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Afghan Sheepdog Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Afghan Sheepdog so you can get to know the breed more.

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OriginAfghanistan flagAfghanistan Belgium flagBelgium
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is an Afghan Sheepdog known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed.
Belgian Afghan Sheepdog
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is an Afghan Sheepdog? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Cross Breed Afghan Hound and Belgian Sheepdog mix

Afghan Sheepdog Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is an Afghan Sheepdog? Learn how big the Afghan Sheepdog breed typically grows.
Large
Weight Statistics
How much does an Afghan Sheepdog weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Afghan Sheepdog breed.
Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of an Afghan Sheepdog?
Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Afghan Sheepdog? Afghan Sheepdog height:
27-29 inches (69-74 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of an Afghan Sheepdog?
28 inches (71.5 cm)

Afghan Sheepdog Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does an Afghan Sheepdog puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Afghan Sheepdog costs.
$1200-$1400
If you choose to purchase the Afghan Sheepdog, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Afghan Sheepdog for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Afghan Sheepdog gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Afghan Sheepdog? How many Afghan Sheepdog are there in the world?
Average: The Afghan Sheepdog is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs.

Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful.

Afghan Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is an Afghan Sheepdog? Discover the Afghan Sheepdog's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Afghan Sheepdog ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train an Afghan Sheepdog? Learn about the Afghan Sheepdog's trainability and response to training methods.
Afghan Sheepdog dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Rating
How good is an Afghan Sheepdog as a watchdog? Learn about the Afghan Sheepdog's alertness and guarding instincts.
Afghan Sheepdog dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Territorial Protection
Is an Afghan Sheepdog protective of its territory? Learn about the Afghan Sheepdog's guarding instincts and behavior.
Afghan Sheepdog dogs are average defenders. Some dogs are very protective of their territory, while others easily let a stranger to trespass. This breed is not sure to defend its territory in every situation.

Afghan Sheepdog Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does an Afghan Sheepdog have? Learn about characteristic Afghan Sheepdog temperament and behavior traits.
ActiveAloofDignifiedIndependentClownishHappyEnergeticProtectiveAlertLivelyWatchful
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Afghan Sheepdog sensitivity:
Sensitive: Afghan Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is an Afghan Sheepdog a good family dog?
Average to High: Afghan Sheepdog dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Belgian Afghan Sheepdog need? Afghan Sheepdog social needs:
Afghan Sheepdog dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Afghan Sheepdog to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Afghan Sheepdog roam?
Afghan Sheepdog dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command. This breed is also able to cause damage to your fence.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Afghan Sheepdog have high prey drive?
Afghan Sheepdog dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Afghan Sheepdog dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Afghan Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does an Afghan Sheepdog bark a lot? Learn about typical Afghan Sheepdog vocalization patterns and triggers.
Low to Average: The Afghan Sheepdog rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is an Afghan Sheepdog? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Afghan Sheepdog breed.
The Afghan Sheepdog is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Apartment Adaptability
Can an Afghan Sheepdog live in an apartment? Learn about the Afghan Sheepdog's suitability for apartment living.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Afghan Sheepdog indoors.

Afghan Sheepdog Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is an Afghan Sheepdog to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Afghan Sheepdog's flexibility to new situations.
Afghan Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can an Afghan Sheepdog be left alone? Learn about the Afghan Sheepdog's tolerance to solitude.
Afghan Sheepdog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Afghan Sheepdog Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is an Afghan Sheepdog biting potential? Learn about the Afghan Sheepdog's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The Afghan Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is an Afghan Sheepdog mouthy? Learn about the Afghan Sheepdog's tendency to use mouth during play.
Afghan Sheepdog dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Afghan Sheepdog dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is an Afghan Sheepdog bite? Learn about the Afghan Sheepdog's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Afghan Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Afghan Sheepdog measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of an Afghan Sheepdog is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Afghan Sheepdog bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Afghan Sheepdog bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train an Afghan Sheepdog puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Afghan Sheepdog, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Afghan Sheepdog bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, an Afghan Sheepdog can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Afghan Sheepdog Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does an Afghan Sheepdog live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Afghan Sheepdog breed.
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Afghan Sheepdog: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does an Afghan Sheepdog handle different weather? Learn about the Afghan Sheepdog's climate adaptability.
Prefers cold weather
The Afghan Sheepdog can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. Dogs can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia in extremely cold weather, so it is important to take precautions to keep your dog safe and comfortable during the winter months.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in an Afghan Sheepdog? Discover typical conditions affecting the Afghan Sheepdog breed.
The Afghan Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does an Afghan Sheepdog need vet visits? Learn about the Afghan Sheepdog's veterinary care requirements.
Average
The Afghan Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Afghan Sheepdog breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Afghan Sheepdog breed? Most common health risks of Afghan Sheepdog:
CataractsAllergiesCancerHypothyroidism

Afghan Sheepdog Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is an Afghan Sheepdog? Understand daily activity needs of the Afghan Sheepdog breed.
Afghan Sheepdog dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does an Afghan Sheepdog need? How much exercise do Afghan Sheepdog dogs require per day?

