by Lynn-Nore Chittom

Created on: July 09, 2010

Hybrid dog breeds are mixed breeds with a specific purebred lineage contributing to the traits of the hybrid.  In the case of the Afaird, the breed is a blend of the Afghan Hound and Briard dog breeds. 

Like all hybrid dogs, Afairds share some traits with each of their parent breeds and some are unique to the blending of the two breeds.

Physical Appearance

The appearance of the Afaird can range some based on their parental lineage, but this hybrid generally averages around 27 inches in height and weighs between 60 and 70 lbs.  The coat of the Afaird is shorter than that of the Afghan Hound and smoother than the Briard.  It is best maintained as a short coat. The Afaird’s general appearance leans more toward the sheep dog than the more stately Afghan.

Temperament and Care

This dog is best suited for life with a yard and a daily walk.  If the particular hybrid tends more toward the Afghan Hound it may be too large to be comfortable in an apartment and will require more space.   An Afaird would do well as either and indoor or outdoor dog.

Afairds need firm, consistent training and may be difficult at times, depending on the temperament of the individual dog.  Both contributing breeds can be strong willed if not under proper authority.  This breed should be respected as a dog and needs to be kept busy.  Since the Briard breed is a herding dog, an Afaird can tend towards trouble if not kept busy with something to do.

Afairds can be sweet, sensitive and affectionate, but may also be protective and stubborn.

Hybrid Dogs

Ideally, hybrid dog breeds bring out the best qualities from each contributing breed.  This is often best accomplished through multi-generational crosses.  For a good multi-generational cross, hybrid dogs demonstrating the most desired qualities from each contributing breed are bred together in the hopes of creating pups which bear the desired qualities.  Such pups are then raised and bred with similar hybrids to continue to breed the desired hybrid combination.

While this pattern is the ideal for breeding a hybrid or designer dog breed, many individual hybrids are first generation dogs with parents of completely purebred lineage or a combination of purebred and hybrid lineage.  Some such hybrids do not bear the most desirable traits of the contributing breeds and all are unique combinations of coat patterning and temperament. Unlike purebred breeds, there are no guarantees with hybrid dogs, even in multi-generational crosses. Recessive genes for negative behaviors can lie dormant and re-appear in subsequent generations.  Due to this, each hybrid pup is a unique individual with traits of the contributing dogs and their parental lineage. Generally speaking, hybrid breeds are not recognized by national kennel clubs due to the variations common among a single litter. 

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