If you are reading this you obviously want to know these 7 Afghan Hound temperament traits.
Below we provide more than just behavior and Afghan Hound personality stuff.
You'll get insights into the breed's physical attributes and we also tell you how to find a suitable Afghan Hound puppy (Rescue, Breeder, Price, etc.)
Read on to find out more.
Afghan Hound Appearance and Physical Characteristics
Before we tackle the Afgan Hound's temperament and personality here are some of its physical characteristics.
Afghan Hounds are instantly recognizable with their tall stature, lean body, elegant build and long silky coat.
This gorgeous breed owes its origins to the rocky terrain of Afghanistan.
The regal Afghan Hound is aristocratic in appearance.
It has a heavy coat and is generally between 25 – 27 inches high and weighs 50 – 60 pounds on average.
The Afghan Hound has large distinctive paw pads that are suitable to withstand the harsh Afghan environment.
Afghan Hound Temperament and Personality
The Afghan Hound temperament is not the right fit for everyone, but they make good pets with the right owner.
Here are 7 Afghan Hound temperament traits you should consider before you decide to buy or adopt an Afghan Hound puppy:
1. Afghan Hounds Need Attention
The Afghan Hound is a very loyal dog that craves personal attention. Do not leave the dog at home alone for a long period of time, since they may express their dissatisfaction by becoming destructive.
2. Afghan Hounds are Athletic
Some Afghan Hounds are playful and have a silly streak that delights their owners.
If you decide on an Afghan Hound, be prepared for a dog that loves to run and needs the space to do so on a daily basis. Because of this, they require room to move around, so apartment living is not recommended.
A safe, enclosed place to gallop, preferably a yard with a high fence will do best. However, Afghan Hounds are are good jumpers and they love to run, so if you fence in the yard make sure the fence is high enough so they don’t take off.
Caution: they are instinctive chasers so they may be at risk of getting hit by a car.
3. Afghan Hounds are Sensitive
This breed is very emotionally sensitive to stress and change. Keeping them on a regular schedule is a good idea.
They have a low tolerance for pain as well, so they do better with older children who are likely to exercise more care and less rough-play.
4. Afghan Hounds can be Aloof
Some people compare the personality of an Afghan Hound to that of a cat. While they may have enjoyed cuddling as a puppy, as they get older they tend to become somewhat aloof. They will let their owner know when they crave affection and when they want to be left alone.
5. Afghan Hounds are Shy
Afghan Hounds can be shy or even downright suspicious of new situations if they are not socialized enough when they are young. Make sure to expose them to new situations and people as a puppy.
6. Afghan Hounds Love to Run
Afghan Hounds have a strong instinct to run, and they are fast. Walking them off the leash is not advisable. They can be out of sight in just seconds.
7. Afghan Hounds have a Strong Hunting Instinct
If you choose an Afghan Hound, be aware that they have an extremely strong hunting instinct that makes them unsuitable for households with small pets like rabbits and kittens.
This breed is gentle with people and they can coexist with other dogs if trained to do so.
Training an Afghan Hound Puppy Dog
Afghan Hounds were highly valued for their independent thinking when keeping prey at bay while awaiting the hunters.
As a result, that independence can become a stubborn streak during training. However, their loyalty can make the Afghan Hound want to please its owner and respond to simple commands.
Obedience training for Afghan Hound dogs requires patience and persuasiveness.
They can become defensive in response to leash jerking by bracing their legs and refusing to walk.
Their independent streak makes them notoriously hard to train. Positive reinforcement is best with food, treats, and praise.
You can find helpful and effective training resources at Secrets to Dog Training. Check them out.
Finding the Perfect Afghan Hound Puppy
You can find the ideal Afghan Hound puppy online by viewing pictures and studying the details of each dog offered for sale. Since the breed can be difficult to train, some people opt for an adult dog that is already trained Afghan Hound through rescue and adoption services.
Afghan Hounds Puppies for Sale
If you go through a breeder with American Kennel Club (AKC) certified Afghan Hound puppies for sale, you will probably pay top dollar.
The Afghan Hound price will depend on the location of the breeder, the breeder’s reputation, the size of the litter, the lineage of the puppy and the popularity of the breed.
Afghan Hound Puppies Online
You can find AKC registered Afghan Hound puppies for sale at online sources like Puppy Find.
Select a puppy by the breed and your state. You will find pictures of the dogs that are currently available, as well as the gender, the age, and the price.
The average price of an Afghan Hound puppy on Next Day Pets is $1,350.
The price of an Afghan Hound ranges from to over $2,400 for an AKC certified dog.
Afghan Hound Puppies from Breeders
The Afghan Hound Club of America will help you find a puppy from a reputable breeder.
Afghan Hound breeders are listed by state. The Club also provides information about whether or not stud service is available, and if the breeder is an AKC Breeder of Merit.
Afghan Hound Rescue and Adoption
If you decide to rescue or adopt an Afghan Hound, you will be doing a good deed.
You will also pay less money and you can choose a trained dog that is out of the rambunctious puppy stage.
Another advantage of a rescue or adopted adult is that the dog's personality is already developed, so there are no surprises.
To rescue or adopt an Afghan Hound, try sites like AdoptaPet.com.
Caring for an Afghan Hound
Grooming an Afghan Hound
The beautiful coat of the Afghan Hound needs close attention. Ideally, the dog should be groomed for an hour twice weekly. You may have to buy special grooming equipment. They should be bathed weekly and their ear passages need cleaning.
Afghan Hound Health
Afghan Hounds require a healthy diet with a good amount of real chicken, beef, turkey, and fish. Like other sighthounds, this breed is especially sensitive to anesthesia. They are also sensitive to pain, so a soft, comfortable bed is recommended.
A Final Word about the Afghan Hound Temperament
The tall, slender Afghan Hound is not for everyone, but with the right matchup of owner and dog, they can make good pets.
Before you get an Afghan Hound, you have to commit grooming their beautiful coat a couple of times every week.
Afghan Hounds can be affectionate on their own terms, but some people find it frustrating when they do not always come when called.
Keep in mind that this breed does not like to be left alone for long periods of time.
If you love the elegant look of the Afghan Hound, spend enough time with your dog and you do not have young children or small pets around, you may consider this breed.
You should also have an enclosed yard for exercise.
Afghan Hounds are difficult to train, so you must be willing to take the puppy to obedience training when the dog is young.
Calvin is the co-founder and one of the main contributors to dogtemperament.com. He has been an avid dog lover all his life. He enjoys researching and sharing great ideas on how you can avoid common pitfalls of dog ownership and build the most loving and enjoyable relationship with your dog.