Do Afghan Sheepdog dogs need a lot of exercises?

Afghan Sheepdog dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Afghan Sheepdog breed need?
Afghan Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Afghan Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is an Afghan Sheepdog prone to weight gain? Learn about the Afghan Sheepdog's obesity risks.
Low to Average: The Afghan Sheepdog has a low to the average risk for obesity. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Afghan Sheepdog weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does an Afghan Sheepdog need daily? Learn about the Afghan Sheepdog's feeding requirements.
2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Afghan Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is an Afghan Sheepdog hypoallergenic? Learn about the Afghan Sheepdog's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Afghan Sheepdog dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does an Afghan Sheepdog come in? Discover all possible Afghan Sheepdog color variations.
BlackTan Red Blue Cream White SilverFawn Brindle
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does an Afghan Sheepdog need? Learn about Afghan Sheepdog coat maintenance requirements.
Advanced: The Afghan Sheepdog requires a lot of grooming. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer can be helpful sometimes.

Regular brushed dog's coat is less likely to shed. Ears and eyes should be cleaned often to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Occasional dog nail trimming and dog baths are important.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and to give your Afghan Sheepdog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Afghan Sheepdog, search for the best dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.
Drooling Tendency
Does an Afghan Sheepdog drool a lot? Learn about the Afghan Sheepdog's drooling habits.
The Afghan Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Afghan Sheepdog could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Afghan Sheepdog.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does an Afghan Sheepdog smell bad? Learn about the Afghan Sheepdog's natural odor levels.

Medium

The Afghan Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does an Afghan Sheepdog have? Learn about the Afghan Sheepdog's fur characteristics.
WiryFineRough
Bathing Needs
How often does an Afghan Sheepdog need baths? Learn about the Afghan Sheepdog's bathing requirements.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Shedding Level
How much do Afghan Sheepdog dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Belgian Afghan Sheepdog? Do Afghan Sheepdog dogs shed a lot?
Afghan Sheepdog dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.

Afghan Sheepdog Good With

Child Compatibility
Is an Afghan Sheepdog good with children? Learn about the Afghan Sheepdog's behavior around kids of different ages.
Afghan Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does an Afghan Sheepdog get along with other pets? Discover the Afghan Sheepdog's compatibility with other animals.
Afghan Sheepdog dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Afghan Sheepdog temperament with other people:
Afghan Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
How well do Afghan Sheepdog dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Afghan Sheepdog breed live with a cat?
Afghan Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Afghan Sheepdog good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Afghan Sheepdog dogs get along with other dogs?
Afghan Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Afghan Sheepdog breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Afghan Sheepdog breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Afghan Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Afghan Sheepdog dogs good office canines? Do Afghan Sheepdog dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Afghan Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Afghan Sheepdog dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Belgian Afghan Sheepdog temperament with senior people? Are Afghan Sheepdog dogs good for elderly owners?
Afghan Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Afghan Sheepdog As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can an Afghan Sheepdog be a service dog? Learn about the Afghan Sheepdog's service work potential.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Afghan Sheepdog is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is an Afghan Sheepdog good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Afghan Sheepdog's therapy work aptitude.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Afghan Sheepdog is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is an Afghan Sheepdog good at detection work? Learn about the Afghan Sheepdog's scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Afghan Sheepdog is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can an Afghan Sheepdog do search and rescue? Learn about the Afghan Sheepdog's SAR capabilities.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people.

The Afghan Sheepdog breed is a good choice for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is an Afghan Sheepdog good on boats? Learn about the Afghan Sheepdog's maritime capabilities.

Not really

Afghan Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can an Afghan Sheepdog pull carts? Learn about the Afghan Sheepdog's drafting abilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Afghan Sheepdog is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was an Afghan Sheepdog used in military service? Learn about the Afghan Sheepdog's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Afghan Sheepdog Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does an Afghan Sheepdog usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is an Afghan Sheepdog pregnant? Learn about the Afghan Sheepdog's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Afghan Sheepdog: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can an Afghan Sheepdog have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

Afghan Sheepdog Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is an Afghan Sheepdog in? Learn about the Afghan Sheepdog's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is an Afghan Sheepdog in? Learn about the Afghan Sheepdog's international classification.
Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Which kennel clubs recognize an Afghan Sheepdog? Learn about the Afghan Sheepdog's official recognition.
Dog Registry of America Inc.

Afghan Sheepdog Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Training Difficulty: Afghan Sheepdog dogs are easy to train.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Afghan Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Obesity Tendency: Low to Average: The Afghan Sheepdog has a low to the average risk for obesity.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Afghan Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Compatibility: Afghan Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Afghan Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Afghan Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Search & Rescue Potential: This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Cons
  • Allergy Friendliness: Afghan Sheepdog dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Grooming Requirements: Advanced: The Afghan Sheepdog requires a lot of grooming.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Afghan Sheepdog dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: Afghan Sheepdog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Office Friendly: Afghan Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment.

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