Pharaoh Hound: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

The Pharaoh hound is a medium-sized dog breed from Egypt with a long, thin build, large pointed ears, and a short, glossy coat. This breed has been used to hunt rabbits on the island of Malta for thousands of years. Some of these dogs are known to show all of their teeth in a special Pharaoh hound smile, and they also have an especially unusual characteristic—they can blush when they're excited, earning the nickname "Blushing Dog of Malta."

Learn more about the characteristics, history, and care needs of the Pharaoh hound.

Characteristics of the Pharaoh Hound

The bouncy Pharaoh hound is an energetic dog breed with a playful personality, always interested in what’s going on in the household. This sighthound (bred to hunt by sight) is used to working in packs, which means they're especially dog-friendly and get along well with new people. Kids and the fun-loving Pharaoh hound make great playmates, although these boisterous dogs might accidentally knock over a small child if not supervised by adults.

This breed has a high prey drive, so while Pharaoh hounds can do well with cats when raised together, they're likely to chase other pets like birds and small mammals. They tend to bark at suspicious sounds to alert their family. Since Pharaoh hounds have such a friendly temperament with humans, they're more likely to engage a stranger in play than to guard the home front.

History of the Pharaoh Hound

One of the oldest recorded dog breeds, the Pharaoh hound originated in Egypt thousands of years ago. Evidence of the breed’s ancient history lives on today in beautiful works of art depicting Pharaoh hounds. These sculptures and paintings found in Egyptian temples date as far back as 4400 B.C. 

At some point in history, the Pharaoh hound was brought to the Mediterranean island of Malta, possibly by the Phoenicians, where the dogs were used to hunt rabbits. The Pharaoh hound has been known in Malta for more than 2,000 years, where it has remained virtually unchanged from its ancestors who are seen decorating Egyptian tombs. Today, the Pharaoh hound is the national hound of Malta. The breed was first registered with the American Kennel Club in 1983 and is now a member of the Hound Group. 

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Pharaoh Hound Care

Caring for a Pharaoh hound is similar to other hound breeds, as these dogs require plenty of exercise but minimal grooming to stay happy and healthy. When it comes to training, this intelligent breed can learn new things with positive reinforcement methods but may have a stubborn streak.

Exercise

The Pharaoh hound was born to run and needs appropriate outlets for this abundant energy. Provide daily running opportunities in a safely enclosed area, and include daily walks in your routine as well. Younger dogs will need to stretch their legs more frequently (three or four times a day), but older Pharaoh hounds can usually be satisfied with about 30 minutes of exercise per day.

When getting enough activity, Pharaoh hounds are generally content to spend the rest of their day relaxing at home, perhaps with an impromptu play session indoors. Dog sports can be a great outlet for Pharaohs, especially lure coursing (chasing a fake rabbit across a field).

Grooming

The Pharaoh hound’s short, fine coat sheds very little. Truly a "wash and wear" breed, Pharaohs require little brushing and infrequent bathing. A simple weekly wipe down over the body with a damp cloth is often all that is needed to keep the coat glossy. Pharaoh hounds do not typically have doggie odor, so bathe only when dirty. Clean the ears weekly with a pet-safe ear cleaner and trim the nails regularly.

Because the Pharaoh hound’s coat is very thin, they do not tolerate cold well. It's recommended to provide extra cold-weather care for this breed. They cannot be left outside in cold weather, and many Pharaoh hound owners outfit their dogs in warm coats for winter walks. Even indoors, Pharaoh hounds feel the chill of winter and the Pharaoh Hound Club of America recommends fleece jackets or even flannel pajamas when indoors in cold temperatures. These dogs also love to snuggle under a blanket with their owners to keep warm. 

Training

Although highly intelligent, Pharaoh hounds aren’t particularly obedient in the sense that they are independent-minded and won’t just do something because you ask. Training must be entertaining and fun. Make it a game and use positive methods with plenty of treats, toys, or playtime as rewards. 

Pharaoh hounds have a high prey drive and will chase after anything they see or smell. Because of this, practice extreme caution with off-leash adventures; only allow them off leash if they have a rock-solid recall.

Common Health Problems

The Pharaoh hound is exceptionally healthy for a purebred dog, though some common problems may arise in this breed. Responsible breeders will complete all relevant medical tests for their dogs to prevent parents from passing problems down to puppies. The following are some conditions to be aware of with this breed:

• Cataracts: Like humans, dogs can develop this eye disease that causes a cloudy appearance, and in severe cases, loss of vision.
• Epilepsy: This neurological condition causes seizures in dogs and may be treated with medication in mild to moderate cases.
• Hypothyroidism: Affecting the thyroid, this condition prevents the dog's body from producing healthy levels of hormones.
• Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV or Bloat): Common in large-chested dog breeds, bloat is a condition in which gases expand in the stomach and cause it to twist. Your veterinarian may recommend preventative surgery to tack the stomach down.
• Allergies: Many types of dogs are prone to allergies, but the Pharaoh hound's short coat can make it more susceptible to itchy skin conditions or environmental allergies.

Diet and Nutrition

Feed your Pharaoh hound high-quality dog food with plenty of protein and a food ideally formulated for large breeds. Since this breed is prone to bloat, your vet might recommend feeding several smaller meals throughout the day. Consult your veterinarian to determine a healthy diet and portion schedule for your Pharaoh hound based on your specific dog's age, weight, and activity level.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Pharaoh Hound

While it's an especially rare dog breed, some adult Pharaoh hounds or Pharaoh mixes end up in rescues occasionally. Check your local shelters or breed-specific rescues in your region to give a Pharaoh hound or similar breed a forever home.

If you'd like to adopt a puppy, research reputable breeders who readily provide the medical history of the litter's family and allow you to meet the parent dogs. Since these puppies are hard to find, they can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 depending on their pedigree and availability. Prospective adopters should be prepared to join a waiting list or travel for breeder puppies.

To start your search, check out these resources for Pharaoh Hound rescues, the national breed club, and the AKC:

• Pharaoh Hound Club of America Rescue Dogs
• Pharaoh Hound Club of America Approved Breeders
• AKC Pharaoh Hound Breeders

Pharaoh Hound Overview

Pharaoh hounds can make great family pets in the right homes where they receive plenty of exercise and outlets for their hunting instincts.

Pros of Pharaoh Hounds

• Family friendly and playful with kids
• Low-maintenance grooming
• Calm in the house when properly exercised

Cons of Pharaoh Hounds

• High prey drive
• Can be difficult to train
• Needs considerable exercise to stay healthy

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