Are you stuck between choosing an Afghan Hound and a Labrador Retriever as your next floof ball of love?
What if we say that you could have both? Retrieving the fierce loyalty and independence of the Afghan Hound and the playful energy and affection of the Labrador Retriever, we have the Afador Dog Breed.
Inheriting the best features of its parent breeds, the Afador Breed was first bred in 2000. If the Afador dog breed is to be the pup of your choice, you have reached the right place; here, we shall walk you through everything you would want to know about the Afador dogs. ⤵️
Afador Dog Breed History
First bred in 2002 in Alaska, the Afador dog breed is a crossbreed between the Labrador Retriever and the Afghan Hound Dog.
It is also known popularly by the name Afghan Lab. The parent breed, Afghan Hounds, are one of the oldest purebred dogs, famous for their elegant, thick, and silky mane that protects them from the harsh climate of their place of origin, Afghanistan.
The other parent breed, the ever-loved Labrador retriever, has always been popular since they were first bred in the 1800s. Originally bred to catch fish, they were popularly known as the “fisherman’s mate.”
Being the perfect mix of its parent breed, the Afador is intelligent and beautiful. They are protective and have an affinity for retrieving small animals.
They are not registered with the American Kennel Club(AKC) as they are not true purebred dogs.
Afador Dog Breed Job Card / Overview
| Breed Name | Afador |
| Other Name of Afador | Afghan Lab |
| Type of Dog Breed | Crossbreed |
| Origin | Alaska |
| Born of | Labrador Retriever and Afghan Hound |
| Life Expectancy | 10 – 12 years |
| Persona | Intelligent, Loyal, Affectionate, Independent and Energetic |
| Friendly to other pets | Yes |
| Health expectancy | Good |
| Ability to reason and understand | Highly able |
| Ease of training | Easy |
| Level of Vitality | Moderate |
| Level of Exercise Ideally Required | 45 minutes of exercise |
| Puppies | 8 – 10 |
| Coat Type | Medium, long; Extremely silky |
| Coat Colors | Black, Red, Fawn, gray, and brown |
| Level of Grooming | Moderate |
| Level of Shedding | Moderate |
What to know
● Even if they can come off as a little stubborn and independent, the right training at an early age can fix any such behavioral issues.
● Their low-shedding coat is also one thing to consider when choosing this breed.
● This breed being athletic, are perfect companions for people who are ready to match their energy.
Afador Characteristics
Adaptability
One of the most adaptable dog breeds, the Afador dog, has an extremely high capacity to tolerate any kind of environment it is flopped into.
Despite being stubborn, afadors do great when appropriately trained and are known to be amazing pets. They can also cope with apartment living, which is great!
Adaptability
Prefers being unescorted
Ideal for first-time pet parents
Affinity to Cold Climate
Affinity to Hot Climate
Friendliness
Afador dogs are not just friendly with their owners but have a medium tolerance for other pets. Not particularly amicable to strangers, Afadors can do well when they are trained to greet unknown people correctly.
Africans love their families, but it is best to keep both under supervision if you have a kid.
Friendliness
Loves other dogs
Family love
Amicable To Strangers
Loves kids
Personality
The Afador dog breed is not the easiest breed to train, and they have a reputation for being very tricky.
Be aware of the breed’s athletic nature if you have children at home because the Afador is highly energetic.
However, when properly trained, the Afador is one of the most loyal dogs. This breed also requires a strict exercise routine so that they don’t become susceptible to various health issues.
Temperament
Friendly with Kids
Afadors have varied personalities; they can be calm and composed at one time while extremely energetic at other times.
They might sometimes lack the patience to be with kids, but this isn’t a drawback because proper training helps them keep their temperament in check.
Also, you should advise your kids on how they should be around your Afador, gentle and polite.
Amicable to Other Pets
Every Afador is unique and is governed by a set of personalities. When introduced gradually to other pets, Afadors have a medium tolerance for dogs and cats you might have at home.
However, whether they are territorial or friendly depends on their mood.
Barking Tendencies
Afadors have inherited their barking tendencies. However, their barking or howling potential is governed by environmental factors and their personalities.
If your Afador barks a lot, it can mean that boredom or anxiety has hit him. A good game of fetch can help ease him.
Possibilities of staying alone
Every dog is social, and leaving them alone can lead to separation anxiety. However, Afadors have a medium tolerance to being left alone.
Providing them with mental stimulation toys can help them stay occupied when they have to run out for emergencies or errands.
Pros and Cons of Afador Dog
Pros
- Afadors are playful and fun-loving, ideal as family dogs.
- They can be good watchdogs.
- People with allergies can adopt Afadors as they do not have high shedding.
Cons
- Highly energetic; not ideal if you have a sedentary lifestyle.
- They have a stubborn trait, which makes training cumbersome.
- Afadors have the potential for health issues as they are mixed-breed dogs.
Appearance
General Appearance
Afadors are very handsome, and known for their slender body build. They have long limbs, which provide them with a highly athletic appearance.
