Pharaoh Hound Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Pharaoh Hound?

The Pharaoh Hound is said to be the descendants of the original Egyptian hounds. They were companions of the people from Phoenicia and travelled with them as they sailed the Mediterranean Sea.

It is said that the Egyptian hounds were traded to Malta by the people of Phoenicia. Where they were then known as "Kalb-tel-Fenek", which translates to the dog of the rabbit, they were used to hunt rabbits by Maltese farmers and hunters, who still very much respect their breed today.

In 1979 they were recognised as the national dog of Malta. Pauline Black, whose husband was a general in the British troops placed in Malta, loved the breed and introduced the first Pharaoh Hounds to England, where the first litter outside of Malta were born. It was only then that their name was changed from Kalb-tel-Fenek to Pharaoh Hound.

In 1967 the Pharaoh Hound breed was introduced to the United States. The Pharaoh Hound Club of America was then established in 1970. In 1984 the American Kennel Club recognised it as a breed.

Who are Pharaoh Hound dogs best for?

• Pharaoh Hounds are ideal for first-time owners.

• They can adapt well to living in an apartment.

• They are ideal for families with children.

• They get along with other dogs and animals, so they are ideal for homes with other pets.

How much grooming does a Pharaoh Hound need?

Pharaoh Hounds have short, thin coat. They do shed like other dog breeds, and it is recommended that they be brushed weekly with a hound glove.

Wiping them down with a damp cloth every day is as good ad taking a bath. They do not have a strong body odour, so they do not need to take regular baths.

You should be brushing their teeth twice a week to remove the buildup of tartar and dirt in their mouths and reduces the risks of gum diseases.

Trim their nails twice a month to avoid getting scratched as well as for the comfort of the dog.

They have erect ears, so checking for any kind of ear infections is a must. Use a cotton ball dipped in a ph balanced ear cleaner to clean the outer area of the ear.

When grooming, it is important to check for any kind of abnormalities, and if you find any, contact your vet immediately.

Do Pharaoh Hound bark much?

The Pharaoh hound tends to bark. They are known to bark while they are chasing prey or when they feel threatened and sense danger.

They were originally bred for catching rabbits and therefore have a very high prey drive. This can be triggered by small animals and may lead to barking.

Incessant barking may also be the cause of stress and anxiety as they do not like to be left alone for long periods.

Do Pharaoh Hound bite?

Pharaoh Hounds are not known to be biters. Obedience training is important and should be implemented from a young age to avoid any biting accidents.

Get them chew toys to help them channel this type of energy.

What is the temperament & personality of a Pharaoh Hound?

Here is what you can expect from your Pharaoh Hound's personality and temperament:

• Easy to train

• Intelligent

• A high prey drive - It is best to train them to be around small animals.

• Energetic - They require lots of exercise.

• Playful and friendly

• Can be sensitive to change - socialise them as early as possible.

• An undemanding dog

• They are sensitive and will easily pick up on their owner's emotions.

• Although they are sighthounds they are not the type to be a guard dog, watchdog or protection dog.

What is the weight & size of a Pharaoh Hound?

An adult dog has an average weight of 23 kg to 25 kg and a height of 56 cm to 63 cm.

How much training does a Pharaoh Hound need?

The Pharaoh Hound is easy to train. They are very intelligent working dogs making them willing to take on new challenges. It is always a good idea to train and socialise them from a young age to avoid unwanted habits and bad behaviour when they get older.

They are pack animals and need a leader, so asserting your dominance from the beginning is very important.

Use constructive training methods when training a Pharaoh Hound. They are sensitive dogs and should always be given positive reinforcement. Being too harsh on them during training can affect them and bring out behavioural issues.

It is important to be clear what the meaning of "no" is. Pharaoh hounds are intelligent dogs, and although they are easy to train, they may show stubbornness.

When training this specific breed, it is best to catch them in the act of good or bad behaviour. They tend to forget, so reprimanding them or complimenting them at the time is going to help them understand and remember what is expected of them.

They are loving dogs and are known to be funny. Keep them entertained and make it fun while training. Extra hugs and pets will only make the process more enjoyable for you and them.

Training has many levels, and the Pharaoh Hound should be considered for puppy kindergarten, obedience training, dog sports, presenting and conformation and even hearing dogs for therapy.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Pharaoh Hound?

They are a generally healthy breed, but this is what you can expect when it comes to health problems of a Pharaoh Hound:

• Anaesthesia Sensitivity - They are not as sensitive to anaesthesia as other sighthounds. The vet you are sending them to should be aware of this and administer anaesthesia to them properly.

• Allergies - Food allergies, contact allergies and inhalant allergies should be checked for.

When adopting a Pharaoh Hound, you must adopt from a reputable breeder. They should always provide you with proof that they have screened the dog for health issues such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia.

What is the lifespan of a Pharaoh Hound?

The life expectancy of the Pharaoh Hound is 12 to 14 years.

How much should you feed a Pharaoh Hound?

You should be feeding your dog 1.5 or 2 cups of high-quality dry dog food twice a day.

What they eat and how much they eat are very much dependent on their size and weight as well as their food allergies.

What is the price of a Pharaoh Hound in Australia?

They are a rare dog breed, but they have become quite popular in Australia. You can expect to pay up to $7000 for a Pharaoh Hound.