Pharaoh Hound

So you’re looking for a furry friend who’s as quirky as they are stunning to look at? Check out the Pharaoh Hound. This crusading, clever canine can display many cat-like tendencies: aloofness, superiority and stealth (watch the food on the counter!). But don’t be fooled by their regal appearance; there’s plenty of personality lying beneath their stately stature. Joyful and alert, these dogs have a habit of lifting their lips to reveal a silly, sweet smile. And when they blush? Be still your heart! The signature rosy-pink flush on their ears, nose and chest, which appears when they are excited, is actually due to a lack of pigment on their nose and ears. Pharaoh Hounds aren’t exactly the socialite type, but they will loyally bestow affection upon their favorite human (that’s you). Just don’t expect cuddles—that won’t mesh with their high-brow style.

Power and poise are perfect words to describe the Pharaoh Hound dog breed, who was once a heralded companion of ancient Phoenicians. With their taut skin and upright ears, these distinguished canines always seem to always be on the alert. Their lean, luxe lines and short-haired coat in shades from light tan to golden chestnut exude a well-deserved vibe of agility and speed. Despite their austere nature, they will warm your heart thanks to their ability to “smile” and “blush”—two signature traits of the breed.

Their feathered coats may be various shades of gold, from light to dark. As they age, some Golden Retrievers even develop a wise white-golden hue across their face.

1. Ears The Pharaoh Hound's ears are set high and stand erect when on the alert (which is often).
2. Eyes Their oval-shaped eyes are amber in color and blend in with their coat. They are deep-set and keenly intelligent looking.
3. Nose The Pharaoh Hound's flesh-colored nose also blends into their coat. It appears to turn red or pink, aka "blush," when the dog gets excited. This is because their nose lacks the pigment that gives other dogs their black nose.
4. Coat Length Pharaoh Hounds have a very thin, tight coat, which adds to their sleek, lean and majestic appearance.
5. Coat Color Ranging in color from a light or golden tan to a reddish brown or warm chestnut, Pharaoh Hounds may also have a pop of white on their chest and the tip of their tail.
6. Tail The Pharaoh Hound's whip-like tail starts off thick at the base, then tapers off to match the breed's all-around tautness.

Clever and independently minded, Pharaoh Hounds have high intelligence and a reputation to be vocal, a trait that sets them apart from other sighthounds like the Greyhound. Expect them to bark to voice their displeasure. And that’s not the only thing setting them apart from the typical sighthound. While they bear a slight resemblance to the normally chilled-out Greyhound, they certainly have a bouncier and more excitable personality.

Sleek and striking, Pharaoh Hounds can be playful and affectionate with their people, but can be aloof with strangers. They tend to get along well with other dogs who can match their boundless high energy levels. But they also have very strong chasing and hunting instincts, so whenever they’re around small animals, you’ll have to watch them like an addictive Netflix show.

As the saying goes, these dogs’ bark is worse than their bite, which is rare. With their poised and peaceful demeanor, Pharaoh Hounds are known for their intelligence—you will be awed on the regular by their one-two punch of brains and brawn. When these two work together, it can result in antics that’ll have you laughing out loud—or cursing their wily ways. Case in point: They are often called “counter-surfers” thanks to their swiftness in scaling heights to scoop up food left out, a mischievous prank that is equal parts hilarious and maddening (not to mention dangerous, if they ingest something that’s toxic to dogs).

Pharaoh Hounds bond unapologetically with one single family member they deem their favorite. Because of this tendency for selectivity, early socialization (exposure to different people and experiences) from a young age is essential to help them warm up to the whole family and make them less wary of strangers.

Pharaoh Hounds may seem like they have a high-maintenance attitude, but they ultimately require low-maintenance care. For such a regal-looking breed, the Pharaoh Hound requires minimal help when it comes to hygiene. Their tight coat is very short, and they are low shedders, but they still require daily walks and consistent training to keep their stubborn streak in check.

