Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound isn't an affectionate dog because of its hunting heritage, he does not have an overly aggressive tilt but does have a high prey-drive. It is boisterous and clownish but also sensitive and easily offended by harshness.

A dog that likes to play and to interact, but will do so only on its terms and when it feels confident enough to do so. The Afghan Hound tends to become nervous and timid when met with rough play.

This dog can exhibit some nervousness especially around strangers; it is also one that does not take kindly to changes in routine. Nervousness often manifests as stubbornness and a refusal to move or to do what it is told.

A fairly intelligent dog but not known as one of the brainiest of canines. The Afghan is hard to train and lately was positioned last of 138 dogs ranked by obedience and ability to understand commands. The dog requires patience and repetitive training (see later: ‘Easy to train’.

Hunting was the reason the Afghan Hound was originally bred; this it would do by sight. Sighthounds are dogs that hunt independently (i.e. with no human leadership). They specialize in sighting and pursuing prey, and overpowering it. The Afghan has a high prey drive and as such will chase almost anything smaller than it. Regular and plentiful exercise is a must for preventing this dog from causing a nuisance.

Afghan Hounds tend to be wary and shy of new people and take some time to warm to a visitor in their home. If pushed to interact with someone too early the Afghan may become mildly aggressive. Gentle handling and patience are necessary precursors to a calm Afghan temperament.

Afghan Hounds are extremely independent. With some effort they can become obedient but on the whole they are very much their own dog.

The Afghan Hound tends to follow its owner from room to room when indoors. It is not a dog that tolerates solitude. Separation anxiety is seen of Afghans that are left alone for long periods of time. Not only do they miss their family but the lack of exercise that comes with being left alone will bring on depression.

The Afghan Hound is reasonably difficult to train. Its independence and aloofness can mean that it refuses to learn to be obedient. Couple this refusal with the dog’s inability to learn quickly and retain lessons and you have a difficult student to say the least. The Afghan is not overly motivated by food and treats which can make training especially taxing. Patience and an awareness of the dog’s limitations can lead to a degree of obedience, although nothing should be taken for granted.

This dog doesn't bark to excess and will soon settle again once a perceived ‘danger’ has passed.