The Afaird dog is a mixed breed created by combining the Afghan Hound with the Briard. It’s a relatively new breed with very little documentation, but it will have characteristics of both parents, and they are breeds we know much better. It’s likely to be medium to large, often standing 23 – 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 55 and 88 pounds. It has a long muzzle, strong legs, and a sickle cell tail. The fur is usually shades of brown, black, or grey and the hair is dense and wiry. It usually has dark eyes and ears that flop forward, but its appearance can vary dramatically depending on which parent it takes after more.

Breed Overview

Afaird Puppies

The parents’ quality and where in the country you live will play a part in how easily you can find an Afaird puppy. You stand a better chance of receiving a healthy puppy from a well-known and well-respected breeder because they can selectively breed out many genetic health problems.

There are many other factors that you will need to consider as well that can be quite costly. Vet visits, food, toys, treats, and more will all be regular expenses that can add up quickly.

When you welcome an Afaird puppy into your home, be ready to have lots of laughs with your new playful dog. They’re quite energetic, and are great watchdogs that don’t mind staying alone for a couple of hours.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Afaird

Most owners describe the Afaird as an aloof breed that is very independent. It will spend much of its time off in the distance, standing guard and watching over its territory. It enjoys playing, and you might even find it silly at times. It will be fiercely protective of family members but quickly makes friends with strangers, so it may not make a good watchdog.

Its independent nature means it is difficult to get them to focus long enough to learn a new trick. I t will often wander off and refuse to comply even when treats are involved. Once you get the dog to learn a new trick, you will need to reinforce it continuously, so the dog doesn’t forget.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

The Afaird dog is great for families and makes a wonderful pet. It is large and often clumsy, so it might be dangerous to have around toddlers and infants. However, it gets along well with other pets and enjoys being around people.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

Yes, as we mentioned earlier, the Afairds get along very well with other pets. It will do better with early socialization, but it will make friends with other animals as an adult, so you can bring new pets into the home as the dog ages.

Things to Know When Owning an Afaird:

Food & Diet Requirements

Your Afaird dog, like any breed, will require high-quality dog food with real meat like beef, chicken, lamb, turkey, and duck listed as the first ingredient. Real meat will provide your pet with plenty of protein that it needs for energy and building strong muscle. Lesser brands will use a meat byproduct that is dried and ground meat that they might store for several years. We also recommend purchasing food fortified with omega fats which can help reduce inflammation and help older dogs with arthritis. Omega fats also improve the shine of your dog’s coat and help enhance the quality of the skin. Probiotic fortification can help increase the good bacteria in the gut, improving digestion and the immune system.

Exercise

Your Afaird will need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. We recommend setting aside at least 45 – 60 minutes each day to play games and walk your dog, so they don’t become overweight. Active dogs are less likely to chew things in the home.

Training

As we mentioned earlier, it can be difficult to train your Afaird because they are independent dogs that get lost in their activities, and it can be challenging to get them to focus on what you are trying to show them. Treats can help, but they will only get you a few seconds before the dog wanders off again, and treats might lead to dangerous weight gain. You can try to set up a routine to get your pet into a schedule, but your best results will likely come from taking advantages that present themselves. Once your dog learns a new trick, you will need to practice it as often as possible to help you’d dog commit it to its permanent memory.

Grooming ✂️

You will need to brush your Afaird several times a week to keep it free of tangles and knots. It also sheds heavily, especially during the spring and fall seasons. You may also need to trim the hair occasionally to keep it looking neat. We also recommend frequently brushing your dog’s teeth with pet-safe toothpaste to help slow the progression of dental disease, and you may need to trim the nails occasionally as well, especially if the dog spends a lot of time indoors. If you can hear the nails clicking on the floor, it’s time to trim them.

Health and Conditions

Cataracts

Dog’s eyes are similar to ours, and they can get cataracts too. Cataracts is a condition that causes the lens of the eye to become foggy, making it harder to see, especially at night. Afairds are predisposed to this condition genetically, but dogs can also get it due to diabetes or injury. If left untreated, it can lead to glaucoma, which is more serious and could lead to permanent blindness.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip joint doesn’t form correctly, causing it to break down prematurely. Genetics is the cause of this disease, but size, weight, and activity can speed up the progression. Dysplasia symptoms include difficulty getting up, bunny hopping gate, and a resistance to go up or down steps. In some cases, surgery can help, but the main treatment is weight loss and pain medication.

Bloat

Bloat is a condition that can cause the stomach to fill with gas. It can lead to the stomach twisting and trapping blood which can send your dog into shock. Bloat can come on quickly, and symptoms include drooling, restlessness, and an anxious appearance. Dogs with bloat need to see a vet immediately as this condition can be life-threatening.

Male vs Female

The female is usually a few inches shorter than the male when fully grown but is about the same weight. Besides this single difference, male and female Afaird are extremely similar, and it would be hard to tell them apart.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Afaird Dog

1. Barbie Helped Boost the Popularity of The Afghan Hound Parent Breed

Mattel’s Barbie doll had a pet named Beauty that was an Afghan Hound. This association helped boost the popularity of the dog, making it one of the more popular breeds in America, especially among young girls.

2. The Afghan Hound Was the First Dog to Be Cloned

In 2005 an Afghan hound became the first dog breed to be cloned. Scientists from South Korea used skin cells from a three-year-old hound to create a copy.

3. The Briard Is an Ancient Parent Breed

The Briard parent is an ancient dog that would defend its owner from wolves. You can see it in French tapestries dating back to the 8^th century.

Final Thoughts

The Afaird is a great family pet that’s playful and even a little goofy if you don’t need something that learns many tricks. It requires regular maintenance but is perfectly happy to wander around alone while you’re off at work. It is a great watchdog, gets along well with children, and enjoys lounging around with the family. If we have convinced you to give one of these dogs a try in your home, please share this review of the Afaird dog breed on Facebook and Twitter.

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