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.

It is not advisable to let an Afghan loose except if you are confident of there being no other dogs or small animals in the vicinity, and the area of land on which you stand is securely fenced. The Afghan drive to catch and kill is never too far from the surface and once the dog begins to run there is no possibility of your catching up with it. The hunting instinct is difficult to dampen of this dog.

If it finds itself at home for long periods of time without human company the Afghan Hound will inform you of its displeasure by destroying your furnishings and carpets, and with a big dog comes big damage.

The Afghan is not known as a glutton. Its stomach is sensitive to changes in diet and it will not enjoy impromptu dinners at differing times each day. It is a picky dog and one that will let you know if it does not like what you have served.

Due to its lack of bark the Afghan does not make a good watchdog. As a guard dog it could very well be exceptionally aggressive, especially if it sense that its family is under threat.

Even a well-fenced garden is an insufficient provision for this dog. Afghans are known for their magnificent leaping abilities. A flat is too small and confined a space in which to keep what is a highly-strung animal.

The Afghan Hound does not need as much exercise as you might think but it does need exercise. Running and walking for about 60 minutes every day can dampen some of the excitability of the Afghan.

An Afghan will not enjoy travel. Anything that disrupts its routine and carefully planned day will cause the dog to be nervous and silly. When it becomes so, the Afghan is difficult to control.

Even of Afghan Hounds that have been raised amid cats and other smaller creatures there is a danger that the dog’s hunting heritage may displace its reasoning and goodwill. It is therefore not advisable to house this breed with another animal.

Generally speaking, the Afghan is amicable and sociable with other dogs.

On the whole this breed is good with children; that is to say the dog does not harm children deliberately or bare malice towards them. However, Afghans can become easily scared by rough play or play that is not on their terms. If pushed too far the dog may exhibit aggression.

Because it is a dog that requires a fair amount exercise and a lot of grooming the Afghan Hound is not a good choice for people of senior years.

The Afghan is not to be considered as a first dog. Its stubbornness and aloofness can make the owner’s teaching of even the basics (such as house training) challenging. It requires a patient teacher and one who understands the breed’s foibles to bring up a happy Afghan Hound.