Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Long Afghan Hounds Live. Afghan Hound Life Expectancy
- Lifespan of the Afghan Hound Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- Common Causes of Death in Afghan Hound, and how to Prevent Them.
- How To Prevent Genetic Problems in Afghan Hounds
- How Old is Your Afghan Hound in Human Years
- How Long Do Afghan Hounds Live in Human Years?
- More Ways to Make Your Afghan Hound Live Long
- Conclusion on Afghan Hound Life Expectancy
How Long Afghan Hounds Live. Afghan Hound Life Expectancy
Generally, the lifespan of the Afghan Hound is from 10 to 12 years.
Moreover, a few years back, British Veterinarinan researchers performed a scientific study to determine the lifespan of the Afghan Hound. In this study, the scientists collected data on how long 143 pet Afghan Hounds lived.
From the study, it was found that Afghan Hounds have a average lifespan of 11.9 years. Furthermore, the study found that Afghan Hounds can live for as long as 16.5 years.
Furthermore, researchers from the University of Georgia conducted a study to find out what are the top causes of death in Afghan Hounds.
According to the study, the top 5 causes of death in Afghan Hounds are:
- Neoplastic Disease: Issues involving tumors
- Respiratory Disease: Problems with lungs and breathing
- Cardiovascular Disease: Encompasses heart problems, blood pressure issues, and bleeding/clotting problems. CV issues may also be related to lung and/or breathing problems.
- Gastrointestinal Disease: Any problems that affect the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, or rectum.
- Hematopoietic Disease: Problems having to do with platelets, blood vessels, or clotting factors.
In this article, we will explain each of these diseases and discuss how to prevent the early occurence of each in your Afghan Hound to make your Afghan Hound live a longer.
Also, in this article, we will discuss other things you can do to ensure that your Afghan Hound have a longer than average lifespan.
Do you want to know how old your Afghan Hound is in human years? Then, check out our Afghan Hound age to human years calculator
Lifespan of the Afghan Hound Compared to Other Dog Breeds
See in the table below how the lifespan of the Afghan Hound compares to the lifespan of other dog breeds.
| Dog Breed | Average Lifespan (Years) |
|---|---|
| Miniature Pinscher Lifespan | 13.00 |
| Vizsla Lifespan | 12.90 |
| Beagle Lifespan | 12.60 |
| Welsh Springer Spaniel Lifespan | 12.50 |
| Border Collie Lifespan | 12.20 |
| Brussels Griffon Lifespan | 12.00 |
| Miniature Schnauzer Lifespan | 12.00 |
| Afghan Hound Lifespan | 11.90 |
| Pharaoh Hound Lifespan | 11.80 |
| Lancashire Heeler Lifespan | 11.70 |
| Australian Cattle Dog Lifespan | 11.60 |
| Affenpinscher Lifespan | 11.40 |
| Norfolk Terrier Lifespan | 11.00 |
| Clumber Spaniel Lifespan | 10.30 |
| Otterhound Lifespan | 10.20 |
| Chow Chow Lifespan | 9.38 |
| Borzoi Lifespan | 9.08 |
| Rottweiler Lifespan | 8.92 |
| Bulldog Lifespan | 6.29 |
| Miniature Bull Terrier Lifespan | 6.08 |
Common Causes of Death in Afghan Hound, and how to Prevent Them.
We will now discuss the common causes of death in Afghan Hound, according to scientific research. Also we will provide you advice on how to prevent these problems in your Afghan Hound.
Here are the causes of death, starting from the most common cause
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Neoplastic Disease in Afghan Hounds
Neoplasms, or tumors, can be benign (like a lipoma), or malignant (cancer).
Neoplastic Disease is responsible for 35.3 percent of all deaths in Afghan Hounds.
Causes of Neoplastic Disease in Afghan Hound
Neoplasms in dogs, just like in people, are caused by either a genetic predisposition (like some breast cancers), an environmental factor (like smoking in humans), or a combination of both.
