Pharaoh Hound

The Pharaoh Hound is a medium-sized dog that usually stands at a height of 25 inches. Their sleek and aerodynamic bodies allow them to run at great speeds. They have smooth coats that come in shades of red to fawn and feature white on their toes, chest, forehead, and tail tip.

Pharaoh Hounds have large, erect ears that are considered their hallmark. At the same time, they also feature other greyhound-like features such as long legs, a narrow body, a slightly arched back, and a long tail.

Although with royalty in their name, these dogs are known to be one of the friendliest. They enjoy being with people, and they are certainly affectionate dogs. However, it’s vital to meet their exercise requirements, so they remain behaved indoors. So, if you’re not the outdoorsy type, they may not be the dogs for you.

Pharaoh Hound Statistics

Dog Breed Group	Hound
Breed Size	Medium
Height	23-25 inches (male); 21-24 inches (female)
Weight	45-55 pounds
Lifespan	12-14 years

Pharaoh Hound Ratings

Energy level
Exercise needs
Requires attention
Playfulness
Trainability
Shedding
Grooming
Friendly with family
Friendly with kids
Friendly with strangers
Friendly with other dogs
Prey Drive

Pharaoh Hound History

Pharaoh Hounds, as their name implies, originated from Egypt. It is an ancient dog breed with a history that can be traced back to 4000 BC. They’re even believed to be the closest relative to the now extinct Egyptian hounds.

According to historians, Phoenician traders are responsible for disseminating the breed throughout the world from Egypt. The dogs were seen first in Malta, where they were used for hunting rabbits and were considered the area’s official dog.

They stayed there for years and was not known anywhere else until the 1930s when they were brought to Europe. Thirty-seven years later, in the year 1967, the dogs were also imported to the US. And it didn’t take long for the American Kennel Club to recognize the breed in 1984.

The Pharaoh Hounds now rank 172nd as the most popular dog in the US. They are still considered very uncommon despite being found throughout the world. It seems that this dog is not suited for just anyone.

Pharaoh Hound Temperament

Pharaoh Hounds are smart, friendly, and, as their name implies, noble dogs. Built for speed, these dogs are athletic and would require exercise. A good daily run or walks should usually suffice for this dog.

Be sure to keep him in a large, securely fenced yard if you let him loose. These dogs have strong hunting instincts and will chase smaller animals that run if given a chance.

Give your Pharaoh hound the right amount of entertainment, so they remain calm indoors. Most of the time, they are satisfied being curled up on their blankets. But at the same time, they also love being with their owners.

These dogs are entertainers and will find ways to make you laugh. They are also known to be patient and gentle with children, plus they get along well with pets that grew up with them.

However, they can be aloof with strangers. These dogs are extremely alert, so expect them to bark whenever they see someone suspicious enter your home. However, they are not an aggressive type and will not be excellent guard dogs.

Socialization is essential to make these dogs more well-rounded. This will also help them get accustomed to anything new, making it easier for them to manage their feelings.

As for training, you need to be consistent and firm to control these independent thinkers. Don’t be harsh on them. You should also remember that these dogs are sensitive to touch. It startles them, so if you want to correct something or give them praise, talk to them instead.

Pharaoh Hound Care Requirements

Nutrition: Pharaoh Hounds need high-quality and well-balanced meals to stay fit and healthy. So, it’s essential only to buy high-quality food, regardless if you’re serving home-cooked meals or dog food or dog treats. Proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are most important in a growing dog’s diet. You should be able to find excellent food sources for these. For example, animal meat such as beef, poultry, or lamb is an excellent source of protein; fish oils are a great source of fats and whole grains for carbohydrates. Adding fruits and vegetables on your dog’s diet is a great idea too. And if you’re buying dog food, make sure to check the label and ensure that there’s no fillers, additives, and by-products in the product. Stay away from any ingredient your dog is allergic to also. As some of these dogs tend to get overweight, you should watch out for the number of calories you feed them every day. It’s always best to ask your vet for a guide specific to your dog’s age, activity level, and metabolism.
Grooming: Pharaoh Hounds have smooth coats that don’t need heavy grooming. The coat shed seasonally and would only need to be brushed weekly to keep shedding to a minimum. It will also help in keeping their coats neat and clean. Baths can be given at least once a month, or more frequently if needed. If you’re washing him, be sure to pay close attention to their ears and clean it to avoid ear infection. Nails should also be given attention. Trim your dog’s nails once every two weeks, so it stays short. Long nails can cause pain and discomfort, especially for active dogs like the Pharaoh Hound.
Exercise: Pharaoh Hounds are energetic dogs that need their regular exercise. They need a large and secured fence to give them enough space to run around on his own for about 15-20 minutes a day. If you don’t have this space, then taking him for daily walks or runs on a leash will also do. These dogs have strong hunting instincts and will chase if given a chance.
Health: Pharaoh Hounds are generally healthy dogs. But, like many other dog breeds, they are prone to catch certain diseases. Two of the diseases you need to watch out are anesthesia sensitivity and allergies. Hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, and eye diseases are also occasionally found. Some dogs also get cancer such as hemangiosarcoma, mast cell tumor, and mammary cancer. It’s always best to meet at least one of your dog’s parents to be aware of any hereditary disease your dog may acquire. Screening tests are also available for your dog to take to detect the presence of certain conditions early. It’s crucial that you closely monitor your dog’s behavior, and if you notice any changes, take him immediately to the vet.
Lifespan: The life expectancy of Pharaoh Hounds is 12-14 years.