Afghan Hound

As sighthounds, Afghans have naturally lean physiques, and their protruding hipbones are a breed characteristic, not a sign of being underweight.

Feed a mature Afghan Hound on a consistent schedule, typically two meals a day. The breed's body structure makes it more prone to bloat, so make sure meals are not eaten too fast. If your dog gulps its food, slow it down with a slow-feeder bowl or a food-dispensing toy.

Take care not to overfeed, since extra weight leads to obesity, while still supplying enough calories to support a healthy body weight and activity level. Follow the guidelines on the food you choose and adjust based on age, activity level, and overall health. A healthy Afghan fed a complete, balanced diet is likely getting all the nutrients it needs and may not require supplements, but check with your veterinarian about your dog's weight, diet, or any supplement questions.

Afghan puppies have short, fuzzy coats, including the charming facial hair called monkey whiskers, that need little maintenance. They do not stay that way for long. The long, silky adult coat needs several hours of brushing a week to stay free of tangles and mats and to remove debris. Regular brushing also distributes the coat's natural oils, and a good-quality pin brush, a slicker for mats, and a comb are the essential tools.

The Afghan benefits from more frequent bathing than many breeds, with shampoo and conditioner about once every week or two. Bathe before brushing, since working a dry coat can damage the hair, and dry the coat fully with a blow dryer on a low setting afterward. If you want to reduce daily upkeep, you can clip the coat shorter and more manageable, and some owners use a snood, a fabric tube that slides over the head, to keep the hair and ears pulled back at mealtimes.

Afghans shed very little, so coat care is about grooming rather than managing loose hair. Trim the nails and brush the teeth regularly, and support dental health with at-home brushing and professional cleanings. Check the ears for excess wax, redness, discharge, or odor and contact your vet if you notice signs of an ear infection. During grooming, also check the eyes for redness, discharge, or cloudiness, and contact your veterinarian right away if you notice a problem.

Afghan Hounds are very active and need a good deal of daily exercise to spend their energy and stay happy and healthy. Short walks are not enough for this athletic breed. Some owners take their leashed Afghans on long runs once the dogs reach maturity, and ideally an Afghan also gets the chance to run full out several times a week in a large, enclosed area.

Because they are sighthounds bred to chase prey by sight, Afghans have a strong instinct to bolt after anything that looks like quarry, so walking off leash is not advisable. They are tall, lean, and strong, which makes them skilled jumpers, so any exercise area needs a high, secure fence. Always keep this dog on a leash or in a securely fenced space when outside.

Beyond physical activity, the breed does best with consistent routine and engagement. These dogs are not natural people-pleasers, but they can be affectionate, loyal, and entertaining within the family, and channeling their drive into sports like lure coursing gives both body and mind a worthwhile outlet.

Afghans are independent, dignified, and somewhat aloof in general, but they are affectionate and extremely loyal to the people they have bonded with. That loyalty can make it hard for an adult Afghan to adjust to a new home, though it can also help with housetraining, since a bonded dog wants to please its owner.

The breed's personality could go either way in training. Afghans are independent and stubborn at times, yet also loyal and eager to please with the people they love, so they call for patience and consistency. Unless obedience or agility competition is the goal, teaching basic commands like come, sit, and stay is generally enough.

The Afghan typically chooses one favorite person, but with proper training and socialization it can still be a good family dog. Whatever level of training you introduce, remember that the instinct to hunt runs strong, and no amount of training will reliably override the urge to break off on a high-speed chase, so these dogs will likely always need a leash when outside in an unsecured area.