CAER (Companion Animal Eye Registry) – dated within the past year – certifying the dog to be free of eye diseases
• a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) or PennHip certifying the dog to have normal hips
• a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) certifying the dog to have a normal thyroid

If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing (and able) to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your Afghan Hound ends up with cataracts and thyroid disease.

Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store
Afghan Hounds are seldom seen in pet shops, but it's possible. I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop!

Which puppy?

Choosing the Right Afghan Hound Puppy
How to test the temperament and personality of Afghan Hound puppies and pick the best puppy in a litter.

AKC Registered Puppies: Are AKC Papers Important?
Should you buy only an AKC registered Afghan Hound puppy? Do AKC papers and pedigrees really matter?