Pharaoh Hound Dog Breed Information

Personality

The Pharaoh Hound is a sleek and gentle breed. While they are relaxed inside the house, they love to sprint and play outside when they get the opportunity. Their natural instinct to chase is strong, so training is important to manage this behavior, and due to their slightly stubborn nature, it may require several tries. Although they can be shy around new people, they are very willing to make their owners happy.

History

The Pharaoh Hound is one of the oldest dog breeds, dating back more than 3,000 years. Images of this breed, or similar dogs, can be seen on the tombs of Egyptian kings, which is how they got their name. They also appear in Greek artwork. After Phoenician traders brought them from Greece, they became popular as rabbit hunters on the Mediterranean islands and are now recognized as Malta's national dog. For a long time, this breed remained largely unknown on Malta until it was rediscovered and introduced to America in the mid-1900s.

Ideal Owner

People who have experience with sighthounds are best suited for the Pharaoh Hound, as they can guide the dog’s natural hunting behavior into positive activities. A spacious and well-fenced yard is important since these dogs can leap as high as 6 feet. Consistent training is also key, as they take their time to grow up and may not listen right away, even after several attempts.

Exercise Needs

Pharaoh Hounds are energetic dogs that enjoy running fast for short distances. They also take pleasure in long runs, jumping, and various physical activities. They thrive on different types of exercise to keep things interesting. On the other hand, they aren’t fond of chilly or rainy conditions, so it may be a good idea to provide them with a coat or sweater in the winter.

Space Requirements

A Pharaoh Hound needs an outdoor area with a fence that is no shorter than 6 feet, since these dogs are great jumpers. They love having different experiences on their walks and really enjoy running without a leash. These dogs can be quite talkative and make good watchdogs, as their keen hearing keeps them alert at all hours. Ideally, they should live in a suburban or rural setting where nearby neighbors won’t be bothered by their barking as much.

Training

Pharaoh Hounds love to learn and train. It's important to socialize them from a young age and regularly teach them to walk on a leash and come when called, though they might not always respond. They may also take pleasure in activities like heelwork, dog sports, agility exercises, and others. If they don’t get enough exercise, these energetic dogs might find ways to entertain themselves that could lead to trouble.

Grooming

Grooming a Pharaoh Hound is simple; just use a rubber mitt to take away any loose or dead fur.

Suitability for Family Life

Teaching and engaging a Pharaoh Hound can take considerable time and effort. These dogs take a while to grow up, making them less suitable for families with young kids or those who have busy schedules. They thrive better in homes with older kids or no children at all.

Did You know?

The Pharaoh Hound shows a unique reaction when they get excited, as their noses and ears turn a bright red due to the absence of black pigment. These dogs can also be taught to "smile." By the time they reach about 4 weeks of age, their pointed ears begin to stand upright.