Pharaoh Hound

ATTRIBUTES: Friendly, Smart, Noble

GROUP: Hound Group

ACIVITY LEVEL: Energetic

BARKING LEVEL: Medium

COAT TYPE: Smooth

COAT LENGTH: Short

SHADDING: Seasonal

SIZE: Medium

TRAINABILITY: Independent

CHARACTERISTIC: Medium Dog Breeds

Breed Overview

Ancestry Icon
Ancestry

Tesem

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Origin

Malta

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Registration

1983

Ancestry Icon
Size

23 - 25 Inches (Male)

21 - 24 Inches (Female)

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Weight

45 - 55 Pounds

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Expected Life

12 - 14 Years

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY +
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
LOVE WITH CHILDREN +
Unwise
Good With Children
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS +
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
+
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
+
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
+
COAT TYPE
+
COAT LENGTH
+
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
+
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
+
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
+
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
+
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
+
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
+
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
+
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Loaf
Needs an Activity
+
COLORS
+
PATTERNS
+
CARING WITH FAMILY
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
When considering a breed's inclination for affection towards family members and familiar individuals, it's important to recognize that different breeds exhibit varying degrees of attachment. Some breeds display a tendency to be more aloof reserving their affection primarily for their owner while other breeds readily extend their affection to everyone they know, treating them like their closest friends.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN
Unwise
Good With Children
The level of tolerance and patience a breed shows towards children's behavior, along with its overall family-friendly nature, are essential factors to consider. Always make sure to closely monitor dogs when they are near young children or children who have had limited exposure to dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
When evaluating a breed's propensity for friendliness towards other dogs, it is crucial to emphasize that all dog interactions and introductions should be supervised. However, it is true that some breeds tend to be more naturally inclined to get along with other dogs both within the home and in public settings.
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
When considering a breed, it's important to anticipate the amount of fur and hair they tend to leave behind. Breeds with a high shedding tendency will require more frequent brushing to manage the excess hair. Additionally, these breeds are more likely to trigger allergies in sensitive individuals, making it crucial to be mindful of this factor. Moreover, due to their shedding, these breeds may also require regular vacuuming and the use of lint-rolling to maintain a clean and fur-free environment.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
It is important to consider the frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming, and other forms of coat maintenance required by a breed. Assessing the time, patience and budget available for such grooming efforts is crucial. It is worth noting that all breeds necessitate regular nail trimming.
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
The level of drooling tendencies in a breed should be taken into consideration. If you prioritize cleanliness and are particular about avoiding ropes of slobber on your arm or big wet spots on your clothes then breeds that exhibit heavy drooling may not be the most suitable choice for you.
COAT STYLES GUIDE
Smooth
COAT SPECTRUM
Short
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
It's important to consider how welcoming a breed tends to be towards strangers. Certain breeds may display reserved or cautious behavior around strangers regardless of the location, while others will eagerly greet new individuals whenever they are around!
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
It is worth considering the level of enthusiasm a breed has towards play, even beyond the puppyhood stage. Certain breeds will maintain a strong desire to engage in activities such as tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years. On the other hand, some breeds will be content with spending most of their time relaxing on the couch with you.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
When evaluating a breed it is important to consider their tendency to alert you when strangers are present. Some breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat, whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. Moreover, these breeds are likely to warm up to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
The adaptability of a breed to change is an important factor to consider. This encompasses their ability to handle changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather conditions, daily schedules and other variations in day-to-day life. Some breeds are more resilient and flexible when faced with such changes, while others may find it more challenging to adapt.
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
The ease of training and the willingness of a dog to learn new things are important aspects to consider. Certain breeds demonstrate a strong desire to make their owners proud and are generally receptive to training. Conversely, other breeds may have a more independent nature preferring to prioritize their own desires and act as they please regardless of commands or training efforts.
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
The ease of training and the willingness of a dog to learn new things are important aspects to consider. Certain breeds demonstrate a strong desire to make their owners proud and are generally receptive to training. Conversely, other breeds may have a more independent nature preferring to prioritize their own desires and act as they please regardless of commands or training efforts.
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
Medium
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Happy to Lounge
Needs a Job or Activity
The mental stimulation needs of a breed are crucial to keep them happy and healthy. Purpose-bred dogs, which have been bred for specific tasks, often require activities that engage their decision-making abilities, problem-solving skills concentration and other cognitive qualities. Without adequate mental exercise they may find ways to keep their minds occupied through self-created projects which may not align with your preferences. Providing appropriate mental stimulation is essential to prevent boredom and promote a healthy mental state for these breeds.
COLORS

Description

Registration Code

Chestnut

070

Red Golden

153

Rich Tan

160

Tan

195

PATTERNS

Description

Registration Code

White Markings

014

About The Breed

The Pharaoh hound known as the "Blushing Dog" of Malta is a remarkable breed with a long history. These hounds were bred for their endurance and agility specifically for coursing small game across challenging terrain. They possess a sleek and aerodynamic build and their distinctive features include a tight tan coat with matching leather on the nose, ears and eye rims. Their amber eyes and white-tipped tail add to their striking appearance. One unique aspect of the Pharaoh hound is their ability to smile which is an endearing trait. Additionally, when they are happy or excited they have a distinctive way of blushing, giving their face a glowing appearance. This trait has been appreciated by admirers since ancient times. These hounds exhibit the swiftness and graceful movement common among coursing breeds that can be traced back to the Bronze Age. Despite their athleticism and hunting background, Pharaoh Hounds are known to be friendly, affectionate and capable of settling down nicely in a home environment.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A PHARAOH HOUND

