Afghan Hound
Breed Description

The Afghan Hound is known by several names that reflect its rich history and ancient origins. In its homeland, this majestic breed has been called the Tazi, a name that suggests shared ancestry with similar sighthounds from the Caspian Sea region. The term Tazi, or Sag-e-Tazi in Persian, refers to desert coursing hounds and connects the Afghan to related breeds like the Tazy of Russia and Turkmenistan. Other historical names include the Baluchi Hound, referencing the Balochistan region from which early specimens were brought to Scotland in 1920, and the Barakzay or Kurram Valley Hound, named for specific Afghan regions where distinct varieties developed.

The breed has also been romantically called the King of Dogs due to its noble bearing and aristocratic appearance. In Afghanistan itself, different regional varieties existed, with the mountain-type dogs from areas like Kabul being more heavily coated to withstand cold temperatures, while desert or steppe varieties from regions like Balochistan had lighter coats and more slender builds. These regional variations were carefully documented by early Western enthusiasts who recognized the breed's extraordinary qualities.

Early Western documentation sometimes referred to Afghan Hounds as Barukzy hounds when they first appeared at British dog shows in the late 1800s. Army officers returning from British India brought various sighthounds to England, exhibiting them under different names before the breed standard was established. The name Afghan Hound eventually became the recognized designation, honoring the breed's primary country of origin.

Two main foundation strains shaped the modern Afghan Hound. The Bell-Murray strain, brought to Scotland in 1920 by Major and Mrs. G. Bell-Murray and Miss Jean C. Manson, consisted of lighter, less heavily coated steppe-type dogs from Balochistan. The Ghazni strain, developed from dogs shipped to England in 1925 by Mrs. Mary Amps from her Kabul kennel, represented the more heavily coated mountain type. Most Afghan Hounds in the United States descended from the Ghazni strain, while both bloodlines contributed to modern breed development worldwide, creating the elegant, flowing-coated dogs recognized today.

The Afghan Hound enjoys recognition from all major kennel clubs and breed organizations worldwide, with established breed standards that celebrate its unique characteristics. The breed's journey to international recognition began when the first Afghan Hound standard was written in 1948, creating a unified description that merged the qualities of both the Bell-Murray and Ghazni strains. This standard, which remains the foundation for modern breed evaluation, emphasizes the Afghan's distinctive combination of power, speed, and elegance along with its exotic eastern expression and bearing.

Major kennel clubs maintain specific standards that guide breeders and judges in evaluating Afghan Hounds. These standards describe ideal structure, movement, temperament, and type, ensuring the breed's defining characteristics are preserved. The standard is notably poetic in its language, describing how the Afghan should appear with head proudly carried and eyes gazing into the distance as if in memory of ages past. This romantic description captures the breed's noble bearing and ancient heritage.

Breed organizations play vital roles in education, health research, and rescue coordination. National breed clubs maintain registries of health clearances, organize specialty shows where Afghan Hounds compete against others of their breed, and provide educational resources for owners, breeders, and judges. These organizations work tirelessly to promote responsible breeding practices that prioritize health, temperament, and breed type. Regional clubs offer local support networks where enthusiasts can share knowledge, participate in activities like lure coursing, and celebrate their shared passion for these magnificent dogs.

The Afghan Hound community values the breed's historical authenticity while working to address modern health concerns through coordinated research and testing protocols. Breed clubs maintain databases of genetic health information and encourage screening for hereditary conditions. This collaborative approach between breed organizations helps ensure Afghan Hounds remain healthy, sound, and true to their ancient heritage for future generations. The combination of standardized breed description and organized health initiatives demonstrates the dedication of breed organizations to preserving this living link to canine antiquity.

• American Kennel Club (AKC): "Recognized in the Hound Group since 1926; eligible for all AKC events including conformation, lure coursing, and companion events"
• United Kennel Club (UKC): "Recognized in the Sighthound & Pariah Group; eligible for UKC conformation and performance events"
• Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI): "Recognized in Group 10, Sighthounds, Section 1 Long-haired or fringed Sighthounds; international recognition worldwide"
• The Kennel Club (UK): "Recognized by The Kennel Club (UK) in the Hound Group since the 1920s; eligible for all UK events including Crufts"
• Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): "Recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club in the Hound Group; fully eligible for all Canadian events"

The Afghan Hound is instantly recognizable by its stunning silhouette and distinctive physical features that set it apart from all other breeds. Standing tall at 25 to 29 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 50 and 60 pounds, the Afghan combines power with elegance in a lean, muscular frame. The breed's most famous feature is its long, silky coat that flows gracefully with movement, creating an impression of effortless beauty. The coat texture is fine and silky rather than woolly or coarse, with the long topknot on the head and shorter saddle of hair on the back being distinctive breed hallmarks.

