The exact Afghan Hound price can be challenging to estimate. If you decide to have one, you will need to budget for a number of costs, including the price of the dog or puppy itself, veterinarian costs, training costs, grooming costs, food costs, and other expenses.
We aim to explain all those expenses in this Afghan Hound price guide, but first let’s get slightly more acquainted with the breed itself.
The history of the Afghan Hound, which is thought to have existed as far back as the pre-Christian era, is still rife with mysteries. This breed was known as Tazhi Spay and came from the chilly highlands of Afghanistan.
The Afghan Hound‘s distinctive appearance sets it apart from other dog breeds, highlighted by its fine, silky coat. It features a long, curly tail, a slim body, a narrow skull, and prominent hip bones.
Even though it can reach a height of 29 inches, it only weighs between 44 and 60 pounds.
The Afghan Hound has strong hunting instincts despite its attractive appearance. It is a breed that is inherently energetic and typically likes to chase after smaller creatures.
Now, with all that out of the way, let us focus on the reason behind this post — the Afghan Hound price.
Afghan Hound Price
The quality of the dog and the location from where you choose to adopt the dog determine the pricing of these canines. On Craigslist and other online classifieds, backyard breeders frequently sell their pets for as little as a few hundred dollars.
On the other side, breeders frequently charge significantly more and exclusively sell through their websites. Dog pricing at shelters is often substantially lower because they are not for profit.
The cost and quality of your dog will depend on where you decide to buy it. It’s not always wise to get a dog just because it’s inexpensive.
An Afghan Hound puppy will typically cost between $2,000 and $2,500, with $2,250 being the average cost. That is about the same as the price of a Pomeranian puppy.
The first year’s costs are approximately $4,000, while the subsequent years’ costs are approximately $1,700.
Given that the average life expectancy of an Afghan Hound is around twelve years, you can expect to spend around $25,000, over the course of its average lifespan.
These expenditures are based on a detailed list of necessities, which also includes the cost of license registration, a microchip, food, treats, training materials, and medical care.
Additionally, services like dog walking and dog boarding as well as optional fees like insurance and potentially essential medical procedures are not included.
Below is a detailed list of all the expenses, some of which will be unavoidable, while others might be optional.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Puppy | $2,000 to $2,500 |
| Food and water bowls | $10 to $30 |
| Dog collars and leashes | $20 to $60 |
| ID tag | $10 to $25 |
| Dog bed | $30 to $100 |
| Dog crate | $45 to $120 |
| Dog poop bags | $40 to $60 per year |
| Toys | $50 to $100 |
| Grooming essentials | $25 to $75 |
| Training sessions | $30 to $40 per session |
| Veterinary costs | $400 to $600 per year |
| Spay/Neuter | $100 to $400 |
| Microchipping | $20 to $50 |
| Food | $200 to $400 per year |
| Treats | $100 to $250 per year |
| Professional grooming | $150 to $650 |
| Dog walking | $15 to $25 per session |
| Dog boarding | $25 to $100 per day |
About The Afghan Hound Breed
The Afghan Hound stands out from other dog breeds thanks to its unusual appearance. Its smooth, silky coat may be what makes it most well-known. It has a slender body, a narrow cranium, a long, curling tail, and pronounced hip bones.
Let’s learn a little bit more about the breed itself.
Breed History
In Afghanistan’s highlands and deserts, where its thick, flowing coat was needed for warmth, the Afghan Hound was initially employed for hunting huge game.
The Afghan was prized for its ability to run quickly and far, bravely fending off hazardous animals like leopards until its huntsman on horseback caught up. The Afghan was also cherished for its capacity for independent thought and for hunting without human guidance.
Although the Afghan Hound of today is more of a show dog than a hunter, it nevertheless has the same independent spirit as a coursing hound.
In 2005, an Afghan Hound named Snuppy became the first dog to ever be cloned.
Appearance
The Afghan Hound stands out from other dog breeds thanks to its unusual appearance, which is emphasized by its fine, silky coat. It has a slender, greyhound-like body, a narrow cranium, a long, curling tail, and pronounced hip bones.
It can stand a height of 29 inches and weigh about 44 to 60 pounds, which is basically the height of a Kangal combined with the weight of a Husky.
Despite its appealing appearance, this sighthound has a powerful prey drive. It is a breed that is naturally active and enjoys chasing after smaller animals.
When maintained properly, the Afghan coat is magnificent.
In mature dogs, the hair is silky, short, and close down the back.
