For a large breed, the Afghan lives a long time. 12 to 14 years is not unusual, and healthy 18 year old animals have been known. Afghans suffer from many of the same geriatric complaints that other breeds get, such as failing eyesight and hearing, and arthritis. Cancer and heart disease take their toll on the breed as well. When children are a part of the picture, it is wise to teach both Afghan and child mutual respect and how to behave around each other.
Afghans are a touch-sensitive breed and possess instinctive lightning fast reflexes.
They are also calm and patient, and possess a great deal of common sense. When an Afghan becomes tired of attention, he will simply make himself scarce, retiring to a place away from the crowd for a nap. As Afghans are more of a tall, streamlined type of dog, they eat far less than their size would imply. Afghans need a high quality dry dog food, with plenty of vegetable oil to keep looking and feeling their best. It is also necessary to protect those long ear fringes with snoods.