Pharaoh Hound: temperament, size, care and health

About the Pharaoh Hound

The Pharaoh Hound is a medium-large, slender hound with a long, clean head, large erect ears and a body that combines grace and strength. The short, glossy coat is tan or rich chestnut, often with white on the tail tip, chest and toes, and a white blaze on the face is allowed. Dogs stand around twenty-one to twenty-five inches tall. Amber eyes and a nose and ears of a matching color give the dog a warm, cohesive look.

The breed is best known for a trait owners enjoy: when the dog is excited or happy, its nose and ears flush a deep rose color, an effect called blushing. The Pharaoh Hound, whose Maltese name means rabbit dog, is the national hound of Malta, where it still hunts rabbits by sight, scent and hearing, often in teams.

Temperament and family life

The Pharaoh Hound is affectionate, sociable and lively. It tends to love its family and often gets along well with visitors, though some are shy and need early socialization. It is sensitive and cheerful. The breed is usually not a heavy barker, but it can be vocal when excited and may sing along to a siren.

It is generally good with children that are considerate, and it likes to play, though its speed and enthusiasm may overwhelm toddlers. Most Pharaoh Hounds get on with other dogs. The prey drive is strong, and a small animal outdoors will draw a chase, but some dogs accept a cat they grew up with. The hound likes company and tends to be unhappy when left alone, and it may become destructive.

Exercise and training

This is an athletic breed that needs a daily run in a secure area as well as walks. A bored Pharaoh Hound can be hard to live with. It is a good jumper and needs a tall fence. Never trust the dog off leash outdoors in unfenced land. Lure coursing is a favorite sport, and the breed also enjoys agility and long hikes.

Training should be gentle and varied. The dog is intelligent but sensitive and may shut down or become stubborn if it is corrected harshly. It learns quickly with food rewards and play, but repetition bores it. Start socialization early. House training is typically straightforward because the dog is clean.

Grooming and shedding

The coat is among the least demanding. A weekly rub with a soft brush or a mitt keeps it shining, and baths are needed rarely. Shedding is light and the short hair is easy to clean.

The skin is thin and sensitive to sun and cold, and the pale nose and ears may sunburn in intense light. The dog should have a coat in cold weather. Nails should be trimmed, teeth brushed and the large ears checked for debris.

Health

The Pharaoh Hound is considered a hardy and long-lived breed. Because of its low body fat, it can be sensitive to some anesthetics, and its thin skin tears easily. Some dogs have dental problems, allergies or hip issues, and the gene pool is small. Breeders may test hips and examine eyes and sometimes check other conditions. These notes on the Pharaoh Hound are general, so a veterinarian should be consulted about the health of a specific dog.

History

The breed is associated with Malta, where it is a traditional rabbit-hunting dog. The name suggests a resemblance to dogs shown in Egyptian art, but a direct link is unproven, and genetic studies suggest the breed is not ancient. The first litter born outside Malta was in the United Kingdom in 1963, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1983.

Is the Pharaoh Hound right for you?

The Pharaoh Hound suits an active household that can offer exercise, company and a very secure yard. It is a poor choice for people who want a calm homebody, who cannot supervise around small pets or who have low fences.

Consider the related Ibizan Hound, which is taller and has a different coat range, and the Cirneco dell'Etna, which is smaller. The Basenji is another ancient-looking hound with a quieter voice.