Afghan Hound – PetBudget | Pet Costs & Saving Tips

The price of an Afghan Hound dog can be difficult to pin down. If you are in the market for one, you will need to account for a variety of expenses – the cost of the dog or puppy itself, veterinary fees, training, grooming, food, supplies and the like. Our team has developed a calculator that helps you estimate your costs when it comes to buying, raising, and maintaining an Afghan Hound. An Afghan Hound puppy is likely to cost between $2,000 and $2,500 with the average price being $2,250. First-year expenses are around $4,335 and will be about $1,785/year (or $149/month) after that. Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning an Afghan Hound is $27,540. These figures are based on a comprehensive list of essentials – supplies, training costs, medical expenses, food, treats, grooming costs, license registration and a microchip are included. Additionally, optional costs, such as medical procedures that may be necessary and insurance, as well as services like dog walking and dog boarding are not included. If you spay/neuter your Afghan Hound, buy pet insurance, send your dog to a boarding facility one week every year and need a dog walker every working day, your total cost could rise between $75,065 and $146,950. This would put the overall average cost of maintaining an Afghan Hound at $109,120 throughout its lifetime. Prices in the higher range are relevant for people buying high-end products and services and/or living in expensive areas, while the lower range will be more accurate for cheaper products and services and/or owners living in a less expensive area. We have put together a comprehensive analysis of the expenses that come with raising an Afghan Hound puppy and adult dog. Moreover, at the end of this article you will find a cost calculator that will give you a much more accurate estimate as to how much it should cost you to buy and raise an Afghan Hound through the course of its lifetime. Quick Links How much does an Afghan Hound puppy cost? Our team has perused through 17 ads from reliable sources like the American Kennel Club, NextDayPets, breeders websites, and PuppyFind to estimate the average price for Afghan Hound puppies under 6 months to be $2,250 per puppy. Most puppies reviewed fell between $2,000 and $2,500. But note that some Afghan Hounds were priced as high as $3,100. Puppy CostRangeAverage CostAfghan Hound$2,000 - $2,500$2,250 When buying an Afghan Hound puppy, we strongly recommend doing some research to find a reputable shelter or breeder. This will have a major impact on your dog’s long-term health and well-being! Also, adoption can be a much more economical option, with adoption or rehoming fees typically ranging from $50-$500, depending on your location. The price of supplies for an Afghan Hound As you welcome your puppy or adult dog into your home, there are a few supplies you should have on hand to make things much easier for both of you! We have perused through over 250 best seller prices across multiple marketplaces, such as Amazon, Walmart, and PetSmart to give you the most accurate idea of the prices available! One will most probably spend $185 to $790 for the first year and $75 to $330 every year after that in supplies for a medium-sized dog such as an Afghan Hound. The prices will vary depending on your location, where you shop, as well as the quality of the products you will buy. Supplies PricesRangeAverage CostFood & Water Bowls$5 - $40$15Dog Collars (x2) $10 - $40 $20Leash $5 - $20 $10ID Tag with Phone Number $5 - $20 $10Dog Bed (36" or 42") $20 - $85 $50Dog Crate (36" or 42") $30 - $120 $55Plastic Poop Bags (900-1080) $15 - $110 $55Pooper Scooper $10 - $30 $20House Training Pads (75-100) $15 - $45 $25Stains and Odors Removal Spray $5 - $20 $10Toys $30 - $100 $60First-Aid Kit $15 - $50 $30Brush $5 - $45 $15Shampoo $5 - $20 $10Tooth-brushing Kit $5 - $15 $10Toenail Clippers $5 - $30 $15 In total, we found the average cost for supplies to be $410 for the first year and $185 for each year after that since you will probably need to renew your dog’s bed and toys and get new plastic bags, shampoo and tooth-brushing kit. Total Supplies CostRangeAverage CostFirst Year$185 - $790$410Subsequent Years$75 - $330$185 You might require additional supplies, like a muzzle, a harness, some dog clothing, anti-chew spray, a doggy play pen, yard fences or door gates to restrict certain areas which are not included here. A useful tip to help save some extra money is to check out second-hand stores and sites. Should Afghan Hounds be professionally trained? Dog trainer and animal behaviorist Alexa Diaz, Ph.D., thinks that a few