Grooming

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With very short hair and little to no undercoat, Pharaoh Hounds shed very little, so they may be suitable for pet parents with mild allergies. Here are grooming tips for your Pharaoh Hound: Brushing: Low-maintenance despite their haughty appearance, Pharaoh Hounds still require a weekly brushing with a rubber mitt to remove dead hairs. That will keep their coat clean and shining bright like a ruby. Bathing: They’ll only need a bath about every six weeks with a gentle shampoo due to their short coat, natural cleanliness, and— bonus!— general lack of odor. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth will do just fine to get a Pharaoh Hound squeaky clean in-between baths (unless they really get into a mess). Nail trimming: Nail trimming should also be done about every four to six weeks. If you can hear your Pharaoh Hound “tap-dancing” on the floor, that’s a tell-tale sign you need to get the clippers out. Ear cleaning: Check their ears for debris and any redness or swelling. If you notice anything, speak to your vet. If your vet recommends at-home cle ani ng , follow this step-by-step guide on how to cle an dog ears . Dental care: Pharaoh Hounds need daily toothbrushing to keep their pearly whites, well, pearly. Of course, scheduling an annual professional teeth cleaning with your veterinarian is also advised.

Training

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Pharaoh Hounds are very intelligent, and their independence and show-me-the-reason thinking can make training a Pharaoh Hound a challenge. But with positive reinforcement, aka rewarding good behavior with treats, toys and praise, they often respond well. Steer clear of repetition and boredom, and keep training fun, fair and rewarding. Pharaoh Hounds are very food-motivated (which, same), so healthy treats will keep them focused and stimulated to successfully learn skills and tricks. Be forewarned, though: They often will not do something just to make you happy and will up and quit without a blink of their hauntingly lovely eyes if a negative approach is used. So before you embark on training your Pharaoh Hound puppy, get up to speed with some training 101 and have a few training treats close at hand. The Pharaoh Hound has a high prey drive, and their natural desire to run and chase needs to be keep in check, especially during training sessions. Never, ever train off-leash unless you have a very large outdoor space surrounded by six-foot fencing. If you don’t have that luxury, think about investing in a long leash in the interest of successful training and the safety of your (likely) runaway hound on the search for prey. And definitely schedule in some recall training , aka teaching your dog to come when called. The Pharaoh Hound is friendly and great with children but can be aloof with strangers. To help your dog ease better into meeting friends and extended family, it’s wise to add some socialization training into the mix from a young age. It would be a shame for this gloriously graceful dog not to be shown off in their best light and win the hearts of all who meet them. All dogs bark, but the Pharaoh Hound is one breed who stays vocal beyond puppyhood. While you may want your fur baby to have their say, you don’t want it to become a nuisance, so it’s worth spending time on some training to curb the barking .

Diet

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Like all dogs, Pharaoh Hounds need a balanced diet consisting of high-quality commercial dog food . These dogs are especially voracious eaters when they’re young and growing, up until around 2 or 3 years old, after which their appetites level out considerably. Talk to your veterinarian about how much to feed your Pharaoh Hound to make sure they’re getting enough nutrients and the right amount of calories. Pharaoh Hounds love their treats, which can be a fantastic aid for training these high-achievers—but don’t overdo it and accidentally sabotage their svelteness. Treat calories count, so be sure to factor them into your dog’s overall nutritional plan. It’s also important to make sure your Pharaoh Hound has access to an abundance of fresh, clean water. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet to meet your Pharaoh Hound’s unique health and medical needs. They can also help you devise a feeding chart on how much and how often to feed your capable companion.

Exercise

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With a high prey instinct, the Pharaoh Hound breed is a natural athlete who loves the full-speed galloping thrill of the chase and hunt, making small animals like squirrels, rabbits, birds, lizards and butterflies fair game. They’re also highly intelligent escape artists, so they should only be let off-leash in a large enclosed area with six-foot high fencing. To satiate their chasing instincts, you may want to look into lure coursing, which will allow your Pharaoh Hound to chase a mechanical lure in a controlled setting. Just keep in mind that they are flight risks due to their high prey drive, so make sure the lure does a loop back in your direction! You can also count jumping, digging and chewing among their strengths (and potential downfalls), which is why they do best in active homes where they have the opportunity to play, run and exert themselves daily. If dog sports like lure coursing aren’t on the agenda daily, remember that your Pharaoh Hound will need two three-minute walks a day to keep your new satin cushions safe from any anti-social behavior. Pharaoh Hounds make great running companions, but are lightning-fast so you may not be able to keep up. When not showcasing their sleek strength and vivacious vigor, they like to lounge around the house with their human companions. A dedicated dog lover who can appreciate the Pharaoh Hound’s natural zest for adventure and bestow upon them multiple walks or runs each day on-leash, preferably in warmer climates, will ultimately win their big ol’ heart (picky though it may be).