The American Kennel Club breed standard permits any solid color, while some color combinations are deemed to be more aesthetically acceptable than others.
Personality
A mature Afghan Hound is reserved with its attention and occasionally doesn’t even want to be petted or caressed. The independent, free-thinking Afghan will make its own decisions about when it wants affection, and it will happen on its terms, not yours.
Aside from its independence and disinterest, the Afghan Hound can be highly entertaining and tender when it wants to be.
The Afghan Hound usually belongs to a single person or family. Do not expect this dog to ecstatically welcome your guests. It will probably irritate them by showing indifference to their presence.
Hounds are not known for being good watchdogs, though some of them may bark once or twice when a stranger enters the house.
Physical Activity And Training
The Afghan is naturally suited for the sport of lure coursing because of its superior vision and its pivotal hip joints, which allow it to traverse the ground swiftly and easily clear obstacles.
In lure coursing, plastic bags are used to simulate escaping game while the hounds run after them. The dog’s ability to hunt by sight and fundamental coursing instincts are put to the test in this competition.
It is difficult to train Afghans because of their autonomous thinking. This hound typically isn’t driven by food and doesn’t have as much of a desire to please people as many other breeds do.
It’s not exactly a Golden Retriever, for example.
This dog may become withdrawn or mildly aggressive when handled roughly. With this breed, gentle treatment, kindness, and patience are recommended along with a realization that there will be moments when the dog just won’t cooperate.
Afghan Hound Puppy Cost
Afghan Hound puppies under 6 months old typically cost between $2,000 and $2,500, although some can cost as much as $3,100.
We strongly advise conducting some research to locate a reputable breeder or shelter before purchasing an Afghan Hound puppy. The long-term health and well-being of your dog will be significantly impacted by this!
But before we start comparing the average price of an Afghan Hound from various places, let’s first discuss all the elements that actually shape the price.
Factors That Impact The Afghan Hound Puppy Price
As with any other dog breed, there will be variations in the price of Afghan Hound puppies.
The exact price that you get quoted will be impacted by several factors, some of them more important than others. By knowing these factors and how much of an influence on the cost they have, you can make a better-informed decision when buying an Afghan puppy.
For example, if you don’t care whether your dog has a rare coat color, you can save yourself some money by opting for a more standard color.
There are even ways to get a puppy for free, although that is rare with a breed like the Afghan Hound.
But let’s delve into more detail about some of these important factors.
Bloodline
Typically, mixed-breed dogs cost less to purchase than purebred canines.
Furthermore, the cost will be significantly greater if the parents are purebred, show-quality dogs from a reputable breeder. Additionally, compared to other breeders, these ones frequently spend more money on the care of their breeding dogs and puppies.
Pedigree
Afghan Hound breeders occasionally join kennel clubs, the most well-known of which is the American Kennel Club (AKC), but there is also the Afghan Hound Club of America (AHCA).
Additionally, they can register their breeding canines and puppies, which will raise their costs, but will make their dogs have all the necessary paperwork.
This will make them more reliable, but also more expensive.
Medical Records
Breeders who are serious about their business will have their breeding dogs and/or puppies examined and tested for various illnesses.
In addition, some owners will take their puppies to the doctor for a checkup, deworming, shots, and/or microchipping before selling them. This increases the cost while lowering the possibility of receiving an ill dog.
Training And Socialization
Some breeders don’t sell their puppies until after the socialization and training stages have been completed.
Although the puppy’s initial price will increase, you’ll save money since you’ll probably not have to spend as much on training and you’ll also have a better chance of getting a well-behaved dog.
Dog’s Age
Prices for dogs tend to go down as they age because most people prefer to buy them at a young age. For instance, a puppy’s price at age one is typically less than a dog’s price at age six.
Even though the lower price may be enticing, buying an older dog comes with a number of sacrifices.
Certain training sessions are missed during the dog’s most impressionable developmental months, which is typically when they form their strongest relationships with people in their environment.
Perhaps you want to be around for your pup while it’s going through these stages, but you don’t get to chance to do that if you buy an older dog.
Coat Color
Trends in coat color can change quickly.
Any breed, including the Afghan Hound, has preferred colors that are occasionally more well-liked than others. Puppies cost more as people get more interested in a particular coat color because rising demand drives up market prices.
Additionally, kennel clubs only permit certain colors and color combinations on purebred dogs. For example, the Afghan Hound coat colors that the AKC officially recognizes are black, black and silver, black and tan, blue, cream, blue and cream, red, silver, and white.
