Pharaoh Hound Dogs Breed - Information, Temperament & Size | Pets4Homes

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Pharaoh Hound

Lifespan12 - 14

Average Price£800 - £1,500

Weight29 - 3425 - 29

Height56 - 6151 - 56

PedigreeYes

Breed groupHound

Health tests availablePatella testing through Breed Club Scheme, Hip dysplasia screening

NicknamesKelb tal-Fenek, Rabbit Dog

Pros

Distinctive blush and smile when excited

Athletic and graceful with remarkable speed

Highly trainable with keen intelligence

Loyal and affectionate with family, good watchdogs

Cons

Requires secure, high fencing to prevent escape

Not suitable for first-time dog owners

High prey drive necessitates vigilant supervision

Prone to separation anxiety if left alone too long

The Pharaoh Hound is a breed steeped in ancient history, renowned for its elegant and athletic build combined with a strikingly noble presence. Known for their sophisticated, medium-sized frame and glossy short coat, these dogs are more than just beautiful – they are spirited and highly energetic companions who have preserved their hunting instincts over millennia. Their unique ability to blush and smile when excited, along with their amber eyes and alert expression, lend them an almost regal charisma that sets them apart from other hounds.

Originally bred for hunting, the Pharaoh Hound remains true to this legacy, thriving in households that can provide ample physical and mental stimulation. Far from suited to sedentary lifestyles, they require dedicated owners who understand the demands of an active sighthound. Their intelligence and independence mean they need an owner experienced with training specialist breeds, especially one who appreciates their playful, mischievous side and can manage their high prey drive responsibly.

Ideal homes for this breed often feature spacious, highly secure gardens where dogs can safely roam and burn off energy. Pharaoh Hounds appreciate families or individuals who lead outdoor lifestyles and can provide several hours of vigorous exercise daily. Their temperament combines loyalty with a gentle nature towards children and an alertness that makes them attentive watchdogs, though they are typically wary of strangers and vocal by nature.

Care requirements for the Pharaoh Hound are moderate, focusing on regular grooming to maintain their glossy coat and a well-structured diet to support their lean physique and high activity levels. Training should be positive and consistent, beginning early with socialisation to ensure a well-rounded companion. With the right home, this ancient breed offers more than companionship – they bring charm, elegance, and boundless zest for life.

Perfect For

Experienced dog owners who enjoy an active, outdoor lifestyle and can devote plenty of time to exercise and training. Families with older children and homes with large, secure gardens will find the Pharaoh Hound a rewarding and engaging companion.

Key Considerations

Their high energy and hunting instincts require secure fencing and vigilant supervision. Not suited for first-time owners or those with a sedentary lifestyle. Early socialisation and mental stimulation are essential to prevent behavioural issues, including vocal barking and separation anxiety.

The Pharaoh Hound is believed to be one of the oldest domesticated dog breeds in the world, with resemblance to hounds depicted in Ancient Egyptian art dating back more than 3,000 years. Though the exact origins remain somewhat mysterious, archaeological finds—such as the hunting dog remains discovered in Queen Her-Neith’s tomb in Saqqara during the 1950s—closely resemble the modern Pharaoh Hound. These dogs were prized as both hunters of small game and loyal companions to royalty.

Early Development

The breed is thought to have developed on the Mediterranean island of Malta, where it is known as Kelb Tal-Fenek or 'Dog of the Rabbit,' referencing its traditional use in assisting with rabbit hunting alongside ferrets. Some theories suggest that the breed originated in Egypt and was introduced to Malta by ancient traders, such as the Phoenicians around 1000 BC. Over approximately 2,000 years, Maltese farmers selectively preserved the breed’s hunting traits and purity through careful breeding.

Modern Recognition

In the 20th century, specifically in the 1930s, some Pharaoh Hounds first arrived in the UK but did not establish breeding lines. The breed’s formal presence began in the 1960s when key imports like Bahri, Luki, and Chu-Cha were brought from Malta, leading to the first UK-bred litter. The Kennel Club officially recognised the Pharaoh Hound in 1974. Despite this, the breed remains relatively rare in the UK, though its popularity is gradually increasing with more puppies registered annually. The breed’s first appearance at Crufts was in 1970 with a dog named Birling Zahara.

Size and Build

The Pharaoh Hound stands as a medium-sized, athletic dog characterised by a lean yet muscular structure that embodies both grace and power. Males typically measure between 56 to 61 cm at the withers and weigh from 29 to 34 kg, while females range from 51 to 56 cm in height and weigh between 25 to 29 kg. Their bodies are well-proportioned, with a level topline that may slope slightly from the croup to the base of the tail, broad shoulders, and strong, straight legs conveying speed and agility.

Coat and Colours

This breed sports a short, glossy coat that ranges from fine and close to slightly harsh in texture. Accepted Kennel Club colours include rich tan, tan, and tan with white markings. Characteristic white accents include a white tip on the tail, a white star on the chest, a slight white blaze between the eyes, and minor white on the toes. This coat not only highlights their sleek musculature but also provides low-maintenance grooming needs.

