The Afghan hound is developed from an ancestor of the breed that originated from the rugged mountains and deserts of Afghanistan (and Central Asia), where nomadic tribes bred the very fast, highly enduring and physically very strong sighthound type of dogs to hunt game animals ranging from small rodents to deer to even leopards over rough terrain. While the environment in which these dogs were developed helped shape their long, silky coat, it also provided insulation from the cold nights of the mountains and the hot days of the deserts. Additionally, these dogs were able to traverse very rocky and uneven ground due to their very large foot pads and extremely flexible hip joints. The Afghan hound retains a wealth of historical significance; it is a direct descendant of an ancient working breed and has continued to be bred to combine beauty, strength, and endurance for thousands of years.
Appearance & Physical Traits
The shape of the Afghan hound is what most people first notice about this breed. Afghan hounds typically stand between 25 and 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 50 and 60 pounds; they have the slim and long body type of sighthounds, with elegant, graceful postures and their long legs and narrow waists (Kominek, 2023). Their long, fine, and silky hair coat is perhaps the most unique attribute of Afghan hounds. This long coat is usually so fine that it will often hang like a curtain when the dog is in a standing position.
Personality Type: Regal, Independent, and Surprising
Having an Afghan Hound means living with a proud, noble aristocrat – and they’re not just pets. These dogs exude an air of nobility and retain a certain amount of dignity, even while playing. Many people describe them as dignified, aloof towards strangers, and extremely loyal to the family. Because of their independent nature, they can be quite stubborn; many times, they will think for themselves. This independence means that training requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement with gentleness. Another side of these regal dogs is their many moments of playfulness; many Afghan Hounds will surprise their owners with silly antics or displays of affection when they feel comfortable and loved. Afghan Hounds are almost always quiet and rarely bark for no reason; for many families, this calm, quiet nature makes them one of the most attractive breeds of dog.
Care, Exercise & Grooming: A Commitment to a Breed of Dog
As Afghan Hounds were bred to run fast and far, they certainly do not qualify as ‘couch potatoes’. They require a significant amount of daily exercise, including walking, jogging, and preferably, off-leash exercise on secure, fenced property. The breed’s sighthound lineage enables these dogs to have a strong prey drive.
Are the Afghan Hound the right breed for you?
Typically, the Afghan Hound is not suitable for everyone. Although they have the regal look of an upscale dog that requires little maintenance, the reality is that they require dedication in the form of exercise, training, patience and commitment to grooming. If you have small children, lead a busy lifestyle or live in a very small area, an Afghan might be challenging for you. As a breed that is independent by nature, the Afghan Hound will only work on “his terms” which does not fit easily into every home. However, the right person, someone who appreciates elegance, respects independence, and is willing to spend the time and money to maintain their coat and exercise regularly, can enjoy a special relationship with their Afghan Hound. The combination of grace and loyalty along with the mystery that comes with thousands of years of history, creates a very unique bond that cannot be duplicated by any other breed. So if you see your dog not as a typical family pet, but rather as a beautifully regal companion, if old-world elegance and speed excite you, and you want a breed that attracts attention, then an Afghan Hound is probably a match made in heaven for you!
Authentic Height & Weight Standards for Afghan Hound
| Source / Standard | Male Height | Female Height | Male Weight | Female Weight | Notes |
| The Kennel Club (UK) | 68–74 cm (Royal Kennel Club, 2019) | 63–69 cm (Royal Kennel Club, 2019) | Not formally specified | Not formally specified | UK breed standard focuses primarily on height, structure, and overall type. |
| Afghan Hound Club of America (AHCA) / AKC Standard | 27 in (± 1”) (≈ 66–71 cm) (Kominek, 2023) | 25 in (± 1”) (≈ 63–66 cm) (Kominek, 2023) | ≈ 60 lb (≈ 27 kg) (Kominek, 2023) | ≈ 50 lb (≈ 23 kg) (Kominek, 2023) | AHCA codifies AKC standard; includes both height and weight guidelines. |
| General Population (Real-Life Variation) | May be slightly taller or shorter | May be slightly taller or shorter | Slightly heavier or lighter | Slightly heavier or lighter | Variations common, especially in companion (non-show) Afghan Hounds. |
References
Kominek, E. (2023) Afghan Hound Club of America, Inc. – Afghan Hound Breed Standard. [online]. Available at: https://afghanhoundclubofamerica.org/index.php/information/breed-standard [Accessed 3 Dec. 2025].
Royal Kennel Club (2019) Afghan Hound | Breed Standards | The Kennel Club. [online]. Available at: https://www.royalkennelclub.com/breed-standards/hound/afghan-hound/. Accessed on [03-12-2025].
