Afghan Hound

[Troy]

Afghan Hound

ANKC Standard

(from http://www.ankc.org.au/home/breeds_details.asp?bid=101 )

Group: Group 4 (Hounds)

General Appearance: The gait of the Afghan Hound should be smooth and springy with a style of high order. The whole appearance of the dog should give the impression of strength and dignity combining speed and power. The head must be held proudly.

Characteristics: The Afghan Hound should be dignified and aloof with a certain keen fierceness. The eastern or oriental expression is typical of the breed. The Afghan looks at and through one.

Temperament: The Afghan Hound should be dignified and aloof with a certain keen fierceness.

Head And Skull: Skull long, not too narrow with prominent occiput. Foreface long with punishing jaws and slight stop. The skull well balanced and surmounted by a long "top knot". Nose preferably black, but liver is no fault in light coloured dogs.

Eyes: Should be dark for preference, but golden colour is not debarred. Nearly triangular, slanting slightly upwards from the inner corner to the outer.

Ears: Set low and well back, carried close to the head. Covered with long silky hair.

Mouth: Level.

Neck: Long, strong with proud carriage of the head.

Forequarters: Shoulders long and sloping, well set back, well muscled and strong without being loaded. Forelegs straight and well boned, straight with shoulder, elbows held in.

Body: Back level, moderate length, well muscled, the back falling slightly away to the stern. Loin straight, broad and rather short. Hip-bones rather prominent and wide apart. A fair spring of ribs and good depth of chest.

Hindquarters: Powerful, well bent and well turned stifles. Great length between hip and hock with a comparatively short distance between hock and foot. The dewclaws may be removed or remain at the discretion of the breeder.

Feet: Forefeet strong and very large, both in length and breadth, and covered with long, thick hair; toes arched. Pasterns long and springy, especially in front, and pads well down on the ground. Hindfeet long, but not quite so broad as forefeet, covered with long, thick hair.

Tail: Not too short. Set on low with ring at the end. Raised when in action. Sparsely feathered.

Gait/Movement: The gait of the Afghan Hound should be smooth and springy with a style of high order. The head must be held proudly. The tail is raised when in action.

Coat: Long and very fine texture on ribs, fore- and hindquarters and flanks. From the shoulder backwards and along the saddle, the hair should be short and close in mature dogs. Hair long from the forehead backward, with a distinct silky "top knot". On the foreface the hair is short, as on the back. Ears and legs well coated. Pasterns can be bare. Coat must be allowed to develop naturally.

Colour: All colours are acceptable.

Sizes: Ideal height: Dogs 68-74 cms (27-29 ins)

Bitches 5-8 cms (2-3 ins) smaller.

Faults: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Any appearance of coarseness.

Skull too wide and foreface too short.

Weak underjaw.

Large, round or full eyes.

Neck should never be too short or thick.

Back too long or too short.

Notes: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

See Photos of the Afghan Hound

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

3. How common is it in Australia?

4. What is the average lifespan?

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

9. How much grooming is required?

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

If you wish to contribute to the knowledge about this breed, please answer the above questions. (Copy and paste them into a new post).

• Please only answer if you breed or own a pedigree example of this breed.
  
• You do not have to answer all questions
  
• Please keep posts limited to answering questions or for asking further questions if you require more (or expanded) information.
  

See Photos of the Afghan Hound

Afghan Hound Breeders

Afghan Hound Puppies For Sale

[Darkrai]

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

I am the owner with my fiance of 3 Afghans, I have owned afghans for nearly 3years and what fun they have been

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

This is one of the Ancient breeds dating back before Christ - well so most of the dog books say as well as painting/carving etc that depict this breed. They where bred as guard dogs, protecting the tribes.One of the is legends are that they where bred to hunt Snow Leopards, gazell, deer, and hares.

3. How common is it in Australia?

Not as common as they where in the 60's & 70's, now days they are a rare breed but still common for those that know about them.

4. What is the average lifespan?

Teenagers 10-15

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

Aloof with strangers, but generally a happy joyful dog with their owners, BUT are completely subburn

Each of our dogs have different temperments:

Lucius has a strong proud temperment, but also is a tail wagging happy hound.

