Afghan Sheepdog

also known as Belgian Afghan Sheepdog

Breed Information


Type

Is Afghan Sheepdog a purebred?

Cross Breed

Purpose

What were Afghan Sheepdogs originally used for?

Herding

Lifespan

How Long Do Afghan Sheepdogs Live? What is average life expectancy for an Afghan Sheepdog? How long can Afghan Sheepdogs live?

12-14 years

The average Afghan Sheepdog lifespan is somewhere between 12-14 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Afghan Sheepdog Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Afghan Sheepdog?

What is the average height of an Afghan Sheepdog? How big is an Cross Breed Afghan Sheepdog height? Afghan Sheepdog dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 24-26 inches (61 - 66 cm) 21.0 inches (53.3 cm) 23.0 inches (58.4 cm) 25.0 inches (63.5 cm)
Female 20-24 inches (50.8 - 61 cm) 18.0 inches (45.7 cm) 20.5 inches (52.1 cm) 22.0 inches (55.9 cm)
What is the average weight of an Afghan Sheepdog? How much should Afghan Sheepdogs weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 50-60 pounds (23 - 27 kg) 27.5 pounds (12 kg) 45.0 pounds (20 kg) 55.0 pounds (25 kg)
Female 45-55 pounds (20 - 25 kg) 23.5 pounds (11 kg) 43.0 pounds (20 kg) 50.0 pounds (23 kg)
Hypoallergenic

Are Afghan Sheepdogs Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Afghan Sheepdog is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is an Afghan Sheepdog personality? What are Afghan Sheepdog dogs best known for?

Active
Aloof
Dignified
Independent
Clownish
Happy
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Lively
Watchful

Shedding Level

Are Afghan Sheepdogs heavy shedders? How Much Does an Afghan Sheepdog Shed?

Afghan Sheepdog dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Afghan Sheepdog. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of an Afghan Sheepdog dog?

Afghan Sheepdogs are not the best watchdogs. If you want a guard dog, the Afghan Sheepdog is not the breed for you. They will 'watch' everything - but that's usually as far as they go.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Afghan Sheepdogs come from?

Afghanistan

Ancestry

What are Afghan Sheepdogs descended from?

Belgian Sheepdog and Afghan Hound

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Afghan Sheepdog breed?

DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

Date of Birth

When were Afghan Sheepdogs first bred? How old is the Afghan Sheepdog breed?

Unknown

Afghan Sheepdog Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Afghan Sheepdog eyes?

Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Afghan Sheepdog nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Afghan Sheepdog coat be naturally?

Black
Red
Brown

Coat Length

How long is an Afghan Sheepdogs coat?

The coat of an Afghan Sheepdog is longer than that of the typical dog.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Afghan Sheepdog Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of an Afghan Sheepdog?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can an Afghan Sheepdog have in a litter? How many puppies can an Afghan Sheepdog have in her first litter?

6-10 puppies per pregnancy

An Afghan Sheepdog can have a litter of 6-10 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Afghan Sheepdogs are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Afghan Sheepdog Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Afghan Sheepdogs have a lot of health problems?

The Afghan Sheepdog is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning an Afghan Sheepdog?

Cataracts
Hypothyroidism
Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Afghan Sheepdogs?

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Pannus
Muscular Dystrophy
Hypothyroidism
Corneal Dystrophy

Occasional Diagnoses

Demodicosis
Glaucoma

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Afghan Sheepdog breed?

Eye Examination
Skin Evaluation
Complete Physical Examination
Thyroid Panel
Abdominal Ultrasound

Afghan Sheepdog Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Afghan Sheepdogs have a lot of energy?

For those who lead a balanced lifestyle, Afghan Sheepdogs may be a good choice as they have an average energy level.

Social Needs

Do Afghan Sheepdogs need socialization? How social are Afghan Sheepdogs?

Afghan Sheepdog have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Afghan Sheepdogs get?

The Afghan Sheepdog dog requires a moderate amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people who have a moderate amount of time to devote to their pet and enjoy regular physical activity themselves. They also make great family pets as they have the energy to keep up with children and the temperament to be great companions.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should an Afghan Sheepdog have? Do Afghan Sheepdogs sleep a lot?

Afghan Sheepdogs dogs are tend to sleep less than other breeds, but they still require adequate sleep to maintain good health.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Afghan Sheepdog dogs tends to bark less frequently than most other dogs. They tend to be quieter and less vocal than other breeds. They may only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner of something or to communicate something. They do not bark excessively, and may not bark as much as other dogs in certain situations, such as when they are left alone.

Mouthiness

Are Afghan Sheepdogs mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of an Afghan Sheepdog running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Afghan Sheepdog dogs have a high prey drive?

Activity Level

What is the energy level of an Afghan Sheepdog? How much energy does an Afghan Sheepdog have?

Medium

Afghan Sheepdogs are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should an Afghan Sheepdog walk each week? How many miles should an Afghan Sheepdog walk every week?

10 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Afghan Sheepdog, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much an Afghan Sheepdog should exercise a day? How much activity does an Afghan Sheepdog need?

45 minutes

In general most Afghan Sheepdogs usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for an Afghan Sheepdog?

The Afghan Sheepdog is a breed of dog that requires a significant amount of grooming. They will also require regular trims, and a professional groomer's help is often necessary to keep their coat in good condition. They may also need regular baths to maintain their coat and skin.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush an Afghan Sheepdog?

Weekly

Afghan Sheepdog should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Afghan Sheepdogs?

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does an Afghan Sheepdog eat?

2.8 cups

For an average 50-60 pound (23 - 27 kg) Afghan Sheepdog feed 2.8 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does an Afghan Sheepdog Cost Daily?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of an Afghan Sheepdog is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does an Afghan Sheepdog Cost Per Month?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of an Afghan Sheepdog is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Afghan Sheepdog Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is an Afghan Sheepdog?

Afghan Sheepdogs has average obedience intelligence. But, they're also independent thinkers. The Afghan Sheepdog is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is an Afghan Sheepdog dog?

This dog breed is particularly attuned to its environment and the emotions of those around it. It can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, new environments, and unfamiliar people or animals. This dog is best suited for individuals or families who are patient, gentle, and understanding of its sensitive nature. It may also benefit from a calm and stable home environment, with a consistent routine and plenty of positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Afghan Sheepdog dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Afghan Sheepdog do well in apartments? Are Afghan Sheepdogs good indoor dogs?

Afghan Sheepdogs are dogs that do well in apartments with sufficient exercise, but they would really appreciate a small yard.

Child Friendly

Are Afghan Sheepdogs good with kids? Are Afghan Sheepdogs good around children?

Afghan Sheepdogs are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Afghan Sheepdogs good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Afghan Sheepdogs good with cats? How friendly Afghan Sheepdogs are toward cats?

Afghan Sheepdogs are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Afghan Sheepdog dogs get along with other dogs? Are Afghan Sheepdogs OK with other dogs?

Afghan Sheepdogs are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Afghan Sheepdog dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Afghan Sheepdogs friendly with strangers?

Afghan Sheepdogs are below average friendly around strangers. Keen of eye and sharp of tongue, most Afghan Sheepdogs are very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some Afghan Sheepdogs will be friendly and outgoing. But many others have the standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.

Playfulness

Do Afghan Sheepdogs like to play? Are Afghan Sheepdogs playful?

The Afghan Sheepdog is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Afghan Sheepdog is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.

Trainability

Are Afghan Sheepdog easily trained?

Afghan Sheepdog dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.