Afaird

60-65 lbs

22-24"

Unknown

Afghan Hound

Briard

The Afaird is a large breed, “designer” dog that has only recently appeared as a hybrid. It’s parent breeds are the Afghan Hound and the Briard, two working class breeds. The Afaird is a vigilant, protective, yet fun loving breed that tends to stand tall and strong. It is the ideal dog for active families, but one must be able to maintain its heavy grooming requirements. This hybrid will thrive on attention and an active and energetic lifestyle.

Purpose
Watchdog


Date of Origin
2000s


Ancestry
Afghan Hound, Briard

Afaird Health

Average Size

Height: 22-27 inches Weight: 60-65 lbs

Height: 22-24 inches Weight: 60-65 lbs

Major Concerns

Hip Dysplasia
Bloat

Minor Concerns

Cataracts
Glaucoma

Occasional Tests

Eye
Hip
X-Rays
Physical Examination

Afaird Breed History

The Afaird originates from the Afghan Hound and the Briard dog breeds. The Afghan Hound is said to have had beginnings most likely around the Middle East in Afghanistan and Iran. It stems from a family of Greyhounds known as the Eastern Greyhound. The primary purpose was assisting farmers with hunting and guarding. The Briard is a herding dog breed thought to have originated in France around the 8th century. These dogs often are quite heavily built with a wide bone structure and thick wiry coats and because of this, made excellent guard dogs against wolves due to their large size. Both the Afghan Hound and Briard are recognized by the American Kennel Club; however, at the moment, the Afaird is not recognized by any known organization.

Afaird Breed Appearance

The Afaird is large breed dog that stands anywhere from 23 to 27 inches. It has a long muzzle, long well-built legs, and a long sickle-shaped tail, all eye catching characteristics it takes on from its parent breeds. Eyes tend to be dark and alert, whereas ears tend to be flopped downwards. The Afaird will have medium-long fur, a trait seen in both the Afghan Hound and the Briard parent. This coat may come in shades of grey, browns, and blacks and is often quite dense and wiry. The length and texture of the coat are dependent on the individual dog itself and the lineage your dog takes on the most. However, in general, coat length tends to be shorter than that of the Afghan Hound and texture tends to be smoother than that of the Briard.

Afaird Breed Maintenance

This hybrid may need to be brushed a few times weekly in order to keep ahead of potential tangles that may develop in the silky coat. Afairds are longhaired dogs that are seasonal shedders who require additional grooming, on top of the brushing, every 4 weeks. A general trimming of the fur all over the body will keep your Afaird mat free and looking healthy. Bathing may be done whenever the dog gets really dirty; however, as a general rule, he can be bathed once a month. As with all dogs, ears and teeth need to be cleaned and maintained in order to prevent infections from occurring. This hybrid in particular will benefit from regular observation and cleaning of the ears. Additionally, fur around the footpads and nails may need to be trimmed every 4 weeks in order to keep the feet free of debris or bacterial build-up.

Afaird Temperament

The Afaird typically makes a great guard dog as they are quite intelligent, obedient and protective of their owners and home. However, they also have a very affectionate and soft side, which can be beneficial to owners with young kids. When it comes to children and other pets, if trained well, the Afaird is often quite gentle and will tolerate younger children. When it comes to strangers, the Afaird will be cautious and protective, thus they may tend to have a high tendency to bark. These dogs can get very stubborn and develop behavioral issues if not trained well. Though a very pleasant companion, the Afaird is recommended for canine-experienced owners and for those willing to spend the time needed to stimulate and care for this hybrid.

Afaird Activity Requirements

As these dogs stem from active herding and guarding breeds, they require a dynamic, lively lifestyle on a day to day basis and will best benefit in a home with a large backyard. Ideally, owners should walk or run their Afaird at least 2 to 3 times a day for about 45 to 60 minutes. These dogs can be quite stubborn and will benefit from regular training and mental stimulation through playtime with toys and socialization with other dogs. Owners should consider taking their Afaird out to off-leash dog parks and hiking trails in order to meet the hybrid’s energetic needs.