The Afghan Hound is a hound that is distinguished by its thick, fine, silky coat and its tail with a ring curl at the end. The breed is selectively bred for its unique features in the cold mountains of Afghanistan. Its local name is Tāžī Spay or Sag-e Tāzī.

Personality: True to its origins as a hunter bred to think on its feet, the Afghan hound is strong-willed and independent, aloof and self-confident. A study in contradictions, the Afghan hound has been described as fiercely brave but possibly timid, flighty but sometimes quiet and lazy, dignified but clownish.

Afghan Hounds are regarded as a generally healthy breed, with a life expectancy of 12 years. This is comparable to dogs of a similar size. Some Afghan Hounds have been known to reach an age of 18. Studies conducted in the United Kingdom have shown that the leading causes of death among Afghan Hounds are cancer which is responsible for 31% of Afghan deaths, old age which is responsible for 20%, cardiac problems with 10.5%, and urologic problems with 5%. Afghan Hounds are known for being very sensitive to anesthetics. Along with other sighthounds, this breed has little body fat and often experiences bad reactions to anesthesia.