Discover the Pharaoh Hound Dog Breed and Its Traits

The Pharaoh Hound is an ancient dog breed that originated in Malta, a small island nation in the Mediterranean. Its origins date back thousands of years, with evidence suggesting it was bred to hunt small game.

With a short, smooth coat, the Pharaoh Hound is a relatively low-maintenance breed. Its short coat requires minimal grooming, making it a great choice for busy owners.

In terms of size, the Pharaoh Hound is a medium-sized dog, typically weighing between 40-55 pounds and standing between 21-24 inches tall at the shoulder.

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The Pharaoh Hound is a beautiful breed with some truly unique physical characteristics.

Their distinctive trait is blushing - the inside of their ears and nose will turn a rosy pink when they're happy or worked up.

Their expression is one of keen intelligence, making them a joy to be around.

Their athletic build is evident in their powerful and agile chasers, which they showcase in the field.

Their ears are medium high set and perk up at the sound of prey, making them highly alert.

Their short, shiny, thin coat comes in a variety of colors, including chestnut, red golden, rich tan, and tan with white markings.

Their muscular build is evident in their strong and muscular hindquarters.

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The Pharaoh Hound's weight range is quite interesting, don't you think?

Their weight typically falls between 40-68 lb, which is a relatively manageable size for most dog owners.

The Pharaoh Hound's distinctive physical traits are truly unique. They have a wonderful ability to blush, which is quite adorable.

Their blushing is quite noticeable, as the inside of their ears and nose turn a rosy pink when they're happy or worked up. It's a lovely sight to see.

Their characteristic inverted S-shape is a defining feature of hounds, and the Pharaoh Hound is no exception. This shape is not only aesthetically pleasing but also contributes to their agility.

Their smooth, muscular bodies make them powerful and agile chasers, capable of keeping up with their prey. It's a testament to their athletic build.

Their expression is one of keen intelligence, which is fitting for a sighthound that relies on its senses to hunt small game effectively.

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The Pharaoh Hound is a loving and happy dog that fits in easily with families, including kids and other pets.

They are wonderfully intelligent and loyal companions to those who love them.

With proper training, they get along well with other dogs, but may be quick to hunt smaller rodents like hamsters if they sense their presence.

These dogs are also capable of being trained, but may get distracted if they've had enough instruction.

A friendly dog, the Pharaoh Hound fares well with children and is calm when indoors.

However, they can be a bit timid when introduced to strangers, but will warm up with patience.

Their strong loyalty to family and close friends is a characteristic of this breed.

They are also very sociable and enjoy the company of other humans and dogs.

As a sighthound, the Pharaoh Hound has a strong desire to hunt, and they have the stamina and speed to pursue their prey over long distances.

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The Pharaoh Hound has a rich history that spans thousands of years. This ancient breed originated in Egypt, with evidence of its existence dating back to 4,400 B.C.

The breed's ancestors were well-documented in ancient Egyptian art, with depictions of Pharaoh Hounds found in temples and tombs. These early depictions show a striking resemblance to the breed we know today.

The Pharaoh Hound was later brought to the Mediterranean island of Malta by the Phoenicians, where it was used for hunting rabbits. The breed has remained virtually unchanged from its ancestors, with the Maltese farmers revering it as a beautiful hound.

In fact, the Pharaoh Hound is still known in Malta as the "Kelb tal-Fenek", or dog of the rabbit, a reference to its original purpose as a hunting breed. This title was given to the breed in the 1960s, when enthusiasts sought to give it a more noble name.

The Pharaoh Hound's genetic link to its ancient ancestors is still a topic of debate, but it is likely that Phoenician traders visited the Maltese Islands in ancient times, bringing with them unique breeds like the Pharaoh Hound.

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The Pharaoh Hound is a breed that requires regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They need plenty of physical activity to burn off their excess energy.

Their short and thin coat makes for easy maintenance, but it also means they don't tolerate cold well. They can't be left outside in cold weather and may need a warm coat for winter walks.

Weekly brushing with a rubber curry brush is ideal to remove dead hair and keep their coat looking its best. They don't shed a lot, but they do shed an average amount.

Their nails need to be trimmed every 2 to 3 weeks to prevent overgrowth or breakage. And don't forget to brush their teeth weekly to maintain their oral health.

They don't have an odor, which is a plus for some owners. But their high energy levels mean they need high-level activities with intense play to keep them satisfied.

Long walks and jogging in the neighborhood are great ways to keep them exercised and happy. They also benefit from having plenty of space to roam around, but a tall fence is a must to prevent them from jumping over and exploring the great outdoors.

Their diet should be consistent with regular dietary needs for a high energy hound, to ensure they're provided with optimum care.

The Pharaoh hound is a relatively healthy breed, but like any dog, it's not immune to certain health issues. Responsible breeders will have their dogs undergo medical tests to prevent passing problems down to puppies.

