The Afghan Hound is a majestic breed with a rich history, but it's also a significant investment. The cost of owning an Afghan Hound can range from $60 to $100 per month for food, with an average annual cost of $720 to $1,200.
To give you a better idea of what to expect, consider the initial purchase price, which can range from $1,500 to $3,000 for a puppy from a reputable breeder.
Afghan Hounds are a relatively low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming, but they do require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. A daily walk of at least 30 minutes is recommended, which can add up to around $60 to $100 per month for dog walking services.
Cost Factors
Afghan Hounds are larger dogs, so they tend to be a bit more expensive overall.
Their high activity level means they go through toys quickly, and larger toys, which are often more expensive, are a must.
These dogs eat quite a bit, and the cost of their food will depend on the particular high-quality food you choose.
Luckily, Afghan Hounds are not prone to food allergies and sensitivities, so you won't need to budget for specialty foods.
Their vet costs are less likely to be very high, especially if you purchase from a reputable breeder who performs more health testing and provides more vet care for the puppies.
Before purchasing an Afghan Hound, be sure that you can afford their usually high upkeep costs, which include food, toys, and vet bills.
Afghan Hounds will need larger items, like dog beds, which can be quite expensive, so be sure to factor that into your budget.
Price Considerations
Afghan Hound cost can be a significant expense, especially considering their high upkeep costs. These dogs are large and active, so they go through food and toys quickly.
You'll need to budget for their food and toy expenses, as they can add up quickly. It's essential to factor this into your overall cost.
Their vet costs are generally lower, but it does depend on where you purchased your dog from. Breeders typically perform more health testing and provide more vet care for the puppies.
Make sure to consider the cost of purchasing from a reputable breeder, as it can be a safer option in the long run.
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Ownership Costs
Afghan Hounds are larger dogs, so they tend to be a bit more expensive overall.
They will eat more food, which leads to less money in your pocket, and they will also require larger items, like toys and beds.
Larger dog beds can be quite pricey, so factor that into your budget.
These dogs will eat quite a bit, as they are pretty big, and the exact cost will depend on the particular food you choose.
You'll likely be purchasing high-quality food to prevent health problems and save on vet bills, which can add up quickly.
Afghan Hounds have a high activity level, which means they will go through toys quickly, and larger toys are often more expensive.
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Food Costs
Afghan Hounds eat quite a bit due to their large size. As a result, their food costs will be higher than smaller breeds.
High-quality food is recommended for Afghan Hounds to prevent health problems and save on vet bills. This, of course, will drive up the cost.
The exact cost of food will depend on the particular brand and type chosen. Luckily, Afghan Hounds are not prone to food allergies and sensitivities, so specialty foods are usually not necessary.
Larger dogs like Afghan Hounds need more food, which can add up quickly. Be prepared to spend more on food than you would for a smaller dog.
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Vet Expenses
Vet Expenses can add up quickly, especially for larger breeds like Afghan Hounds. They are prone to hip dysplasia, which can cost thousands of dollars to correct and manage over their lifetime.
Luckily, many Afghan Hounds are healthy, so vet bills are usually pretty low. However, due to their larger size, they do rake up higher costs when they are sick.
Afghan Hounds typically need more medication than other dogs, which can increase the price substantially. This is why investing in a high-quality puppy up front can be beneficial, as it lessens the chance of many health conditions.
Pet Ownership Costs
Pet ownership costs can add up quickly, especially with larger breeds like the Afghan Hound.
Afghan Hounds are larger dogs, so they tend to be a bit more expensive overall. They will eat more food, which leads to less money in your pocket.
Their food costs can vary depending on the particular food you choose, but they will eat quite a bit due to their size.
High-quality food is recommended to prevent health problems and save on vet bills, but it may drive up your costs.
These dogs will also go through toys quickly due to their high activity level, and larger toys are often more expensive.
You'll likely be purchasing one of the most expensive toys on the shelf when it comes to Afghan Hounds.
Their vet bills are usually pretty low, but they can be expensive to correct and manage health conditions like hip dysplasia.
Pet insurance for Afghan Hounds costs more than for mixed breed dogs, but it's a good idea to invest in a plan to cover unexpected expenses.
The best time to get pet insurance is when your Afghan Hound is a healthy puppy, so you're covered in case of any future health issues.
For more insights, see: Plott Hound Health Issues
Health and Wellness
Finding a reputable breeder or rescue organization is crucial when it comes to bringing home a healthy Afghan Hound. Look for breeders listed on the Afghan Club of America website.
A good breeder will screen out health problems in their puppies, but some issues may not be apparent until later in life. Consider adopting an adult dog from a shelter or rescue group to avoid many potential health problems.
Afghan Hounds can live up to 12-14 years, so an adult dog will still be with your family for a long time. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to catch any visible problems early on.
Your veterinarian will work with you to set up a preventive regimen to avoid many health issues, including diabetes and skin problems like ear infections. Make sure you have a clear contract with the seller or rescue group that outlines responsibilities on both sides.
Take a look at this: Afghan Hound Adoption
The Bottom Line
The Afghan Hound is a pricey breed, but not outrageously so when compared to other large dogs. Their larger size and rarity contribute to their higher cost.
You can expect to pay anywhere from $1000 to $3000 for a healthy puppy from a reputable breeder. This is the recommended way to purchase an Afghan Hound, as breeders provide necessary documentation and care.
Rescues are a cheaper option, but adopting an Afghan Hound from a rescue can be challenging due to their rarity.
Sources
- Afghan Hounds | Embrace Dog Breed library (embracepetinsurance.com)
- The 30 most expensive dog breeds to own — VIDEO (reviewjournal.com)
- The 25 Most Expensive Dog Breeds (newsweek.com)
- Afghan Hound Breed - Dog & Puppy Information & ... (pedigree.com.ph)
- AKC (akc.org)
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