Pharaoh Hound
National Dog Of Malta

The lineage of the Pharaoh Hound, like some of the other hound dog breeds, can be traced to ancient Egypt around 4000 BC. Paintings in tombs have recorded this dog's existence, as well as its abilities and elegance.

pharaoh hound standing in the grass looking up

Courtesy Pleple2000

The Pharaoh Hound is a versatile hunter, using skills of both sight, scent and sound, coupled with power and agility. As such, they became much revered as faithful companions to kings and accompanied them on hunting expeditions.

At some later date, they traveled to Malta with Phoenician traders and have since been established there as the national dog of this island.

To this day, there continues a debate about the origins of this breed, so you will no doubt find different accounts of its history.

The appearance of this handsome breed is marked by an alert expression and erect ears, along with a sleek and powerful-looking physique.

A characteristic of the dog is that when excited, the ears and nose become flushed with a deep pink color, similar to blushing.

Characteristics of the Pharaoh Hound

This breed has a happy and playful personality and is easy going and friendly.

It also has an independent nature, which most probably relates more to its activities and strong instincts as a hunter.

Intelligent and obedient, training should not be difficult. However, they respond best to positive reinforcement, not harshness.

They can become bored with repetition, so creativity and variety will keep them more focused.

Physical Stats And Care

Height: 21-25 inches
Weight: 45-55 lbs.
Color variations: Tan or Rich Tan with occasional white markings on the chest or tail.

The Pharaoh Hound is a clean dog with no odor and sheds very little. It has a short and glossy coat which needs only minimal attention. A rub down with a rubber brush will do the job, along with only an occasional bath.

One thing to note is that on colder days or in colder climates,, the Pharaoh Hound can use a coat because of its very short hair.

Health Notes

The Pharaoh Hound has an expected lifespan between 11-14 years or even longer with good care. It is considered an overall very healthy breed with no significant issues.

Health tests recommended by the National Breed Club include:

Patella Evaluation
Hip Evaluation
Ophthalmologist Evaluation
Thyroid Evaluation

These are pretty standard checks for the majority of dogs.

How Active is the Pharaoh Hound?

Pharaoh Hounds are a very active breed and should be given plenty of exercise on a daily basis.

A dog treadmill can provide an excellent alternative addition to your dog's fitness routine when other forms of exercise are not available due to weather or family schedules.

Additionally. if you can provide an opportunity for frequent runs in a safe and securely fenced area , this would be ideal.

Nowadays, many dog parks do provide such areas which are also separated into areas for various dog sizes.

Ideal Living Space

This breed, while fairly quiet inside the home, enjoys being active and will do best in a home with room to run outside.

Pharaoh Hounds are very agile jumpers so perimeter fencing should be high and secure.

Good for Families With Children?

The Pharaoh Hound is very playful and loves attention. He does well with more mature children and is accepting of other dogs in the household.

As with any breed of dog, we recommend that owners always have an adult present when pets and children are interacting.

Senior or Less Active Families?

Exercise requirements would probably rule this dog out as the most suitable for a sedentary owner.

However, they have been used as therapy dogs to cheer up patients and the elderly in various institutions.

The author examines the evidence that hounds living today - including "Pharaoh Hounds" - are directly descended from those that were bred for the chase in ancient Egypt around five thousands years ago.

This fascinating book further celebrates the Egyptians as the first known civilization to have formed the most remarkable and enduring of human-animal relationships.

And, remarkably, how they kept the breed true over twenty-five centuries - during which time many notable achievements were being completed including building of the pyramids and the invention of hieroglyphs.