Most breeders focus on creating designer hybrid dogs for either companionship or overcoming the parent breeds’ health issues. However, we also have hybrids such as the Afghan Sheepdog, a cross between the Afghan Hound and the Belgian Sheepdog.
The Afghan Sheepdog is a beautiful and elegant breed. However, this doggo is not a purebred dog and is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). However, the Afghan Sheepdog is recognized by the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA).
Afghan Sheepdog History
The Afghan Sheepdog is a very new mixed breed. Therefore, there’s not much historical information about these canines. We know that Afghan Sheepdogs were bred in the initial years of the 21st Century to integrate the best characteristics of The Afghan Hound and the Belgian Sheepdog.
The parent breeds have rich historical significance. While the Afghan Hound originated in Egypt, the Belgian Sheepdog was first found in Belgium. Both the dogs came to Europe in the early 19th Century. The Afghan Sheepdog inherits the historical hunting characteristics and the messaging responsibility of the Belgian Sheepdog.
Afghan Sheepdog Characteristics
The Afghan Sheepdog is an average- to a large-size dog with a long, thick, and straight coat. These pups have athletic attributes with a graceful look to them. You can find Afghan Sheepdogs in either shade of brown, black, or red. Their exact appearance depends on each parent’s dominant traits. However, the Afghan Sheepdog generally looks like a shorter Afghan Hound with a shorter coat.
How Big Do Afghan Sheepdog Get
Afghan Sheepdogs are medium- to large-sized dogs. The average male Afghan Sheepdog can be as tall as 24 to 26 inches and as heavy as 50 to 60 pounds. Most female Afghan Sheepdogs are much smaller and lighter than their male counterparts.
How Long do Afghan Sheepdog Live
Since Afghan Sheepdog is such a new breed, pointing out the exact lifespan will be mere speculation. However, the average lifespan of both the hybrid canine’s parents is about 10-14 years. Therefore, the Afghan Sheepdog might live up to 12-14 years without issues.
How Much does an Afghan Sheepdog Cost
There isn’t much to be said about how much an Afghan Sheepdog can cost, like the lifespan. Ranging from $400 to $1000, a breeder can charge you anything according to the puppy’s characteristics. An Afghan Sheepdog can cost you about $100 a month, including food and medical requirements.
Afghan Sheepdog Temperament/ Personality
There is no doubt about the dog’s poise with as elegant a pedigree as the Afghan Sheepdog. The Afghan Sheepdog is generally an independent and charming dog who might prefer being aloof for most of the day. Even early socialization will not make an Afghan Sheepdog social. However, they are amiable and loyal towards their owners.
Afghan Sheepdogs can be wary of strangers. Therefore, you can expect a lot of aggressiveness and barking. However, they are fun to own if you have older kids, mainly if the dog has grown with them. They can be shy with other pets, and we cannot recommend accompanying them with small pets.
Since Afghan Sheepdogs like being alone, you can surely live with them in apartments. However, you should train them and allow them enough activity to be drained of extra energy. Excess energy can make them get destructive or aggressive, even towards their family members.
Training Afghan Sheepdogs could be both challenging and straightforward, depending on your dog’s prominent attribute. They are brilliant dogs; therefore, they learn quickly. However, their stubbornness might come in the way too often. Early training and positive reinforcement are the best way to deal with their stubborn nature.
Caring for Afghan Sheepdog
Being the result of a cross between two high-maintenance breeds, Afghan Sheepdogs require a lot of care. Not only do they require extensive grooming, but also regular medical check-ups. Even as a hybrid dog, the Afghan Sheepdog tends to have comprehensive health issues.
Afghan Sheepdog Nutrition
Afghan Sheepdogs can be large dogs, and you should feed them like one. They require a high-protein diet to stay in their prime. Eating about 2.8 cups of dog food is a must for them. You can add high-carbohydrate and medium-fat treats to their diet. However, it is best to keep them to the minimum to avoid health complications.
