Think of the Afghan Hound as the runway star of the dog world: flowing hair, aristocratic nose, legs that never end. They turn heads like celebrities — but spend five minutes with one and you’ll discover there’s a daft, playful pup hiding under that couture coat.
Not sure if you’re ready for a dog that doubles as living art? Take the Which Dog Breed Is Best for Me? Quiz to see if the Afghan Hound fits your lifestyle.
Great Names for an Afghan Hound
When a dog looks this regal, their name needs equal glamour — or cheeky contrast.
Elegant & chic: Zara, Valentino, Dior, Chanel, Sable, Portia
Classic & timeless: Henry, Eleanor, Alice, William, Victoria, James
Quirky & fun: Wiggles, Noodle, Zippy, Bounce, Tizzy, Floss
Heritage nods: Kabul, Persia, Rumi, Farah, Omar, Sufi
Need more? Spin through our Dog Name Generator for endless ideas.
Exercise
Don’t let their pampered looks fool you — Afghans are sprinters built for bursts of insane speed. They’ll zoom like greyhounds when the mood strikes. But daily strolls are still vital for their balance and sanity.
Best activities:
- 1–2 hours of walking daily
- Off-lead running in secure areas (their recall is notoriously selective)
- Play sessions to keep them mentally and physically sharp
- Variety in routes to spark their curious minds
Pickles’ Aside: Imagine a Ferrari with fur — thrilling when it works, but don’t expect good mileage in traffic.
Sighthound / Prey Drive Warning
Afghans chase first, think later. Cats, squirrels, rabbits — all fair game. Only trust them off-lead in properly enclosed areas.
Temperament
They look aloof, but Afghan Hounds are a bundle of contrasts. Dignified one minute, clownish the next. Independent thinkers, but loyal to those they trust.
Traits you’ll often see:
- Aloof with strangers, warm with family
- Sensitive souls who need gentle handling
- Mischievous and silly once relaxed
- Independent, not clingy — they like their space
“My Afghan is aloof with people she doesn’t know, but at home she’s a complete nutcase, zooming around the garden.”
“They’re incredibly loving, but it has to be on their terms.”
These dogs are less “people-pleasers” and more “part-time philosophers with a silly streak.”
Training
Training an Afghan Hound is an art form. They’re intelligent, but often look at you as if to say, “What’s in it for me?” Patience and consistency matter more than dominance.
Tips that help:
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Begin socialisation early, introduce them widely
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Use rewards, humour, and short sessions
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Never harsh methods — they’ll shut down
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Build recall, but manage expectations — it’s rarely bombproof
Pickles’ Aside: They’ll nail sit and stay — until a pigeon flaps past, then it’s game over.
Need structure? The World’s First AI Dog Trainer can help create customised training plans to handle those “aloof but clever” moments.
Stubborn Streak Warning
Afghans don’t do blind obedience. If you want a dog who hangs on your every word, look elsewhere.
Strangers & Watchdog Potential
Afghans are not natural guard dogs. They’re more likely to give you a withering look than bark at the postie. But they’ll alert you if something feels off.
- Aloof with strangers — not aggressive, just cool
- Limited barking compared to terriers or spaniels
- Their sheer presence is often enough to deter
Other Animals
Afghans can cohabit with other dogs, especially sighthounds, but smaller animals are another story. Their prey drive is real.
- Fine with dogs if well socialised
- Cats and rabbits require extreme caution
- Play sessions with other sighthounds are often ideal
“Mine is fine with our other dog, but if she sees a squirrel, forget it.”
Grooming
Here’s the price of beauty: Afghan Hounds have coats that demand devotion. Without it, mats and tangles quickly take over.
Routine musts:
- Brush several times a week — full coat maintenance
- Bath every 2–3 weeks, with careful drying and brushing
- Professional grooming helps, but owners still need to commit
- Regular nail trims, ear cleaning, dental care
Pickles’ Aside: Think of it as owning a living, breathing hair model — with muddy paws.
Grooming Commitment Warning
Skip brushing for a week, and you’ll pay with mats that need hours (or clippers) to fix.
Health
Afghan Hounds are generally hardy, but like any breed, they have vulnerabilities.
Key risks:
- Hip dysplasia
- Thyroid issues
- Allergies and skin sensitivity
- Cataracts and eye issues
- Bloat (gastric torsion)
“Our Afghan was healthy most of her life, but bloat nearly took her once — it’s a constant worry.”
Check breeder health tests and use our Best in Breeder Guide to pick responsibly.
Cost of Ownership
These glamour dogs don’t come cheap. UK figures:
- Puppy price: ~ £1,500–£3,000 (for well-bred lines)
- Insurance: £50–£100/month
- Food: £50–£80/month (large breed diet)
- Grooming: £50–£120/month (DIY + pro)
- Vet costs: £200–£600/year (higher if bloat or thyroid issues arise)
Famous Owners & Moments
- Afghan Hounds were once the dog of choice for Hollywood stars — Sylvester Stallone and Marianne Faithfull owned them.
- The breed is one of the most ancient, dating back thousands of years in Afghanistan, where they hunted across rugged terrain.
- They’ve starred in Crufts and fashion shoots, thanks to their show-stopping coats.
Myth-Busting
| Myth | Truth |
|---|---|
| “Afghans are dumb.” | They’re clever but independent — they choose when to listen. |
| “They’re just pretty couch dogs.” | They’re athletes who need exercise and stimulation. |
| “Their coat is impossible.” | Hard work, yes — impossible, no. With routine, it’s manageable. |
FAQs
Are Afghan Hounds good family dogs?
Yes, in calm households, they bond deeply but need gentle handling and space.
Do they shed?
They shed lightly, but the coat needs extensive upkeep to stay beautiful.
Are they easy to train?
Not really — they’re independent. Patience and creativity are key.
How much exercise do they need?
At least 1–2 hours daily, plus opportunities to sprint safely.
Thinking of Bringing One Home?
Owning an Afghan Hound is like living with a supermodel who occasionally turns into a clown. You’ll enjoy elegance, grace, and turn heads on your walks.
You’ll also wrestle with coat care, selective hearing, and a prey drive that laughs at fences. They’re sensitive souls who hate harshness, and they thrive on companionship — leave them alone too long and they sulk.
Health risks, such as bloat, require vigilance, and costs can add up quickly with grooming and insurance. But if you’re ready to commit — to brush, to walk, to laugh at their silliness, the Afghan Hound offers a life full of glamour and affection.
Start right with the New Puppy Paw-rent Planner, and capture their aristocratic beauty forever with a Custom Cartoon Pet Portrait.
Breed Stats
- Size: Large
- Weight: ~23–27 kg
- Height: ~63–74 cm
- Lifespan: ~12–14 years
- Best Trait: Elegant, affectionate, surprisingly silly companion
- Challenging Trait: Grooming, stubbornness, prey drive