Pharaoh Hound

Pharaoh Hound - Breed Profile:

Origin: Ancient Egypt / Malta
Colors: Red or tan, often with white markings
Size: Medium
Type of Owner: Novice
Exercise: Vigorous
Grooming: Very little
Trainability: Slightly difficult to train
Combativeness: Not generally dog-aggressive
Dominance: Moderate
Noise: Average barker

Physical characteristics

The Pharaoh Hound is a medium size dog with a graceful, athletic, lithe body. The front legs are straight and parallel. The back legs are strong, muscular, with well-developed thighs. The head is long, lean and chiselled. The muzzle is slightly longer than the skull. The relatively large ears are very mobile. They are set high, broad at the base, and carried erect. The nose is self-coloured (the same colour as the coat). The oval eyes are amber; they are set moderately deep and have a keen intelligent expression. The tail is thick at the base and tapers to a fine point. The gait is free and flowing.
Pharaoh Hounds weigh 45 to 60 pounds. Their height is 21 to 25 inches.

Temperament

Playful, affectionate, friendly, calm and naturally well-behaved. Pharaoh Hounds are fond of being comfortable and can curl themselves into a surprisingly compact ball to fit any nook or cranny that has the softest blanket. This breed needs a lot of physical exercise and mental stimulation. Pharaoh Hounds must be allowed to run only in a safe, enclosed area because they have very strong chasing instincts. These dogs are very fast, with a marked keenness for hunting, both by sight and scent. Should not be trusted with pet mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, cats and other small non-canine pets. Usually good with other dogs. Early and ongoing socialization is necessary to avoid timidity. This independent thinker is sensitive to correction, so it should be handled calmly and motivated with food and praise. A verbal correction is more effective than a physical one because it's less distracting for the dog.

Coat and grooming

The coat is short and glossy. Its texture ranges from fine and close-lying to slightly harsh. The Pharaoh Hound comes in red or tan colour with or without white markings on the tip of the tail, the chest, and the toes. There can also be a thin white line down the center of the face. Very little grooming is necessary.

Health

A very healthy and robust breed. The Pharaoh can be highly sensitive to insecticides and medicines. The lifespan is 10 to 12 years.

Other interesting facts

The Pharaoh Hound is one of the oldest domesticated dogs. It was originated in ancient Egypt as far back as 3000 B.C. The breed is thought to have been brought from Egypt by the Phoenicians when they settled on the Mediterranean islands of Malta and Gozo. Pharaoh Hounds are bred for rabbit hunting; they are also the national dog of Malta.