group training sessions could be beneficial for an Afghan Hound. These would mostly be beneficial to socialize the dog outside of your home and typically cost $150 to $200 for 5 hours (5 weekly 1-hour lessons). But according to her, professional training is usually not a necessity with Afghan Hounds as experienced dog owners could train this breed themselves. Training CostRangeAverage CostAfghan Hound$0 - $200$100 If you are keen on training your Afghan Hound yourself, picking up a training book will help you familiarize with the basics. This presents a very affordable option and can be an enjoyable process, particularly with these dogs. Medical expenses for an Afghan Hound According to our consulting licensed veterinarian, Leslie Brooks, DVM, first year medical expenses for an Afghan Hound puppy should be around $610. Even if the number of visits to the clinic are lower for each year that follows, the cost of medication as the dog gets bigger drives the annual price up close to $625. Spay/neuter and gastropexy procedures will add between $250 and $850 to the medical bills (more details below). Medical CostRangeAverage CostFirst Year Vet Cost$425 - $795$610Spay/Neuter (optional)$50 - $450$250Gastropexy (optional)$200 - $400$300Adult Year Vet Cost$425 - $825$625 Vet cost for the first year When it comes to prices, Dr Brooks estimates that a dog owner will pay $65-$170 for each of the three recommended visits for a puppy, with the first one being scheduled at about 8 weeks of age. This will cover the exams, essential vaccines including rabies, the first doses of heartworm and flea prevention as well as a fecal examination. Most of her clients also follow her advice to purchase heartworm and flea prevention medication for the rest of the year. They should respectively cost around $75-$105 and $85-$105. Some Afghan Hounds may also need additional vaccines depending on activities and lifestyle: Leptospirosis if the dog is exposed to wildlife, goes camping often, hikes, plays in puddles, lakes, or ponds ($15-$25 and sometimes already included in the visit).Influenza if the dog goes to doggie daycare or is kenneled/boarded often and if the daycare or kennels require it due to intermittent influenza outbreaks ($70-$90 for two doses).Lyme, if exposed to ticks often, such as if the dog goes camping or hiking, or lives in a wooded area or on a farm ($60-$80 for two doses). Some owners will also decide to spay/neuter their dog. Vet clinics usually charge $150-$450 to perform this procedure on an Afghan Hound. It is even possible to find low-cost sterilization clinics that will do it for as low as $50 to $100 depending on your location. Generally, the procedure is more expensive for female dogs (spays). For Afghan Hounds, Leslie Brooks, DVM, also advises performing a gastropexy at the time of their spay or neuter to help prevent the possibility of GDV (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus) later in life. GDV is a life-threatening condition that must be corrected with surgery. A gastropexy procedure typically adds between $200 and $400 to the spay/neuter bill. Afghan Hound veterinary expenses for the following years Dr Brooks expects dog owners to bring their adult Afghan Hound to the clinic for an annual checkup. Yearly visits are usually priced between $125-$265 which includes the exam, vaccines, and a heartworm test (as well as blood work for middle aged and senior dogs to detect any potential issue). Additionally, Dr Brooks suggests continuing flea and heartworm prevention medication, which usually fall in the $100-$150 and $200-$250 ranges respectively for a dog this big. Annual booster shots for the optional lifestyle vaccines presented above will add $15-$45 each to the medical bill. Finally, some dogs may require a fecal examination costing an extra $40-$50. This is mainly if the pet is exposed to wildlife and/or other dogs or shows inconsistent stool quality. Health problems to be aware of Not all Afghan Hounds will have the following health problems listed by Dr Brooks, but it is important to be aware of them when considering this breed. Health ProblemLikelihoodTreatment Cost EstimateHip DysplasiaMedium$500 - $13,000Elbow DysplasiaMedium$2,000 - $3,500CataractsMedium$1,500 - $3,000Laryngeal ParalysisMedium$1,000 - $3,000CardiomyopathyMedium$600 - $2,000Gastric Dilatation and VolvulusMedium$1,500 - $3,000 This price range for hip dysplasia is very wide because of the variety of treatment options an owner may pursue. Conservative treatment, including pain management and physical therapy, is usually the cheapest alternative ($500-$2,500 per year), while total hip replacement costs about $5,000-$6,500 per affected hip. Hip dysplasia can affect a dog at any age. Elbow dysplasia: the cost estimate is for surgery per elbow. Cataracts: this is a cost estimate for diagnostics and surgery per eye affected. Laryngeal paralysis: $1,000-$3,000 for diagnosis and surgery. Surgery is the best mode of treatment for dogs having trouble breathing but performing the surgery changes the airway to make it more likely that the dog will develop aspiration pneumonia (inhaling food while eating). This can be life-threatening and expensive to treat (up to $1,000-$1,500) as it would involve x-rays, hospitalization, antibiotics, fluid therapy, and sometimes oxygen therapy. Cardiomyopathy: the cost estimate includes diagnostics (x-rays, ECG, echocardiogram) and heart medications. Dog health insurance One might consider enrolling their dog in a health insurance plan as a safety net against unexpected costs, making budgeting much easier. As per the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry report, the average annual price for accident and illness coverage plans round out at about $565. For accident only plans, the average price is $190. Contact pet insurance companies to know more and get a quote. Feeding an Afghan Hound On average, adult Afghan Hounds will grow to be 55 lb. on average (usually 50 to 60 lb.). After carefully reviewing some of the best-selling dog dry food brands such as Purina, Purina One, Pedigree and Blue Buffalo we estimate the average cost at $195 for the first year with a puppy, and $245 for each adult year. Note that there is an important price difference between standard and premium brands. Yearly Food CostRangeAverage CostPuppy$130 - $265$195Adult Dog$140 - $405$245 Treats cannot be ignored when budgeting dog food. A review of more than 25 best sellers for medium-sized dogs on Walmart, PetSmart and Amazon shows that one can expect to spend around $240 every year on treats for their Afghan Hound (if the dog gets treats daily). Treats CostRangeAverage CostYearly Treats$115 - $335$240 Four dog food brands compared Your Afghan Hound puppy will likely need around 170 lb. of food for the first year. Puppy Food BrandsQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PricePurina - Puppy Chow36 lb.5$27.78 (Walmart)$138.90Purina One - Smart Blend Puppy16.5 lb.11$21.98 (Walmart)$241.78Pedigree - Puppy36 lb.5$25.83 (Walmart)$129.15Blue Buffalo - Puppy30 lb.6$44.08 (Amazon)$264.48 Adult Afghan Hounds typically consume around 260 lb. of food a year. Adult Food BrandsQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PricePurina - Dog Chow50 lb.6$22.98 (Walmart)$137.88Purina One - Smart Blend40 lb.7$40.36 (Walmart)$282.52Pedigree - Adult50 lb.6$25.83 (Walmart)$154.98Blue Buffalo - Adult30 lb.9$44.98 (Amazon)$404.82 As dog food is cheaper in bulk and can be stored sparingly, we recommend making bulk purchases for the best savings, especially for medium-sized dogs. Additionally, you should discuss the kind of dog food your Afghan Hound should be eating with your veterinarian, as they have the best understanding of your dog’s needs. Example for a more expensive premium brand Royal Canin - Size Health NutritionQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PriceMedium Puppy30 lb.6$65.99 (PetSmart)$395.94Medium Adult30 lb.9$64.99 (PetSmart)$584.91 This illustrates the price difference between budget-friendly and premium dog food. Grooming prices for Afghan Hounds Afghan Hounds are considered to be high maintenance. Our certified groomer, Corryne Smith, suggests that they receive professional grooming at least 3 to 6 times a year, with a session typically ranging from $65 to $125. The price will depend on the services requested as well as the dog (health, age, coat, behavior). On average, this comes up to an annual cost of $630. Yearly Grooming CostRangeAverage CostAfghan Hound$195 - $750$475 Most professional groomers offer a bath, shampoo, hair removal (if needed), brushing, styling as well as nails, tooth, eyes, and ears care. DIY enthusiasts can find grooming equipment online for $75 on average. You will be able handle all your dog’s grooming needs from within the comfort of your own home, if you have the skill set and patience to do so! Additional costs to consider Additional CostsRangeAverage CostLicense$10 - $20$15Microchip$25 - $50$40 Dog Walking (per walk) $15 - $25 $20 Dog Boarding (per day)$25 - $85$40 License It is recommended to license your Afghan Hound, as it can be illegal, depending on state and territory legislation, to own an unlicensed dog. Moreover, it makes identification much easier. Licenses usually fall in the $10-$20 range. It could be more expensive if the dog