How to Prevent Neoplastic Disease in Afghan Hounds
Just like in humans, there is little you can do to prevent cancers that are caused by genetic factors. You can, however, reduce the environmental risks that are associated with cancer. The `environmental` causes of neoplasia are chemical agents, infectious agents, and physical agents. An example of a chemical agent that could cause cancer in Afghan Hounds (and humans) is asbestos. An example of an infectious agent that could cause cancer in Afghan Hounds is the virus called canine adenovirus. An example of a physical agent that can cause cancer in Afghan Hounds is UV radiation from the sun, just like in humans.
Another way to prevent neoplasms in Afghan Hounds is to vaccinate them against harmful viruses, such as canine adenovirus (DHPP vaccine at 8 and 12 weeks and then once a year, every year). As in humans, early diagnosis is the key to supporting Afghan Hounds with neoplasms, so talk to your veterinarian if you find any new lumps, bumps, or discoloration on your Afghan Hound. You should also talk to your veterinarian if your Afghan Hound`s gums look pale.
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Respiratory Disease in Afghan Hounds
Respiratory diseases includes asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and other conditions. May also be related to left-sided heart failure and other cardiovascular issues.
Respiratory Disease is responsible for 16.0 percent of all deaths in Afghan Hounds.
Causes of Respiratory Disease in Afghan Hound
Some lung conditions can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Other lung conditions, such as asthma, can be related to allergies and genetic conditions. Some breeds (called brachycephalic breeds) are more susceptible to breathing problems. These breeds appear to have their noses and snouts kind of squished into their faces. Although they are very cute, these breeds can have serious breathing problems throughout their lives which may require surgery. Additionally, dogs and cats can often get colds and other upper respiratory infections because of stress. Common causes of stress in dogs include separation anxiety, thunderstorms and other loud noises, the introduction of other animals into the home, and more.
How to Prevent Respiratory Disease in Afghan Hounds
Respiratory diseases can be prevented by supporting the immune health of your Afghan Hound, by making sure you feed your Afghan Hound a good, nutritious dog food brand, give them plenty of exercises, and help them live in a stress-free environment. There are several options for supplements and therapies that can help reduce stress in your Afghan Hound. Some Afghan Hound do really well with thundershirts, which are snug shirts that swaddle the dogs and help them calm down during thunderstorms and other stressful events. Furthermore, Afghan Hounds that are anxious with loud sounds might also benefit from calming supplements, such as Anxiety TFLN. For general anxiety, the supplement Composure or Composure Pro might help calm your Afghan Hound`s nervousness. Some Afghan Hounds do really well with supplements, but just like with people, supplements do not work for everyone. If you are not seeing results after a few weeks of putting your Afghan Hound on a supplement to calm anxiety, you should talk to your veterinarian about behavioral therapy and stronger medications.
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Cardiovascular Disease in Afghan Hounds
Cardiac problems may include valvular and vascular disorders, which ultimately lead to the heart`s inability to pump oxygen-rich blood to tissues. Cardiac issues can be acute or chronic, and can lead to progressive heart failure or sudden death.
Cardiovascular Disease is responsible for 13.0 percent of all deaths in Afghan Hounds.
Causes of Cardiovascular Disease in Afghan Hound
Heart disease in Afghan Hounds may be caused by genetic (inherited) factors, lack of exercise, and poor diet. Heart disease can also be caused by infections such as bacteria (endocarditis, myocarditis, and more) as well as viruses, fungi, and parasites (heartworm).
How to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease in Afghan Hounds
You can prevent heart problems in your Afghan Hound by exercising your Afghan Hound regularly and feeding your Afghan Hound a good diet. Heartworm, which causes heart problems, is also very easily avoided by using preventatives. Giving your dog the following supplements can help prevent heart diseases. Here is a good supplement that can prevent heart problems in your Afghan Hound. The supplement is not only good for your Afghan Hound`s heart, but it is also good for your Afghan Hound`s overall health.
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Gastrointestinal Disease in Afghan Hounds
Gastrointestinal diseases includes vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, stomach upset, blockages, toothache, constipation, and more.
Gastrointestinal Disease is responsible for 10.5 percent of all deaths in Afghan Hounds.
