Afghan Hound
An elegant, aloof sighthound with a glamorous flowing coat. Independent and reserved, with a strong chase instinct and demanding grooming needs.
Overview
An elegant, aloof sighthound with a glamorous flowing coat. Independent and reserved, with a strong chase instinct and demanding grooming needs.
Good to know — a Afghan Hound is needs plenty of space and better with some experience. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Afghan Hound is fine with sensible, older children and generally fine with other dogs. They tend to be a quiet, and as a guide they are better with some experience. Early socialisation, reward-based training and supervision around young children make all the difference.
- Families with older, respectful children
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Afghan Hound typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coat upkeep is daily / professional and shedding is low. Plan on frequent brushing — often several times a week — plus regular trips to a professional groomer to keep the coat free of mats.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Like any dog, a Afghan Hound should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced dog food suited to its size and life stage. Portions scale with body weight and activity, so a large breed will eat a fair amount compared with other breeds — follow the food’s feeding guide and your vet’s advice, and weigh portions to avoid creeping weight gain. Treats should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
Pros & cons
The good bits
- Strikingly beautiful, calm indoors
- Quiet and rarely barks
Things to consider
- High-maintenance coat needs frequent grooming
- Strong prey drive and selective recall
Similar breeds
Labrador Retriever
The UK’s most popular family dog — friendly, biddable and brilliant with children, but needs proper exercise.
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Golden Retriever
Gentle, eager-to-please and devoted — a classic family companion that thrives on company and exercise.
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German Shepherd
A loyal, courageous and highly trainable working dog that needs experienced handling and plenty to do.
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Boxer
A bouncy, playful and devoted family dog that stays puppy-like for years — and needs the exercise to match.
View breed guide →Frequently asked questions
Are Afghan Hounds good with children?
Fine with sensible, older children. As a general guide, Afghan Hounds tend to be fine with sensible, older children. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Afghan Hound need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Afghan Hound needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Afghan Hounds shed a lot?
Low shedding. Coat upkeep is daily / professional — plan on frequent brushing and regular trips to a groomer.
Are Afghan Hounds easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Better with some experience. Afghan Hounds are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Afghan Hounds bark a lot?
Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Afghan Hounds good with other dogs?
Generally fine with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Afghan Hounds suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A Afghan Hound really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.