is not spayed or neutered. Microchip Microchips are a great way to identify a dog and are required in many U.S states. Costs will range from $25-$50. Microchip implants make it easier to identify a lost or stolen animal and quickly notify its owner. They also allow dogs to be on some medical and emergency databases. Dog walking Afghan Hounds are energetic pets and require a fair amount of exercise. If you are unable to cater to its needs and dedicate the time to take your dog outdoors during the day, a dog walker is highly recommended by professionals like Tamaria Reddick. On average, dog walkers will charge $15-$25 for 30-minute walks ($20-$50 for 1 hour), depending on your location, and can be found on apps like Rover and Wag. If you are planning on hiring a dog walker on a regular basis, make sure to include this expense into your budget. If the dog is not properly socialized, it might need private walks which are more expensive. Traveling Dog boarding services are a good option in the case of extended travel plans. Budget $25 to $85 a day, depending on location, services offered and time of year. Make sure to book in advance especially during holidays to increase your chances of finding an available spot for your dog and get the best rates. If you are on a tight budget, having friends or family to host your Afghan Hound while you are away will help you save. Taking your dog with you is also a possibility, as some airlines and train companies offer this option. Planning is essential as you will have to submit a formal request in advance and availability can be limited. The cost of traveling with your pet will vary depending on so many factors that it is almost impossible to estimate it and can only be calculated on a case by case basis. Yearly and monthly cost of an Afghan Hound The cost of a puppy during the first year The average cost for the first year when buying an Afghan Hound puppy is around $4,335 and usually ranges between $3,085 and $5,705. Note that most of the major expenses are required soon after buying your puppy. First Year CostsRangeAverage CostPuppy$2,000 - $2,500$2,250Supplies$185 - $790$410Training$0 - $200$100Medical$425 - $795$610Food & Treats$245 - $600$435Grooming$195 - $750$475License$10 - $20$15Microchip$25 - $50$40First Year Total$3,085 - $5,705$4,335 Depending on your situation you might also need to consider some of the optional costs below. Optional First Year CostsRangeAverage CostSpay/Neuter$50 - $450$250Gastropexy$200 - $400$300Insurance$350 - $780$565Dog Walking (30 minutes per day)$15 - $25$20Dog Boarding (per day)$25 - $85$40 For example, the average cost for the first year will be $5,450 and range between $3,685 and $7,335 if you spray/neuter the dog and have pet insurance. With additional services tacked on, such as dog walking (five times a week for 42 weeks) and boarding services (one week), these amounts can rise as high as $9,930 on average and range between $7,010 and $13,180 for the first year! Potential First Year CostRangeAverage CostWith Spay/Neuter and Insurance$3,685 - $7,335$5,450With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$7,010 - $13,180$9,930 Yearly and monthly cost of an Afghan Hound for the subsequent years After the first year, supplies, medical expenses, food and treats, grooming and license renewal will run you anything between $960 to $2,665 with an average of $1,785 per year (or $80 to $222 with an average of $149 per month). Adult Year CostsRangeAverage CostSupplies$75 - $330$185Medical$425 - $825$625Food & Treats$255 - $740$485Grooming$195 - $750$475License$10 - $20$15Adult Year Total$960 - $2,665$1,785Estimated Monthly Cost$80 - $222$149 Once again, with insurance and additional services (dog walking five times a week for 50 weeks and dog boarding for one week), the average cost rises to $7,630 per year ($636 per month) and ranges between $5,235 and $10,290 a year ($436 to $858 a month). Potential Adult Year CostRangeAverage CostWith Insurance$1,310 - $3,445$2,350With Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$5,235 - $10,290$7,630 Total cost of ownership of an Afghan Hound Using these figures detailed above and considering an average life expectancy of 14 years (usually 12 to 15 years), we estimate the total cost of owning an Afghan Hound to fall between $15,565 and $40,350, with an average cost of $27,540. Total Cost of Ownership (14 years)RangeAverage CostAfghan Hound$15,565 - $40,350$27,540 For those willing to spay/neuter their dog and pay for insurance the average cost of ownership will be around $36,000. Finally, if five professional 30-minute dog walks a week for fifty weeks and one week of dog boarding are