The Afghan's head is long, refined, and aristocratic, with a slightly convex bend to the muzzle that gives the face its exotic eastern expression. Dark, almond-shaped eyes gaze with an almost mystical quality, as if seeing beyond the present moment into ancient times. The ears are long and covered with silky hair, framing the face elegantly. High-set prominent hipbones are a breed characteristic rather than a sign of poor condition, contributing to the breed's distinctive profile. The tail is set low and carried with a characteristic ring or doughnut curve at the end, never curled over the back.

Afghan Hounds come in virtually every color and combination imaginable, from pure black to cream, red, blue, brindle, and domino patterns. Many individuals display beautiful black masks on their faces, and white markings may appear on the chest, feet, or as facial blazes. The coat color often changes and develops as the dog matures, with puppies sometimes having quite different coloring than they will possess as adults. The variety of colors adds to the breed's appeal, ensuring each Afghan Hound is uniquely beautiful.

Movement is where the Afghan Hound truly showcases its athletic heritage. When running, these sighthounds demonstrate remarkable speed and agility, capable of reaching speeds up to 40 miles per hour. Their gait is powerful yet elastic and smooth, with the ability to cover ground effortlessly. Large paw pads help them navigate rocky, difficult terrain, a reminder of their origins in the mountainous regions of Afghanistan. The combination of speed, power, grace, and that magnificent flowing coat makes the Afghan Hound one of the most visually striking and photogenic of all dog breeds.

The Afghan Hound stands among the most ancient of all dog breeds, with a history stretching back thousands of years to pre-Christian times. Genetic studies have confirmed the Afghan as a basal breed that predates the emergence of modern breeds in the nineteenth century, representing one of the oldest true-to-type breeds still in existence. Some enthusiasts romanticize that Afghan Hounds were the dogs selected to represent all canines on Noah's Ark, though historical documentation places the breed's verifiable origins in the mountain kingdoms of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northern India.

Depictions of dogs remarkably similar to modern Afghan Hounds appear in ancient Egyptian artifacts and papyruses dating back thousands of years, though whether these represent direct ancestors or similar sighthound types remains debated among scholars. What is certain is that nomadic peoples of the region developed these magnificent hounds to hunt across the challenging terrain of Afghanistan's mountains and valleys. The breed's thick, flowing coat protected them from temperature extremes, from the brutal heat of day to freezing mountain nights, while their speed, agility, and keen eyesight made them formidable hunters of diverse game.

Afghan Hounds were originally used to course gazelles, deer, wild goats, and other swift prey, with some accounts even claiming lone Afghan Hounds could kill leopards by seizing them by the neck and breaking their spines. While modern experts debate whether leopards were truly traditional prey, eyewitness accounts from the breed's homeland support these dramatic stories. Beyond hunting, Afghan Hounds served as livestock guardians and companions to tribal chiefs and royal families, earning their reputation as symbols of prestige and status throughout Asian mountain kingdoms.

The breed remained largely unknown in the Western world until the late nineteenth century, when British army officers stationed in India and Afghanistan began bringing specimens back to England. Various sighthounds were exhibited at early British dog shows under names like Barukzy hounds, but it was not until the 1920s that organized breeding programs established the Afghan Hound as a distinct breed. Major and Mrs. G. Bell-Murray, along with Miss Jean C. Manson, brought the first documented group to Scotland in 1920 from Balochistan. These steppe-type dogs formed the Bell-Murray strain.

In 1925, Mrs. Mary Amps shipped dogs from her Kabul kennel to England, establishing the Ghazni strain with more heavily coated mountain-type dogs. Her foundation sire, named Ghazni, closely resembled a famous dog called Zardin that had caused a sensation when exhibited at the Crystal Palace in 1907 by Captain Banff. The mixing of the Bell-Murray and Ghazni bloodlines created the modern Afghan Hound, and a new breed standard was written in 1948 that remains the foundation of today's standard.

Afghan Hounds arrived in the United States in the 1930s, with Zeppo Marx of the Marx Brothers being among the first Americans to import and breed them. The breed's exotic beauty and aristocratic bearing quickly captured American fancy, and Afghan Hounds became symbols of elegance and sophistication. The breed graced the cover of Life Magazine in November 1945, cementing its place in American popular culture. Famous owners throughout history have included Pablo Picasso, who owned two Afghan Hounds named Kabul and Kasbac that frequently appeared in his artwork.

