This adorable designer dog is a cross between an Afghan hound and a Labrador retriever. Originally from Alaska, this dog breed was prized for its hunting and fishing prowess!
Over the past decade, the favor has become increasingly fashionable, gaining more and more traction. They're still hard to come by in the US, despite their growing popularity. These pups have the best of both worlds in terms of loyalty, energy, and affection.
The Afghan Lab is another name for Afadors. Many people were smitten by the affectionate and loyal nature of this crossbreed. Because of its intelligence, this breed may perform various duties like police work, search and rescue, and the like in addition to aiding in hunting.
Highlights
- Afadors are a cross between a dog and a cat. Unlike their Afghan Hound or Labrador Retriever parents, they are not purebreds.
- Black, brown, grey, red, and fawn are the most frequent colors.
- Shedding is a certainty! Brushing twice a week is the minimum requirement for maintaining the coat of this breed.
- Colder conditions are considerably better for the Afador than hot climes. The Afador, despite this, needs a winter coat if the weather becomes cold.
- Playing fetch and folic in an off-leash area is a favorite pastime for the Afador.
- Warning: This dog can easily jump over a six-foot fence, so prepare appropriately if you live in an enclosed area.
- From the start, it is important to ensure that both the dog and your children are appropriately trained to interact with one another.
Characteristics
Social Appearance
Adaptability
As a common misconception holds, only dogs that are small qualify as apartment pets. A high-rise apartment isn't the best place for a tiny dog with a high level of energy and barking. An apartment dog's best attributes include being quiet, low energy, somewhat peaceful indoors, and respectful to the other inhabitants. You may also get a great dog kennel here to give your pet a little more privacy in your home.
Sensitivity Level
While some dogs are unfazed by a firm rebuke, others are taken aback by a filthy stare. "Easy-going" or "tolerant," "resilient" or even "thick-skinned" dogs have lower levels of sensitivity, making them more adaptable to a chaotic household, a louder or more forceful owner, and a routine that is inconsistent or unpredictable. Playing in a garage band, having small children, or living a hectic lifestyle are all signs that you might fit into this category. Choose a dog that isn't overly sensitive.
Intensity
An energetic dog can be vigorous, but it doesn't mean that everything they do is energetic. A robust dog strains on the leash (unless trained otherwise), tries to plow past obstacles, and even eats and drinks in big gulps. A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy. A home with young children or an elderly or feeble person may not be the best place for these dynamos to learn proper etiquette. Low-vigor dogs, on the other hand, have a more laid-back attitude toward life.
Potential for Playfulness
Certain dogs are always looking for a game, while there are others that are more stoic and reserved. Playful dogs are adorable, but you need to think about how many games of fetch or tag your dog can play each day and whether you have children or other canines who can play with the dog.
Personality Appearance
Intelligence
Dogs trained for jobs that involve a high level of decision-making, intelligence, and focus, such as herding sheep, need mental training just as much as physical exercise. If you don't provide them with the cerebral stimulation they require, they will create their work, often involving activities you find objectionable, like digging or gnawing on furniture. A dog's brain can benefit from activities such as obedience training, engaging dog toys, and dog sports and occupations like agility and search and rescue.
Energy Level
Dogs with a high level of energy are always ready for action. Due to their heritage as working dogs, such as a retrieving games for hunters or shepherding livestock, they have the endurance to put in long days at the office. As a result, they're more inclined to engage in activities such as jumping, playing, and exploring new sights and smells.
The canine version of a couch potato, a low-energy dog is satisfied to sleep the day away. Consider your level of activity and lifestyle when choosing a breed, and whether or not you'll find a rambunctious, excitable dog energizing or irritating.
Easy To Train
It is easier for dogs that are easy to teach to build associations between a cue, an action, and a reward than it is for dogs who are more difficult to train. Dogs that are more difficult to teach require more time, patience, and repetition.
In many cases, you'll need to employ rewards and games to encourage your dog to want to comply with your commands if he approaches training with an attitude.
Family Affection Level
Affectionate With Family
Even if they've been nurtured by the same person since puppyhood, some breeds are stubborn and aloof; others form strong bonds with a single person and are uninterested in anybody else; and still, others exhibit unconditional love to everyone in the household. It's not just the breed that influences a dog's level of attachment; canines who were raised in a home with people around are more likely to form strong bonds with humans.
Kid-Friendly
Having a blasé attitude about screaming, running youngsters, and being gentle with children are all characteristics of a dog that is good with children. Some of the names may come as a shock to you: Fierce-looking Boxers and American Staffordshire Terriers are believed to be good with children (which are considered Pit Bulls). Chihuahuas, being little, sensitive, and prone to snapping, aren't always the most family-friendly of dogs.
