Last Updated: 07/12/2025
Afghan Hound Complete Breed Guide
Is the Afghan Hound the right fit for your family? From their "cat-like" personality to their high-maintenance grooming needs, we explore everything you need to play the best pet parent to this ancient sighthound.
Author: Dr Lacey Kelly BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 9 minutes - short read
With their flowing silk coat and noble, aloof expression, the Afghan Hound is truly the "supermodel" of the dog world. But don't let those runway looks fool you - beneath that glamorous exterior lies a fierce, ancient hunter with a heart of gold and a streak of independent mischief. Originally bred to navigate the rugged terrain of the Afghan mountains, these dogs are as athletic as they are beautiful. If you are prepared for daily brushing sessions and have a sense of humour to match their quirky, "cat-like" personality, the Afghan Hound might just be the most rewarding companion you’ll ever have.
All about Afghan Hounds
Place of origin
Afghanistan
Weight range
23-30 kg
Breed size
Large
Height range
63-68 cm at shoulder
Breed group
Hounds, Sighthounds
Life expectancy
12-14 years
Coat colours
Black, Cream, Red, Silver, White, Blue
Grooming needs
High. Require regular trimming, weekly bathing and daily brushing.
Coat type
Long, silky
Health issues
Gastric torsion/bloat, Hip dysplasia, Eye problems, Hypothyroidism, Von Willebrand's disease
Shedding factor
Low
Exercise needs
Vigorous daily exercise and play essential
Play style
Fetch, chase, puzzles
Housing needs
Adaptable if activity needs are met
Trainability
Very intelligent but difficult to train
Social needs
Moderate
Family suitability
Excellent with all ages
Tendency to bark
Low
Nutrition
Feeding a high quality diet that is tailored to your Afghan's age and size will help to keep them healthy and happy. Getting nutrition right can help to keep their coat looking stunning, and support their high-energy lifestyle well into their senior years.
Best food for adult Afghan Hounds
Although there are no specific feeding requirements for an adult Afghan Hound, it is very important that you feed a suitable premium diet. Their diet needs to be age-appropriate and meet all of their daily nutritional and energy demands. Most premium brands including Hills Science Diet, Royal Canin, or Advance are suitable. These scientifically formulated diets also contain balanced levels of protein, fat and carbohydrate plus vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for health and wellbeing. It is important to remember to feed a diet formulated for your Afghan Hound's adult weight range. In addition, since Afghans are deep-chested and prone to bloat, small, frequent meals are better than one large one.
What to look for
Higher levels of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids plus additional nutrients to support skin health such as Zinc, pantothenic acid and niacin
Highly digestible, added prebiotics and probiotics for healthy digestion and good stool quality
Joint health support nutrients such as green lipped mussel, glucosamine and chondroitin
Vet picks
Best food for Afghan Hound puppies
To give your majestic Afghan Hound puppy the best start in life, it is crucial to feed a diet specifically formulated for large-breed growth. These puppies undergo rapid development and require precise levels of calcium and phosphorus to support their bones without causing them to grow too quickly, which can lead to joint issues later in life.
What to look for
Balanced energy and calcium to phosphorus ratio for healthy bone development
Highly digestible formula to help prevent tummy upsets
DHA for healthy brain and eye development
Vet picks
Flea & worming
Keeping your Afghan Hound protected year round against common parasites is essential to maintaining their health. This should include coverage against fleas, ticks, heartworm and intestinal worms.
Best flea and worming treatments for Afghan Hounds
To protect your majestic Afghan Hound from Australia’s unique parasite risks, an all-in-one product is often the most convenient clinical choice. All-in-one products such as Nexgard Spectra and Credelio Plus cover fleas, paralysis ticks, heartworm, and most intestinal worms in a single dose. Because heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes and paralysis ticks are common along the eastern seaboard, year-round protection is non-negotiable. For the best result, ensure you use a product that specifically targets the specific weight of your Afghan, and consider adding in tapeworm-specific treatment, as the all-in-ones don't cover every species of tapeworm.
What to look for
Oral chews and tablets to avoid reduced effectiveness from regular bathing
All in one products for simplicity
Always double check the weight range to ensure an effective dose
Health
While generally hardy, the deep-chested Afghan Hound is prone to bloat (GDV), a life-threatening emergency, making slow feeders a vital precaution. They are also genetically predisposed to hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and specific eye conditions like glaucoma. Maintaining a lean body weight and choosing a reputable breeder who conducts health screening are the best ways to manage these hereditary risks.
Best products to reduce the risk of bloat and GDV in Afghan Hounds
Bloat is a life-threatening condition whereby the stomach stretches many times its normal size and in many cases twists and rotates, cutting off its own blood supply. Factors which can contribute to bloat and GDV include eating too quickly, eating one large meal a day and exercising close to meal time.
Strategies to reduce the risk include feeding small portions more frequently, using slow feeder bowls to reduce the speed of eating and avoiding exercise around mealtimes.
For more information about signs to watch for, and preventative strategies, take a read through our article: Bloat and GDV in Dogs.
What to look for
Puzzle toys that dispense small portions
Slow feeders to slow down mealtimes
Automatic feeders to dispense controlled portions
Best products for managing arthritis in Afghan Hounds
Osteoarthritis (also known as arthritis) in dogs occurs when the cartilage within a joint breaks down, resulting in pain, inflammation and impaired mobility. In dogs, it is best managed through a multimodal approach, combining a variety of therapies and treatments to help reduce inflammation and pain, support joint health and promote better mobility.