Environment

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Pharaoh Hounds thrive in a setting worthy of their prestige: a home with good-sized yard with at least six-foot fencing to contain their athletic ability and energetic nature. Pharaoh Hounds get along well with kids and other animals when raised with them, but early socialization is important, as is careful introduction to strangers. It’s also important to teach kiddos how to properly interact with pups. The climate is also important to a Pharaoh Hound’s ability to thrive. They don’t have an undercoat, so they’ll need extra protection in the elements. Start shopping for a dog coat and some sweaters to keep them in tip-top toasty conditions during colder months. Pharaoh Hounds do enjoy the outdoors, and they will ask you for some physical and mental stimulation with those amber eyes of theirs. Give it to them—otherwise, they may cause some mischief while entertaining themselves. Due to their high prey drive, Pharaoh Hounds will be off to the races in no time if they’re allowed off-leash, making the perfect pet parent and experienced one who can match a Pharaoh Hound’s strong will and independent spirit and curb their natural tendency to take off.

The Pharaoh Hound is a relatively healthy breed with few health concerns, giving them a life expectancy of 12–14 years. While the risk of developing serious conditions is low, it’s important to be aware of potential health issues so you can take a proactive approach to protecting your pooch. Do your research and ask your vet for more information about how to keep your Pharaoh Hound healthy and happy.

Be familiar with potential health problems so you can recognize and treat them quickly.

1. Patella Luxation Pharaoh Hounds can be slightly predisposed to patella luxation (when the kneecap slips to one side). The condition can be mild causing only occasional lameness or bunny hopping or can be severe resulting in trouble walking and pain. Treatment options range from joint supplements and pain medication to surgery depending on the severity.
2. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is the inherited condition where the hip joint doesn’t form properly and rubs, causing the dog pain. Symptoms typically include decreased activity, lameness and “bunny hopping.” Treatments range from weight management to physical therapy to surgery.
3. Anesthesia Sensitivity Like all sighthounds (including Greyhounds ), Pharaoh Hounds may be more sensitive to anesthesia due to their low body fat. This means they may be slower to recover from anesthesia. Discuss any concerns with your vet before your pup has procedures.
4. Eye problems: Pharaohs can be prone to progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which is a genetic condition that can lead to blindness. While there is no cure, you can ask your breeder for a genetic screening test. Entropion , a condition where the eyelids roll inward allowing the eyelashes to rub on the corneal causing pain and sometimes corneal ulcers, can also be seen in this breed. Treatment for entropion can include medications or, in severe cases, surgery.
5. Epilepsy This potentially genetic seizure disorder can occur in Pharaoh Hounds, resulting in seizures starting at 6 months to 5 years of age. Typically, treatment is with daily oral medication.

Pharaoh Hounds are one of the oldest documented breeds in history, and what a history they have. It’s said they resemble the Egyptian god Anubis, and have remain unchanged since the earliest depiction of Egyptian dogs in ancient tombs—one dating back to the Sixth Dynasty of Egypt. With the breed’s origin going as far back at 4400 B.C., you might say the Pharaoh Hound is timeless.

Even though the Pharaoh Hound dog is most commonly associated with ancient Egypt, the modern version of the Pharaoh Hound has their roots in Malta. Lore has it that the Phoenicians transported the hound from Egypt to the Mediterranean islands of Malta and Gozo, just south of Sicily and east of Tunisia. Here, the Pharaoh Hound remained isolated from the rest of the world for over 2,000 years, giving the people of Malta the ability to refine the breed as we see them today. The Maltese proudly stake their claim as cultivators of the Pharaoh Hound, which they refer to asKelb tal-Fenek,meaning “rabbit dog.” That name makes perfect sense, because this national dog of Malta was originally used by farmers primarily for hunting rabbits.

Despite their tales from antiquity, the Pharaoh Hound can be considered a 1980’s dog by American Kennel Club (AKC) standards. The breed was recognized as part of its Hound group (dogs bred for hunting) on August 1, 1983.

Ready to add a Pharaoh Hound to your family? You can find a list of responsible Pharaoh Hound breeders at theAKC websiteor through thePharaoh Hound Club of America. The average cost for a Pharaoh Hound puppy is $1,500-$2,500 depending on the breeder. For that price, you’re usually getting a dog who’s been screened for health and temperament issues and may come with pedigree papers. And though this breed is rare, you may also be able to locate and adopt a Pharaoh Hound by contacting thePharaoh Hound Club of America. Or, searchChewy’s database of adoptable dogsin your area.