Afghan Hound

Patellar Luxation

Legg-Perthes Disease

Hip Dysplasia

Heart murmurs

Feed your Afghan Hounds 2 to 2.5 cups a day, divided into two servings.

Maintain proper weight, but be careful not to overfeed. Any diet should be appropriate for their age.

Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

Afghans only have one coat, unlike other breeds who both have a topcoat and undercoat.

This makes them a low-shedding breed. Still, brushing them once a week with a rubber grooming mitt or tool or a de-shedding glove will help keep them looking good and maintain their stunning appearance.

Afghan hounds require considerable amount of time dedicated to coat care. Dogs in full show coats are usually bathed and groomed weekly or fortnightly, those in pet clips will need less frequent baths but should still be brushed regularly.

Check their lips, ears, nose, throat, eyes, and feet for sores, rashes, or symptoms of illness such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation. Ears should have a pleasant odour and be free of wax or gunk, and eyes should be clean and free of redness or discharge.

Make grooming a positive experience filled with praise and rewards, and you'll lay the groundwork for easy veterinary exams and other handling when he's an adult.

Afghan Hounds are a high-energy breed.

To avoid boredom, they require a lot of activity. They require at least two hours of physical activity each day.

Afghans have an ability to see far greater distances than humans and have pivotal hip joints that allows them to cover ground quickly and easily clear obstacles, making them a natural for running and lurecoursing.

A fenced-in yard suitable for running would be beneficial for them to exert their energy. They also require a lot of mental stimulation through games and activities in addition to their regular walks.

Veterinary care is essential to a dog's health and well-being, however, the frequency of treatment and checkups will depend on the dog.

Scheduled six-monthly health check visits with your vet are important to ensure they are healthy and happy throughout all life stages.

Routine maintenance for your dog gives you a chance to track your dog's growth and development. Discuss any concerns with your vet as they arise to form a good preventative care practice.

Afghan Hounds are people-oriented and deeply committed to their family. They are wonderful with children and other pets but remember to socialize them when they are young.

The free-thinking, independent Afghan will decide for himself when he wants affection, and it will be on his terms — not yours. Independence aside, they are loving when they want to be and can be good fun to have around.

Though highly intelligent, training them might be challenging as they like to do things on their own.

Positive reinforcement is suggested to motivate them more, especially that they are highly sensitive. They like being complimented; and rewards and treats will help to keep them motivated.

They get along well with other dogs, but they may chase smaller pets because they have strong hunting/prey instincts.

They are generally cheerful, sociable pets who strive to please and make excellent friends and playmates.

They should be socialized as early as possible to help them learn how to properly behave around others.