General Introduction of the Breed
The Pharaoh Hound, known as “Kelb tal-Fenek” in Maltese, is an ancient dog breed with origins in Malta. Historically, it was used for hunting rabbits and remains the national dog of Malta. Despite its name, the breed is not directly related to ancient Egyptian hounds but does bear a striking resemblance to the depictions of dogs found in Egyptian art.
Table of Contents
| Color | Various shades of tan (rich reddish-gold to lighter fawn). White markings on chest, tail tip, and toes are common. |
| Weight | Males: 45-55 pounds (20-25 kg). Females: Slightly smaller |
| Lifespan | 12 to 14 years. |
| Diet | High-quality dry kibble, wet food, or balanced raw diet. Divide meals into two portions per day. Avoid chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, and excessive fatty foods. |
| Care | Daily exercise (brisk walks, playtime in a fenced area). Weekly brushing. Occasional baths, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care. Sensitivity to cold may require a sweater. |
| Health | Generally healthy. Prone to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and allergies. Sensitive to anesthesia. Routine veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and parasite prevention are necessary. |
| Nature | Intelligent, independent, eager to learn. Affectionate with owners, reserved with strangers. High energy levels. High prey drive. Friendly with children, but supervision is recommended. |
| Price | $1,500 to $3,000 from reputable breeders. Adoption may be available at a lower cost. |
Physical Characteristics
The Pharaoh Hound is a medium-sized dog. Males typically stand between 23 and 25 inches (58-64 cm) tall and weigh around 45-55 pounds (20-25 kg), while females are slightly smaller.
The breed has a short, fine coat that comes in various shades of tan, ranging from rich reddish-gold to lighter fawn. White markings on the chest, tail tip, and toes are common.
The eyes are oval-shaped and amber in color, giving them an intelligent and expressive appearance.
The large, erect ears are highly mobile and aid in their acute sense of hearing.
The tail is medium-length, tapering to a fine point, and is carried low when relaxed but curves upwards when alert.
One distinctive characteristic is their unique ability to “blush” when excited, causing their ears and nose to turn a rosy pink.
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Personality and Temperament
Pharaoh Hounds are intelligent, independent, and eager to learn. They respond well to positive reinforcement training.
This breed has high energy levels and requires regular exercise to stay physically and mentally stimulated.
They are affectionate with their owners and enjoy human companionship but are not overly clingy.
The breed is friendly but can be reserved with strangers until they feel comfortable.
They usually get along well with children and other pets but have a strong prey drive, which can make them prone to chasing smaller animals.
Pharaoh Hounds are highly sensitive to their environment and can be affected by sudden changes in routine or loud noises.
Care and Maintenance Requirements
Pharaoh Hounds need daily exercise, such as brisk walks or playtime in a secure, fenced area.
They adapt well to both homes with yards and apartments, provided their exercise needs are met.
Grooming is simple due to their short coat. Weekly brushing helps remove loose hair, and they are low shedders.
They are sensitive to extreme cold and may require a sweater in colder climates, but they tolerate warmer weather well.
Regular hygiene care includes occasional baths, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and routine dental care.
Diet and Nutrition
They do well on high-quality dry kibble, wet food, or a balanced raw diet.
Avoid overfeeding, as they have lean frames and can gain weight if given excessive treats.
Chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, and excessive fatty foods should be avoided.
Meals should be divided into two portions per day to prevent bloating or digestive issues.
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Health and Common Medical Issues
Pharaoh Hounds are generally healthy but may be prone to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and allergies.
They are particularly sensitive to anesthesia, so special care must be taken when undergoing surgery.
The average lifespan of the breed is between 12 to 14 years.
Routine veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and parasite prevention are necessary for maintaining their health.
Training and Behavior Management
Pharaoh Hounds can be trained with consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement.
They respond well to reward-based training but may be stubborn at times.
Early socialization is essential to ensure they grow into well-adjusted adults.
Reinforcing good behavior with praise and treats works far better than harsh discipline.
Interaction with Other Animals and Humans
The breed is friendly with children and enjoys interactive play but should always be supervised with younger kids.
They can coexist with other dogs but have a high prey drive, making them less compatible with small pets like rabbits or rodents.
Pharaoh Hounds do well in both family settings and with individuals but require regular interaction to prevent loneliness.
They are relatively independent but still form strong bonds with their owners.
Price and Availability
The average price of a Pharaoh Hound puppy from a reputable breeder ranges between $1,500 to $3,000.
Potential owners should purchase from ethical breeders who perform health screenings.
Adoption options may be available through breed-specific rescues or shelters for a lower cost.
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Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The Pharaoh Hound is an elegant, intelligent, and affectionate breed, making it a great companion for active individuals or families.
They thrive in environments where they receive proper exercise, training, and mental stimulation.
While relatively low-maintenance in grooming, they require commitment to their activity needs and socialization.
Prospective owners should consider their high prey drive, sensitivity, and need for companionship before choosing this breed.
FAQ
What are the care requirements for a Pharaoh Hound?
They need daily exercise, such as brisk walks or playtime in a fenced area. Grooming is simple, requiring weekly brushing. They are sensitive to cold and may need a sweater in colder climates.
Are Pharaoh Hounds healthy dogs?
Generally, they are healthy but may be prone to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and allergies. They are also sensitive to anesthesia. Routine veterinary check-ups are essential.
How much does a Pharaoh Hound puppy cost?
The average price from a reputable breeder ranges from $1,500 to $3,000. Adoption may be available at a lower cost.
Are Pharaoh Hounds good with children and other pets?
They are friendly with children but should be supervised, especially with younger kids. They can coexist with other dogs but have a high prey drive, making them less compatible with small pets.
What is the Pharaoh Hound’s temperament like?
Pharaoh Hounds are intelligent, independent, and eager to learn. They are affectionate with their owners but can be reserved with strangers. They have high energy levels and a strong prey drive.
