The Afghan Hound presents an unmistakable silhouette of elegance and power, combining aristocratic bearing with athletic capability. Standing 25 to 27 inches at the shoulder for both males and females, with males typically weighing 50 to 60 pounds and females slightly less, the breed exhibits a unique balance of substance and refinement. The overall appearance conveys dignity and aloofness, with strength and speed evident in the dog's structure. Proper proportion places emphasis on length of body, with a level topline and moderate tuck-up creating an athletic outline beneath the flowing coat.
The head is one of the breed's most distinctive features, characterized by its refinement and chiseled appearance. The skull is long and not too narrow, with a prominent occiput and slight stop. The topknot, a long, silky fall of hair on the crown of the head, is a hallmark of the breed. Eyes are almond-shaped, nearly triangular, and dark in color, conveying an expression that is dignified and somewhat mysterious, gazing into the distance as befits a sighthound. The ears are set low and well back on the skull, lying close to the head and covered with long, silky hair.
The muzzle is long and strong, with powerful jaws capable of gripping game. Nose leather is black in all coat colors. The long, arched neck flows smoothly into well-laid-back shoulders, creating the elegant carriage for which the breed is famous. The body shows moderate length with a level back and prominent hipbones that stand out noticeably. The chest is deep with well-sprung ribs, providing ample room for heart and lungs necessary for coursing work. The loin is short and broad, exhibiting strength without coarseness.
Forequarters feature long, well-angulated shoulder blades and straight, strong legs with considerable length from elbow to ground. Large, broad feet provide sure footing on varied terrain. Hindquarters demonstrate powerful propulsion with well-angulated stifles and hocks, long and strong from hip to hock. The tail is set not too high, with a ring or curve at the end, and covered with sparse, silky hair. In motion, the tail is carried high in a graceful arch.
The coat is the Afghan Hound's crowning glory, consisting of long, fine, silky hair covering the entire body except the face, which features short hair from the forehead back, and along the back from the shoulders to the tail, where the coat forms a distinctive saddle of shorter, smoother hair. The texture is silky and flowing, never woolly or harsh. All solid colors are permissible, and the breed can be found in cream, red, black, brindle, blue, and various patterns including domino markings. White markings are undesirable but acceptable.
The Afghan Hound's movement is smooth, springy, and effortless, with the head carried high. The breed exhibits a unique elastic gait that appears almost in slow motion when moving at a moderate pace, but can accelerate to remarkable speeds when coursing. Front and rear legs move in straight lines, with no crossing or weaving. The topline remains level during movement, and the dog maintains balance and grace at all speeds. Serious faults include any deviation from the characteristic type, including coarseness, lack of substance, straight shoulders or stifles, weak topline, or incorrect coat texture.
Affection Level
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Affectionate with family but reserved; bonds deeply with select people
Good with Children
Best with older, respectful children; sensitive to rough handling and loud activity
Good with Other Dogs
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Generally good with other dogs, especially when properly socialized from puppyhood
Good with Other Pets
High prey drive makes them unsuitable with cats and small pets unless raised together
Playfulness
Moderate playfulness; prefers elegant running to rough play
Energy Level
Moderate to high energy requiring daily exercise but calm indoors when needs are met
Trainability
Independent and sometimes stubborn; requires patient, positive training methods
Intelligence
Highly intelligent but thinks independently; not eager to please like working breeds
Tendency to Bark
Generally quiet; may bark to alert but not excessive vocalizers
Amount of Shedding
Moderate shedding despite long coat; regular grooming manages hair
Grooming Needs
High maintenance; requires several hours per week for coat care
Prey Drive
Very high prey drive; will chase small, fast-moving animals instinctively