Is the Afghan Hound or the Saluki better for families with children?

Both the Afghan Hound and the Saluki are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Afghan Hound or the Saluki?

The Afghan Hound sheds more than the Saluki. If shedding is a concern, the Saluki is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Afghan Hound or the Saluki?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Afghan Hound or Saluki bigger?

Afghan Hound and Saluki are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, Afghan Hound or Saluki?

Afghan Hound tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Saluki is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Afghan Hound or Saluki?

For apartment or apartment living, Saluki has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Afghan Hound vs Saluki: Which Sheds Less?

Afghan Hound vs Saluki: full comparison

Trait	Afghan Hound	Saluki
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	Medium	Medium
Trainability	Low	Low
Friendliness	Medium	Medium
Good with children	Medium	Medium
Grooming needs	Very High	Medium
Shedding	High	Low
Barking	Low	Very Low
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	Low	Low
Typical lifespan	12 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Afghan Hound has noticeably higher grooming than the Saluki.
The Afghan Hound has noticeably higher shedding than the Saluki.

Size and living space

The Afghan Hound is a large and powerful breed that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. By comparison, the Saluki is a large and powerful breed that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Afghan Hound thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play. The Saluki thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Afghan Hound is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits and sheds quite a lot — expect fur on furniture and clothes. The Saluki wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and sheds very little. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Afghan Hound takes a little persistence to train but responds to consistency, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and gets on with children when raised around them. The Saluki takes a little persistence to train but responds to consistency, stays notably quiet indoors and gets on with children when raised around them. On guarding instinct, Afghan Hound is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors, whereas Saluki is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Saluki has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Afghan Hound and Saluki are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Afghan Hound and Saluki are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Saluki has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Saluki has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Afghan Hound if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Saluki on temperament, size and care.

Choose the Saluki if you prefer lower grooming upkeep, you want less shedding around the home, or you prefer a quieter dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Afghan Hound or the Saluki better for families with children?: Both the Afghan Hound and the Saluki are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Afghan Hound or the Saluki?: The Afghan Hound sheds more than the Saluki. If shedding is a concern, the Saluki is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Afghan Hound or the Saluki?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Afghan Hound or Saluki bigger?: Afghan Hound and Saluki are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, Afghan Hound or Saluki?: Afghan Hound tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Saluki is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Afghan Hound or Saluki?: For apartment or apartment living, Saluki has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Afghan Hound vs Saluki