Afaird

Characteristics

Health & Longevity

Average Life Span: 10-12 years
The Afaird is a crossbreed between an Afghan Hound and a Briard. These pups, while generally healthy, can suffer from a few minor and major health problems, especially as old age sets in. Due to their size, most of the health issues that affect an Afaird are joint-related. However, you can ensure your Afaird lives a long, healthy, happy life with routine vet check-ups and a wholesome diet of nutritious kibble. You should also make sure your pup gets plenty of exercise to keep their heart and muscles in tip-top shape.

Hip Dysplasia

This condition occurs when the hip joint is malformed and slips out of the bone socket. It can be painful and result in a permanent limp or severe arthritis. Symptoms are commonly overlooked, but it begins with a slight limp or apparent dislocation of the hip. Surgery is required to correct this condition.

Skin Allergies

For the Afaird, allergic reactions can be caused by fleas, mites, dust, pollen, and grass. Dogs can develop springtime allergies, just like humans. Symptoms include red, blotchy skin, hair loss, constant itchiness, recurring ear infections, and swelling. Vets will recommend antibiotics and medicated dog shampoo to combat allergic reactions.

The aforementioned health issues are typically the only problems that an Afaird might encounter health-wise. There are some instances of cancer, heart disease, or heartworms, but those issues could affect any dog, regardless of breed. The average lifespan for an Afaird is between 10 to 12 years, but it’s not unheard of for a healthy pup to live upwards of 15 years.

Temperament & Train-ability

For those meeting an Afaird for the first time, it would seem that these crossbreed canines have a split personality. They can be calm, loving, and sweet, but they can also be shy, sensitive, touchy, and a tinge stubborn. These pups are commonly trained to be watchdogs, but they would make good family dogs with consistent, firm training. They would do better with older kids, but early socialization is required to ensure a strong bond between your Afaird and all members of your immediate family.

Afaird pups usually have no problems tolerating children or pets that they’ve grown up with. However, these dogs can be wary around strangers. Barking, growling, and other signs of aggression are their natural reaction to feeling threatened by new people. To avoid these reactions, training is crucial from an early age. You should also introduce new people to your Afaird. It will help your pup realize that this new person is non-threatening and a friend to you.

Once bonded, the Afaird is protective and loyal to his loved ones. He wants to feel connected and needed at all times, so he doesn’t do well with being left alone for long stretches. If he gets bored, he could become destructive. If he gets lonely, he could become aggressive. Keep him entertained with toys and challenging puzzles for dogs. You should also establish a schedule of when he can expect you home. If he knows a pattern of when you’ll come back, he’ll be less likely to chew up your furniture or growl when you finally do walk through the door.

Exercise-wise, the Afaird is an active, high-energy pup who needs lots of room to run, play, and explore. A fenced-in backyard would be best, but a dog park would suffice if you’ve trained him to be accepting of other dogs. Take him for regular walks at least twice a day, or simply open the door and let him run if you have a fenced-in yard. He needs a lot of space, so apartments would be a poor environment for an Afaird.

Training is highly critical for an Afaird. These dogs can turn aggressive or destructive quickly, so the sooner you begin training, the better. Use a firm, clear tone to issue commands, but be patient, gentle, and positive.

Avoid yelling or hitting your Afaird because this could incite a bite. Forceful training is never, ever a good way to get your dog to do what you want. Instead, offer rewards for obedience, and stay strong through bouts of stubbornness. If you have too many problems, look into hiring a professional, reputable dog trainer.

Grooming

The Afaird is a shaggy pup with lengthy, soft hair. He does shed, but it’s mostly seasonal. He fluffs right back up when the weather gets cold. Brush him at least three times per week for 30 to 60 minutes each time. This frees his hair of any debris and helps strengthen your bond with him. Bathe your Afaird at least once a month. Or, take him to see a professional groomer for a bath, brush, ear cleaning, toenail trim, and hair trim.

Diet

The Afaird is a large dog with a big, healthy appetite. He should have at least 3.5 cups of high-quality, dry kibble, separated into breakfast and dinner. This division of his dog food will help stave off hunger between meals. It eliminates begging and food aggression.

Make sure you feed your Afaird the best, most nutritious kibble you can find. Due to his size, he could use all of the nutrients he can get to remain happy and healthy. Bad, chemical-laden dog food brands are everywhere, so it may be hard to avoid by-products and fillers. Ask your vet what brand of nutritious kibble she would recommend.
 

Find An Afaird Breeder

Afaird Puppies For Sale

Adopt An Afaird

Cost

An Afaird puppy will cost upwards of $1,000, plus any additional, breeder-decided fees for first check-ups and initial vaccinations. You also have to think about the costs of toys, wholesome dog food, regular vet visits, emergency medical expenses, micro-chipping, and other pup-related accessories and necessities.

If you go to a shelter for an Afaird, your adoption fees will range anywhere from $200 to $350. This depends on the health history, updated vaccinations, and age of the dog.

Paws ‘N’ Pups Ranking

Paws ‘N’ Pups ranks every breed out of 4 with 1 being easiest to integrate into your life and 4 being the toughest – The lower the ranking the better.

Ranking takes into account a few basic factors including cost, skill level needed, high vs low maintenance and how critical regular training is to success. On the Paws ‘N’ Pups scale, the Afaird ranks a 2.5. He wouldn’t be a good choice for a family with small children, but he could be a good family dog for someone with older children or an all-adult home. It takes a lot of hard work and determination to break through the stubbornness and sensitivities of an Afaird, but be consistent in your efforts. When he is bonded and well-trained, he is the sweetest, most loyal, and affectionate pup you could ever hope to have.

 

Afghan Hound

Briard

Irish Wolfhound

Scottish Deerhound