The Afghan Hound presents an unmistakable silhouette that combines power, grace, and exotic elegance. Standing 25 to 27 inches at the shoulder for males, with females slightly smaller at 25 inches, these large sighthounds carry themselves with a dignified, aristocratic bearing that immediately captures attention. Their weight typically ranges from 50 to 60 pounds, distributed across a frame built for speed and endurance.
The head is refined and aristocratic, featuring a long, narrow skull with moderate stop. The foreface appears strong without coarseness, and the entire head carries the distinctive Afghan expression of dignity and aloofness. Eyes are almond-shaped, preferably dark in color, and set somewhat slant from the nose to the occiput. This creates the characteristic Eastern or Oriental expression so valued in the breed. The gaze is penetrating yet appears to look through rather than directly at objects, contributing to the breed's mysterious appearance.
Ears are set low and well back on the head, lying close to the skull and covered with long, silky hair. When brought forward, the ear leather reaches nearly to the nose. The distinctive topknot of long, silky hair crowns the head between the ears, serving both aesthetic and historical purposes as protection in the breed's native mountainous terrain.
The muzzle is long and powerful, capable of seizing prey effectively. Jaws are strong with a complete scissors bite, though a level bite is acceptable. The nose is black in dark-colored dogs and may be liver in lighter specimens. Nostrils are large and flexible, adaptations for the high-altitude hunting grounds of Afghanistan.
The neck is strong, arched, and of good length, flowing into well-laid-back shoulders. This construction allows the distinctive high head carriage that exemplifies breed type. The body presents a level topline from withers to loin, with the back of moderate length and strong. The loin is powerful and slightly arched, creating the distinctive tuck-up that gives the Afghan its racing conformation.
Chest depth is moderate, with well-sprung ribs providing adequate heart and lung room without excessive width. The prominent hipbones stand out as a defining characteristic, sitting wide apart and projecting noticeably. This feature, combined with the distinctive flat pelvic structure, creates the breed's unique rear assembly that enables extraordinary agility and speed over rough terrain.
The legs show considerable length and strength. Forelegs are straight and strong with elbows held close but moving freely. The hindquarters display powerful muscling with well-bent stifles and low hocks, essential for the explosive acceleration required in coursing game. Feet are large and covered with thick, long hair, providing natural snowshoe-like traction on difficult surfaces. Toes are well-arched and the pads exceptionally large and cushioned.
The tail is not overly long, set low, and forms a distinctive ring or curve at the end. It is carried proudly in a curve when the dog is in motion, though should never curl over the back. The tail is sparsely feathered along its length.
The coat represents perhaps the most striking feature of the breed. Long, fine, and silky in texture, the coat forms a distinctive pattern with short, smooth hair along the back in a saddle pattern extending from the shoulders to the tail. The legs, chest, flanks, and hindquarters display long, thick coat forming abundant feathering. The topknot and ears carry long, silky hair. This coat serves practical purposes, protecting against extreme temperatures in the Afghan mountains while remaining relatively maintenance-free in its natural state.
The breed standard accepts all coat colors, from the palest cream to deepest black, including various shades of red, blue, brindle, and domino patterns. White markings, especially on the head, are discouraged but not disqualifying. The most common colors include cream, red, black, and brindle, often with darker masking on the face and ears.
Acceptable variations in type exist between show lines, which emphasize abundant coat and refined heads, and working or coursing lines, which may carry less coat and show more substantial bone structure. Both types should display the breed's characteristic movement, which is springy and powerful, covering ground with seemingly effortless strides. The gait is smooth and elastic, with the head carried high and the tail streaming behind. When running at speed, the Afghan displays remarkable acceleration and the ability to turn quickly, hallmarks of an effective coursing hound. Disqualifications include aggressive or overly shy temperament, any deviation from a scissors or level bite, and any indication of structural unsoundness that would impair the dog's ability to function as an athletic sighthound.
Affection Level
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Moderately affectionate with family members; displays reserved dignity rather than effusive displays
Good with Children
Best suited to homes with older, respectful children who understand the breed's need for personal space
Good with Other Dogs
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Generally tolerant of other dogs when properly socialized; may chase small dogs due to prey drive
Good with Other Pets
Strong prey drive makes cohabitation with cats and small pets challenging without early socialization
Playfulness
Moderate playfulness; enjoys running and chasing activities but tends toward dignified independence
Energy Level
High energy outdoors with bursts of speed; calm and restful indoors when exercise needs are met
Trainability
Independent thinker requiring patient, positive training methods; not naturally obedient
Intelligence
Highly intelligent but independent; makes decisions based on personal assessment rather than blind obedience
Tendency to Bark
Low to moderate barking; tends to be quiet unless alerting to strangers or expressing excitement
Amount of Shedding
Moderate shedding despite long coat; requires regular grooming to manage loose hair
Grooming Needs
Extensive grooming required; coat demands several hours weekly to prevent matting
Prey Drive
Very high prey drive; will chase moving objects including small animals, requiring secure fencing