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Pet Insurance for Afghan Hounds

Find out all about Afghan Hounds and their common health conditions, then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on September 28th, 2023       

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Price range

$1,800 – $5,500

Height

61–74cm

Weight

20–27kg

Personality

Independent, dignified, aloof

Coat length

Long, silky

Exercise needs

High

Kid-friendly?

Yes – if properly socialised

Life expectancy

12–14 years

Afghan Hound

Overview

The Afghan Hound, an ancient breed from the mountainous regions of Afghanistan. Initially bred as game hunters, today the Afghan Hound is celebrated for aristocratic appearance, with a regal demeanour, slender, elegant frame and long, flowing coat.

The breed is often described as dignified and aloof. However, they have a playful side and can form strong bonds with their families. Nevertheless, they require gentle but consistent training and early socialisation to thrive in a domestic setting.

The Afghan Hound’s suitability as a pet lies in the hands of those who appreciate their unique characteristics. They are an excellent choice for individuals or families who are willing to invest time in their care and understand their independent spirit.

Common diseases and conditions of Afghan Hounds

  • Hip dysplasia: This is a common orthopaedic condition that occurs when the hip joint doesn’t fit into the hip socket properly, leading to arthritis and discomfort.
  • Eye problems: Afghan Hounds are prone to various eye conditions, including cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and other genetic disorders. Regular eye check-ups are essential for early detection and treatment.
  • Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus): this is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and may twist. Afghan Hounds are one of the deep-chested breeds more susceptible to this condition, making immediate veterinary attention crucial.
  • Anaesthesia sensitivity: Afghan Hounds may have a higher sensitivity to anaesthesia compared to other breeds. This should be taken into consideration when planning surgical procedures.
  • Dental issues: like many dogs, Afghan Hounds can be prone to dental problems such as gum disease and tooth decay. Regular dental care is important for their overall health.

Breed-specific issues:  

Afghan Hounds are known for their independent and free-spirited nature. Early socialisation is vital to ensure they are comfortable around strangers and other dogs. Additionally, their prey drive is strong, so they may be inclined to chase smaller animals, which should be taken into consideration during off-leash activities. Consistent, positive training techniques are essential to establish a strong bond and a well-behaved companion.

How much does pet insurance cost for an Afghan Hound?

There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your Afghan Hound, including the following: 

  • Age: the older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because older dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.   
  • Type of insurance you choose:  there are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most. 
  • The policy annual limit: each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.  
  • Sub limits: in addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub limits that apply to the policy, for example a $300 sub limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.  
  • Benefit percentage: pet insurance may not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies up to 90% for top-of-the-range cover. 
  • Excess amount: this is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, while others do. 
  • Any add-ons you choose: it’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.  

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about Afghan Hounds

Do Afghan Hounds get along well with children and other pets?

Afghan Hounds generally tolerate children, but they may not be the best playmates for them due to their independent nature and sensitivity to noise. It's important to supervise interactions to ensure both the dog and children are comfortable and safe. Additionally, Afghan Hounds can coexist with other pets if introduced and raised together, but their strong prey drive might make them inclined to chase smaller animals.

How much exercise does an Afghan Hound require?

Afghan Hounds are known for their agility and speed. They typically need a daily walk and some free-running time in a secure, enclosed area. It's important to remember that while they enjoy short bursts of intense activity, they are also content to lounge indoors. Mental stimulation through interactive play and puzzle toys is equally crucial to keep them engaged.

Do Afghan Hounds have high grooming needs?

Yes – grooming an Afghan Hound can be quite demanding. Their long, silky coat requires regular brushing to prevent tangles and matting. Additionally, they benefit from occasional baths and frequent nail trimming. Many owners choose to seek professional grooming services to maintain their Afghan Hound's coat's health and appearance.

How trainable are Afghan Hounds?

Afghan Hounds are intelligent but can also be independent and somewhat aloof. This can make training a bit challenging. Consistent, positive reinforcement-based training methods work best with them. Early socialisation and consistent, patient training can help them become well-behaved companions.

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Compare pet insurance policies with Savvy

Whether you're buying for your dog or cat and whether they're big or small, you can compare pet insurance policies tailored to your furry friend's needs from Savvy's panel of trusted Australian insurers. Grab a free, no-obligation quote today!
Afghan Hound

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