Their heads are round and large, with a cute nose, normally black or brown.
Their beautiful almond-shaped eyes will win your heart! Always curious, this breed’s dropped and folded ears will make your heart go aww!
Coat color
Afadors mainly have black, brown, gray, red, or fawn coats of medium length. Their coats are often straight with a medium density.
They are susceptible to shedding like any other breed and therefore require lots of grooming. Coats are to be brushed twice every week to keep the shedding at a minimum.
Shedding
The shedding rate of this breed is lower compared to other breeds. Lots of grooming and weekly brushing will ensure that your couch is much more hair-free.
Size
The male dogs stand at a height of 27-29 inches, while the female dogs have heights between 24 – 27 inches.
The male dogs often weigh around 55 – 70 pounds, while the female dogs weigh between 50 – 65 pounds.
Afador breeds are affable dogs; there is not much difference in attitude based on gender than what is commonly seen in most dog breeds.
| Male | Female | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 27-29” | 24-27” |
| Weight | 55-70 lbs | 50-65 lbs |
Afador Health
Generally a healthy breed, the Afrador breed has a high chance of being affected by the same conditions that often affect its parent breeds – the Afghan Hound and the Labrador Retriever.
It is essential to schedule regular health checkups with the nearby vet.
Some of the health problems the Afradors are susceptible to are:
| Health Issues |
|---|
| Bloating |
| Diabetes |
| Hemophilia |
| Hip Dysplasia |
| Elbow Dysplasia |
| Subaortic Stenosis |
| Retinal Dysplasia |
| Fanconi Syndrome |
| Entropion Cataract |
| Health Test |
|---|
| X-Rays |
| Blood Analysis |
| Eye Examination |
| Cardiac Test |
| Complete Physical Examination |
Health And Grooming
Big Breed
Drool Capacity
Shedding
Chances of Weight gain
Grooming smoothness
Overall health
Maintenance and Care
As with every other dog breed, the Afadors also require regular health checkups for the early detection of any health condition.
Ask your veterinarian to develop a proper care routine to keep your dog healthy. It is also important that the dog’s ears are checked at least once to keep them clean without risking wax buildup.
Nails should be regularly clipped so that they do not constantly click against the floor.
Grooming
Regular shampoo sessions will be required, and the appropriate shampoo should be selected according to the vet’s opinion.
The Afador breed is better suited for colder climates than warmer ones. But ensure you wrap them in a suitable winter coat in case the temperature drops.
Food and Nutrition
The ideal diet for the Afador breed is similar to that of any medium-bred dog breed with high energy. Stick to a healthy diet.
Overeating without any exercise can lead to weight gain, and health issues will soon follow.
Their dietary needs are bound to change as they age; you should make sure to get opinions regarding the Afador’s diet.
Food Cost
For your Afador dog, 2.5 cups of dog food will be perfect. The average daily cost that can be expected is between $1.2 – $1.4, and the monthly cost rounds up to $34 – $45.
Exercise and Activity Level
Your floof ball must be exercised for a minimum of 45 minutes to avoid getting overweight and avoid all health issues.
Being an athletic breed, the Afador loves a good game of fetch. It is also necessary to warn about the breed’s capacity to easily jump over fences over six-foot heights.
As Afadors are highly active breeds, allowing them to run off-leash will be highly beneficial for them.
You can also play simple ball games to keep them on their toes. Their high activity levels should allow them to have regular outlets.
Physical Requirements
Level of Vitality
Ferocity
Physical movements
Loves to Play
Trainability
Afadors are cute but stubborn at times and can give you a tough time when you are trying to train them.
However, once the training is complete, you can be assured that you have the best boy/girl with you. They will follow your commands without you having to repeat them constantly.
Early socialization of the Afadors helps with the ease of training them.
Trainability
Training potential
Capability to reason
Popping everything into the mouth
Potential to hunt
Barking potentiality
Loves traveling
Interesting facts
● Afadors are one of the most disobedient dog breeds, but once trained, they change.
● The Afghan genes of the Afadors make them extremely naughty!
● Their intelligence and loyalty come from the Labrador genes that they possess.
The Afador, a hybrid dog with two great parent breeds, has a very special personality; with their high intelligence and playfulness, they are bound to steal your hearts.
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FAQ on Afador dog breeds breed
Where do the Afador dog breeds come from?
A mix of the Afghan Hound and the Labrador Retriever, Afadors are originally from Alaska.
What is the best diet routine for an Afador dog?
Set your Afador’s diet according to the opinions of your vet.
How much exercise is required for an Afador?
At least 45 minutes of exercise regularly.
I am a passionate animal lover with a lifelong commitment to pet care. With over a decade of experience as a pet owner, I’ve nurtured a variety of furry and feathered friends, from cats and dogs to birds and reptiles. I possess a deep understanding of their unique needs, behavior, and health. My mission is to share my knowledge and insights to help fellow pet enthusiasts provide the best possible care for their beloved companions.