Follow the article below on the website Dogsbreed.org to learn about the Afghan Collie breed: Origin, physical characteristics, personality, health status and how to care for this dog breed!
Afghan Collie
The Afghan Collie is a unique, high-energy mix rising in popularity with many dog parents. A mix between the elegant Afghan Hound and the energetic Border Collie, this “designer dog” is sure to keep winning hearts for years to come. With that said, it’s important to keep in mind just how high-energy this beautiful dog can be.
The Afghan Collie’s parent breeds are both well known. Both parent breeds are eager to please, at home or at a job like sheep herding. However, they also can both be quite a lot for someone new to dogs — or even experienced dog parents..
The Afghan Collie’s status as a crossbreed means that they are uncommonly found up for adoption. However, there are many similar mixes looking for new homes. Shelters may not always have Afghan Collies present, but they’re sure to have an active pup with a similar personality. Keep in mind that given the Afghan Collie’s rarity, shelters won’t always recognize them. As a result, they may simply be listed as a mixed breed.
Read on for a detailed list of characteristics of the Afghan Collie.
Afghan Hound and Border Collie Pictures
Afghan Collie Highlights
- The Afghan Collie loves to be close with their human companions. Afghan Collies can make excellent watchdogs, but aren’t typically vocal when properly trained.
- While the Afghan Collie has a thick double coat to be envied, it isn’t easy work to keep maintained. If you’re interested in an Afghan Collie, make sure you’re okay with frequent grooming — and shedding.
- Afghan Collies can be good fits for families and active individuals but aren’t suited for apartment living. Additionally, they’re often happiest with a large fenced yard.
Afghan Collie History
As the Afghan Collie is a crossbreed, they don’t have history as their own breed. Both parent breeds, however, are well known and loved. The Afghan Hound is a large, elegant sighthound originating from Afghanistan. Once used to hunt speedy prey like rabbits and gazelle, today they are more likely to burn their energy off in a sporting event like agility. The Border Collie has been beloved for years for their hard work as sheepdogs. They’re also often considered to be the most intelligent dog breed, even surpassing the wise Poodle.
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Afghan Collie Size
The Afghan Collie is a medium to large sized dog that comes in a variety of colors contributed by both parent breeds. They’re most likely to favor color combinations of tan or black accentuated by white. With no breed standard, they can come in any variety of color combinations. The breed’s coat can favor either parent, but is guaranteed to be thick and need extensive grooming.
Afghan Collie Personality
The Afghan Collie’s intelligence lends to easy trainability. However, ensuring good behavior comes along with the need to properly exercise and stimulate this dog. The Afollie does best with a walk or hike of at least 60 minutes daily along with other exercise opportunities. This breed excels in a home with a large backyard to play in.
Afghan Collie are often good natured and strive to get along with everyone. However, the Border Collie has origins based in herding, and this can easily be passed down to mixed breeds. Afghan Collies may try to herd other dogs, smaller pets, or small children. If this behavior is displayed in inappropriate settings, consistent redirection is needed. This can become a problem behavior easily. Athough intelligent, the Afghan Collie can also be stubborn.
Afghan Collie Health
The Afghan Collie is known to be overall healthy — great news for anyone looking to bring one home. However, there are some known health issues associated with the breed.
- Hip Dysplasia
- Ear Infections
- Cataracts
- Allergies
- Deafness
Afghan Collie Care
The Afollie craves interaction and can develop separation anxiety, much like their parent breed the Border Collie. They would likely be happy in a home where people are rarely absent. They also often enjoy the company of another canine companion. Walks shouldn’t be missed, as this breed will become anxious and possibly destructive with a lack of exercise. Additionally, enrollment in canine sports like agility can keep the Afghan Collie happy and well-mannered. They can excel at a variety of tasks, from herding to scentwork.
Afghan Collie Feeding
The Afghan Collie should be fed a diet consistent with that of a large breed with high energy levels. Consider supplementing the diet with items that double as enrichment, like filler toys or bones, to keep your Afghan Collie stimulated. They can also be prone to bloat – consider a slow feeder or snuffle mat for meals. Because all dogs are unique in their diet requirements, it’s best to consult your veterinarian to determine the best food to feed your pup.
Afghan Collie Coat Color And Grooming
The Afghan Collie’s coat needs regular maintenance. Brushing should be done several times a week; baths should be performed at least once a month. Additionally, the thick fur surrounding this breed’s floppy ears can make them prone to mats and more serious afflictions like ear infections. For dog parents who are too busy for regular grooming, consideration should be given to routine dog grooming visits. As with all dog breeds, be sure to check on nail maintenance.
Afghan Collie Children And Other Pets
There are some factors to consider before adding the Afghan Collie to your family. They typically excel with kids, but can be nippy at times particularly when herding. Their natural herding behaviors can become irritating and can accidentally lead to knocking over small children. Additionally, the Afghan Hound originated as a hunting dog, so there may be a stronger prey drive in some Afghan Collie.
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Afghan Collie Rescue Groups
There are no breed-specific rescues for the Afghan Collie, as they are a mixed breed. However, you can often find similar mixes up for adoption. Breed specific rescues for the Afghan Hound or Border Collie often rehome mixed breeds, so one of these may be a great option. Consider rescuing a similar fit, like a Belgian Shepherd or Australian Shepherd. Whatever the circumstances, try opening your home to a rescue pup.