Imgoen is aloof, but is a total nutter and a clown

Xanthe is laid back slighty Aloof, but blonde at the sametime.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

1.5hrs, they should be given the chance to run, but will happily be a lounge lizard in front of the TV on your favourite seat.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

No.. They are strong, stuborn, time consuming breed, and thats not mentioning their coat lol

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

Yes, but they are more suited to a pair or compainon

9. How much grooming is required?

Depends on the dog, Lucuis only takes just over an hour and so does Imy now, but Xanthe has a mammoth amount of coat, before she was clipped of late last year she took me almost 6hours from washing to dry, now she takes me about 3hrs

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

Yes.

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

Hip dysplasia, Cancer & Tumors are just some

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

Have they puppies parents been health tested.

If you can see the parents or atleast one of them.

[Keshwar]

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

Have had a number of Afghan Hounds. Got my first as a rescue back in the early 80's, Currently have 2 - An adult desexed dog (Faxon, 6 years), and a 12 month puppy bitch (Chloe)

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

The breed was developed in Afghanistan - hence the name. Unfortunately there is no written or pictorial evidence of the breed before the 19th Century, the first definitive image of an Afghan Hound is in a portrait of Meenah of Jajurh. This is mainly due to religious reasons - people from this area are Muslim and Islam forbids the portrayal of dogs. Also the region's history is full of conflict and conquest so a lot of archeological resources have been destroyed.

The breed was originally developed to hunt - mostly small game - hare, foxes, deer etc. There are stories of them bringing down wolves and snow leopards but this would be as a pack rather than individuals.

Initially when imported to England there were two distinct types. The Bell-Murray type were from Southern Afghanistan. These were larger and had less coat. The Amps type were from Northern Afghanistan. These were smaller and more compact with a heavier coat.

The two types were named after the people who imported them - Major and Mrs Bell-Murray and Mr and Mrs Amps.

Perhaps the most famous early Afghan Hound in the UK was Zardin, imported into England by Captain John Barff. Zardin went on to become the basis of the Afghan Hound Standard.

Eventually the types were interbred to give us the Afghan Hound we see today.

3. How common is it in Australia?

Probably more common than most people realise but certainly a lot less common than the peak of their popularity back in the seventies.

4. What is the average lifespan?

On average about 15 years.

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

Temperament has improved over the years. The Afghan hound had a reputation of having a difficult temperament but with good breeding this is no longer the case. However, do not expect an Afghan Hound to race up and greet a stranger like a long lost friend.

To the outside world an Afghan Hound will appear aloof and a bit standoffish. This shouldn't be taken for shyness. With their people Afghan Hounds can be clownish, naughty or cheeky. They are also very accomplished thieves.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

A good run in a fenced area twice a day would be ideal. However, if this isn't possible a long walk - at least 45 min - twice a day with access to a free run area weekly will suffice. The rest of the time they are happy taking up their rightful position on the best chair/couch in the house.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

No. Apart from the exercise requirements and the personality/temperament there is that coat that the Afghan Hound is famous for. This coat is a massive undertaking, requiring at least weekly grooming of approx 1-2 hours. These are not a dog that you can throw in the bath or shower to bath them, you need the proper equipment to get that coat clean. You will then need a decent dryer to get the coat dry and matt free.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

Yes, but be prepared to lose shoes, underwear, any food left laying around. They will occupy themselves but probably at your expense.

9. How much grooming is required?

See above.

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

Yes. An Afghan Hound can get up to full speed in a remarkably small area. If they are focused on chasing something then they have tunnel vision and are prone to knock over anything/one that gets in their way.

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

HD, Thyroid problems and autoimmune disease are known in the breed.

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

Unfortunately there are no breed specific tests for the Afghan Hound at this point. Puppy buyers should ask the standard questions regarding parents and should be able to see at least one of the parents. AI is becoming popular in the breed as is using dogs from interstate, so it may not be possible or practicable to see both parents.

Puppy buyers should try to form a good relationship with the breeder they choose as there may be a wait for their puppy. Breeders of Afghan Hounds are not breeding as frequently these days.

