The Afghan is an elegant dog, renowned for its silky soft coat and cool demeanor. Of course, its cool attitude makes it more of a refined working dog than a rambunctious and cuddly pal for the kids. As a classic hunting dog, the Afghan was often bred for speed, stamina, and agility.

The Afghan personality is usually one of aloofness, especially around strangers or guests. A new owner must work hard to gain the dog’s affection and hold it, but don’t despair – Afghans are capable of great friendships with the right person. That said, don’t expect your beautiful Afghan to always come when it’s called.

If you’re bringing an Afghan hound into a multi-animal household, be aware of the Afghan’s need for an established pecking order and pay attention to see if there’s a clear and dominant “alpha dog” in the house. Like most dogs, starting socializing early is important for the Afghan.

In terms of grooming, getting an Afghan to tip-top silky-shiny form can take a lot of work. Start grooming your dog early to get it used to regular brushing. Because the hair is fine and long, it’s prone to matting. During the puppy shed stages, you’ll be brushing every other day! Use a comb, pin brush, and lots of patience to really work out the tangles. If you find a mat, spray it with a bit of water and slowly loosen using your fingers.

For exercise, be prepared to take your Afghan out for a daily, full-on workout. This exercise is especially important during the puppy years. And keep your Afghan on the leash, their aloof attitude means they don’t always come when they’re called.

In terms of health issues, veterinarians and breeders suggest that you ask about the dog’s risk for cataracts, hypothyroidism, autoimmune diseases and heart disease.

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Afghan Hound - Dogs for Sale