Pharaoh Hound

The Pharaoh hound is believed to be one of the oldest dogs in existence. While the exact origins of the breed are unknown, it is speculated that these dogs originated in ancient Egypt. Phoenician traders introduced the dogs to Greece, North Africa and the island of Malta. Today, the Pharaoh hound is the national dog of Malta. The first Pharaoh hounds to appear in the United States arrived during the 1960s. In 1983, the American Kennel Club recognized the Pharaoh hound as a member of the hound group.

The Pharaoh Hound is a medium sized, athletic dog with log legs. It resembles the greyhound but has larger, pointy ears. It can run at great speed. It has a smooth, short coat that needs minimal attention.

Personality

This is an elegant-looking dog breed that is gentle and calm. It loves to run and needs daily exercise in the form of moderate to long walks or vigorous play. It is very sensitive and timid at times. It's a friendly family dog and good with children. It has the unique ability to "blush", meaning that its ears and nose turn rosy when it is excited. Its friendly with other dogs but reserved with strangers.

Breed Characteristics

Pharaoh Hound Build Information

The sleek physique of a Pharaoh hound stands at a height of 21 to 25 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 40 and 60 pounds. The breed is noted for power, speed and agility. The coat is short and glossy. The color of the coat is chestnut, red or tan, often with white markings on the tip of the tail, chest, paws and face. When the dog is happy and excited, it appears to blush as the ears and nose turn rosy in color. The large ears are pointy and stand erect, and the tail is long and tapered. Pharaoh hounds are classified as sighthounds, but their senses of smell and hearing are also keen, and all three senses are used extensively in hunting. The Pharaoh Hound is a medium sized, athletic dog with log legs. It resembles the greyhound but has larger, pointy ears. It can run at great speed. It has a smooth, short coat that needs minimal attention.

Behaviour and Personality

The Pharaoh hound can be aloof at times, but it is generally a playful dog that thrives on mischievous antics. Pharaoh hounds have a strong sense of independence, but they are also eager to please. In the home, a Pharaoh hound is calm, gentle and affectionate with children and other dogs. However, this breed has strong hunting instincts that may extend to pursuing cats and other animals in the home and yard. A Pharaoh hound is content to assume the role of couch potato, and it does not make the most efficient watchdog. This is an elegant-looking dog breed that is gentle and calm. It loves to run and needs daily exercise in the form of moderate to long walks or vigorous play. It is very sensitive and timid at times. It's a friendly family dog and good with children. It has the unique ability to "blush", meaning that its ears and nose turn rosy when it is excited. Its friendly with other dogs but reserved with strangers.

Appearance

Grooming a Pharaoh hound cannot be easier. Go over the dog’s coat once a week with a grooming mitt to remove loose hairs and to redistribute the natural oils that maintain the coat’s sheen. Brush a Pharaoh hound’s teeth every other day to reduce tartar accumulation and prevent periodontal disease.

Pharaoh Hound Common Health Conditions

The Pharaoh hound lives an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years. The breed is hardy and generally healthy. There are no known genetic health conditions specific to the breed. Be aware that Pharaoh hounds are particularly sensitive to some medications and anesthetic drugs.

Pharaoh Hound Pet Insurance

When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.

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Breed Talents and Facts

The Pharaoh hound’s noble resemblance to the canine statues found in ancient Egyptian tombs elicits a sense of awe in all who gaze upon it. The Pharaoh hound most likely originated in Egypt. The Pharaoh hound is a playfully mischievous and affectionate companion. The Pharaoh hound stands 21 to 25 inches tall and weighs 40 to 60 pounds. The Pharaoh hound has a moderate energy level. The Pharaoh hound requires minimal grooming. The average lifespan for a Pharaoh hound is 12 to 14 years.