One of the conditions to be aware of is cataracts, an eye disease that can cause a cloudy appearance and even vision loss in severe cases. This is similar to a condition humans can develop.

Epilepsy is another neurological condition that can cause seizures in dogs, which may be treated with medication in mild to moderate cases. I've heard from breeders that this is more common in certain breeds.

You'll also want to be aware of hypothyroidism, a condition that affects the thyroid and prevents the dog's body from producing healthy levels of hormones. This can be managed with medication.

In terms of grooming, the Pharaoh hound's short coat makes it more susceptible to itchy skin conditions or environmental allergies. Regular grooming can help prevent these issues.

Here's a list of common health problems to be aware of in Pharaoh hounds:

The Pharaoh hound is generally a healthy breed, but like any purebred dog, it's not immune to certain health issues. Responsible breeders will often have their dogs undergo medical tests to prevent these problems from being passed down to their puppies.

Cataracts can affect Pharaoh hounds, causing a cloudy appearance in the eye and potentially leading to vision loss. This is a serious condition that requires veterinary attention.

Epilepsy is another condition that can affect Pharaoh hounds, causing seizures that can be treated with medication in mild to moderate cases. I know someone who's dog has epilepsy, and with the right medication and care, their dog leads a happy and healthy life.

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Hypothyroidism is a condition that affects the thyroid gland, preventing the dog's body from producing healthy levels of hormones. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including weight gain and skin problems.

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV or Bloat) is a common issue in large-chested dog breeds, including the Pharaoh hound. This condition occurs when the stomach twists and expands, causing gas to build up. Your veterinarian may recommend preventative surgery to tack the stomach down and prevent this from happening.

Allergies can also affect Pharaoh hounds, particularly due to their short coat. This can lead to itchy skin conditions or environmental allergies.

Grooming can be a straightforward process for many dog breeds. The Pharaoh Hound is easy to groom.

Using a rubber grooming mitt can help remove loose and dead hairs from your dog's coat. This tool is particularly effective for breeds with short to medium-length coats.

Regular grooming can help reduce shedding and prevent hair from getting everywhere.

The Pharaoh Hound is a breed that thrives on training and exercise, so if you're an active owner who enjoys training and dog sports, this breed is a great fit.

They're highly trainable and can excel in various canine sports, such as Cani-X, agility, obedience, and heelwork to music. This is because they're intelligent and love to learn.

However, Pharaoh Hounds do require a significant amount of time for training and exercise, which may not be suitable for homes with very young children and a lack of time.

They're slow to mature into sensible adult dogs, so patience is essential when training them. With older children or teenagers who can be involved in training and dog sports, they should do very well.

Dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and adults should supervise all interactions between them to ensure everyone's safety.

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If you're interested in bringing a Pharaoh Hound into your life, there are a few options to consider.

You can check local shelters or breed-specific rescues in your area, where you might find an adult Pharaoh Hound or a Pharaoh mix in need of a forever home.

Reputable breeders can also be a great resource, but be prepared for a waiting list or travel to find a puppy. They should readily provide the medical history of the litter's family and allow you to meet the parent dogs.

Prices for Pharaoh Hound puppies can range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on their pedigree and availability.

Here are some resources to get you started:

Pharaoh hounds are a great choice for families with kids. They're family friendly and playful, making them a perfect addition to any household with children.

One of the best things about pharaoh hounds is their low-maintenance grooming needs. They require less grooming compared to other breeds, which is a big plus for busy families.

However, pharaoh hounds do have some downsides. They have a high prey drive, which means they may not be suitable for homes with small pets. They also require considerable exercise to stay healthy, so be prepared for regular walks and playtime.

Here are the key pros and cons of pharaoh hounds:

The Pharaoh Hound is a wonderful breed to have as a family pet. They're family friendly and playful with kids, making them a great addition to any household with little ones.

One of the best things about Pharaoh Hounds is their low-maintenance grooming needs. They don't require a lot of fuss and bother to keep them looking their best.

If you're looking for a breed that's calm in the house, the Pharaoh Hound is a great choice. They're happy to lounge around the house as long as they've had enough exercise.

Here are some key pros of owning a Pharaoh Hound:

If you're considering bringing a Pharaoh Hound into your family, it's essential to be aware of the potential downsides. High prey drive is a common trait in this breed, which can make them prone to chasing small animals.

They can be a handful to train, especially for inexperienced owners. This is because they're independent and strong-willed.

Pharaoh Hounds require a lot of exercise to stay healthy and happy. A daily run or a long walk isn't enough – they need considerable physical activity to thrive.

Here are some key cons to consider:

These traits are just a few things to keep in mind if you're thinking of getting a Pharaoh Hound. With patience and dedication, you can work through these challenges and build a strong bond with your new furry friend.