The Afghan Hound's popularity grew steadily through the mid-twentieth century as their stunning appearance made them favorites in the show ring and as glamorous companions. Even Barbie received an Afghan Hound named Beauty as her pet, introducing countless children to the breed. Despite their ancient hunting heritage, modern Afghan Hounds are primarily cherished as companions and show dogs, though some enthusiasts still participate in lure coursing events that allow these magnificent sighthounds to demonstrate their natural speed and coursing instinct. The breed's journey from the mountains of Afghanistan to living rooms worldwide represents one of the most fascinating stories in canine history, preserving a living connection to ancient times.

The Afghan Hound's temperament is as distinctive and complex as its appearance, combining seemingly contradictory qualities into a fascinating personality that devoted owners cherish deeply. These dogs are often described as aloof and dignified, maintaining an aristocratic bearing that seems fitting for a breed called the King of Dogs. However, this reserved exterior masks a sweet, loyal, and profoundly affectionate nature that emerges with family members and trusted companions. Afghan Hounds form intensely devoted bonds with their people and suffer genuine distress when separated from loved ones or when their routines change unexpectedly.

The breed's independent nature reflects its heritage as a hunter that needed to make decisions autonomously when pursuing prey across vast, difficult terrain far from human handlers. This independence manifests as a cat-like quality, with Afghan Hounds being self-sufficient, fastidious about cleanliness, and somewhat selective about when to obey commands. They are highly intelligent dogs that use their mental abilities to serve their own interests rather than eagerly seeking to please humans like some working breeds. This independence should not be mistaken for stupidity, though the breed's training challenges have led to undeserved reputations as difficult or unintelligent.

When comfortable and relaxed with their families, Afghan Hounds display a delightfully playful and clownish side that contrasts dramatically with their dignified public persona. They can be silly, entertaining, and full of joyful energy during play sessions, often engaging in zoomies and amusing antics that endear them to their owners. This duality of personality, being simultaneously regal and goofy, makes living with an Afghan Hound endlessly interesting and rewarding.

Afghan Hounds are generally reserved and suspicious with strangers, though not hostile or aggressive when properly socialized. They need time to warm up to new people and may maintain polite distance rather than enthusiastically greeting visitors. This wariness makes them surprisingly effective watchdogs despite their lack of aggressive tendencies. Early and ongoing socialization helps Afghan Hounds become confident, well-adjusted adults who can distinguish between normal visitors and genuine threats.

The breed possesses a sensitive nature that makes them particularly responsive to the emotional atmosphere of their homes. They do not respond well to harsh corrections or training methods, instead requiring gentle, patient guidance with positive reinforcement. Afghan Hounds will shut down, become confused, or actively resist when treated roughly or unfairly. This sensitivity, combined with their independent thinking, means training requires creativity, consistency, and genuine partnership rather than dominance or force. Owners who understand and respect their Afghan's nature develop remarkably strong bonds with these complex, fascinating dogs who offer loyalty, beauty, and companionship unlike any other breed.

Afghan Hounds can adapt to various living situations when their substantial exercise and grooming needs are met, though they thrive best in homes with secure outdoor space where they can stretch their long legs safely. While capable of apartment living, they require committed owners willing to provide extensive daily exercise through long walks, jogging sessions, or access to safely enclosed areas for running. Without adequate physical and mental stimulation, Afghan Hounds may develop destructive behaviors like chewing or become unhappy and stressed. These are not dogs content to be couch potatoes despite their elegant appearance, though after vigorous exercise they do enjoy lounging comfortably with their families.

Family life with an Afghan Hound centers around managing their exercise needs, grooming requirements, and unique personality traits. They can be wonderful with older, considerate children who understand how to interact gently and respectfully with a sensitive, large dog. Younger children may find the Afghan's independent nature frustrating, and the dog's size means small children could be accidentally knocked over during enthusiastic play. Supervision is essential to ensure positive interactions between Afghan Hounds and children, teaching both parties appropriate behavior and boundaries.

These sighthounds generally get along well with other dogs, particularly when raised together from puppyhood. Their pack-hunting heritage means they often enjoy canine companionship and can thrive in multi-dog households. However, their strong prey drive makes cohabitation with cats and small pets potentially dangerous. While some Afghan Hounds raised with cats from puppyhood learn to accept them as family members, the instinct to chase small, fast-moving animals remains powerful throughout their lives. Small pets like rabbits, hamsters, or birds should be kept safely separated from Afghan Hounds.

The breed's grooming demands significantly impact family life, requiring weekly bathing and extensive brushing sessions to maintain their luxurious coat in good condition. Families must be prepared to invest considerable time and sometimes money in professional grooming services. The coat easily becomes matted and tangled without proper care, leading to skin problems and discomfort. Grooming sessions become important bonding time when approached positively, though they represent a substantial commitment that potential owners should carefully consider.

