Overview
The Afghan Hound was bred to hunt by sight across rough high ground, running down game on its own without instruction. That independence is still the defining trait. It is not a dog that checks in with you, and it does not see much point in being told what to do.
For a walker the breed is quiet, clean and often beautiful company on a lead, with a coat that collects every seed, twig and puddle in the county. The owner has usually spent hours on that coat. They will notice if it comes back matted.
Exercise and walking needs
An hour or more a day suits most adults, split between a steady lead walk and, where it can be done safely, a chance to open up and run. Sighthounds are sprinters rather than plodders, so a few flat-out gallops in a fenced field do more than a long trudge.
Puppies and adolescents need their growing joints protected. Keep running sessions short until the owner confirms the dog is fully grown.
On the walk
- Chase: Anything that moves fast is prey: rabbits, deer, cats, joggers in the wrong light. Once an Afghan has launched, recall is theoretical. Treat an unfenced field as a lead walk.
- Lead manners: Usually polite and light on the lead, though a sudden lunge from a dog this size and speed can take you off your feet. Keep a loop around your wrist and your attention up.
- Other dogs: Reserved and often uninterested. They dislike being bounced on by heavy, rough dogs and may snap to end it. Pair them with calm company.
- Coat: Long and fine. Brambles, mud and burrs are a nightmare, so pick routes with short grass and firm paths where you can.
Tips for professional walkers
- A martingale or sighthound collar stops the narrow head slipping out of an ordinary collar, which happens more often than owners admit.
- Keep a tally of local wildlife on your routes and avoid known rabbit warrens and deer paths.
- Carry a comb or a soft brush; a quick tidy of the ear fringes and legs at the end saves the owner an argument with the coat.
- Thin skin and little body fat mean a coat or jumper is reasonable on a cold, wet day despite all that hair.
What to ask the owner
- Where is the dog allowed off the lead, if anywhere, and has it ever bolted after wildlife?
- Is there a snood or a particular lead and collar set-up you should use to protect the ears and neck?
- How much of the coat care do you want done after a walk, and what should be left alone?