Other names: Kelb-tal Fenek (Rabbit Dog)
Origin
Remnants of dogs similar in appearance to the Pharaoh Hound have been found in the Nile Valley and dated at around 4000 BC. It is thought that before Egyptian times sight hounds were traded by the Phoenicians and they left them on isolated islands where they bred amongst themselves for hundreds of years. Around 1000 BC the island of Malta was colonised by the Phoenicians and their sight hounds. These dogs were valued for their ability to hunt rabbits and became known as the ‘rabbit dog’, which is the Pharaoh Hound that we know today. The island became deserted of people but the dogs remained and bred for nearly two thousand years without any other dogs being introduced. Britain was introduced to this dog in the 1930’s but they did not start to become accepted until the 1960’s.
Description
These medium sized, short-coated dogs with erect ears are very graceful and athletic in appearance. They vary in colour from light to dark reddish brown in colour. They are unique in that when they are excited they blush, their noses and insides of their ears turn rosy pink.
| Size | Large |
| Colour | This hound is tan or chestnut in colour maybe with some white on the chest, tip of the tail, toes or face. |
| Coat Length | Short Smooth |
| Weight/Height Range | Dogs should measure between 56-63cms and weigh between 23-25kgs. Bitches should ideally measure between 53-61cms and weigh 20-23kgs. |
| Ailments | The Pharaoh Hound is a relatively healthy breed, and the only problem here in the U.K. was patella luxation, although no cases have been recorded for several years now. |
| Breed Classification | The Pharaoh Hound is a member of the hound group. They were originally bred as sight, scent and sound dogs and today are used for hunting and as companions. |
Feeding & Ownership
The Pharaoh Hound is an undemanding dog to feed with no special dietary requirements; they generally have a good appetite.
| Food Cost | $15 to $20 |
Personality
The Pharaoh Hound is a reasonably independent dog that is loyal to its family. They have an inbuilt desire to hunt and have the staying power to keep going with or without you. Cats and other small animals are seen as prey to the Pharaoh Hound that hasn’t been socialised with them from an early age. The Pharaoh is not a dog for the faint hearted, they have a way of reading your next action and seem to be able to get there that little bit ahead of you. They can be fairly vocal, and being a very sociable breed really enjoys the company of other dogs or preferably humans. Not a breed suited to someone who has little time.
| Intelligence | They are intelligent and fairly obedient, one of the few hounds that, more often than not, will return to you on command. Training should be consistent and early socialisation is a must. They are highly trainable and indeed several Pharaoh Hounds have become highly successful in the fields of Obedience and Agility. The trouble with the Pharaoh Hound is that they think far too quickly for us humans to comprehend. |
| Energy | High |
| Suitability for Children | Medium |
| Tendency to Bark | High |
| Overall Exercise Requirement | These dogs require lots of exercise. Once on the scent of game they will run and run. As they can jump reasonably high you will need to have an adequately fenced garden to keep this dog in. |
| Suitability as a Guard Dog | Medium |
| Ease of Transportation | Medium |
| Level of Aggression | Low |
| Other Animal Compatibility | Medium |
Grooming
The Pharaoh Hound is easy to groom. They can be groomed using a rubber grooming mitt, which will remove the loose and dead hairs
| Grooming Requirements | Once a week |
| Amount of Hair Shed | Little |
Discover Other Dog Breeds
Welsh Corgi (Cardigan)