The Pharaoh Hound is one of the oldest domesticated dogs.
Nickname: Kelb Tal-Fenek – dog of the rabbit.
Appearance
Body: Sleek and supple with a nearly straight topline, well-sprung ribs, and long, strong shoulders.
Coat: Short, glossy and somewhat harsh.
Color: Tan-rich or tan-chestnut, with white markings.
Ears: Large, broad, and triangular-shaped, set moderately high, and held erect.
Eyes: Small and oval, amber colored, and moderately deep set.
Feet: Strong, well-padded, and well-knuckled; capable of a gripping-like action for rough terrains.
Head: Long, lean, and wedge-shaped with a well-chiseled skull, slight stop, pointed muzzle, and flesh-colored nose.
Neck: Long, lean, well-muscled and elegantly curved.
Legs: Forelegs are straight with elbows well-tucked in. Hindquarters are strong and well-muscled with well let down hocks.
Size:
Height is 21 – 25 inches
Weight is 45 – 55 pounds
Tail: Long, thick at the root and tapering to the tip; carried high and curved at the end.
Behavior
- Recommended for experienced dog handlers.
- Good with other dogs but will chase other small animals.
- Some are barkers.
The Pharaoh Hound is a fast and powerful dog who loves to play and have fun. He’s affectionate, intelligent, has an excellent sense of smell, and has the distinction of being one of the few hounds who hunt gazelles. He has a will to please his owner, and is a great companion who craves human interaction and attention. He loves to curl up on a soft blanket or in a warm, comfortable bed.
AKC Standard says, “The Pharaoh Hound gives a striking impression of elegance, power, and grace. He is intelligent, friendly, and affectionate. His great speed combined with his alertness and agility give him a marked keenness for hunting both by sight and by scent.”
He is light on his feet and capable of jumping quite high. The Pharaoh needs vigorous daily exercise. Unless you are in the country with vast areas of safe property to run on, you will need a large but safely enclosed area to keep him from bolting out into traffic or getting into other dangerous situations.
Early obedience training and socialization will help develop his sense of self confidence. He is sensitive to harsh treatment but will respond well to a kind hand and a positive, rewarding approach with lots of praise for a job well done.
Breed Type
AKC Group: Hound Dog (sight hound)
Originally bred by the Egyptians to hunt gazelle and later bred in Malta to hunt rabbit. He is capable of hunting by both scent and sight.
Exercise: Lots of vigorous playing and running in a wide open area.
Grooming: Brush two to three times weekly with a soft brush. Keep his ears and eyes clean and dry to avoid infections.
Life Expectancy: 11 – 14 Years
Possible problems:
- Allergies
- Some Pharaohs have negative reactions to anesthetics and vaccinations. Be sure to check with your veterinarian before administering flea and tick control products or other drug related medications.
Recommended Certificates:
- CERF – for the eyes.
- OFA – for the hips.
Origins are believed to be in Egypt and later brought to Malta (an island in the Mediterranean).