Afghan Hound Colors & Coat Guide

All recognized Afghan Hound colors, coat types, genetics, and how color can impact pricing and health.

Afghan Hound Colors Overview

Comes in virtually any color; the black mask is a dominant trait, while brindle and domino patterns are governed by separate gene loci.. Breed standards outline which colors are accepted for conformation showing.

Color inheritance involves multiple genes—including the E (extension), A (agouti), K (dominant black), and B (brown) loci. DNA testing can predict puppy colors and identify carriers of recessive color genes.

Recognized Colors

Black Standard

Cream Standard

Red Standard

Blue

Brindle

White

Silver

Black and Tan Standard

Color & Price Impact

Standard colors	Normal pricing ($1500–$2500)
Rare/unusual colors	Premium pricing (+$750–$1250)

Coat Genetics

Afghan Hound coat color is controlled by several genes that determine pigment production and distribution. The primary genes include the E (extension) locus, A (agouti) locus, K (dominant black) locus, and B (brown) locus.

DNA color testing is available and can help breeders predict puppy colors and identify carriers of recessive genes. Comes in virtually any color; the black mask is a dominant trait, while brindle and domino patterns are governed by separate gene loci..

Rare vs Standard Colors

Rare Afghan Hound colors can be fascinating from a genetics perspective, but proceed with caution. Comes in virtually any color; the black mask is a dominant trait, while brindle and domino patterns are governed by separate gene loci.. Premium pricing for unusual colors beyond the standard $1500–$2500 range does not guarantee quality breeding.

The best approach is to choose a Afghan Hound breeder who health-tests thoroughly for Cataracts and Hypothyroidism and produces well-tempered dogs, regardless of coat color.

Do Afghan Hound Colors Change with Age?

Many Afghan Hound puppies experience some degree of color change as they mature. Their long and silky coat undergoes significant textural changes alongside color shifts. Standard colors (Black, Cream, Red, Black and Tan) typically stabilize as the puppy coat transitions to the adult coat between 4 and 12 months of age.

Controversial Colors

When shopping for a Afghan Hound, be skeptical of breeders who advertise unusual colors at prices above $2500. Non-standard colors beyond Black, Cream, Red, Black and Tan can indicate mixed breeding or genes linked to health issues. Comes in virtually any color; the black mask is a dominant trait, while brindle and domino patterns are governed by separate gene loci..

Frequently Asked Questions

Standard Afghan Hound colors include Black, Cream, Red, Black and Tan. Comes in virtually any color; the black mask is a dominant trait, while brindle and domino patterns are governed by separate gene loci..

Among Afghan Hound colors, rarity reflects recessive genetics rather than quality. Comes in virtually any color; the black mask is a dominant trait, while brindle and domino patterns are governed by separate gene loci..

As a Afghan Hound puppy matures from puppyhood to adulthood (4–12 months), coat color can shift. Comes in virtually any color; the black mask is a dominant trait, while brindle and domino patterns are governed by separate gene loci.. Since the Afghan Hound comes in 8 recognized color varieties, the extent of change depends on the specific color genetics involved.

For the Afghan Hound, standard colors have no known health associations. Some non-standard colors in certain breeds can be linked to deafness, eye problems, or skin sensitivity. Comes in virtually any color; the black mask is a dominant trait, while brindle and domino patterns are governed by separate gene loci..

Popularity among Afghan Hound colors tends to track with the breed standard. The standard recognizes Black, Cream, Red, Black and Tan as acceptable colors. With 8 color options, Afghan Hound buyers have good variety. Comes in virtually any color; the black mask is a dominant trait, while brindle and domino patterns are governed by separate gene loci..