Afghan Hound

To maintain their lavish coat, Afghan Hounds need care and commitment to grooming.

“Many people are drawn to the Afghan Hound’s long, flowing hair, but this beauty comes with high maintenance,” Pfeil says. “Keeping an Afghan in a full coat requires … bathing and frequent brushing. It’s not difficult, but it is a significant time commitment. Without consistency, coats quickly become matted, causing discomfort for the dog.”

Here’s what an Afghan Hound’s full grooming regimen calls for:

• Bathing: Schedule a sudsy bath for your Afghan dog every four to six weeks. Use a gentle, dog-safe shampoo and conditioner for a healthy coat.
• Brushing: Brush your dog’s hair every day with a pin brush or comb. This is important upkeep because an Afghan Hound’s long hair gets tangled easily. Pay extra attention to their underside, ears, and legs.
• Nail trimming: Monthly nail trims are a must, too.
• Ear cleaning: Every so often, take a peek at your pup’s ears to check for signs of an infection (like an odor, redness, or debris buildup). Your vet might recommend adding regular ear cleanings to your grooming routine.
• Dental care: To avoid dental disease and maintain healthy pearly whites, brush your dog’s teeth every day (or at least once a week). Use a dog-safe toothpaste and toothbrush.

Though you’ll need to stay on top of daily brushing (for both fur and teeth), a professional groomer can help with other maintenance like bathing and nail-trimming.

Because they’re smart but strong-minded dogs, training an Afghan Hound can be challenging, especially for first-time pet parents.

“The Afghan Hound is very independent and likes to think for himself,” Pfeil says. “Training requires patience and positive reinforcement.” Stick to short, interactive sessions with treats, praise, and play.

Prioritize recall and good leash manners during your Afghan dog’s obedience training. This is important for all dogs, but especially for historic hunting dogs like the Afghan Hound, who may be tempted to chase critters in the neighborhood.

“You should never allow an Afghan off-leash unless in a securely fenced area—ideally [with a fence] 6 feet high, due to their remarkable jumping abilities,” Pfeil says.

Early and consistent socialization is also essential for an Afghan Hound puppy. Regular, early exposure to new people, animals, and environments helps Afghans feel comfortable. It’ll also stop their natural aloof nature from turning into fearfulness.

Afghan Hounds thrive on high-quality dog food balanced for their age, size, and activity level. Always choose dog food that’s Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) compliant, such as Purina or Royal Canin.

Because of their build, Afghan Hounds are susceptible to a life-threatening condition called gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Pet parents can take simple steps during mealtime to reduce the chances of GDV, including:

• Feeding an Afghan Hound at least two smaller meals every day instead of one big meal per day
• Offering food in a slow feeder bowl, snuffle mat, or puzzle toy to stop the dog from gobbling too quickly
• Avoiding elevated food bowls
• Restricting exercise for an hour before or after eating

Afghan Hounds aren’t just looks—these dogs are natural athletes and need at least an hour of exercise each day.

Their favorite pastimes draw on their innate love of running and chasing; lure coursing, brisk walks, jogs, games of fetch, and hikes are all high on their list. Just make sure you always keep them on a leash or inside a fenced space when outside.

At home, try puzzle toys, interactive games, or a backyard agility course to prevent boredom.

Afghan Hounds need to stretch their long legs and thrive best in homes with lots of space, preferably with access to a fenced yard where they can safely run and play. But they can also adapt to apartment life if their pet parent makes daily exercise a top priority.

Along with their hour of heart-pumping exercise, Afghan Hounds need daily brushing sessions and a larger grooming overhaul once a month. Make sure you have the time—or the budget for a professional groomer—before bringing an Afghan Hound puppy home.

A calm, structured household tends to suit their independent and sensitive nature. While generally good with polite, respectful children, Afghans aren’t overly playful or affectionate. They’re best suited to families with older children who understand how to interact gently and respectfully with dogs.

Afghan Hounds can do well in homes with familiar pets, especially if they were raised alongside them. But smaller animals like rabbits or guinea pigs might trigger the dogs’ hunting instincts.