Distinctive Features

The Pharaoh Hound’s head is long and finely chiseled with a slight stop and a flesh-coloured nose that blends with the coat. Their amber eyes, deeply set and intelligent, complement high-set, broad-based ears that are erect when alert. The tail is tapered, thicker at the root and carried high and curved when excited, lowering to a relaxed carriage when calm. This breed moves with a smooth, flowing gait, covering ground effortlessly, embodying the elegance of a true sighthound.

Gender Differences

Males tend to be slightly larger and more robust, while females display a similar build with a refined demeanor. Both genders maintain the breed's noble features and athletic grace, though males may exhibit a somewhat more pronounced presence in the show ring. Temperamental differences are subtle, with both sexes being alert, active, and affectionate when well socialised.

Core Personality Traits

Pharaoh Hounds are intelligent and independent thinkers, forming strong bonds with their families while maintaining a dignified and somewhat reserved demeanour. They are affectionate and playful within the home, often displaying a sense of humour, lively spirit, and mischief. Their sensitivity requires gentle, consistent handling to foster trust and obedience.

Social Behaviour

These hounds generally get along well with children and are sociable with other dogs if socialised early. However, their strong prey drive means they may show intense interest in small animals, requiring careful supervision. They tend to be cautious with strangers, preferring to observe before engaging, and use their vocal nature more as alert than aggressive guarding.

Working Instincts

True to their heritage, Pharaoh Hounds possess a high prey drive, alertness, and energy levels demanding plenty of vigorous exercise and mental challenges. Their hunting instincts make them spot-and-chase dogs who excel in activities requiring speed and agility.

Common Behavioral Challenges

Lack of adequate exercise or stimulation often leads to boredom-related behaviours such as destructiveness or vocalisation. Their sensitivity and intelligence can lead to wilfulness if training lacks consistency and positive reinforcement. Early socialisation is crucial to prevent timidity and excessive barking, while their separation anxiety risks require owners to ensure they are not left alone for long periods.

The Pharaoh Hound is a highly intelligent and trainable breed, but their training requires understanding their sensitive and independent nature. Early, consistent, and positive reinforcement-based training is essential to cultivate good behaviour and manage their natural instincts.

Puppy Training Priorities

Starting socialisation and obedience from as early as 8 weeks is vital, exposing puppies to various environments, people, sounds, and other animals to build confidence. Basic commands such as come, sit, stay, heel, quiet, leave it, down, and bed should be introduced early with patience and positivity.

Training Methods That Work

Reward-based training using treats, toys, and praise motivate Pharaoh Hounds effectively. Harsh corrections or shouting are counterproductive and can cause stress or resistance. Training sessions should be kept short and engaging to maintain the dog's focus and interest, making use of games and mental challenges.

Advanced Training Potential

With the right guidance, Pharaoh Hounds excel in activities such as agility, obedience, and lure coursing, showcasing their speed and intelligence. Their quick thinking can sometimes outsmart trainers, so consistency and clear communication are paramount.

Common Training Mistakes

Failing to start training early or using punishment-based methods can result in behavioural problems, including stubbornness, ignoring commands, or dominance issues. Inconsistent rules within the household confuse the dog, so all family members must adhere to agreed training strategies.

Age-Specific Interactions

Pharaoh Hounds generally interact well with children when raised together, displaying patience and gentle behaviour especially with older children who understand canine boundaries. Toddlers should always be supervised during interactions to prevent unintentional rough play that might unsettle the dog.

Teaching Children Proper Interaction

It is crucial to educate children on respectful behaviour around dogs, including not pulling ears or tails, approaching calmly, and recognising signs of discomfort. Establishing clear, consistent rules helps foster a positive relationship between the dog and children.

Breed-Specific Considerations

Due to the Pharaoh Hound's athleticism and energy, children should be mindful of the dog's needs for active play and physical space. Their moderate size means they can play safely with children but require supervision to prevent overexuberance.

Creating Safe Environments

Supervised, calm play areas and access to quiet spaces for the dog allow for safe coexistence. Ensuring that the dog has an escape or rest area reduces stress, particularly in busy family homes.

Breed-Specific Health Conditions

The Pharaoh Hound is generally a healthy breed with a lifespan between 12 and 14 years. However, like many breeds, it is prone to some hereditary issues such as hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, eye problems, skin allergies, and potentially bloat (gastric torsion).

Genetic Testing Requirements

Responsible breeders participate in health screening schemes that include patella testing through the Breed Club Scheme and BVA-registered veterinary hip scoring. These tests help maintain breed health and reduce the incidence of hereditary concerns.

Preventive Healthcare Schedule

Vaccination schedules for puppies start from 10–12 weeks, with follow-up boosters as advised by vets. Regular health checks, dental care, and parasite control are vital throughout the dog's life to preserve well-being.

Insurance Considerations

Given the breed's potential health concerns, opting for comprehensive pet insurance is recommended to help manage unexpected veterinary costs. Premiums consider factors such as dog age, location, and neutering status. Monitoring for allergies and weight management reduces long-term health risks.

