Professional Recommended
Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, bred for coursing game in the mountains and deserts of Afghanistan. The breed's extraordinarily long, silky, flowing coat — fine in texture with a natural part along the spine — is considered one of the most demanding in the dog world to maintain. Daily brushing, regular professional bathing, and meticulous drying are non-negotiable.
Coat Type
Extremely Long, Silky, Flowing Single Coat
Groom Every
Every 3-4 weeks
Styles Available
5 cuts
Cuts & Styles
Grooming Styles
1
Full Show Coat
The natural coat maintained at maximum length, brushed to a silky, flowing finish with the saddle kept shorter and the mane, leg furnishings, and tail presented at their most dramatic. Requires daily home maintenance.
2
Puppy Clip
The body coat trimmed to a manageable shorter length while the dog is young and establishing grooming habits. The saddle and topknot are maintained as the coat transitions to its adult length.
3
Saddle Clip
The breed-characteristic shorter 'saddle' over the back and sides is maintained through careful clipping or scissoring while the leg, head, and tail coat is kept at full length.
4
Pet Trim
The full coat trimmed to a uniform, shorter, more manageable length all over. Reduces home brushing from daily to every other day, and professional visits from weekly to monthly.
5
Natural Long Coat
Full coat kept at its maximum natural length with no shaping or trimming, allowing it to fall naturally. The purest expression of the breed's coat, requiring the greatest commitment.
Expert Advice
Care Tips
- The Afghan Hound's fine, silky coat is uniquely prone to dry brushing damage — always mist the coat lightly with a conditioning spray or diluted conditioner before brushing. Dry brushing this coat type causes static, breakage, and significant long-term damage to the hair shafts.
- Line brush the entire coat by working in small horizontal sections from the bottom of the dog upward — the coat is so long and dense that surface brushing is useless. The only way to prevent the dense mats that form close to the skin is to brush all the way through from skin to tip.
- The Afghan's coat tangles fastest in the armpits, groin, and behind the ears — these areas may need daily attention even for owners who brush the full coat every other day.
- Professional grooming every three to four weeks is a minimum, not a luxury, for a full-coated Afghan Hound. Waiting longer allows mats to form throughout the coat that cannot be brushed out without causing pain and coat damage.
- Bathing an Afghan with existing mats tightens those mats dramatically and makes them impossible to remove without causing pain or cutting. Always brush the coat completely mat-free before bathing.
- The long ear furnishings are prone to dragging in food and water — use a snood during meals and keep the ear leather protected to prevent food staining and matting of the ear coat.
Recommended Tools
What you'll need
Miller's Forge Quality Nail Clipper
Nail CareUsed by professional groomers worldwide. Made of high-quality Italian stainless steel with a heavy-duty spring for clean, sharp cuts.
$10 - $15
TropiClean PerfectFur Whitening & Brightening Shampoo
ShampooNaturally whitens and brightens white coats without bleach or harsh chemicals.
$12 - $18
FURminator Long Hair deShedding Tool for Dogs
BrushThe professional-grade deshedding tool that reaches deep beneath the long topcoat to safely remove loose undercoat without cutting or damaging the guard hairs. Reduces shedding up to 90% with regular use. Essential for heavy seasonal shedders like Collies, Golden Retrievers, and Maine Coons.
$30 - $65
*As an Amazon Associate, Groomas earns from qualifying purchases.
Deep Dives
Afghan Hound Grooming Guides
Summer Grooming
Heat management, coat care, and seasonal tips.
Read guide
Winter Coat Care
Cold-weather protection and moisture balance.
Read guide
Shedding Season
Survive the seasonal blowout without losing your mind.
Read guide
Prevent Matting
Detangle, prevent, and protect their coat year-round.
Read guide
Best Brushes
The right tools for this specific coat type.
Read guide
Nail Trimming
Safe nail care frequency and technique.
Read guide
Ear Cleaning
Prevent infections with proper ear care.
Read guide
Bathing Guide
How often to bathe and which products to use.
Read guide
Grooming Cost
What professional grooming should cost for this breed.
Read guide
Hypoallergenic
Shedding, dander, and allergy-friendly coat care.
Read guide
First-Time Owner
Grooming basics for new owners of this breed.
Read guide
Skin & Allergies
Itchy skin, hot spots, and coat-sensitive care.
Read guide
Dental Care
Oral hygiene tied to coat and skin health.
Read guide
Flea & Tick
Parasite prevention without damaging the coat.
Read guide
Pro vs DIY
When to groom at home and when to hire a pro.
Read guide
Free Newsletter
Grooming tips in your inbox
Monthly breed spotlights, grooming hacks, and product picks. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Free monthly grooming tips — join anytime