Afghan Hounds need secure, high fencing around any yard or outdoor space, as their strong prey drive and athletic abilities make them determined escape artists. They can jump surprisingly high and may scale fences to pursue interesting scents or sights. When outdoors, they should always be leashed or in securely fenced areas, as their hunting instinct can override recall commands, putting them at risk of becoming lost or injured. The combination of beauty, loyalty, and complex needs makes Afghan Hound ownership rewarding for families who understand and can meet the breed's requirements, creating lasting bonds with these magnificent dogs.

Training an Afghan Hound requires patience, creativity, consistency, and genuine respect for the breed's independent nature. These intelligent dogs consistently rank low in obedience intelligence studies, not because they lack mental ability but because they use their intelligence to serve their own interests rather than eagerly complying with human commands. Stanley Coren's research ranked Afghan Hounds last among 138 breeds in obedience intelligence, noting they require more than 80 repetitions to learn new commands and obey first commands less than 25 percent of the time. However, experienced Afghan Hound owners understand that this independence reflects the breed's heritage rather than any intellectual deficiency.

Successful training approaches emphasize positive reinforcement, gentle guidance, and making activities rewarding for the dog. Afghan Hounds respond poorly to harsh corrections or heavy-handed training methods, instead requiring patient, creative approaches that engage their interest. Short training sessions work better than lengthy ones, as these dogs quickly become bored with repetitive exercises. Finding what motivates each individual dog, whether treats, toys, or praise, helps achieve training success. Consistency is crucial, as Afghan Hounds will exploit any inconsistency in rules or expectations.

Socialization should begin early and continue throughout the dog's life, exposing them to various people, situations, sounds, and experiences in positive ways. Well-socialized Afghan Hounds become confident, well-adjusted adults capable of navigating different environments calmly. Puppy kindergarten classes provide valuable early socialization opportunities and establish good training foundations, though owners should seek instructors who understand and respect the breed's unique nature rather than expecting immediate obedience.

Certain training goals may prove impossible with Afghan Hounds regardless of effort invested. Their strong prey drive means reliably recalling them when prey animals are visible is unrealistic and dangerous to attempt. No amount of training will override thousands of years of hunting instinct when an Afghan Hound sights potential prey. This reality necessitates keeping them leashed or in securely fenced areas at all times when outdoors. Accepting these breed limitations rather than fighting against them creates realistic expectations and prevents frustration.

Exercise requirements for Afghan Hounds are substantial, reflecting their athletic sighthound heritage. They need minimum daily walks of one to two miles, preferably including opportunities to run at full speed in safely enclosed spaces. Lure coursing, where dogs chase mechanical lures across fields, provides ideal exercise that satisfies their natural coursing instincts while allowing them to demonstrate their remarkable speed and agility. Dog parks can work for exercise if the Afghan gets along well with other dogs, though their prey drive may create problems with small dogs.

Without adequate exercise, Afghan Hounds become bored, restless, and may develop destructive behaviors or behavioral problems. The combination of mental and physical stimulation keeps them healthy, happy, and well-behaved. Activities like tracking, agility, and even obedience competition can provide outlets for their energy and intelligence, though success requires patient, creative training approaches suited to their independent nature. Afghan Hounds that receive appropriate exercise and training become wonderful companions, showcasing both their athletic abilities and their capacity for genuine partnership with understanding owners.

Afghan Hounds are generally healthy dogs with a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years when provided with proper care, nutrition, and veterinary attention. Like all breeds, they can be affected by certain hereditary health conditions that responsible breeders work to minimize through health testing and careful breeding selection. Prospective owners should seek breeders who perform recommended health clearances and can provide documentation of testing for conditions known to affect the breed.

Hip dysplasia is a developmental orthopedic condition that can affect Afghan Hounds, where the hip joint does not develop properly, leading to arthritis and mobility problems. This hereditary condition varies in severity from mild cases causing minimal discomfort to severe cases requiring surgical intervention. Responsible breeders have their breeding dogs evaluated by veterinary orthopedic specialists and certified through organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Weight management and appropriate exercise help affected dogs maintain quality of life.

Progressive retinal atrophy, or PRA, is an inherited eye disease that causes gradual vision loss eventually leading to complete blindness. The condition affects the retina's photoreceptor cells, with rod cells deteriorating first, causing night blindness, followed by cone cell loss and complete blindness. While no treatment can cure or slow PRA's progression, affected dogs often adapt remarkably well to vision loss, especially when kept in familiar environments. Genetic testing allows breeders to identify carriers and avoid producing affected puppies.

