Pharaoh Hound
The Pharaoh Hound is a very old dog breed that remained mostly unchanged for more than 5.000 years. At one time in history, these dogs successfully migrated to the island of Malta, where they became the national dog.
It is believed that Egyptian pharaohs owned these dogs and used them for hunting purposes, mostly gazelles, so it is not a big mystery about where their name comes from. They belong to the primitive dog breeds and they make excellent family companions and pets.
They are adaptable and friendly, and some owners have described them as having a “clownish” temperament. They will try to make you laugh and they are the only dogs that are known to blush. You can clearly see the slight redness or deep rose color in their nose and ears when they are being petted or when they are excited.
Height:
21-25 in (53-64 cm)
Weight:
44-55 lb (20-25 kg)
Origin:
Malta
Life Expectancy:
12-14 years
Dog Breed Characteristics
These dogs belong to the Sighthound family and can sometimes be stubborn and aloof, but they are mostly very affectionate and enjoy the company of people. They get along great with children and with other dogs and animals but should be supervised around smaller animals, such as ferrets, gerbils, or guinea pigs, as their prey drive remains strong and will most likely think of these animals as potential prey.
These dogs originated in warm climates of Africa, so they are not the best fit for families that live in colder parts. If you do own a Pharaoh Hound in a cold climate, make sure that they are living indoors and wear warm clothes when they walk since they are prone to becoming cold fast.
These dogs are enthusiastic barkers and will bark at anything they think is suspicious. The only problem is they think a lot of things are suspicious. They will not be good guard dogs because they are pretty friendly toward everyone, but their barking traits make them great watchdogs. It would be a good idea to teach your Pharaoh Hound to stop barking on command.
Grooming
Pharaoh Hound has a short, harsh coat that requires weekly brushing to keep this dog looking good. These dogs don’t need frequent baths because they don’t have a doggy odor.
Pharaoh Hound coat colors:
- Ran/rich to tan/chestnut whit white markings
They will also need other basic care; brush their teeth at least three times a week. Check their ears for signs of infection and redness, bathe them when needed, and trim their nails if they don’t wear them down naturally.
Exercise
Pharaoh Hounds are active and require a lot of daily activities to be happy and healthy. With these dogs, you can take long walks, throw them a ball or simply play various games inside. If their physical needs are met you will have the most lovable and calm dog at home, and you don’t have to worry that your dog will misbehave.
Socialization and training
This breed can be pretty sensitive, so training them needs to be gentle and consistent. They hate harsh treatment and if they are treated in such a way, they will most likely develop shyness and bad behavior. The best way to train these dogs is to use a lot of praise, treats, and positive reinforcement methods.
Training shouldn’t be too much of a problem as they like to please their owners. Socialization should also play a big part in their life and should begin as soon as your puppy arrives at your home. These dogs can be pretty sensitive and if they are not properly socialized, can grow up in dogs that are shy and timid.
It is a good idea to expose your puppy to many different sights, sounds, situations, people, and other dogs as soon as possible. With proper socialization, these dogs will be the best possible family pets that will do anything to make your day and make you smile.
Health problems
The Pharaoh Hound is generally considered a healthy breed, but they are prone to some health issues and concerns like any other dog breed. These dogs have an average lifespan of 12-14 years.
When getting any breed, the breeder must show you the health tests that they have done for their breeding dogs. Dogs must be adequately tested because taking a chance and hoping that the puppy’s parents are healthy is a risk no one should ever take.
Only healthy dogs should be bred because that is the only way to ensure that bloodlines will remain healthy and without any problems. Health problems associated with this breed are;
- Allergies - these dogs are prone to have allergic reactions to specific foods, products, or medications.
To be sure that your dog will be healthy, always buy him from a responsible dog breeder who regularly tests their breeding dogs to secure that their puppies will be healthy as well.
Breeders
If this breed is a good fit for you and/or your family, make sure that you find a registered and reputable Pharaoh Hound breeder that can provide you with a great dog that will be physically and mentally healthy. Ask the breeder to show you the health certificates of his breeding dogs and if you can, try and see what the puppy’s parents look like.
Buying a dog from a responsible breeder will cost you more money, but you can be sure you will get a healthy puppy. When you bring your new puppy home, start with the training and socialization immediately. By doing so, you will end up with a well-behaved dog whom you can trust.
If you are unsure whether this is the breed for you, check out this FREE GUIDE that will help you decide which dog breed is right for you.
World Dog Finder team
Updated at31.08.2023.
Breed History
Pharaoh Hound originates from Egypt, and it is an ancient dog breed. The first dogs were imported in the US in 1967, and the Pharaoh Hound Club was formed in 1970.
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