necessary every year on top of everything else, the total cost of ownership can be as high as $75,065 to $146,950 averaging $109,120 over the course of the dog’s life! Potential Total Cost of Ownership (14 years)RangeAverage CostWith Spay/Neuter and Insurance$20,715 - $52,120$36,000With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$75,065 - $146,950$109,120 Thank you for reading us! Stay tuned for more information about pet costs, product reviews and saving tips. PetBudget Afghan Hound cost calculator The cost of an Afghan Hound – A summary in 7 questions 1- How much is an Afghan Hound puppy? On average an Afghan Hound puppy will cost $2,250 in the USA. Most puppies can be found between $2,000 and $2,500. The price will vary depending on the breeder and location as well as the dog’s bloodline, color, and age among other things. 2 – How much are dog supplies? A new owner can expect an initial investment between $185 and $790 in supplies when welcoming a medium-sized dog. Every year, the cost to renew some of them should be between $75 and $330. Prices vary depending on location, stores, brands, and products quality. 3 - Does an Afghan Hound need training and how much will it cost? An Afghan Hound could be trained by an experienced dog owner and usually do not need professional training on top of that. But like any breed, the dog would still benefit from a few group classes for socialization which should cost between $150 and $200 on average. 4 - What is the cost of preventive medical care for an Afghan Hound? Preventive medical care should amount to around $425 to $795 for an Afghan Hound puppy during the first year and around $425 to $825 every adult year. This does not include spay or neuter and gastropexy procedures (usually $150 to $450 and $200 to $400 respectively). 5 - How much food does an Afghan Hound eat and how much will it cost? An Afghan Hound puppy will eat around 170 lb. and an adult close to 260 lb. of dry food yearly (it varies for each dog and food brand). Annual expenses should be between $130 and $400 for a puppy and $140 to $585 for an adult dog. Other types of food and treats would increase the costs. 6 - How often should an Afghan Hound be professionally groomed and how much will it cost? An Afghan Hound should be professionally groomed 3 to 6 times every year. Most dog owners will not be able to groom the dog themselves. Each visit to a grooming salon should cost from $65 to $125 for this breed depending on the dog and the services offered. 7 – Are there any other expenses to expect? In the United States, a dog license usually costs between $10 and $20. The cost could be slightly higher if the dog is not spayed or neutered. Having the dog licensed is mandatory almost everywhere. A dog microchip costs $25 to $50 on average in the US and is generally implanted during a medical appointment. It is placed under the skin usually between the shoulder blades. Dogs adopted from a shelter or bought from a breeder sometimes already have a microchip. According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry Report, the average annual price is $566 for accident and illness coverage plans or $190 for accident only plans. Dog walkers usually charge $15 to $25 for 30 minutes group walks and $20 to $50 for 1-hour long ones. Prices vary mainly depending on location. Private walks are more expensive. A dog owner should budget $25 to $85 per day for dog boarding services. Prices vary depending on location, time of the year, and the level of service among other things. To help you out, this guide contains all the primary expenses that are necessary to ensure your future dog's well-being. Make sure to take these considerations seriously before adopting or purchasing an Afghan Hound, as they are imperative to your dog leading a healthy, happy, and comfortable life in your home. Moreover, the dog should not be a financial burden on you or your family, so make sure to carefully read through each section to better understand the expenses that come with owning an Afghan Hound. Figures provided in this article are for informational purposes only. A dog owner should always find the actual costs applicable to his own situation before making any decision. References and Resources Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian Mendi Baryzk, DVM – Licensed VeterinarianAlexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal BehavioristCorryne Smith – Dog GroomerTamaria Reddick – Dog Walker, Pet SitterOrthopedic Foundation for AnimalsThe American Kennel ClubNorth American Pet Health Insurance AssociationAssociation of Professional Dog Trainers This article is original content from PetBudget.