[SkySoaringMagpie]

I have noticed that a lot of people consider them "stupid".

Where did this reputation come from and what are your views on that?

[redarachnid]

I have noticed that a lot of people consider them "stupid".

Where did this reputation come from and what are your views on that?

They seem to be labelled as "stupid" because they are not as biddable as your regular dog. Anyone who has owned an Afghan will tell you they are far from stupid...they're cunning, sly and able to form a plan to get what they want.

Their charactaristic aloofness (a quintissential afghan trait) is also catagorised as stupidity by anyone who does not understand an afghan hound. They are often likened to cats in their trainability and demeanor... if you call a cat and it does not immediately come to you, it's not regarded as stupid, that's just the nature of the cat. Same with afghans.

They are very independant thinkers and need an owner who can understand them. Once you understand them, they are fairly easy to train.

Every now and again these "lists" appear in the media of the smartest and dumbest dogs. The dogs that appear on the top of these lists are usually biddable breeds like working dogs, high achievers at obedience. So of course the afghan is placed at the bottom due to it's independant nature and aloofness.

And that's how afghans get a bad rap!!

(owner/exhibitor of afghan hounds since 1994... obsessed with and studying them since 1977)

Edited July 30, 2009 by redarachnid

[Darkrai]

I agree Redarachnid, having lived with them for over 3yrs now I know all to well thier inteligence and I would place it over the poodles

You'll find the same person that said fish are easy to keep, is the same person that said Afghans are dumb

"We have a rule in our yard if there's a hole in the fence by time you have found it, the dogs are down the road"

Redarachnid, what Afghans do you show and own?

[Darkrai]

Here are some pics of my Afghans

Imogen

Lucius

[Jsk]

I have noticed that a lot of people consider them "stupid".

Where did this reputation come from and what are your views on that?

When someone says to me that Afghans are stupid I tell them 2 things:

Afghans arent stupid just the people that try and train them!

and my newest saying is:

Anyone that thinks afghans are stupid has never owned a beagle!

Afghans are very very smart! but not in your regular generic dog kind of way!

[J-den]

lol agreed jsk.... afghans arent stupid... just a bit like me i guess... quite full of themselves, quite intelligent and great problem solvers but common sense, well not a lot, co-ordination well not always a lot and quite ditsy blond.... i see a lot of in the afghans ive known and though i havent been around them very long, their traits and behavioural patterns are quite easy to pick up on.

[dog geek]

Afghan Hounds aren't stupid... they just don't fit into the very narrow parameters of an obedience test conducted in the early seventies by an academic. I have some thoughts on how the misconception arose, and from my reading on the history of the Afghan Hound, and an eye-witness report of its current situation in Afghanistan, have deduced the following:

The above-mentioned academic was researching canine intelligence and had a choice of four different tests. Each was designed to assess a different type of intelligence; due to time constraints he had to choose one, and so he chose the one that assessed the time it took the subject dog to reproduce the command, and the level of adherence to the trainer's wishes.

This essentially - and the article I read stressed that the researcher himself included this caveat in his conclusion - measured willingness in the subject; and was if anything an indicator of a dog's focus on the human.

Afghan Hounds developed in a manner similar to Flock Guardian breeds. They guarded human settlements, taking it upon themselves to patrol boundaries. They hunted for their humans, being trained to leave the hunter, track down and kill the prey, then wait with it until the hunter joined them. They also herded the flocks down from the mountain pastures to the summer grazing, with minimal instruction from the shepherd. They also lived in close proximity to their humans, sharing living quarters and receiving minimal portions of food.

This developed a canine which was an independant thinker, bonded with humans but not compulsively focused on human needs and instructions. To illustrate the point of intelligence - my own male Afghan Hound came to me from a stable, well socialised environment where he was raised with the prospect of a show home or a pet home in mind. He was not rigorously trained, just how to walk on the lead and how to stand for examination; and he naturally learned manners from the other dogs and his humans.

When he came to me, he was motivated by food to learn sit, stay, drop, stand-up, and speak. Each and very command took (and I am a very inexperienced dog owner) a maximum of TEN minutes to learn.