Location
Prices for puppies will be impacted by local supply and demand.
For instance, people who live in spatially limited places in urban areas tend to prefer smaller dogs, while suburbanites or farmers with access to more space may prefer larger dogs.
In colder climates, where hunting is more prevalent, etc., certain breeds are more in demand than others.
While it is worthwhile to compare pricing in other places, buying a dog without first seeing it, or at the very least having met the breeder and visited the kennel, is risky.
Buying An Afghan Hound Puppy From A Breeder
Breeders are frequently the best option if you want to find high-quality, healthy Afghan Hound puppies for sale.
Professional breeders know how to produce an Afghan Hound dog that is healthy, arrange for the necessary health testing, and properly care for their puppies.
Before being adopted, most puppies visit the vet several times and have received all of their required vaccines.
Puppies are frequently socialized from birth, making them easygoing and receptive to their new environment. The majority of dogs, including the mother and puppies, are fed premium dog food.
In the end, this results in dogs that are fitter and have fewer health conditions.
Breeders must register with the AKC and adhere to its health regulations. Since anyone can claim to be a “breeder,” it is crucial to confirm their credentials.
You might find it helpful to consult the breeder directory provided on the website of the Afghan Hound Club of America. You could also pay a visit to sites such as Puppy Find or Next Day Pets.
Of course, there is a price for all of this. Most breeders charge between $2,000 and $3,000 for a puppy, but you can sometimes discover animals that are suitable for pets for under $1,000.
Buying An Afghan Hound Puppy From A Rescue Shelter
Numerous puppies from rescues have poor backgrounds. However, once they get to the rescue, they typically receive good care.
Puppies from rescues receive veterinary care, including all required immunizations. A veterinarian will take care of any illness the puppy may have had when it was given to the rescue.
Additionally, the puppies are frequently given spay and neuter procedures to stop them from reproducing.
Comparatively speaking, adopting from a rescue is quite cheap. As opposed to the thousands of dollars breeders charge, puppies often only cost a few hundred dollars in these shelters.
Also, your vet expenditures will be less because the rescue has already taken care of the majority of necessary procedures.
Buying An Afghan Hound Puppy Online
Puppy listings are frequently abundant in classified advertising online.
Many of these, however, are not properly bred by experienced breeders. All canines must go through specialized health testing prior to breeding to make sure they aren’t transferring hereditary issues to their offspring.
Backyard breeders with a miscarried litter don’t go to this length. Since it can be pricey, only experts typically perform this. This increases the likelihood that the puppy may have genetic issues, which will result in future vet costs that are higher.
Additionally, most puppies sold online do not receive the necessary veterinary treatment. Many puppies never even visit a veterinarian, so they might not have received the correct vaccines.
As a result of improper socialization, these dogs are frequently afraid and hostile, and sometimes you might even have to eventually surrender them to a place that can handle them.
Furthermore, you don’t want to support careless breeders that continue to produce puppies.
Afghan Hound One-Time Costs
The first year of a dog’s life may cost you up to four times more than subsequent years.
Even after accounting for the puppy’s initial purchase price, the gap is still substantial.
This is because you make a lot of one-time purchases during this period. Many of the supplies and toys you purchase at this time will serve the dog for the whole of its life, sparing you from having to buy them again.
So, what are some of these one-time purchases?
Food And Water Bowls
The Afghan Hound could feel a little awkward using the typical dog-feeding dish design, because of its long, hairy ears. It is advised that you get your pet a long-eared dish instead because of this.
Feeding dishes with long ears help keep your pet’s ears clean and dry. Given how much grooming the Afghan Hound requires, this is very crucial, and it won’t cost you much extra.
You can probably expect to spend around $10 to $30.
Collars And Leashes
The Afghan Hound, like the majority of sighthounds, may occasionally deviate from the customary buckle collar style. It is preferable to purchase a specific collar for your pet to keep it from unexpectedly escaping.
These items ensure that your pet remains comfy while also fitting most hound types perfectly and preventing fleeing. With prices typically around $20, you can probably afford to get a couple of sets for your Afghan.
Bed And Crate
Buying a dog bed and dog crate for your Afghan will be a bigger investment than the ones we’ve previously talked about.
Due to their height, Afghans usually require extra-large beds and crates, and those will probably cost you around $100 each. It is a one-time purchase that should last a lifetime, but it’s things like these that drive up the ownership costs in the first year of an Afghan’s life.
