Afghan Hound health: what owners should know

Afghans are generally robust, but the breed is known for a few conditions, including hypothyroidism, juvenile cataracts, and a rare spinal disease known as Afghan myelopathy. Like many sighthounds, they have very little body fat and may react differently to anesthesia, so make sure your vet knows the breed before any procedure. Responsible breeders screen hips, eyes and thyroid function.

Regular grooming sessions let you check for skin problems, lumps or sore spots that the coat hides. Keep your dog lean and fit, and avoid hard exercise around meals. Speak to a vet if your dog gains weight and loses energy for no clear reason, has cloudy eyes, stumbles or drags its hind feet, or has a swollen abdomen after eating.