Pharaoh Hound Dog Breed Information

The Pharaoh Hound breed has existed since 3000 BC, making it one of the oldest dog breeds. It’s also the national dog of Malta. Nearly 40% of all Maltese households have a Pharaoh Hound as their pet. With its distinct coloration and alert nature, this breed has much to offer any potential owner.

History of the Pharaoh Hound

This ancient breed has a fascinating history. The Pharaoh Hound is believed to have originated from the Mediterranean island of Malta some 4,000 years ago.  

It is believed that the dogs were used as hunting companions by an ancient Egyptian civilization. As such, these animals were highly prized and were often depicted in hieroglyphics on tombs and pyramids. While it may be impossible to determine precisely when the breed was first developed, it is widely accepted that they are one of the oldest dog breeds.

The British Kennel Club recognizes the Pharaoh Hound, and a standard for this breed was established in 1974. This breed has become increasingly popular due to its elegant yet athletic physique and unique ability to turn its ears back while running at full speed.

This breed is also known for its loyal and affectionate temperament, which makes them excellent family pets. The Pharaoh Hound is a medium-sized dog with short fur that can come in several colors, including red or tan, with white markings on its feet, chest, muzzle, or tail tip.

They possess long legs and have an erect posture when standing or walking, which gives them a regal appearance. They are also incredibly agile, making them great competitors in agility trials and show events such as confirmation shows.

The Pharaoh Hound requires plenty of regular exercises, mental stimulation, and proper nutrition to thrive physically and emotionally. When socialized adequately during puppyhood, these dogs make wonderful lifelong companions who will be devoted members of your family for many years.

Personality and Temperament

You’ll find that the Pharaoh Hound has a truly unique personality and temperament – they’re like no other dog breeds out there. They can be a real handful, but they’re worth their weight in gold if you try to understand them.

Pharaoh Hounds have an independent streak, so they need strong leadership from their owner to keep them under control. Despite their independence, these dogs are loyal and loving to those who show them respect and kindness. They have a reputation for being very affectionate with their owners and families, but at the same time, they can be quite aloof with strangers.

These dogs love to play and often display clownish behavior when playing with family members or other pets. They tend to be quite active indoors and outdoors, so you must provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day.

While Pharaoh Hounds do not bark excessively, they will alert you if anything unusual occurs around your home.

The Pharaoh Hound loves human companionship and hates being left alone. If this happens too often, it could lead to separation anxiety or destructive behaviors such as chewing furniture or digging up your yard.

Physical Characteristics

The Pharaoh Hound is a stunningly beautiful breed, boasting an athletic physique and a bright, glossy coat. They have long legs that help them reach incredible speeds while running and strong hindquarters used to propel themselves forward.

An average adult stands between 21 and 25 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 40 to 60 pounds. The head of the Pharaoh Hound is broad with high-set ears, which are always erect and alert. Its eyes are dark in color with an intelligent, endearing expression.

This breed has short fur in many colors, including red, tan, brindle, or tricolor (including white). Some of these hounds may have small white markings on their chest or feet, but they shouldn’t be overly pronounced. They shed minimally throughout the year, making them relatively low maintenance for grooming requirements.

The tail of the Pharaoh Hound is typically curved slightly upward, giving it an elegant appearance when held aloft during activities like hunting. Their legs are slim yet muscular, with solid paws for digging while searching for rabbits or other small game animals. In addition, this breed has dewclaws on both front and rear legs, which must be regularly trimmed so they don’t become overgrown and possibly snag on objects causing pain or injury.

Care Requirements

You’ll need time and effort to keep your pup healthy and happy, as they require regular exercise, proper nutrition, mental stimulation, and lots of love.

Pharaoh Hounds are active dogs that benefit from long daily walks or jogs. They also enjoy running around in a securely fenced yard with plenty of toys. In addition to physical activity, these hounds need mental stimulation through obedience classes and interactive games such as hide-and-seek or fetching objects. A high-quality dry food for active adult dogs is best for Pharaoh Hounds; overfeeding should be avoided as this breed tends to gain weight quickly.

Pharaoh Hounds are generally healthy but may be prone to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or eye problems like cataracts or glaucoma if they come from irresponsible breeding. Vaccinations and regular vet visits should be monitored to detect potential issues early. Additionally, spaying/neutering can help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer while also curbing behavioral problems such as aggression or excessive barking in some cases.

Health Concerns

Despite their playful nature, Pharaoh Hounds can sometimes be prone to health problems if not bred responsibly. Generally, the Pharaoh Hound is considered a healthy breed and can live up to 12-15 years with proper care and nutrition.

However, there are some common ailments that this breed may suffer from, such as patellar luxation (kneecap dislocation), hip dysplasia (abnormal development of the hip joint), elbow dysplasia (abnormal formation in the elbow joint), and eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy (degenerative eye disease). As with any purebred dog, owners must work closely with an experienced breeder who follows strict breeding practices.

They have been known to suffer from certain genetic conditions. For example, allergies can be problematic for this breed due to their sensitive skin and coat. An allergic reaction to pollen or other environmental irritants often causes this condition. In addition, hypothyroidism can affect some Pharaoh Hounds, which leads to weight gain and hair loss. Owners of this breed need to ensure they receive regular checkups at the vet so that any potential health concerns can be identified early on.

Another condition that may affect Pharaoh Hounds is bloated or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). This condition occurs when food or gas becomes trapped in the stomach, causing it to twist onto itself, which then cuts off the blood supply. GDV can cause significant damage or even death in severe cases if left untreated. To help prevent bloat, dog owners of this breed need to feed them smaller meals throughout the day rather than one large meal at once and avoid exercise immediately after eating/drinking water.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of exercise does a Pharaoh Hound need?

Exercise is an integral part of a Pharaoh Hound’s life. They require regular daily physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. A good routine includes walks, runs, and playtime. Agility training can be especially beneficial for their athletic abilities.

How much space does a Pharaoh Hound need?

The Pharaoh Hound is an active breed with plenty of space to roam. For this reason, having a large backyard or access to a nearby park or open area is essential when you own one.

The Pharaoh Hound can also do well with several long walks daily as part of its daily exercise routine. Though they are relatively small, they need lots of room to run and play and will benefit from having enough space to do so.

If you don’t have a suitable outdoor space for your Pharaoh Hound, consider taking them on regular trips outside the home.

What is the average life expectancy of a Pharaoh Hound?

The average life expectancy of a Pharaoh Hound is around 12 to 15 years, making them a reasonably long-lived breed for their size. However, they may suffer from health problems that can shorten their lifespan, such as hip dysplasia, eye conditions, and allergies.

How easy is it to train a Pharaoh Hound?

Training a Pharaoh Hound is relatively straightforward, thanks to its eagerness to please and intelligence. You’ll find that these dogs learn quickly and react well to positive reinforcement.

How much grooming is required for a Pharaoh Hound?

Owning a Pharaoh Hound requires regular grooming to maintain their health and keep them looking their best. They need daily brushing of their short, glossy coat with a soft brush or comb. You should also check the pads on their feet frequently for any cuts or abrasions that may require attention.

Bathing should be done no more than once monthly, as too much can strip away essential oils from the fur and skin. Finally, trimming around the ears, eyes, and paws will help keep your Pharaoh Hound looking neat.

Conclusion

The Pharaoh Hound is an ancient breed with a long history and many unique characteristics. They’re loyal, loving companions who thrive on the attention of their humans. With their regal looks and playful demeanor, they make excellent pets for those lucky enough to have them in their lives.