Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is described by the AKC as independent, sweet, a member of the Hound Group, originally from Afghanistan.
Last updated: October 2026 · 6 sources · see sources
| Height | 25-27 inches [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 50-60 pounds [1] |
| Life expectancy | 12–18+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Independent / Sweet [1] |
| AKC group | Hound Group [1] |
| Origin | Afghanistan [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 117 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Because Afghans are sighthounds, bred to hunt and chase prey by sight, they will have a strong instinct to run off in pursuit of perceived prey; walking off leash is not advisable. Short walks do not provide enough exercise for this athletic breed, and some owners take their leashed Afghans on long runs once they reach maturity. Ideally, an Afghan should have the opportunity to run full out several times a week in a large, enclosed area. [1]
Grooming
Afghan puppies have short, fuzzy coats (including adorable facial hair called 'monkey whiskers') that require little maintenance. They don't stay that way for long, however. As is to be expected, the long, silky coat of an adolescent or adult Afghan requires regular grooming. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Sighthounds such as Afghans have naturally low stores of body fat, so they tend to be sensitive to anesthesia; breed experts recommend seeking out a sighthound-savvy veterinarian for surgical procedures. Like other deep-chested types of dogs, Afghan Hounds can experience bloat, a sudden and life-threatening swelling of the abdomen, and owners should educate themselves about its symptoms and what to do should bloat occur. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Thyroid Evaluation. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a medium dog (median $482) | $239 – $1,107 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, medium dog | $589 – $1,571 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, medium dog | $264 – $2,106 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
| Full professional grooming, per visit | $40–$150 | [6] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Afghan Hound in 1926. [1]
- It ranked No. 117 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 100 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Afghan.” [1]
- The AKC lists Afghanistan as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 3 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 4/5)
- ✅ People who want less dog hair at home (AKC shedding 1/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Low-maintenance seekers: AKC rates grooming needs 4/5
Common questions
How long do Afghan Hounds live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12-18 years.
How big does a Afghan Hound get?
AKC breed information lists height 25-27 inches and weight 50-60 pounds.
How much are vet bills for a Afghan Hound?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs like the Afghan Hound, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.