Afghan Hound Guide: Health, Training & Vet Tips for the Regal Sighthound 🐶✨

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

The Afghan Hound—often described as the “aristocrat” of dog breeds—is one of the oldest sighthounds, proud of its sweeping coat and dignified presence. As a veterinarian with both clinical and app-based experience, I’ve guided many families who fall for the Affie’s graceful charm—and later discover their distinctive care needs. Let’s explore how to keep this regal breed healthy, happy, and hassle-free.

📜 Origins & Key Traits

Bred for speed and independence by Afghan tribes, Afghan Hounds were traditionally used to chase prey like deer and snow leopards using their keen eyesight.

• Height: 24–28″ (61–71 cm); Weight: 50–60 lb (23–27 kg)
• Long, fine, single-layer coat; low shedding but high grooming needs
• Aloof, independent temperament: loyal to “their” person, selectively social
• Speed demons: up to 40 mph; built for gait & lure coursing

🏠 Ideal Owner & Living Situation

Afghan Hounds thrive with owners who: are patient with their independent nature, provide daily space for gallops or lure coursing, love grooming, and maintain secure fencing (mind their escape ability).

• Exercise: ≥ 1–2 hr/day of walks + free runs in a safe area
• Grooming: daily brushing, monthly bathing, regular coat trimming
• Training: independent learners—positive reinforcement, short sessions, consistent routine

🛁 Grooming & Skin Care

Your Afghan’s coat is its crown—and it needs attentive care:

• Daily brushing to prevent mats and maintain silkiness
• Use a gentle dog shampoo monthly; make grooming positive with praise or Woopf interactive rewards
• Check ears daily for debris or infection—they can hide issues under silky hair
• Clip nails carefully—these dogs can be sensitive to pain

Tip: Log grooming sessions and coat condition in the Ask A Vet app to spot early skin, coat, or ear concerns.

🍽️ Nutrition & Feeding

Feed quality, grain-inclusive or mixed diet—roughly 2–2.5 cups of high-protein adult kibble daily, split into two meals.

• Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat): elevate bowls slightly, limit exercise before/after meals
• Healthy weight: Afghans are slim by nature—monitor ribs and body condition via app weight logs
• Hydration after runs is essential

🩺 Breed-Specific Health Risks

Life span: ~11–13 years.

• Hip dysplasia & luxating patella—common in large sighthounds
• Bloat (GDV)—high risk; preventive feeding and exercise habits critical
• Cataracts & progressive retinal atrophy—prevalent in older Afghans
• Hypothyroidism & allergies—monitor via annual bloodwork and skin logs
• Chylothorax—sighthound predisposition to lymphatic fluid buildup
• Anesthesia sensitivity—lean body mass necessitates careful dosing

Regular screening: annual exams, hip & eye checks, pre-anesthetic labs—schedule via app reminders.

🏅 Training & Enrichment

Afghans require goal-oriented mental stimulation and consistent positive reinforcement:

• Obedience: use food/treats; expect slow responses—they follow on their own terms
• Training tools: Woopf Explorer Harness minimizes neck strain during training walks
• Sports: lure coursing, agility tap into natural chase instincts
• Enrichment: scent work, safe chew toys, scheduled play, prevent boredom & anxiety
• Tracking: log progress via behavior journal in the app

❤️ Handling Temperament & Socialization

Afghans are selective with affection—loyal to their person, stoic to strangers. To help their sociability:

• Begin puppy socialization to people, pets, and environments
• Train loose-lead walking to reduce escape risk
• Log social behavior, stranger/gimmick responses in the app
  

📆 Veterinary Care & Ask A Vet Integration

• Set up profiles: include weight, coat, behavior tendencies
• Annual wellness includes dental, joint, heart, eye health
• Pre-anesthetic labs prior to spay/neuter or other procedures
• Track bloat risks, coat changes, exercise habits
• Vet chat: check off co-owner questions or coach appointments

👪 Is an Afghan Right for You?

✅ Ideal for committed pet parents who:

• Enjoy daily structure, grooming, and training
• Provide a secure space for running
• Are patient with independent, selective learners
• Value low shedding, but don’t mind high maintenance

❌ Not suitable for inexperienced owners or active toddlers due to prey drive and temperament.

🧑⚕️ Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan

The Afghan Hound is a refined, complex, and rewarding companion. Their beauty is matched by their needs—for regular exercise, grooming, health monitoring, and patient leadership.

With structures in place—like Ask A Vet’s tailored care platform—and using vet-developed gear from, you can ensure your Afghan thrives from puppyhood through to senior years.

Adopting an Afghan? Track every stage with Ask A Vet, spoil them with Woopf enrichment gear, and groom responsibly—because true royalty deserves top-tier veterinary care.