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Pharaoh Hound: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

Health

+

According to Dr. Stephen Sipperly the chair of the Pharaoh Hound Club of America health committee the breed has certain health requirements for obtaining a CHIC (Canine Health Information Center) certification. These requirements include screening for hip and elbow dysplasia, patella luxation and eye disorders. Dr. Sipperly states that the majority of Pharaoh Hounds tested have normal results for these screenings. As for cancers, the most common types observed in the breed are hemangiosarcoma mast cell tumor, and mammary cancer. However, it's important to note that some of these conditions are likely age-related and can affect dogs of any breed or mix. Dr. Sipperly emphasizes that when examining the results he is confident in stating that the Pharaoh hound does not suffer from any significant disorders. 

Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association:

  • Patella Evaluation

  • Hip Evaluation

  • Thyroid Evaluation

  • Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Health

Grooming

+
Pharaoh Hounds are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. They typically require daily light brushing or a more thorough brushing on a weekly basis. Baths should be given as necessary, depending on their activity level and the condition of their coat. It is important to pay special attention to keeping their ears clean and free from debris. Regular nail trimming is essential to ensure they are kept at a length that does not cause tapping sounds when walking on hard surfaces. Dental care is important for Pharaoh Hounds and their teeth should be cleaned regularly at home. It's also recommended to have their teeth checked by a veterinarian during the annual checkup. Pharaoh Hounds normally do not have a strong "doggy odor," so if any odor is present, it is advisable to investigate the cause.
Health

Exercise

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Prospective owners of Pharaoh Hounds must be aware that this breed requires regular exercise to stay happy and in good physical condition. Ideally, if you have a Pharaoh hound that is a "self-runner," meaning they naturally enjoy running, you can let them have 15 to 20 minutes of exercise twice a day. However, it's crucial to have a securely fenced-in area with a minimum size of approximately 50 feet by 50 feet and a fence height of six feet to ensure the safety of the dog. If you don't have access to a suitable fenced-in area or if your Pharaoh hound is not naturally inclined to run, you should be prepared to walk them for at least 20 minutes twice a day. It's important to note that due to the breed's strong hunting instinct, no amount of training can be relied upon to overcome this instinct. Therefore, it is essential to never allow a Pharaoh hound to exercise off-leash in an unenclosed area as they may be prone to chasing after prey.
Health

Training

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The Pharaoh hound is a breed that is known to be intelligent and eager to please. However, there is a challenge when it comes to teaching them to come when called in an open area while off-leash. It has been observed repeatedly that even the most obedient and well-trained Pharaohs may not respond to the recall command when they find themselves in a "free situation." They may instinctively run off becoming engrossed in hunting. Some dogs have been caught after several days while others have unfortunately faced dangers such as traffic accidents or being permanently lost. Due to their strong hunting instinct and independent nature it is crucial to exercise caution and never let a Pharaoh hound off-leash in open areas where they might be tempted to pursue prey. Ensuring that they are always secured on a leash or in a securely fenced area will help prevent potential incidents and keep them safe. It is important to understand and respect this inherent trait of the breed when it comes to off-leash exercises or activities.
Health

Nutrition

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To ensure the optimal health and well-being of your Pharaoh hound, it is recommended to provide them with a high-quality dog food. This can either be a commercially manufactured diet or a home-prepared one, under the supervision and approval of your veterinarian. The chosen diet should be suitable for the specific life stage of the dog, whether they are a puppy, adult or senior. It's important to be mindful of your Pharaoh hound’s weight as some individuals are prone to gaining excess weight. Monitor their calorie intake and weight levels to prevent obesity and maintain a healthy body condition. While treats can be an effective tool for training it's crucial not to overdo it, as excessive treat consumption can contribute to weight gain. Familiarize yourself with safe human foods for dogs and avoid feeding them any potentially harmful substances. If you have any concerns regarding your dog's weight or diet, it is always best to consult with your veterinarian.

Historiography

The Phoenicians skilled seafaring traders originating from the region of modern-day Lebanon, hold a significant place in the history of canines. Approximately 2,500 years ago, these traders operated a flourishing business in luxury goods across the Mediterranean. It is believed that the Phoenicians played a pivotal role in spreading Egyptian hounds to various ancient civilizations, stretching as far as Britain in the west. According to the prevailing theory, the Phoenicians introduced the Pharaoh hound to Malta an island where they were utilized for hunting rabbits. This breed found a favorable environment in Malta and in 1979, it was officially recognized as the national hound of the country. The Phoenicians' involvement in disseminating ancient dog breeds, such as the Pharaoh hound had a profound impact on canine history. Their maritime trading activities helped in the distribution of these dogs, influencing their presence and development in different regions of the world including Malta.

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