Cataracts can develop in Afghan Hounds, causing clouding of the eye lens that impairs vision. Regular ophthalmologic examinations help detect cataracts early, and surgical intervention can restore vision in appropriate cases. Thyroid disorders including hypothyroidism occasionally affect the breed, causing symptoms like weight gain, lethargy, and coat quality changes. Thyroid function testing diagnoses these conditions, which are treatable with daily medication.

Bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus, is a life-threatening emergency that can affect deep-chested breeds including Afghan Hounds. The stomach fills with gas and may twist on itself, cutting off blood supply. Symptoms include restlessness, unsuccessful attempts to vomit, and abdominal distension requiring immediate veterinary intervention. Preventive measures include feeding multiple smaller meals rather than one large meal, using slow-feed bowls, keeping food bowls at ground level rather than elevated, and restricting exercise for two hours before and after meals.

Allergies affecting skin and ears can occur in Afghan Hounds, causing itching, inflammation, and secondary infections requiring veterinary diagnosis and management. Some individuals may develop sensitivity to environmental allergens or food ingredients. Cancer, unfortunately, affects some Afghan Hounds as they age, with various forms occurring. Regular veterinary examinations help detect problems early when treatment options are most effective.

Preventive care through regular veterinary check-ups allows early detection of developing health problems. Annual or biannual wellness examinations should include physical assessment, bloodwork screening, and discussion of any concerns. Maintaining current vaccinations protects against infectious diseases appropriate to the dog's lifestyle and location. Parasite prevention through monthly heartworm preventive and flea and tick control products keeps Afghan Hounds protected from these common threats.

Dental care deserves special attention, as periodontal disease affects most dogs without proper oral hygiene. Regular tooth brushing at home combined with professional dental cleanings maintains oral health and prevents systemic problems caused by dental bacteria. Weight management through appropriate diet and exercise prevents obesity-related health problems and reduces stress on joints. Genetic screening before breeding helps responsible breeders make informed decisions that improve breed health over time, working toward healthier Afghan Hounds for future generations.

Regular veterinary check-ups and preventive care are essential for maintaining your Afghan Hound's health and longevity.

The Afghan Hound's magnificent flowing coat represents both the breed's greatest beauty and its most demanding care requirement. This long, silky coat requires extensive grooming commitment that potential owners must carefully consider before choosing the breed. Professional-level coat care involves weekly bathing and thorough brushing sessions that can take several hours, making grooming a significant time and financial investment. Show dogs typically receive grooming twice weekly, though pet Afghan Hounds can be maintained with somewhat less intensive schedules if owners stay consistent.

Proper bathing technique is crucial for maintaining the Afghan's coat in good condition. The coat should be thoroughly wet before applying shampoo, then carefully shampooed and rinsed to remove all product. Conditioning treatments help keep the silky texture and prevent tangles. Importantly, the coat should never be brushed when completely dry, as this damages the hair and actually increases matting problems. Some owners lightly mist the coat with water or conditioning spray before brushing between baths, though proper bathing remains essential for truly maintaining coat quality.

Brushing requires patience and proper technique, working through the coat systematically to prevent and remove tangles and mats. Starting at the feet and working upward ensures no areas are missed. A pin brush or slicker brush helps work through the long coat, while a comb can check for hidden mats. The coat is particularly prone to matting behind the ears, under the legs, and anywhere friction occurs. Mats that form must be carefully worked out rather than simply brushed over, as ignoring them leads to severe matting that causes discomfort and skin problems.

Seasonal shedding occurs in spring and fall, with unspayed females shedding heavily after each heat cycle and all Afghan Hounds shedding following illnesses. During these periods, grooming frequency may need to increase to manage loose hair. Regular grooming throughout the year prevents excessive shedding-related matting and keeps the coat healthy. Some pet owners choose to keep their Afghan Hounds in shorter puppy clips to reduce grooming demands, though this eliminates the breed's signature flowing coat appearance.

Beyond coat care, Afghan Hounds require standard maintenance including regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care. Their large, feathered ears need checking and cleaning to prevent infections. Nails should be trimmed regularly to prevent overgrowth that affects gait and comfort. Dental care through regular brushing and professional cleanings helps maintain oral health throughout their lives. The combination of coat care and routine maintenance makes Afghan Hound grooming among the most demanding of any breed, requiring dedication that committed owners embrace as part of the privilege of living with these magnificent dogs.

If you're looking to adopt a Afghan Hound, consider contacting these breed-specific rescue organizations:

"Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - There are many wonderful Afghan Hounds waiting for their forever homes.