Toys
You know how dogs are with their toys. They pick a couple that they like and then they get attached to them for the rest of their lives.
That, or they completely tear it to shreds with their chewing and biting.
Given their high level of energy, these dogs will quickly exhaust their toys. They will require bigger toys because of their size, which are frequently more expensive than other possibilities.
In any case, you will have to buy a number of different toys for your Afghan puppy during its first year, even though it probably won’t want to play with most of them. Expect to spend up to $100, or even more if you opt for specialized toys.
Grooming Essentials
When it comes to grooming your Afghan Hound, you will have a decision to make.
You can either take it to a professional groomer or do the grooming yourself. If you choose the latter, you will need some tools. Just be warned, these dogs are high maintenance.
Afghans shed quite a bit, so you will need a really good brush, and maybe even a special de-shedding tool, in order to deal with that. In addition to that, you will need nail clippers, some shampoo, and a toothbrushing kit.
All in all, it should be in the $25 to $75 range, depending on the brands.
Afghan Hound Recurring Costs
The first year of a dog’s life is usually the most expensive, but this does not mean that the years afterward are cost-free. You will still need to invest a certain amount of money if you want your adult dog to live a long, happy, and comfortable life.
Now, the annual expenses should be around $1,700. Despite having drastically fallen from the year before, it is still a sizeable sum of money.
The three main expense categories that you will have to budget for are the dog’s diet, training, and vet costs. Let’s get into a bit more detail about each of those.
Dog Food
Of course, we advise feeding your dog only the best food. This will increase your cost, but it might also help you avoid health issues and save some money down the line on veterinary expenses.
Given their size, these dogs will consume a large amount of food.
The specific food you select will determine the price, that’s why we’ve predicted such a relatively wide range ($200 to $400).
The good news is that these dogs rarely develop food allergies or sensitivities, so they rarely require more expensive specialty foods.
One strategy to lower the cost of your purchase is to buy dog food in bulk. Even though dog food is perishable, it can be kept in storage for a very long period, making buying in bulk a useful and cost-effective choice.
You can also consider feeding your dog a raw diet.
Treats
You’ll surely want to treat your favorite fluffy companion to a tasty snack from time to time in addition to its regular food. The annual cost of dog treats can range from $100 to $250 depending on the brand.
Make sure that your Afghan gets its usual meal before rewarding it with a snack, so that it doesn’t become a treat-only eater.
Training
Despite the fact that these dogs are not prone to behavioral problems, we nonetheless advise training.
Puppy courses are a terrific alternative because they enable your dog to socialize in the right way. To avoid future aggressiveness and fear-based behavioral issues, socialization is essential.
You should anticipate paying roughly $300 for an introductory group class series that lasts for a few months because training programs are often not based on size.
However, a lot depends on the trainer. Some personal trainers charge more, while others do not. Some organizations offer group lessons for as cheap as $15. Although it will cost extra, one-on-one training is typically not necessary for this breed.
Because a dog is most receptive to learning new skills and is typically more flexible during the first year of life, training is crucial in this period.
By the time they are twelve months old, their personality and temperament have mostly been established, so you will have a hard time encouraging them to give up any bad habits they may have picked up, and establishing your dominance.
You can, of course, choose whether to train the Afghan yourself or work with a qualified dog trainer.
If you pick the former, you must be certain that you have the necessary knowledge, time, and patience.
Veterinary Expenses
Fortunately, these dogs aren’t sickly, so their medical expenses are typically not very high.
However, they are prone to conditions like hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism, which over the course of a dog’s lifespan can cost thousands of dollars to treat and manage.
Of course, this is also the reason you should spend money on a good puppy up front, since it lowers the likelihood of numerous health issues.
These canines do incur more charges when they are ill because of their larger size. They frequently require more medication than normal dogs, which can significantly raise the cost.
Let’s go through some of the more common health problems that affect Afghan Hounds so that you can get an idea of what to expect.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a disorder that develops as dogs age and mature. As a result, the hip joint gets looser, which causes dysfunction and discomfort. Muscle wasting and decreased mobility invariably follow.
Large-breed dogs are more frequently affected, according to research, and the condition is inherited.
Simply managing the pain with medication and physical therapy, which normally costs between $500 and $2,500 each year, is the simplest course of action.
However, if your dog’s condition necessitates a complete hip replacement, you could expect to pay between $5,000 and $6,000 for each hip.
Elbow Dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia is a condition in which the elbow joint has developed improperly.
