FCI standard sets no weight. UKC gives about 27 kg (60 lb) for males and 23 kg (50 lb) for females; Hill's gives 25-29.5 kg for males and 20.4-25 kg for females.
A flowing, very fine coat covers the ribs, flanks, hindquarters and legs, while the back carries a shorter, close 'saddle' and the face is short-haired. A silky topknot sits on the head and the ears are heavily feathered. The body is lean and long-limbed with prominent hipbones, large feet and a tail that finishes in a ring.532
Coloursall colours accepted (FCI, UKC)commonly seen: fawngoldcreamredblackblack and tanbluegreybrindlewhitedominooften with a black mask532
Personality what they are like
A self-assured, independent thinker that tends to hold itself apart from strangers yet shows a light-hearted, playful side with the people it knows. It is sensitive and does best with patient, gentle, reward-based training rather than firm handling. As a sighthound it has a strong urge to chase moving things.342
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day; Hill's gives a minimum of about 40 minutes plus daily walks. Free running should happen only in a securely fenced area, because the chase instinct can override recall.64
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Very demanding. The long coat needs daily attention (Royal Kennel Club) and regular bathing and thorough brushing, about weekly, to prevent tangles and mats. Expect seasonal coat changes in spring and autumn.64
Home where they are happiest
Best suited to a larger home with access to a well-fenced garden where it can stretch out and run safely.64
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A good-quality complete dog food suited to a large, lean, active breed. Owners often find Afghans eat less than their size suggests; feed to keep a lean, athletic outline.4
Company who they like around
Bonds closely with its household and enjoys family life, while staying reserved with newcomers. Early, positive socialisation helps it grow into a confident adult.34
The story where it all began
The Afghan Hound grew out of the long-coated sighthounds kept by tribal peoples in the mountains and valleys of Afghanistan and neighbouring regions, where they hunted game such as deer, gazelle, hare and fox over rugged ground. Their long coat and large, cushioned feet suited the cold, rocky terrain. British officers returning from India and the Afghan frontier brought such hounds west in the late 1800s and early 1900s. A dog called Zardin caused a stir at Crufts in 1909 and became the model for the first written standard in 1912. After the First World War two influential lines arrived in Britain: the leaner Bell-Murray hounds from the desert plains around 1920-21, and the heavier-coated Ghazni hounds from the Kabul area in 1925, which included the celebrated show dog Sirdar. The Kennel Club gave the breed its own classes and challenge certificates in 1926, and the modern Afghan blends both types. British stock reached America in the 1920s, and the breed became especially fashionable in the 1970s. The FCI accepted it definitively in 1961.2783461
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
Zardin, the hound that set the early breed type, was invited to Buckingham Palace at Queen Alexandra's request after his 1909 Crufts appearance.7
2
In 2005 an Afghan Hound named Snuppy, produced in South Korea, became the world's first cloned dog and was named one of TIME's inventions of the year.7
3
Pablo Picasso said the big untitled sculpture he made for Chicago's Daley Plaza (1967) was modelled on his Afghan Hound, Kabul.2
4
The Ghazni-line hound Sirdar won Best in Show at Crufts twice, in 1928 and 1930.2
5
Afghan Hounds have taken Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club show in 1957 and 1983.2
6
The breed's big, well-padded feet, sometimes called 'snowshoe' feet, helped cushion it on stony mountain ground.7
7
Afghan Hounds appear in popular culture including Disney's Lady and the Tramp II and the children's cartoon Bluey.2
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The breed name comes from its country of origin, Afghanistan, where it was developed as a hunter in the hill country. It is also known as Tazi, Sag-e Tazi, Balkh Hound, and Barakzai Hound.9
Famous ones stars of the breed
Zardin Considered the foundation sire of the modern Afghan Hound breed, exhibited at the first Crufts dog show in 1907.2
Ghazni Foundation sire of the Ghazni strain, the heavily coated mountain type that influenced most Afghan Hounds in the United States.2
This morning, I woke up to the sun warming my silky fur. I stretched, then trotted to the garden, where I chased a leaf that danced in the breeze. My human laughed and called me a silly beauty. After a gentle brush, I felt like royalty. We walked to the park, and I held my head high, my coat flowing like a banner. I greeted my favorite squirrel with a dignified sniff, but I didn't chase, I'm too elegant for that. At home, I curled up on my velvet cushion, dreaming of mountains and ancient palaces. My human whispered, 'You're my little prince,' and I wagged my tail in agreement. A perfect day for a noble hound like me.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
FCI
Standard No. 228, Group 10 (Sighthounds), Section 1 (Long-haired or fringed sighthounds); definitive acceptance 12 Dec 1961; current standard published 27 Jul 20211
The Royal Kennel Club
Hound Group; granted separate classification and challenge certificates in 19268
Popularity Ranked 117th of AKC-registered breeds10
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for an Afghan Hound. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery day
Bathevery 3 weeks
HaircutMany owners keep a short puppy cutevery 6 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseAbout 60 minutes a dayevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Afghan Hound tip
For Afghan Hounds, choose low‑fat, high‑quality treats and give them sparingly, as they are prone to obesity and sensitive digestion. Always supervise treat time and avoid anything too rich or high in fat to help protect their stomach and pancreas.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Afghan Hound, and at what times?
Feed your Afghan Hound at least two meals a day, as VCA recommends for adult dogs. The exact times can be set to your routine, but keep them consistent. For amounts, follow the food label and check with your vet to maintain a lean, athletic outline.411
What should an Afghan Hound eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a good-quality complete dog food suited to a large, lean, active breed. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, as listed by ASPCA. Always check with your vet for specific dietary needs.412
How often should I bathe an Afghan Hound?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 21 days, but ASPCA says at least once every three months, more often if needed. The long coat requires regular bathing to prevent tangles, so adjust based on your dog's activity and coat condition.6413Pet Wiki plan
How often does an Afghan Hound need brushing?
The long, silky coat needs daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles, as recommended by the Royal Kennel Club and ASPCA. Furry Diary's plan suggests brushing every day to keep the coat healthy and beautiful.6413Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim an Afghan Hound's nails, and how often?
Trim nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every 28 days per Furry Diary's plan. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and use proper nail clippers. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.13Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does an Afghan Hound need?
This breed needs high exercise, with the Royal Kennel Club suggesting over two hours daily and Hill's about 40 minutes plus walks. Furry Diary's plan recommends about 60 minutes a day, always in a securely fenced area due to their chase instinct.64Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after an Afghan Hound's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, never human toothpaste, as ASPCA advises. For ears, check weekly and keep them dry, especially since floppy ears trap moisture; never push anything into the ear canal. Furry Diary's plan suggests daily teeth brushing and weekly ear checks.13Pet Wiki plan
How long does an Afghan Hound live?
Afghan Hounds typically live between 11 and 14 years, according to multiple sources. With good care, they can enjoy a long, happy life.426
Is an Afghan Hound good with children and other pets?
Afghan Hounds bond closely with their family and can be playful with people they know, but they are reserved with strangers. Early, positive socialization helps them get along with children and other pets, though their chase instinct may be strong around small animals.34
Can an Afghan Hound be left alone?
This breed can be left alone for moderate periods if well-exercised and mentally stimulated, but they bond closely with their household and may not like long solitude. The answer varies by individual; ask your vet or a good breeder for advice tailored to your dog.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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