Afghan Hound is tall, standing in height 24-29 inches and weighing 58-64 pounds. The coat may be any colour, but white markings, particularly on the head, are discouraged; many individuals have a black facial mask. Some specimens have facial hair that looks like a Fu Manchu moustache that are called “mandarins.” Some Afghan Hounds are almost white, but particolour hounds (white with islands of red or black) are not acceptable and may indicate impure breeding. The long, fine-textured coat requires considerable care and grooming. The long topknot and the shorter-haired saddle on the back in the miniature dog are distinctive features of the Afghan Hound coat. The high hipbones and unique small ring on the end of the tail are also characteristics of the breed.

The muzzle is slightly convex, whilst the teeth should, meet in a level or scissors bite. The dark eyes are an almond shape, and the ears lie flat to the head with a long strong neck. The hipbones are quite prominent. The front legs are strong and straight and the feet are large and covered with long hair.