How to Groom an Afghan Sheepdog
Both the Afghan Hound and the Belgian Sheepdogs are heavy shedders. Therefore, it is natural when Afghan Sheepdogs to shed a lot during summer. They require weekly brushing to avoid getting skin infections and itching. Since their coat tends to get matted, bathing them once a month is crucial. It is best to regularly comb their hair and clip their nails at least once a month.
Afghan Sheepdog Activity Levels
Afghan Sheepdogs have medium reserves of energy. However, they do not prefer being out in public with many strangers to get the exercise they need. Even so, they require 45 minutes of medium intensive activity each day. It is best to allow them to run in your backyard or play a game of fetch. Most Afghan Sheepdogs are composed of animals and do not pose the threat of running away.
Caring for Afghan Sheepdog
Afghan Sheepdogs are prone to several health conditions, and the worst part is the lack of study. Therefore, you must ensure to maintain a healthy diet and activity schedule for your Afghan Sheepdog. It is best to get their eye, skin, and thyroid panel examined. It would be best if you also considered getting regular full-body physical exams and abdominal ultrasounds.
Afghan Sheepdog Health
It’s generally unusual for hybrids dogs to have too many health issues. However, the Afghan Sheepdogs tend to have many genetic as well as lifestyle-based health issues. These dogs’ most problematic issues are glaucoma, demodicosis, hypothyroidism, bloat, and cataracts. Afghan Sheepdogs can also have progressive retinal atrophy, muscular dystrophy, pannus, and corneal dystrophy.
Breeds Similar to Afghan Sheepdog
Best Dog Food For Afghan Sheepdogs
The best dog food for Afghan Sheepdogs is Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food as it is enriched with vital nutrients and antioxidants. This holistic diet contains peas, potatoes, alfalfa meal, oatmeal, etc. As a result, the tummy remains full for multiple hours.
- This low-calorie diet is ideal for weight watchers.
- The rosemary oil is instrumental in storing the food for several weeks.
- This prebiotic-rich high quality meal boosts the immunity of the body.
Best Puppy Food For Afghan Sheepdogs
The best puppy food for Afghan Sheepdogs is Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Healthy Development Small Bites Dry Dog Food as it features deboned chicken as the first ingredient. This veterinarian recommended meal is rich in potassium, phosphorus, and calcium. The vitamin A supplement helps in vision development in little puppies.
- The oat fiber, along with potatoes, wheat, and barley, makes it good for digestive health.
- This 374 Kcal/cup meal includes mixed tocopherol for easy preservation.
- The glucosamine and taurine work wonderfully in maintaining a healthy heart and joints.
Best Dog Bed For Afghan Sheepdogs
For ultimate comfort, the best dog bed for Afghan Sheepdogs is Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Shag Fur Donut Cuddler Cat & Dog Bed. This round bed features a faux-shag material on the top layer, which helps the dogs in falling asleep fast. This furry bed is absolutely dryer-safe, and you can toss it in the machine any time you want.
- This one combines an insulation layer to transfer the excess body heat to the bed, making it warm and comfy.
- This cozy bed provides orthopedic support and is ideal for athletic as well as senior dogs.
- This bed offers you a number of colors and sizes, which will blow anyone’s mind.
Best Dog Crate For Afghan Sheepdogs
The best dog crate for Afghan Sheepdogs is MidWest iCrate Fold & Carry Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate for its extraordinary sturdiness and flexibility. You can install a floor mattress inside the crate any time to help the dog feel at home inside it. You can carry the crate between places very easily as it is pretty lightweight.
- Rubber roller feet are included to keep your floor safe.
- The crate can carry weight up to 90 pounds.
- With the help of its assembly instruction manual, anyone can set it up in no time.
Best Dog Harness For Afghan Sheepdogs
According to our team of dog experts, the best dog harness for Afghan Sheepdogs is Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness with Steel Nesting Buckles Enhanced Strength. This crash-tested harness includes a chest plate for superior protection against accidents. There are rings in both back and front for leash attachment and no-pull training, respectively.
- The seat belt loop is around 10 inches long, and it tightly fastens the dog to the vehicle seat.
- This compatible dog harness also features a carabiner.
- For reliable fit, there are multiple adjustment points and straps in the harness.
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