Dog Friendly
There is a world of difference between being friendly to dogs and being friendly to people. It's not uncommon for dogs to attack or try to dominate each other, even if they're known as "lovebugs" by their owners. It's not only a matter of what kind of dog you have. At least six to eight weeks of age, puppies should have spent a lot of time playing with their littermates and their mother, and they are more likely to have good social skills.
Physical Appearance
Amount of Shedding
Having a dog in the house means that you'll have to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothing and in the home. It's worth noting, however, that shedding varies widely among breeds. Depending on the breed, some dogs will shed all year long, while others will only shed during certain times of the year. Pick a breed that sheds less or lowers your requirements if cleanliness is important to you. Your home can benefit from the use of an effective de-shedding tool.
Drooling Potential
Slobber-prone dogs can leave huge, wet stains on your clothes and your arm when they come over to say hello. If you don't mind a little drool, go for it; but if you're a stickler for cleanliness, you may want to look for a dog with a low drool rating.
Easy To Groom
Some dogs may be brushed and go, while others need to be bathed, clipped, and otherwise groomed regularly to be clean and healthy. Grooming a dog that requires a lot of time and patience may not be in your best interest if you do not have the time or the money to do so.
Exercise Needs
Evening walks around the neighborhood are perfectly acceptable for some breeds. Many other breeds, such as those developed for labor-intensive vocations like herding or hunting, require regular exercise.
These breeds may put on weight if they don't get enough exercise, and their pent-up energy may manifest itself in unwanted behaviors like barking, chewing, and digging. Breeds that require a lot of exercises are ideal for folks who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors or who want to train their dog for a high-intensity canine sport like agility.
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed
Weight
60-75 lb
Lifespan
10-12 years
Height
20-24 inches
Afador Breed History
The Afador, a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Afghan Hound, was the first bred in Alaska. Although the Afador is still a rare breed, it has gained in popularity over the last decade. Both the Labrador and the Afghan breeds have qualities that make them desirable as pets for a wide range of people. It used to be that the Afador was always a mix of Labrador Retriever and Afghan Hound, but breeders are increasingly using second-generation Afadors to produce new Afadors.
We cannot predict the characteristics of these puppies because of interbreeding. The amount of each original breed present in the first generation, as well as the most prevalent DNA, are all factors to consider. Stabilizing the Afador breed is now a goal of breeders, who are trying to figure out how much of each sort of dog people want. The Afghan Hound is one of the oldest canine breeds in existence, dating back to the pre-Christian era, and was first bred in Afghanistan.
This breed of dog is intelligent, affectionate, and playful all at the same time. Because of their intelligence and friendliness, this breed is a favorite among those looking for guiding dogs and working dogs. The Afador is a robust and self-assured retrieving dog that also enjoys playing and guarding its owner's property. They are excellent watchdogs at home, but they also enjoy going outside and rescuing little animals, even if you don't ask them to do so. Because they are not purebred dogs, they cannot be registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC). They are, nonetheless, included in the hounding and sporting communities.
Afador Temperament and Personality
The Afador is a fearless and intelligent dog. These dogs were bred to hunt both on land and in the sea, and they still do today.
Because they are confident leaders, you will be astonished at how quickly they pick up new skills. Dogs of this breed are just like any other canines in that they crave love and attention.
They'll return the favor by showering you with their undivided attention and devotion. As long as they have a good relationship with their masters, they'll listen to what you say. Even though they are likely to enjoy children as much as you are, they nonetheless prefer not to be bothered.
When it comes to discussing a dog's temperament, it's difficult because you never know what you'll receive.
These dogs are extremely bright and have excellent listening abilities. Dogs from this breed are particularly adept at being trained. They have a lot of energy and can be serious when necessary, but they also know how to have a good time when the going gets tough.
As soon as they encounter children, they're ecstatic and want to play with them for hours on end! As a result, they are incredibly devoted to and protective of their owners. This is the ideal mix for your dog breed.
Care
The same as with other dogs, regular veterinary checks for your Afador are required. When it comes to dog care, you should visit your vet.
This breed needs 45 minutes of daily activity. Off-leash fetch and folic games are a favorite of the Afador. If you reside in a confined location, be aware that this dog may quickly jump a six-foot fence.
Along with regular exercise, Afadors' ears should be checked weekly. This method will properly clean them and remove the wax accumulation. Consult your veterinarian if you're unsure how to clean a dog's ears. Trim nails as needed. They shouldn't be clacking on the floor like this. Ask your groomer for help.
Health
Afadors are typically healthy dogs, yet they share some genetic traits with the Afghan Hound and Labrador Retriever. Regular wellness checks with your dog's vet are essential.