Causes of Gastrointestinal Disease in Afghan Hound
GI problems can be caused by a lot of different things. Often, GI problems like vomiting and diarrhea are caused by things that were eaten. It is best not to let your Afghan Hound eat human food or anything it finds outside, including garbage, plants and berries, fecal matter from other animals, and more. Vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset can also be caused by bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. Another important sign of GI problems is when your Afghan Hound stops eating or eats less than usual. This can be caused by many things; sometimes it could be that your Afghan Hound is feeling nauseous, sometimes it could be that your Afghan Hound has mouth pain, and more. In these cases, it is best to see a veterinarian to get to the root of the problem.
How to Prevent Gastrointestinal Disease in Afghan Hounds
An easy way to protect your dog from gastrointestinal problems is to make sure they are on heartworm, flea, and tick medicine all year long (no matter where you live). Many heartworm medications can also de-worm your dog every time you give a dose. This can prevent nasty parasites from settling into your dog`s intestines and causing pain, anemia, and other serious issues. Another way you can keep your dog feeling good is by taking good care of their teeth! This is especially an issue in small dogs. The best way to care for dog teeth is by cleaning them a few times a week. Here is a great brush for cleaning your Afghan Hound`s teeth. However, if your dog will not allow you to do that, dental treats like these are a good second option.
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Hematopoietic Disease in Afghan Hounds
Normally, the body can regulate its own blood pressure and fluid volume without outside help. However, issues in hematopoesis can cause high or low blood pressure, blood clots, edema (fluid where it`s not supposed to be, like in the lungs), and even shock.
Hematopoietic Disease is responsible for 10.5 percent of all deaths in Afghan Hounds.
Causes of Hematopoietic Disease in Afghan Hound
The causes of hematopoietic problems usually involve inflammation and immune responses gone wrong. This can cause congestion, hemorrhage, and many more problems.
How to Prevent Hematopoietic Disease in Afghan Hounds
Talk to your veterinarian if your dog`s gums or skin look very pale or very red. It`s also a good idea to talk to your vet if your dog is experiencing exercise intolerance. Many parasites can cause internal bleeding, so you should have your dog on flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives all year round. Here is a good flea and tick prevention medication (buy the box associated with your pet`s weight!).
How To Prevent Genetic Problems in Afghan Hounds
Every dog breed has a set of genetic problems to which it is predisposed, and the Afghan Hound is not an exception.
These disease will reduce your Afghan Hound`s qualilty of life. Also, these diseases can shorten your Afghan Hound`s lifespan.
The good news is that these diseases can be prevented in Afghan Hound offsprings by only breeding Afghan Hound that have been screened and cleared of genetic defects.
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is one the organizations that keep records of which disease to which a dog breed is genetically prone.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Afghan Hound puppy that will grow up to be healthy and live long, make sure that your Afghan Hound breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
If you do not know if your Afghan Hound has been screened for genetic health problems, then your can use an at-home genetic screening kit like this one to check your Afghan Hound for genetic health problems at home. This might help you in deciding whether to get your Afghan Hound a pet health insurance.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Afghan Hounds for:
How Old is Your Afghan Hound in Human Years
The table below shows your human years equivalent age of your Afghan Hound. This table is based on a dog-to-human age study conducted by researchers from Purdue University.
Learn more about how old your Afghan Hound is in human years here.
In 1997, researchers from Purdue University developed a method for converting a dog`s age to its human age. Their method was based on the 1953 work of the French Veterinarian, A. Lebeau that we discussed above.
Researchers from Purdue University took Lebeau`s work further by taking into account two important factors to develop a more accurate method for converting a dog`s age into its human equivalent age:
- The size of the dog: Smaller dog breeds live longer than larger breed dogs
- The lifespan of the dog: Dog breeds that live longer lives will age slower than dog breeds that live shorter lives
The average lifespan of the Afghan Hound is 11.9 years.
Afghan Hounds are large-sized dogs. Afghan Hounds weigh 50 to 60 pounds.
The method developed by the Purdue University veterinarian researchers took into account the lifespan and size of Afghan Hound in converting Afghan Hound age to human age.
The researchers used data on the lifespan and weight of 5,608 mixed breed dogs and 17,927 purebred dogs to develop their method for converting the ages of dogs (of different breed sizes and lifespans ) to their equivalent human ages.
