Pharaoh hound

Summary

The Pharaoh Hound is an ancient and regal breed that originates from Malta. Known for its sleek and athletic build, this medium-sized dog possesses a graceful and elegant appearance. The Pharaoh Hound has a short coat that can range in color from tan to chestnut, and its almond-shaped eyes shine with intelligence and warmth.

This breed is highly regarded for its speed, agility, and remarkable hunting skills. Originally bred to hunt small game, the Pharaoh Hound possesses a keen sense of smell and excellent sight, making it an exceptional tracking and retrieving dog. Despite its hunting background, the Pharaoh Hound is also well-suited for family life and can coexist peacefully with children and other animals when properly socialized.

Furthermore, the Pharaoh Hound is known for its gentle, affectionate, and even-tempered nature. It forms strong bonds with its human family and thrives on companionship and attention. This breed is highly intelligent and responds well to positive reinforcement training methods. However, due to its independent and stubborn nature, consistent and patient training is necessary from an early age.

The Pharaoh Hound requires regular exercise to maintain its physical and mental well-being. Daily walks, runs, or play sessions in a securely fenced yard are essential to prevent boredom and restlessness. Additionally, grooming requirements for this breed are minimal, with occasional brushing and routine nail trimming being sufficient to keep the coat and nails in good condition.

In summary, the Pharaoh Hound is a stunning and loyal breed that blends ancient elegance with modern adaptability. With their athleticism, intelligence, and affectionate nature, they make wonderful companions for active individuals or families.

Usage areas

The Pharaoh Hound is a unique and ancient breed that originated in Egypt. This breed has a rich history and is known for its elegant appearance and immense hunting skills. The Pharaoh Hound was historically used for hunting rabbits, hares, and other small game.

One of the standout features of this breed is its exceptional speed and agility, which makes it an excellent coursing dog. The Pharaoh Hound possesses great endurance and can sustain its pace for long periods of time, making it well-suited for hunting in rough terrains.

While its original purpose was hunting, the Pharaoh Hound has transitioned into a versatile breed with adaptable skills. Today, it is commonly seen participating in various dog sports such as lure coursing, agility, obedience, and even competitive obedience. Its athleticism and intelligence make it a competitive contender in these events.

Apart from its sporting abilities, the Pharaoh Hound also excels as a loyal and affectionate companion. It is known for forming strong bonds with its family, including children, and can be a gentle and sensitive presence in the home. Due to its strong prey drive, however, the Pharaoh Hound requires proper socialization and supervision around smaller pets.

With its elegant appearance, gracefulness, and friendly nature, the Pharaoh Hound has also gained popularity as a show dog. Its striking appearance, including its slim build, sleek coat, and erect ears, is sure to turn heads in the show ring.

In summary, the Pharaoh Hound is a versatile breed that can excel in various areas. Whether it's hunting, dog sports, or simply being a loving companion, this ancient breed brings its unique skillset and charm to any situation.

Mentality

The Pharaoh hound is known for its intelligent and independent nature. They are a highly versatile breed that possesses a unique combination of ancient instincts and modern adaptability. Originally bred as hunting dogs in ancient Egypt, Pharaoh hounds are known for their keen senses and exceptional agility.

In terms of temperament, Pharaoh hounds are generally friendly, affectionate, and loyal towards their families. They tend to form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy being a part of their daily activities. With proper socialization and training, these dogs can also get along well with children and other pets in the household.

While Pharaoh hounds can be independent thinkers, they are also highly trainable due to their intelligence and eagerness to please. They respond positively to positive reinforcement methods and enjoy tasks that challenge them mentally. It is important to provide them with consistent and firm guidance to prevent them from becoming stubborn or developing undesirable behaviors.

Due to their hunting heritage, Pharaoh hounds may exhibit strong prey drives. They have a keen sense of smell and are often prone to chasing smaller animals. It is essential to ensure they are properly trained and regularly exercised to redirect their instincts in more appropriate ways.

As active dogs, Pharaoh hounds require regular exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. They enjoy activities like running, long walks, and play sessions that allow them to expend their energy. Without enough exercise, they may become bored or restless, which can lead to undesirable behaviors.

Overall, Pharaoh hounds are a wonderful breed for experienced dog owners who can provide them with the mental and physical stimulation they need. With proper training, socialization, and an active lifestyle, they make loyal companions that can excel in various dog sports and activities.

Health

The Pharaoh Hound is generally a healthy breed with few known genetic health issues. These dogs have a strong immune system and are notably resilient. However, like any other breed, they may be susceptible to certain health conditions. It is always important to ensure regular veterinary check-ups and maintain a healthy lifestyle for your Pharaoh Hound to promote their overall well-being.

One health concern that has been reported in Pharaoh Hounds is the occurrence of hip dysplasia, which is a condition that affects the hip joint and may lead to discomfort or lameness. It is advised to get this breed from reputable breeders who health test their breeding stock to reduce the risk of inheriting this condition.

Another health issue occasionally seen in Pharaoh Hounds is progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a degenerative eye disorder that can lead to vision loss or blindness. Responsible breeders conduct eye tests to identify potential PRA carriers and decrease the chances of passing on this condition.

Furthermore, like most deep-chested breeds, Pharaoh Hounds may be prone to a condition called gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), commonly known as bloat. This occurs when the stomach fills with gas and rotates, potentially leading to a life-threatening situation. Feeding them smaller, frequent meals and ensuring they don't engage in vigorous exercise immediately before or after eating can help minimize the risk of bloat.

Overall, Pharaoh Hounds are generally a healthy breed, but it is essential to prioritize their well-being through regular vet visits, proper nutrition, exercise, and a safe environment.