Among the more common health issues faced by Afadors are:
Cataracts: This condition is the first step in your dog losing his or her vision. This can happen to your dog at any age, but it is most likely to occur in older dogs.
Hip Dysplasia: When your dog's thighbone doesn't fit precisely into its hip bone, Hip Dysplasia can be a significant medical disease. Go to the vet if you have any doubts.
Cancer: You have no control over the situation. Whether or if your dog gets this, there is nothing you can do to prevent it.
Hypothyroidism: The afar, like many other dog breeds, is prone to this defect. When your dog's thyroid does not create enough of the hormone, the glade is unable to operate properly.
Subaortic Stenosis: The heart has to work harder than usual because of this ailment, which results in a murmur.
Bloat: If gas is trapped in the stomach, this is a life-threatening illness that can occur at any time.
Recommended Health Tests (Occasional)
- X-Rays
- Eye Examination
- Blood Analysis
- Complete Physical Examination
- Cardiac Test
Nutrition
Vitamins, proteins, energy, and nutrition should be a big part of their diet because these dogs are active and playful. A dog's age and size should dictate how much food it receives, but owners can also follow veterinarians' guidelines. The health and well-being of a dog are dependent on proper, balanced, and nutritious food.
Hard food should be fed to your Afador Hound daily. The back of the kibble package is usually where you'll find serving instructions. Depending on your dog's size and age, the amount of food you should feed them will vary. As medium-sized dogs, Afadors are typically fed between 1.5 and 2.5 cups of their daily meal.
The consumption of specific meals and substances may result in bloating and food allergies in this breed. You may need to experiment with Afador's food if you notice that he gets bloated after meals.
Grooming
- Be prepared for a lot of shedding from your afador. The length of the dog's fur might vary depending on which breed it resembles the most. To avoid tangles and matting, these dogs need to be groomed from head to tail at least twice a week.
- To keep your Afador's coat healthy and clear of debris, you should bathe them once every 4-6 weeks. Go to the groomer with your buddy for a trim and some attention.
- Grooming at home isn't complete without trimming your dog's nails, cleaning his ears, and brushing his teeth regularly.
Exercise
- Afador get a lot of entertaining exercises, which is good for them. Regardless of breed, dogs like the Afghan Hound and Labrador are always in need of mental and physical stimulation. They may become destructive if they become overly agitated in their solitary confinement.
- Assuming you do have a fenced-in yard, make certain it is completely safe for your dog. Your dog can get out of a tight spot if they're motivated enough. To prevent your dog from chasing or pulling, you must teach it correct leash etiquette when out for a walk.
- An hour of exercise every day is essential for your Afador's well-being. Interactive games like fetch are a big hit with them. They must also be mentally stimulated. So, scavenger hunts are a big hit with them.
Training
- In part because of their propensity to comply, afador make good pets for people to train. The short attention spans and clumsiness of puppies might make training them more difficult. When they are six months old, these dogs have mastered the art of training.
- Potty training may be the most difficult in terms of training, but their retention improves significantly after six months. Because these dogs have a great desire to please you, praising them for good work will encourage them to do it again in the future.
- Keep in mind that the Afador may take some time to mature psychologically, so expect it to act like a puppy for a while. You can raise an obedient dog who is polite and well-behaved with a little time and effort.
Children and Other Pets
The afador may not be a good fit for families with young children. Because Afadors may be extremely boisterous when playing, they're better suited to families with older children. Because of the breed's tenacity and intelligence, you'll want to start socializing your dog with your children as soon as possible.
This breed is fine with other animals and pets, but you'll need to teach it fast that cats and rabbits are not prey.
Make sure to reward your Afador for excellent conduct and follow a rigorous training schedule when you bring them home to your family.
Puppies
Puppies from afador are considered exceptionally intelligent from the start, so early socialization training is strongly recommended. As he matures, his coat will take on the distinctive Afghan length and roughness, requiring regular brushing.
Puppies of the Afador breed can be very pricey. If you want to buy one of these puppies, expect to pay at least $1,000.
If you're lucky enough to find a puppy for less, consider yourself exceedingly lucky. Rescues may have one of these dogs, but it's unlikely that they'll be puppies. Don't forget to include the cost of your dog's medical care in your overall budget.
Insist on seeing a health certificate from the breeder for both parents whenever possible. You'll get a better idea of what kind of money you'll need to set aside for medical care if you read this. Each year, a mother Afghan hound can produce one litter of six to ten puppies.
Dog Breeds related to Afador
The afador mixed breed is closely related to a few other breeds. They're
- Afghan Hound
- Labrador Retriever