Stay is his least successful achievement - he is programmed to monitor the safety of his territory, and will decide to leave the stay position, cheerfully give me a quick smooch, and resume his post at the gate watching the road.

To me, this is not a stupid dog. This is a dog that is smart as a human is smart, able to make choices about his own actions. He does prefer to be in my good books, and so learned very quickly the behaviours appropriate to living inside the house with two little boys, a couple of cats, and a chook and bunny outside.

Sorry about the rant, I do get on my high horse bout this!

This picture of Miffy and Rowley was taken just a day or two after she came to live with us...

Edited October 4, 2009 by dog geek

[dog geek]

In point of fact: here are my two Afghan hounds being intorduced to the new bunny - the old one made a break for freedom while I was out two weeks ago; I came home to some ecstatic hounds and sad, limp corpse.

Here, Miffy has been in with the new bunny (which has been in the outside hutch for a week, the object of total fascination and some pointed ... explanations... of my desire re their behaviour with the new bunnies) for five minutes.

She *wants* to have bunny for a squeaky toy; but she is choosing to please me and forego the pleasure. She is annoyed at me for doing this; you can tell she understands completely that the consequences for choosing to 'go' for the bunny will not be to her liking. To me, this is a smart dog.

She has had a week of being called off the rabbits outside in their hutch; I supervised their first interactions, the dogs were pouncing at the cage, I was reprimanding them, and they had to come inside. Gradually, over a couple of days, I was able to to get them to refrain to charging full bore at the hutch when they went outside; now they do run to the hutch (they can't resist at least sying 'Boo!') but they mind their manners. Miffy sits and watches the 'live show' from a distance now; and I can leave the dogs outside without worrying about the dogs pestering the bunnies.

So now the venue for the up close and personal interaction is inside, which has strict rules in place about behaviours. And as you can see - she is *choosing* not to react to grab the bunny. She is a wild little girl; I assume this the 'primitive' trait. But she is a smart little girl who, while she flatly refuses to 'do sit' or any other boring stuff like drop or shake, has picked up other commands/request: she knows 'inside' and 'go to bed'; when we walk she knows 'gee-up' and 'stop'. And she knows 'leave it' - she has to wait for permission to eat her own food, and is not allowed to sample the cats' food.

All these requests are only obeyed when I am there in person; she cleans up after the cats with a wary eye out for me, and then magically is the other side of the kitchen when I 'spring' her - although she looks sooooooo guilty! I am going to have another session with her and the bunny today, it will be a cautiously supervised one and I will not just assume that we all friends now. And who knows if I will ever have a girlie who could have a bunny hopping around the backyard without fear of termination - but testing the waters is truly interesting!

Bluey on the other hand just went " crazy animal hoarder lady has another flarffy running around - wait! Is that food on the bench???"

Edited September 8, 2009 by dog geek

[dog geek]

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

I have two Afghan Hounds - the first, Bluey, I got nearly four years ago; the second, Miffy, came to us fifteen months ago.

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

There seem to be similar dogs all way from the Indian high country through to Afghanistan and up into North-Eastern Russia - this particular variant is from Afghanistan. Afghan Hounds developed in a manner similar to other Flock Guardian breeds. They guarded human settlements, taking it upon themselves to patrol boundaries. They hunted for their humans, being trained to leave the hunter, track down and kill the prey, then wait with it until the hunter joined them. They also herded the flocks down from the mountain pastures to the summer grazing, with minimal instruction from the shepherd. They also lived in close proximity to their humans, sharing living quarters and receiving minimal portions of food.

This developed a canine which was an independant thinker, bonded with humans but not compulsively focused on human needs and instructions.

3. How common is it in Australia?

Not as common as in the '70s... there were so many then that the breeder of my two talks about there being hundreds in the breed classes at the big shows... Now, there are twenty-odd breeders around Australia, which means you don't have to wait too long to get to the top of the list to purchase one.

4. What is the average lifespan?

Now, I am going on what I know of personally here - entire adults seem make it regularly into the teens; but I have a friend who has had two Afghan Hounds, one died at the age of 21, the other at 17!

