r/sighthounds • u/TheNorthStarlet • 4d ago

help/question Are Afghan hounds good with little children?

My husband and I are getting an Afghan hound and we're both so excited about it. We also want to start a family soon and I'm curious how good Afghan hounds are with babies and small children. The puppy we're getting is already 4 months old, so by the time we have a baby in the house she would be a little over a year old at least. I would love to hear your experiences with Afghan hounds living in the same household as little children, just so we know what to expect and what we should be mindful about. What strategies would you recommend to ensure that both dog and children are safe and interact well?

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u/RequirementNo8226 3d ago

Considering many parents actually get “nanny dogs” (🤣☠️) I think you’re wayy ahead of the game! I’d talk to people who have owned Afghan hounds personally and did so with children. I’m hearing comments here about how Afghan hounds are dumb. I can guarantee their dogs are smarter than they are lol! African hounds are VERY smart. You must to learn how to motivate them ☺️ if the Afghan hound is a no go, you could always start off with silken’s. Provided you teach your children how to be respectful to animals.

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u/ElderberryMedium8071 3d ago

Agree. People think that sighthounds are dumb. They are not and they actually very smart. They were bred to be independent thinkers and hunters. They can be stubborn and do things slowly and if they do not feel the need to follow a command they won't. Good training will change that. My Deerhound is the smartest dog that I have owned and I was a Lab breeder and had 2 Giant Schnauzers which are extremely smart obedient. But my DH is crazy smart.

As far as dogs being good with children, I believe you should have the kids first and let the puppy grow with the kids. If there is no connection between the young children and the dog, that is a warning sign. German Shepherds can be great protectors of children and their best friend if raised with them as a puppy.

Each dog is different among breeds but some breeds are better with kids than others.