Signs of osteoarthritis in dogs can include lameness or limping, particularly after exercise, stiff joints, especially after rest, reluctance to use stairs or jump into the car and avoiding sitting or lying on hard surfaces. If you suspect that your dog is suffering from osteoarthritis, it's important to have them examined by a veterinarian prior to starting any treatments or therapies. Your vet may recommend further diagnostics, such as x-rays, or prescribe medication such as non steroidal anti-inflammatories.
In addition to medication, there are a variety of ways that you can support your dog's joint health and mobility, such as with joint support supplements and therapeutic veterinary diets. For dogs with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis, products containing anti-inflammatory active ingredients such as green lipped mussel powder, turmeric or fish oil can help to reduce symptoms. Being overweight or obese can also exacerbate osteoarthritis, so weight management in these pets is also very important. Using mobility support aids such as ramps, stairs and support slings, as well as supportive bedding will also help to keep dogs with osteoarthritis more comfortable.
For more information, read through our article all about Arthritis in Dogs.
What to look for
Joint support supplements based on marine sources of omega fatty acids such as green lipped mussel powder or fish oil
Veterinary diets that provide dual support for mobility and other commonly linked issues such as weight management
Mobility support aids such as ramps, stairs and support slings
Training and activity
Training the independent Afghan Hound requires extreme patience and a high-value reward system, as their "cat-like" personality often makes them ignore commands in favour of their own interests. Due to their intense predatory drive and blistering speed, they should never be off-lead in unfenced areas. To prevent boredom-driven destruction, pair daily vigorous runs with interactive puzzles that satisfy their sharp, problem-solving minds.
Best toys for Afghan Hounds
To keep your athletic and intelligent Afghan Hound happy, the best toys target their natural sighthound instincts - specifically chase, problem-solving, and independent play.
- Fetch Toys: Because Afghan Hounds are born to run, fetch and chase toys are a favourite.
- Interactive Puzzles: This breed has a sharp, independent mind. Dog puzzles, especially with sliders and flaps, challenge their problem-solving skills and provide the mental stimulation they need to prevent boredom-driven destruction.
- Soft, Squeaky "Prey" Toys: Plush toys that mimic the feel and sound of prey are often hits with this breed. However, because Afghan Hounds have a strong predatory drive, ensure these toys are durable and that you supervise play to prevent them from "dissecting" the toy.
- Slow-Feeding & Lick Mats: To help prevent bloat - a major health concern for this deep-chested breed - use interactive feeders or lick mats. These slow down their eating while providing mental activity.
What to look for
Fetch toys to satisfy chasing instincts
Food dispensing toys and puzzles to slow down mealtime and reduce boredom
Soft, squeaky 'prey' toys
Best harnesses, collars and walking accessories for Afghan Hounds
When selecting walking gear for your majestic Afghan Hound, you must accommodate their unique, slim-headed anatomy and powerful sighthound instincts while protecting that signature flowing coat. A Martingale collar is an essential; because an Afghan’s head is often narrower than their neck, standard buckle collars can easily slip off, whereas the Martingale ensures they remain secure without choking.
For daily walks, a padded harness is the gold standard, as it distributes pressure across the chest to prevent neck strain and friction rubs on their fine hair. To manage their low recall and high speed, a long-line leash provides safe freedom in open spaces, while a collar-mounted GPS tracker offers vital peace of mind should your speed demon catch a scent and vanish.
What to look for
Martingale collars for security
Padded Y-shape/H-shape harnesses that accommodates their barrel chest and thin waist.
Bite sized, high value treats and a treat pouch for training on the go
Grooming
Grooming an Afghan Hound is essential for their comfort, as their continuously growing hair mats easily without daily care. To maintain that signature silkiness, aim for daily brushing and a weekly bath, always using a conditioning spray to prevent breakage. Regular paw trims and frequent ear cleaning are also vital clinical steps to avoid knots and infections in this high-maintenance breed.
Best grooming products for Afghan Hounds
To keep your Afghan Hound’s coat in show-stopping condition, you need professional-grade tools designed for long, fine hair. A high-quality pin brush is your most important investment, as it reaches through the silk to the skin without causing the breakage that a standard bristle brush might. Slicker brushes are excellent for gently teasing out small tangles before they become painful mats, while a metal comb is essential for checking your work and ensuring the hair is smooth from root to tip.
A moisturising conditioning spray is a must-have to provide "slip" and protect the hair fibres. Finally, a soap-free, nourishing shampoo will keep their skin healthy during those necessary weekly baths without stripping the natural oils that give their coat that signature, healthy glow.
What to look for
Pin and slicker brush, and a metal comb
Shampoos and conditioners that support a healthy skin barrier
Gentle ear cleaners to for use after bathing and swimming
Sleep and home
While they are majestic athletes outdoors, Afghan Hounds are the ultimate "couch potatoes" inside and require a soft, comfortable place to lounge. They are extremely sensitive to the cold, so a draft-free place to rest is essential. Most importantly, your home must have high, secure fencing - at least 1.8 metres - as these speed demons are agile jumpers with a chase drive that will lead them over a low gate in seconds if they spot a neighbour's cat.
Best beds for Afghan Hounds
As Afghan Hounds have a lean, bony frame with very little body fat, they are prone to developing painful pressure sores and calluses on hard surfaces. To protect their joints and skin, a thick memory foam or orthopaedic bed is a necessity rather than a luxury. Look for beds with a large surface area that allow them to stretch out their long limbs fully, as they are notorious for sleeping in awkward, splayed positions. Additionally, since they can be sensitive to the cold, a bed with a plush, faux-fur bolster can provide both the warmth they crave and a supportive headrest for their elegant, long necks.
What to look for
Extra support for joints from orthopaedic or memory foam
Durable, machine washable covers
Large to extra large size depending on your dog's measurements
Afghan Hound FAQ
