Handsome, sensitive and independent, the Afghan is treasured by those who know and love him.
Dog Breed Group: Hounds
Height: Generally 2 feet to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: Generally 50 to 60 pounds
Life Span: 10 to 12 years
Stats
Adaptability: 3 on 5
Trainability: 4 on 5
Health & Grooming: 3 on 5
All Around Friendliness: 3 on 5
Exercise Needs: 3 on 5
Features
Grooming is essential. Only those who really enjoy grooming, or are willing to pay a professional groomer to do it, should consider an Afghan Hound.
The Afghan's natural hunting instinct prompts him to chase prey (the neighbor's cat, your son's rabbit, the third grade class hamster, etc.).
The Afghan Hound can be challenging to train due to his independent nature. Training can take a long time and requires patience. House training can be difficult. This breed can continue having accidents in the house up to about six months of age.
The Afghan Hound has a low pain tolerance. A minor wound is more bothersome to this breed than to other breeds, and this dog can sometimes seem whiny or babyish.
Afghan Hounds are sensitive and high-spirited and do not respond well to rough handling--so be gentle.
Although this particular breed is usually good and even loving with children, it is best if the puppy grows up with the children he'll live with and the children are mature enough to understand the importance of being considerate of this dog's sensitive nature.
To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. Look for a reputable breeder who tests her breeding dogs to make sure they're free of genetic diseases that they might pass onto the puppies, and that they have sound temperaments.