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

They really like to get time to size new people up - which can be difficult to manage, I get swamped by enthusiastic strangers wanting to pat my dogs when we are out and about. Mine will back-pedal to get away from people reaching out for them too eagerly; but they never react defensively. Discretion is the better part of valour, for my dogs, anyway! My male in particular finds the whole 'latte hot spot' nerve-wracking - he seems to expect dog-eating coffee-drinkers to pounce... Take him up to the school to pick up the kids, and he delights in small children swarming all over him!

They do seem to be family dogs from a cellular level - one of my kids has significant autistic behaviours, but Bluey never even flinched from the moment I brought him home (and he had never had up close and personal experience with kids before). He still stands like a rock when Rowley impulsively flings his arms around Bluey, and will scoot out of the way if there is mayhem, but delights in my kids, choosing to sit with them on the couch or outside etc.

Miffy is more likely to be wary around Rowley - but still trots around after him in the backyard, and even though Rowley can be unexpectedly irritated by it, will examine him closely with snuffles now and then - and patiently retreat from flailing limbs with a 'Hm. Just checking!' look on her. She is better with strangers; and has little groupies at the school who flood towards her and are welcomed with delicate snuffles.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

To be honest - when the other Afghan Hound owners say "at least an hour a day", I have to check and think about whether we own the same breed! In the cold weather, when my arthritis acts up, I take them down to the off- leash areas to self exercise for an hour or so maybe once a week. They do have a large backyard, which they examine carefully and comprehensively several times a day - and joyfully excavate smallish holes in - and in the warm weather we walk to school at least several times a week, but they have unlimited time inside with us, which I truly believe is much, much more important to my dogs. Yes, they make superb athletes, and can willingly exercise serious amounts - but they are pretty happy being couch potatoes, too.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

If you were able to get an older dog being re-homed, maybe, but - well, I would hate to see someone new to dogs let an Afghan off-leash anywhere except a securely fenced dog exercise area, and newbies would perhaps not be inclined to follow that advice.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

Well - if they were anything like mine, they would most likely spend the time asleep. However - if their humans were home but ignoring them for days at a time, I am not so sure that they wouldn't abscond. Getting quality time at some point in the day would perhaps make the difference.

9. How much grooming is required?

When my dogs were in coat, it took at least one bath a fortnight, an hour of grooming post-bathing, and thorough brushing at least once a week (about forty minutes for a thorough brushing) to maintain them. This routine is impossible with my arthritis, so I sadly and reluctantly clipped mine off.

Now they get a bath maybe once a month or earlier if they have been and found something smelly to roll in. I guess I will clip them off maybe once every three months, maybe more - their coat grows quite quickly - somthing similar to the routine for a Poodle, I guess.

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

I have not experienced puppy Afghans - mine were each three years old when I got them - but they are extremely gentle dogs. That said, they do jostle us when we are all in the hallway near the front door getting ready to go out... and have been known to single-mindedly head for the kitchen at dinner-time without much thought for the smaller humans in the way.

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

They should NOT be overfed - they will not be well. Small amounts of lean meats, lots of bones - not too many marrow bones - no grains, and a fairly high proportion of oils (sardines in oil, any other omega-rich oil BUT NOT MACADAMIA NUT OIL) and regular (but not huge amounts of) vitamin and mineral supplement keep mine on good nick.

Also - they do not seem to tolerate regular vaccinations very well. I use monthly Advocate on my dogs (possibly overkill, but we have a large population of possums which bring fleas and god know what else) and they of course had their inital courses of vaccinations; but the impression I get from those more knowledgeable in the breed is that they are not vaccinating after the first 12 months in puppyhood.

Apart from that - some lines have a predispostion to cancer, in America from what I see; and they can injure themselves when in full flight - but that is rare and I have not seen many references to fatal or serious injuries.

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

Terribly sorry, I haven't bought a puppy! But I would think, from what I have read, that there are not many breeders doing hip or elbow, or knee, scoring on their Afghan Hounds - merely because complaints of those joints do not seem to be seen in the breed.