The three bones of the joint do not fit together precisely as a result of this aberrant development, which causes areas of abnormally high contact pressure.
While you can treat this condition with medication to a certain degree, usually the best course of action is surgery. It will cost you about $2,000 to $3,000 per elbow.
Cataracts
Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in elderly dogs.
The eye lenses gradually become more opaque, taking on a foggy appearance rather than a clear one. Many dogs adapt well to losing their vision and carry on with their daily lives.
A surgical procedure to remove cataracts and improve vision may also be available, and it’s usually priced between $1,500 and $3,000.
Laryngeal Paralysis
A disorder known as laryngeal paralysis results in the larynx’s malfunction, which reduces the capacity to breathe deeply and can clog the dog’s airways.
The best method of treatment for dogs who have breathing problems is surgery, which normally goes for around $1,000 to $3,000.
However, the procedure alters the dog’s airway and increases the risk of aspiration pneumonia. This can be fatal and can cost up to $1,500 to treat because it requires x-rays, hospitalization, antibiotics, fluid therapy, and occasionally oxygen therapy.
Cardiomyopathy
The primary cardiac muscle illness, canine dilated cardiomyopathy, causes the heart’s capacity to produce pressure to pump blood via the vascular system to be reduced.
The treatment for this condition includes diagnostics and heart medications, which can total to anything between $600 and $2,500.
Bloat
Gastric dilatation and volvulus, often known as bloat or GDV, frequently manifests in dogs with deep, narrow chests.
Your dog might exhibit restlessness, heave or retch with little to no vomit coming out, or have an enlarged belly. With preventive surgery, the stomach can be nailed or sutured into position to prevent twisting.
The treatment, including surgery, amounts to $2,000 to $3,000.
Spay/Neuter
When it comes to spaying and neutering, dog owners and vets regularly differ, but you, the owner, have the last say when it comes to fixing your dog.
Your male Afghan Hound should be neutered between the ages of seven months and two years, while the female should wait until she’s had her first heat cycle, typically occurring around five months of age.
The price of the procedure varies depending on where it is performed, but is typically between $100 and $400 on average.
Female spaying is often more expensive than male neutering since it involves more complex and delicate surgery.
Additional Afghan Hound Costs
The costs that have been covered in this piece so far were mostly regular and, to some extent, predictable. Additional costs are always there on top of those.
Your planning should account for charges that you weren’t able to foresee because they will always arise.
Therefore, we also wanted to include two supplemental expenses that an Afghan Hound owner can incur: dog walking and dog boarding.
Dog Walking
Due to their high energy levels, Afghan Hounds need a considerable bit of exercise.
Professionals strongly advise hiring a dog walker if you can’t take care of your dog’s needs and find the time to take it outside during the day.
Depending on your region, dog walkers often charge $15 to $25 for 30-minute walks.
Make sure to account for the cost of hiring a dog walker in your budget if you want to do so frequently. If the dog is not properly socialized, it may require more expensive private walks.
Dog Boarding
If you book in advance, dog boarding services are frequently available and provided by a number of services. Depending on the region, the exact services provided, and the time of year, they could cost anywhere between $25 to $100.
You should book dog boarding in advance during times of the year that are very popular, like the holidays, since you are likely to get considerably better prices.
Ask any friends or family members if they would be willing to host your dog if you are on a limited budget because these costs can add up rapidly. However, keep in mind that few individuals will be able or willing to bring a dog this size into their home.
Another option is simply bringing your dog with you on the plane.
Conclusion
The Afghan Hound epitomizes elegance. This rare, ancient breed of dog possesses a look that is unmatched by any other breed: a dramatic, silky coat, an exotic face, and a slim, model-like physique.
That sort of reputation is backed up by the price tag, as the Afghan Hound price is, compared to many other dog breeds, significantly steeper.
The Afghan dog breed, which originated in Afghanistan and was formerly known by the name Tazi, is one of the oldest canine breeds and is believed to have existed for thousands of years.
Their high price is mostly caused by their above-average size, as breeding these dogs requires more space and food. There are other elements at play, such as their rarity. The price usually increases when there is more demand than there are available dogs.
We advise you to get your puppy from a breeder because that’s your best bet for acquiring a healthy, high-quality dog.
Rescues offer a less expensive option that frequently gives the puppies the appropriate veterinary care, but because Afghan Hounds are so uncommon, it can be difficult to find one in a rescue.
In any case, this Afghan Hound price guide should provide you with enough information to be able to make an informed decision before bringing one of these large dogs to its new home.