Pharaoh Hound

The Pharaoh Hound, considered a “primitive” type, is a dog from the hound group. Originally from Egypt, it was brought by the Phoenicians to the island of Malta 2,500 to 3,000 years ago. Although the Pharaoh Hound traces its lineage back to Egypt, according to DNA evidence, the dog as we know it right now has only been around for a couple of hundred years.

A sighthound bred to hunt rabbits; it will use its vision and speed to aid in hunting. It might hunt smaller pets because of its predatory nature.

It’s a very affectionate and playful dog. It really loves its family and enjoys playing with children. It can get along well with other dogs as long as they’ve been socialized together early on.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Pharaoh Hound 

The Best Dog Food For Pharaoh Hound

The Pharaoh Hound uses a lot of energy. An active dog needs high protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Dry kibble should have meat as the first ingredient.

Pharaoh Hound Size and Weight

The Pharaoh Hound is a medium-sized dog. The male stands 23 to 25 inches at the shoulder. The female stands 21 to 24 inches. Though they are tall, they are narrow and wiry. Both males and females tend to weigh between 45 and 55 pounds.

Pharaoh Hound Common Health Issues

Pharaoh Hounds are generally healthy, but they can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, eye disorders, certain cancers, and hypothyroidism. Obesity can also be a concern, and regular veterinary checkups are recommended to monitor for these conditions.

Pharaoh Hound Temperament

Pharaoh Hounds have playful personalities. They have affectionate behavior with their families and are good with children. They can be good with other dogs as long as they’re socialized with them from an early age. The Pharaoh Hound’s hunting traits make them take off after birds and rodents, which means it’s not good around smaller pets. Also, they can be reserved around strangers but are typically not aggressive.

How To Take Care of a Pharaoh Hound  

Pharaoh Hound Maintenance And Grooming 

The Pharaoh Hound has a short coat that really doesn’t require much brushing or washing: it can just be wiped down occasionally with a damp cloth. The dog doesn’t typically have a doggy odor, so it should only be bathed when necessary. A light weekly brushing with a rubber brush should reduce dead hair collecting in the coat and handle most shedding. Please note that the coat is not hypoallergenic.

Their thin coat also means they shouldn’t be in cold weather for too long, as these warm-weather dogs are susceptible to the cold. Dog owners should cover them in colder weather with coats, blankets, etc. They may even need some protection from a cold house, where pajamas are not unheard of. This dog really loves to curl up with its owner under a nice, warm blanket.

The teeth should be brushed regularly, and the nails should be trimmed with either a clipper or a nail grinder. Ensure they’re short enough so that they don’t tap on the floors when walking.

Pharaoh Hound Training 

They are extremely intelligent and trainable dogs. But if they are let off lead, their hunting instincts will take over, and they will run. Ensure that you train with them in a lead or in an enclosed area with a fence at least six feet tall.

They really love to play and goof off, so training should be positive and done in short sessions. Positive reinforcement is required, so rewards, treats, toys, and play should be doled out liberally. Pharaoh Hounds can be independent and stubborn, so when they get an idea or are distracted, they are difficult to get back on task. They should be socialized with the family and with kids, but be mindful of the dog’s playful nature around small children, as they will knock them down.

Pharaoh Hound Exercise 

This is a high-energy dog. It likes to run, and it likes to hunt. Make sure the dog stays on a lead or is playing in an enclosed space with a tall fence (at least 6 feet tall). They need at least 20 to 30 minutes a day of high-energy exercise. They like to play, and they can perform many different activities like agility drills, coursing, scent work, etc.

Pharaoh Hound Puppies 

Obedience training should begin when puppies are eight weeks old. Apart from this, make sure to socialize them with family, friends, other dogs, and other family pets early on.

Pharaoh Hound And Children

Since they are affectionate dogs and they really love their families, they can be very good with children. However, young or small children could get knocked over because the Pharaoh Hound is a rambunctious, playful dog. It’s also tall and fast. So while excellent with older children, they should be supervised when around young children. It should be said that adult supervision is necessary when children are around an untrained dog.

Dogs Similar to Pharaoh Hound

• Ibizan Hound: Ibizan Hounds are similar in energy level and purpose to the Pharaoh Hound. The Phoenicians brought them to the Iberian Peninsula (Spain) to hunt rabbits.
• Italian Greyhound: The Italian Greyhound has many of the physical characteristics of a sighthound. Classified as part of the “toy” group, it is a solitary, motion-oriented hunter that will chase smaller animals. It also has trouble with colder weather and may need some help regulating its body temperature.

Famous Pharaoh Hounds

• The Pharaoh Hound Bahri of Twinley, owned by Pauline Brock, was the first to be shown in England.