Afghan Hound versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Afghan Hound Versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Afghan Hound and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Afghan Hound and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Afghan Hound and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Afghan Hound and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Afghan Hound and for the Central Asian Shepherd Dog. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Afghan Hound and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Afghan Hound or the Central Asian Shepherd Dog.

Afghan Hound versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog: Overview

Both the Afghan Hound and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog are similar in size. The Afghan Hound and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog are both large-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Afghan Hound belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

On the other hand, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Afghan Hound versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Afghan Hound to the Central Asian Shepherd Dog based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Afghan Hound and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog

Factor Afghan Hound Central Asian Shepherd Dog
Does NOT Drool 5/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 5/5 3/5
Easy To Train 1/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 15 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 3/5
Height 24 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder 24 to 28 inches
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
General Health 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Weight 50 to 60 pounds 88 to 110 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $2290 $2400
Price Range $1912 – $2500 $2200 – $2700
Temperament Score 72.7 percent 91.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Afghan Hound in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Central Asian Shepherd Dog. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Afghan Hound is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Central Asian Shepherd Dog is 74 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Afghan Hound is a better pet than the Central Asian Shepherd Dog. So, you should get the Afghan Hound!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Afghan Hound and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Afghan Hound and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog

    Below is a list of where the Afghan Hound and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog are most different:

    • Afghan Hounds do not have the tendency to drool. However, Central Asian Shepherd Dogs have a very high tendency to drool.
    • Afghan Hounds require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are very easy to groom.
    • Afghan Hounds adapt well to apartment living. However, Central Asian Shepherd Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Afghan Hounds can tolerate hot weather. However, Central Asian Shepherd Dogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • Afghan Hounds have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Central Asian Shepherd Dogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
    • Afghan Hounds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Central Asian Shepherd Dogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    The Similarities Between the Afghan Hound and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog

    The Afghan Hound and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Afghan Hound and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog are most similar:

    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog are not easy to train.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog can tolerate cold weather.

    Size Comparison of Afghan Hound versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Afghan Hound and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog.

    Afghan Hounds weigh 50 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Afghan Hounds are 24 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Central Asian Shepherd Dogs weigh 88 to 110 pounds when fully grown. Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are 24 to 28 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Afghan Hound versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog

    The lifespan of Afghan Hounds is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Afghan Hounds is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of Central Asian Shepherd Dogs is between 12 to 15 years . The average lifespan of Central Asian Shepherd Dogs is 13.5 years.

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs live longer than Afghan Hounds.

    Temperament of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog Versus the Afghan Hound

    The Central Asian Shepherd Dog has a better temperament than the Afghan Hound.

    This is because the temperament score for the Central Asian Shepherd Dog is 91.7 percent while the temperament score for the Afghan Hound is 72.7 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 72.7 percent, the Afghan Hound has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 91.7 percent, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Afghan Hound and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog by measuring the temperaments of 165 Afghan Hounds and 24 Central Asian Shepherd Dogs.

    Price of Afghan Hound versus Price of Central Asian Shepherd Dog

    The average price of the Afghan Hound puppy is $2290. The price of the Afghan Hound typically ranges from $1912 – $2500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 14 Afghan Hound puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog puppy is $2400. The price of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog typically ranges from $2200 – $2700. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 17 Central Asian Shepherd Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is more expensive than the Afghan Hound.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Afghan Hound and Central Asian Shepherd Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many Afghan Hound puppies or how many Central Asian Shepherd Dog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Afghan Hounds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Afghan Hounds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Central Asian Shepherd Dogs

    A breakdown of the prices of Central Asian Shepherd Dogs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Afghan Hound puppy or the Central Asian Shepherd Dog puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Afghan Hound versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog

    Afghan Hounds do not like to be left alone.

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Afghan Hounds shed more than Central Asian Shepherd Dogs?

    Afghan Hounds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Afghan Hound or the Central Asian Shepherd Dog

    Afghan Hounds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Afghan Hound or the Central Asian Shepherd Dog?

    Afghan Hounds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Afghan Hound Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Central Asian Shepherd Dog?

    Afghan Hounds have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Afghan Hounds Bark and Howl? What about Central Asian Shepherd Dogs?

    Afghan Hounds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Afghan Hounds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Central Asian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Afghan Hounds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Afghan Hound vs. Central Asian Shepherd Dog

    Afghan Hounds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Afghan Hounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Central Asian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Afghan Hounds can tolerate hot weather.

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Afghan Hound or the Central Asian Shepherd Dog?

    Afghan Hounds get along very well with other dogs.

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Afghan Hounds good family dogs? What about Central Asian Shepherd Dogs?

    Afghan Hounds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Afghan Hounds and Central Asian Shepherd Dogs?

    Afghan Hounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Afghan Hound Easier to Train than the Central Asian Shepherd Dog?

    Afghan Hounds are not easy to train.

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are not easy to train.

    Is the Afghan Hound Better for Apartment Owners than the Central Asian Shepherd Dog?

    Afghan Hounds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Afghan Hound or the Central Asian Shepherd Dog?

    Afghan Hounds are OK for new dog owners.

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Afghan Hound versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Afghan Hound and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog better suits you and your family.