Eye problems, again, I get the impression that there just isn't a problem in the Afghan breed with eyes; and so really, I would personally give the breeder as accurate and truthful an account of my personal circumstances in order for them to select the right puppy for me.

Edited October 4, 2009 by dog geek

[Alyosha]

I don't currently own an Afghan but did for 12 years and just want to add my two cents to this question:

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

Our boy was four months younger than our oldest child and came to us as a four month old pup. He was always exemplary with the kids, and never crashed into them etc. They could lead him around gently by a long ear when they were toddlers, or lie down with their heads on him as a pillow. He also used to do regular nursing home/hostel visits with me. He was a great favourite and very gentle and careful with infirm and elderly folks. He was also quite successful in obedience on a local level and only limited by my opportunities to train and not his ability.

However I did have another on once I used to babysit who would run flat out and crash into anoyone he could, seemingly just for fun. A dangerous habit with that sort of speed involved. He was a completely different individual, great fun but very different to be around and manage.

So like with most dogs individual temperament and management of that individuality is paramount when considering a family pet. Good breeders should be able to pick different temperaments and suitability for their pups from a young age.

Edit to add: regarding the common statements that they are dumb... We would not consider a human who followed issued orders blindly and automatically to be intelligent but we commonly consider that an indicator of intelligence in dogs. Conversly, we admire individual and creative thought in humans, as well as the ability to question and even interpret instruction. Does that make sense?? Afghans are intelligent, independent and often creative creatures.

A relative once said to me that Afghans were the dumbest of all dogs. She then went on to tell me how her old GSD still carried around a small remnant of her old soccer ball for almost 24 hours a day. I could never see the intelligence in that... my Afghan would've thought a dog that did that was insane...

Edited October 4, 2009 by Alyosha

[pixie_meg]

Hi, just wondering what tests you'd expect should be performed on dogs that are to bred from. Is it unreasonable to expect the parents to have been hipscored. What hipscore would be good for an afghan. Thyroid problems, autoimmune disease, cancer. I'm guessing if the sire and dam have these problems, then they probably wont be bred from?

Just preparing myself.

[atua]

another question.

What is the average price for a Afghan?

[SkySoaringMagpie]

another question.

What is the average price for a Afghan?

Between $500 and $1250. I'm guessing it can go higher if you're after a show dog from a well known show kennel but don't know how high they range.

If you're after a companion only, you're usually looking between $500 to $1000.

[atua]

another question.

What is the average price for a Afghan?

Between $500 and $1250. I'm guessing it can go higher if you're after a show dog from a well known show kennel but don't know how high they range.

If you're after a companion only, you're usually looking between $500 to $1000.

Thank you very much. Its just I was reading in a Dogs life magazine a few weeks ago now that they are around $300 I thought it must of been a error. But I have been wondering ever since. They are such lovely looking dogs

[Lowenhart]

another question.

What is the average price for a Afghan?

Between $500 and $1250. I'm guessing it can go higher if you're after a show dog from a well known show kennel but don't know how high they range.

If you're after a companion only, you're usually looking between $500 to $1000.

Thank you very much. Its just I was reading in a Dogs life magazine a few weeks ago now that they are around $300 I thought it must of been a error. But I have been wondering ever since. They are such lovely looking dogs

It is difficult to find suitable homes for Afghans as pets. It is not unheard of for them to be sold for $300 to a good home or even given away. It really does depend on the situation though. $500 is the normal starting price.

[Lowenhart]

Hi, just wondering what tests you'd expect should be performed on dogs that are to bred from. Is it unreasonable to expect the parents to have been hipscored. What hipscore would be good for an afghan. Thyroid problems, autoimmune disease, cancer. I'm guessing if the sire and dam have these problems, then they probably wont be bred from?

Just preparing myself.

If you hold out for a pup from hipscored parents then be prepared for a wait. Only a small number of breeders hipscore, it is not the norm for the breed.

[Darkrai]

I've heard of puppies for about $2000

I would like to get some testing done on my dogs but when I ask the vets they give me funny looks, and some say but most dogs aren't effected so we don't test them *rollseyes*

Does anyone know what the Average Hipscore is for an Afghan is?