Size and looks

The Pharaoh Hound is a medium-sized dog breed with a unique and distinctive appearance. They have a strong and muscular build, while maintaining an elegant and graceful stance.

In terms of size, males typically stand about 23 to 25 inches (58-63 cm) tall at the shoulder, while females are slightly smaller, measuring around 21 to 24 inches (53-61 cm). They generally weigh between 45 to 55 pounds (20-25 kg).

One of their most striking features is their sleek and glossy coat, which is usually short and close to the body, requiring minimal grooming. The coat color ranges from various shades of tan or chestnut to red-gold, with a white-tipped tail being a distinct characteristic. Some Pharaoh Hounds may also have white markings on their chest, neck, or feet.

Their head is elegant and noble, characterized by a long and well-defined muzzle. Their eyes are oval-shaped and amber or golden in color. The ears are large and stand erect when the dog is alert.

Overall, the Pharaoh Hound is a beautiful and athletic breed, known for their graceful appearance and distinctive coat colors.

History

The Pharaoh Hound is a breed with an intriguing and ancient history. They are believed to have originated in ancient Egypt around 4,000 years ago, where they were highly regarded as hunting and companion dogs among Egyptian nobility.

Depictions of these dogs have been found on ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the walls of tombs and temples. The Pharaoh Hound's resemblance to the ancient Egyptian god Anubis further highlights their significance in Egyptian culture.

Over the centuries, Pharaoh Hounds made their way to the Mediterranean island of Malta, where they thrived and evolved into the breed we know today. They were cherished for their hunting abilities, agility, and loyalty.

The breed faced several challenges during its history, including declining numbers and near extinction during World War II. However, dedicated breed enthusiasts worked tirelessly to preserve and revive the Pharaoh Hound, successfully bringing them back from the brink.

Today, Pharaoh Hounds are highly sought after for their elegant appearance, sleek and muscular build, as well as their friendly and affectionate nature. They are still considered skilled hunters but are primarily kept as loving family pets, known for their gentle and playful temperament.

Despite their ancient roots, the Pharaoh Hound remains a relatively rare breed, but their unique history and captivating appearance continue to captivate dog lovers around the world.

Fur care

The Pharaoh Hound is known for its short, fine, and glossy coat. The fur is usually smooth and sleek, with no undercoat. The color of the coat can vary from tan to chestnut with white markings, typically on the tip of the tail, chest, and toes. It is important to note that the Pharaoh Hound is a relatively low-shedding breed.

In terms of fur care, the Pharaoh Hound's coat requires minimal maintenance. Occasional brushing with a soft bristle brush or rubber grooming mitt will help in removing loose hair and keeping the coat clean and shiny. Bathing should be done when necessary, using a mild dog shampoo to maintain the natural oils of the coat.

Regular ear cleaning is essential for Pharaoh Hounds, as they have large ears that can be prone to ear infections. Checking the ears weekly for any signs of redness, odor, or excessive wax buildup is recommended.

Additionally, it's crucial to keep up with their dental hygiene by brushing their teeth regularly to prevent tartar buildup and maintain good oral health.

Overall, the Pharaoh Hound's fur care is relatively low-maintenance, focusing mainly on regular brushing, ear cleaning, and dental care.

Other info

The Pharaoh Hound is a unique and elegant breed that is native to Malta. Here are some interesting facts about this ancient breed:

1. Antiquity: The Pharaoh Hound is one of the oldest known dog breeds, dating back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptian artwork often depicts dogs similar to the Pharaoh Hound, suggesting its lineage is ancient.

2. Origin: As mentioned, this breed hails from Malta. They were originally bred by the Phoenician traders around 4,000 years ago and were often found in the homes of Maltese nobility.

3. Appearance: Pharaoh Hounds are known for their graceful and athletic build. They have a lean and muscular body, standing around 21 to 25 inches (53 to 63 cm) tall at the shoulder, and weighing between 45 to 55 pounds (20 to 25 kg). One of their most distinctive features is their almond-shaped amber eyes.

4. Temperament: Pharaoh Hounds are known for their friendly, gentle, and affectionate nature. They are generally good with children and can get along well with other dogs if properly socialized. However, they can be reserved or wary around strangers, which makes them good watchdogs.

5. Intelligence and trainability: Pharaoh Hounds are intelligent and quick learners. They respond best to positive reinforcement methods, and their sensitivity means they do not respond well to harsh training techniques. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement will yield the best results.

6. Exercise needs: As a sporting breed, Pharaoh Hounds have a lot of energy and require regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. They enjoy long walks, jogs, or hikes, as well as playtime in a securely fenced yard. Providing mental stimulation through puzzle toys or obedience training is also beneficial.

7. Barking tendency: While not excessive barkers, Pharaoh Hounds do have a unique vocalization known as "pharoah scream." This is a high-pitched and unique vocalization that they use when they are excited, startled, or happy.

8. Sighthound traits: As a sighthound, Pharaoh Hounds have excellent vision and are known for their remarkable speed and agility. They have a strong prey drive and should be kept on a leash or in a secure, fenced area to prevent chasing small animals.

9. Health considerations: Pharaoh Hounds are generally a healthy breed. However, like any dog, they can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and certain eye conditions. Regular veterinary check-ups and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine are important for their overall well-being.

10. Family suitability: Pharaoh Hounds can make great family pets in the right household. They require active and dedicated owners who can provide them with plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization. Being sensitive and gentle with children, they can be a wonderful addition to a family with older kids.

Remember, these are general characteristics, and each individual Pharaoh Hound might exhibit some variations in temperament and behavior.