The calculator below lets you convert your Afghan Hound`s age to its human age based on the Purdue University method. Just enter your Afghan Hound`s age in the calculator and it will compute your Afghan Hound`s human age. If you do not know your Afghan Hound`s exact age, enter an approximate age in the calculator.
Also, the table below shows how old your Afghan Hound is in human years based on the method developed by the researchers.
Note that your Afghan Hound`s human age changes day by day. Therefore, always check back to use the calculator to find your Afghan Hound`s up-to-date human age.
Afghan Hound Age to Human Age Calculator (Purdue Uni. Method)
Below is a Afghan Hound age to human age calculator that is based on the methods developed by researchers from Purdue University.
The calculator will tell your Afghan Hound`s human age based on your Afghan Hound`s dog birthday. Also, the calculator will tell you which day is your Afghan Hound`s human birthday! Try it out!
| Afghan Hound Age (Years) | Human Age (Years) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 16 |
| 2 | 22 |
| 3 | 28 |
| 4 | 34 |
| 5 | 39 |
| 6 | 43 |
| 7 | 48 |
| 8 | 52 |
| 9 | 57 |
| 10 | 61 |
| 11 | 66 |
| 12 | 70 |
| 13 | 75 |
| 14 | 80 |
| 15 | 86 |
| 16 | 92 |
How Long Do Afghan Hounds Live in Human Years?
The average lifespan of the Afghan Hound is 11.9 years. In human years, the Afghan Hound lives for 70 years.
How Old is 4-year-old Afghan Hound in Human Years?
A 4-year old Afghan Hound is 34 years old in human years.
How Old is 5-year-old Afghan Hound in Human Years?
A 5-year old Afghan Hound is 39 years old in human years.
How Old is 7-year-old Afghan Hound in Human Years?
A 7-year old Afghan Hound is 48 years old in human years.
How Old is 10-year-old Afghan Hound in Human Years?
A 10-year old Afghan Hound is 61 years old in human years.
More Ways to Make Your Afghan Hound Live Long
Here are more things your can do to make sure your Afghan Hound live a long life:
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Regular Exercise: Research studies have shown that one of the very effective ways to make a dog live long is to ensure that a dog is in good shape. Adequate exercise will make your Afghan Hound fit and make it live longer.
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Good Diet: A poorly-fed, underweight Afghan Hound does not have a good chance of living a long life. Similarly, an overweight Afghan Hound will have a shorter lifespan than a Afghan Hound that is of normal weight. Therefore, it is important that your feed your Afghan Hound high-quality dog food without overfeeding your Afghan Hound. Check out our Afghan Hound feeding guide here. Learn how you can prevent your Afghan Hound from being overweight here.
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Proper Hydration: Water is essential for your Afghan Hound existence. Therefore, you should make sure your Afghan Hound has access to clean water whenever your Afghan Hound needs water. However, too much water is bad for your Afghan Hound. See our Afghan Hound water drinking guide to learn more on how to properly hydrate your Afghan Hound.
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Spaying/Neutering: Sterilizing your Afghan Hound might prolong its life. Check out this guideline to know when it is the best time to spay/neuter your Afghan Hound.
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Routine Vet Care: Regular preventative visits to the vet can help catch diseases early.
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Vaccinations: Always make sure your Afghan Hound is up to date on its vaccination.
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Dental Hygiene: Your Afghan Hound’s teeth can get infected, and if the infection goes unnoticed, that infection can spread to other parts of the body and become systemic. This could lead to a shortened lifespan. You must have your Afghan Hound teeth cleaned professionally at your vet’s office a couple of times in its lifetime. Talk with your vet about the best ages to have these cleanings done.
Conclusion on Afghan Hound Life Expectancy
We hope the information we have provided will help your in increasing your Afghan Hound`s life expectancy.
Tate Ackerman contributed to this article. Tate is a second-year veterinary student at Kansas State University. Tate is also a concurrent Ph.D. student. She has a lot of experience reading scientific literature and communicating that information to a non-veterinary audience. Tate was a veterinary technician for a companion animal practice before she applied to veterinary school.