Afghan Retriever
The Afghan Retriever is a unique, playful mixed breed rising in popularity. A mix between the elegant Afghan Hound and the goofy and good-natured Golden Retriever, 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 playful mix can be.
This pup has risen to the 3rd most popular dog breed in the United States. However, both breeds are still high-energy and need stimulation.
The Afghan Retriever’s status as a crossbreed means that they’re unlikely to be found up for adoption. Still, there are millions of dogs waiting for homes in shelters. When looking for a specific breed, make an effort to adopt from a shelter or rescue. However, it’s important to keep in mind how uncommon this breed mix is. These pups might not be recognized by shelters and may simply be listed as a Retriever mix.
Quick Facts
- Origin: The Afghan Retriever is a mixed breed known for its unique combination of the Afghan Hound and Golden Retriever, originating in recent years as a ‘designer dog’.
- Size: Afghan Retrievers typically range from medium to large, with a well-built and elegant appearance.
- Appearance: They have a shiny coat that requires regular grooming, and their appearance combines the Afghan Hound’s elegance with the Golden Retriever‘s friendly demeanor.
- Temperament: Afghan Retrievers are loyal and well-mannered with consistent training, inheriting the friendly nature of Golden Retrievers and the elegance of Afghan Hounds.
- Health: While generally healthy, Afghan Retrievers may be prone to health issues common to their parent breeds, so regular veterinary check-ups are essential.
- Lifespan: Afghan Retrievers typically live around 10 to 13 years.
- In the Season 33 Episode 2 of “The Simpsons” entitled “Bart’s in Jail,” Homer hallucinates an Afghan Hound.
- The character “Buddy” from the film “Air Bud” was a Golden Retriever.
Afghan Hound and Golden Retriever Pictures
Afghan Retriever Overview
The Afghan Retriever is a unique mixed breed known for its elegance and intelligence. This dog is a cross between the Afghan Hound and the Golden Retriever, combining the grace of the Afghan with the friendly and good-natured personality of the Golden. These dogs were originally bred for hunting and are well-suited for various tasks, including agility training and search and rescue. While they are highly intelligent and trainable, they require consistent and positive reinforcement-based training methods.
Afghan Retrievers are loyal and make excellent family companions, but they need regular exercise and mental stimulation to thrive. With the right training and care, they can be loving, protective, and enthusiastic members of the family.
Relate: Afghan Hound Dog Breed Information & Characteristics
Afghan Retriever Highlights
- Unique Designer Dog: The Afghan Retriever is a distinctive designer breed resulting from the mix of the elegant Afghan Hound and the friendly Golden Retriever, offering a unique combination of traits.
- Playful and Energetic: Afghan Retrievers are known for their high energy levels and playful nature. They enjoy activities and playtime, making them great companions for active individuals or families.
- Independent and Intelligent: Afghan Retrievers inherit the Afghan Hound’s independent spirit and the Golden Retriever’s intelligence, which can make them both interesting and sometimes challenging to train.
- Active Lifestyle: They thrive in homes with active lifestyles and do best in settings with ample space to exercise, such as a large, fenced yard.
- Loyal and Affectionate: Despite their independence, Afghan Retrievers are known to be loyal and affectionate towards their families.
Afghan Retriever History
As the Afghan Retriever is a mixed breed, they don’t have history as their own breed. Both parent breeds, however, are well known and loved. The Afghan Hound is a large 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 Golden Retriever originated as a duck retrieving breed in the 1800s, though usage for hunting was not uncommon. Due to their easy going temperament and high trainability, today they are often used as therapy dogs or seeing eye dogs.
Afghan Retriever Size
The Afghan Retriever is a large dog that comes in a variety of colors contributed by both parent breeds. This breed favors the appearance of the Golden Retriever, often looking very similar only with the slighter build of the Afghan Hound. They tend to come in variations of cream, gold, and yellow. The breed’s coat can favor either parent but is guaranteed to be thick and need routine grooming.
Afghan Retriever Personality
The Afghan Retriever’s intelligence, largely contributed by the Golden Retriever, lends to easy trainability. However, ensuring good behavior comes along with the need to properly exercise and stimulate this dog. The Afghan Retriever does best with a walk or hike of at least 40 minutes daily along with other exercise opportunities.
They also often enjoy canine company and have fun playing at a dog park or having a pup playdate. Afghan Retrievers are often good natured and loving with their families. With that in mind, it’s still a good idea to work on socialization from a young age. In some cases, Afghan Retrievers may struggle from separation anxiety due to close bonds with their dog parents.
Seemore: Afghan Spaniel Dog Breed Information & Characteristics
Afghan Retriever Health
While Afghan Retrievers originating from responsible breeders are often healthy, there are some genetic predispositions towards health issues to be aware of with this crossbreed.
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Bloat
Afghan Retriever Care
The Afghan Retriever is happiest when given focused tasks daily, like scent work, to channel their energy into. They also often enjoy the company of another canine companion when properly introduced. Walks shouldn’t be missed, as this breed can be destructive or develop anxious tendencies with a lack of exercise. Additionally, enrollment in canine sports like agility can keep the Afghan Retriever happy and well-mannered. They can excel at a variety of tasks, from herding to scent work. This may seem daunting for a typical dog parent, but some of these “dog jobs” can be set up in the average backyard.
Afghan Retriever Feeding
The Afghan Retriever should be fed a diet consistent with that of a large breed with high energy levels. These pups can be prone to bloat, so consider using a slow feeder or snuffle mat for this breed. 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 Retriever Coat Color And Grooming
The Afghan Retriever’s coat needs regular maintenance. Brushing should be done several times a week. Bathing is to be done on an as-needed basis, rarely more than once a month. For dog parents who are too busy for regular grooming, consideration should be given to routine dog grooming visits. If seeking out a new puppy, it’s a good idea to get your new friend used to a dog toothbrush at a young age, as dental issues are common in older dogs. As with all dog breeds, be sure to check on nail maintenance.
Afghan Retriever Children And Other Pets
There are some factors to consider before adding the Afghan Retriever to your family. The breed is often good with older children. Their playful natures and easygoing temperament makes them a great fit for most kids. However, they are large and can be hyper, meaning that kids under the age of five run the risk of being bowled over accidentally. They are not prone to nippiness, so small children may be compatible when properly supervised. There may be tendencies to chase small animals, but typically this can be trained away with redirection and socialization. Never leave your pup unattended or let them play with a small pet such as a hamster, as they may injure them without intending to.
Afghan Retriever Rescue Groups
There are no breed-specific rescues for the Afghan Retriever, as they are a mixed breed. However, you can often find similar mixes up for adoption. Breed-specific rescues for the Afghan Hound or Golden Retriever often re-home mixed breeds, so one of these may be a great option. Consider rescuing a similar fit if you are unable to find an Afghan Retriever. There is an abundance of Golden Retriever mixes seeking homes, as they are the third most popular breed in the US. Whatever the circumstances, try opening your home to a rescue pup.
Afghan Retriever Breed Organizations
Finding a reputable dog breeder is one of the most important decisions you will make when bringing a new dog into your life. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support.
On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have both health and behavioral issues.
