Dog breed comparison
Afghan Hound vs Saluki
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Saluki tends to live about 2 years longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Afghan Hound | Saluki |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hound Dogs | Hound Dogs |
| Size | Large | Large |
| Height | 24 to 26 inches | 23 to 28 inches |
| Weight | 50 to 60 pounds | 35 to 70 pounds |
| Life span | 10 to 12 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Background
Where they come from.
The Afghan Hound
An ancient sighthound from the mountains of Afghanistan, bred to course gazelle, hare and even snow leopard across rough terrain. The long silky coat protected it from cold mountain nights.
It hunts by sight and will chase anything that runs, so recall off lead is rarely reliable.
Health to watch
- Hip dysplasia
- Juvenile cataracts
- Hypothyroidism
- Sensitivity to anaesthesia
The Saluki
One of the oldest sighthound types, kept by Bedouin and other peoples of the Middle East to hunt gazelle and hare. It was treated as a gift from God rather than an ordinary dog.
It is reserved and independent, with a strong chase instinct.
Health to watch
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Hemangiosarcoma
- Hypothyroidism
- Sensitivity to anaesthesia
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Apartment living
The Afghan Hound copes better in an apartment than the Saluki.
Easy to train
The Saluki is easier to train than the Afghan Hound.
Easy to groom
The Saluki is easier to groom than the Afghan Hound.
Shedding
The Afghan Hound sheds more than the Saluki.
Exercise needs
The Saluki needs more exercise than the Afghan Hound.
Good with children
The Afghan Hound is better with children than the Saluki.
Which to choose
Afghan Hound or Saluki?
Choose the Afghan Hound if…
- You want a dog that copes better in an apartment
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
- You want a dog that is better with children
- You have lots of visitors (it is friendlier with strangers)
Choose the Saluki if…
- You want a dog that is easier to train
- You want a dog that is easier to groom
- You want a dog that sheds less
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
Questions.
Is the Afghan Hound or the Saluki bigger, and which lives longer?
The Saluki tends to live about 2 years longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Afghan Hound or the Saluki?
The Saluki is generally easier to train than the Afghan Hound. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Afghan Hound or the Saluki?
The Afghan Hound is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Saluki can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Saluki sheds less than the Afghan Hound. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Afghan Hound and Saluki have?
The Afghan Hound is prone to hip dysplasia, juvenile cataracts, hypothyroidism. The Saluki is prone to dilated cardiomyopathy, hemangiosarcoma, hypothyroidism. Both share a risk of hypothyroidism and sensitivity to anaesthesia. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