Daily Care Routine

Pharaoh Hounds require a balance of exercise, grooming, and rest to maintain their health and happiness. A typical day involves morning and afternoon walks, interactive play, mental stimulation, basic grooming like wiping down the coat, and regular ear checks to prevent infections.

Living Environment Needs

A spacious and securely fenced garden is essential to accommodate their need to roam safely. These dogs are sensitive to cold; therefore, in cooler UK climates, providing warm bedding and a dog coat for walks is beneficial.

Seasonal Care Adjustments

During colder months, extra measures like thicker bedding and coats help prevent chills. In warmer seasons, shaded resting areas and plenty of fresh water are crucial to avoid overheating.

Senior Care Adaptations

As Pharaoh Hounds age, adjustments in diet, gentle exercise routines, and supportive bedding become important. Monitoring joint health and mobility allows early intervention for arthritis, while keeping activity levels appropriate helps maintain muscle tone without overexertion.

Coat Maintenance Schedule

The Pharaoh Hound’s short, close, and glossy coat requires minimal grooming, with a weekly wipe-down using a chamois leather or grooming glove to maintain shine and remove loose hairs. Increased shedding occurs during spring and autumn, requiring more frequent brushing to manage loose hair.

Professional Grooming Requirements

Professional grooming is generally not necessary for this breed due to the coat’s low-maintenance nature; however, scheduled vet visits should include ear cleaning and nail trimming maintenance.

Home Grooming Techniques

Regular home ear checks are essential to remove wax and prevent infections. Nail clippers, rounded-end scissors for any small coat trims, dog-specific toothpaste, and toothbrush are recommended to maintain oral health. Bathing should be done with gentle, dog-specific shampoos to avoid skin irritation.

Common Grooming Challenges

The breed’s sensitive skin requires cautious product selection to avoid allergies or irritation. Despite low shedding overall, seasonal coat changes may lead to mats if not gently brushed out. Cold sensitivity requires consideration with outdoor wear to prevent chills.

Daily Exercise Requirements

As an energetic sighthound, the Pharaoh Hound demands a minimum of two hours of vigorous daily exercise, including long walks, running, and engaging activities to expend energy and prevent boredom. Puppies require moderated activity schedules limiting high-impact movements to protect growing joints.

Suitable Activities

Recommended exercises include lure coursing, running in secure areas, agility training, and interactive games that combine physical exertion with mental stimulation.

Exercise Restrictions

Puppies should avoid jumping on/off furniture and excessive stair use to prevent joint strain. Daily walks in inclement weather must consider the breed’s sensitivity to cold, with coats provided as needed during winter.

Mental Stimulation Ideas

Incorporate puzzle toys, obedience drills, and scent work to occupy their sharp minds and reduce destructive behaviour at home. A weekly schedule balancing intense exercise with calmer recovery periods helps maintain health and temperament.

Nutritional Requirements

Pharaoh Hound puppies benefit from a highly nutritious, balanced diet rich in protein and moderate fat content to support their active growth and energy needs. Adults require high-quality diets tailored to their weight and exercise levels, with a focus on digestible ingredients and balanced nutrients.

Feeding Schedule Guidelines

Puppies should be fed three to four times daily with measured portions gradually transitioning to twice daily adult feeding post one year. Adults should receive two meals daily, with portion sizes adjusted for activity and metabolism.

Special Dietary Considerations

The breed is prone to bloat; thus, feeding two smaller meals daily rather than one large meal is advised. Elevated bowls help ease swallowing and reduce risks associated with gastric torsion. Avoid exercise immediately before and after meals.

Weight Management

Regular monitoring prevents obesity, particularly post-neutering and in older dogs. Maintaining a lean, muscular body condition requires balanced feeding and consistent exercise. Consultation with a vet for diet adjustments is recommended for optimal health.

Pharaoh Hound puppies are a rare find in the UK, often requiring prospective owners to join waiting lists with responsible breeders. Purchasing a healthy, well-bred Kennel Club registered puppy typically costs between £800 and £1,500, depending on breeder reputation, pedigree quality, and markings.

Initial setup costs include quality crates, grooming equipment, training aids, and puppy-proofing essentials. Monthly expenses cover premium dog food, routine vet visits, insurance, and grooming.

Veterinary costs include vaccinations, neutering/spaying, and health checks. Insurance premiums vary between basic cover and lifetime coverage, depending on the dog's age and location in the UK.

Financial planning should take into account the Pharaoh Hound's active lifestyle needs of secure, spacious living environments and quality care products. For those interested, you can find Pharaoh Hound for sale on Pets4Homes.

Finding a well-bred Pharaoh Hound for sale in the UK can be challenging due to the breed’s rarity and careful breeding practices. Prospective owners should prioritise ethical breeders who conduct health screenings and maintain breed standards rather than those offering unusually low prices or no health guarantees.

Finding Ethical Breeders

Verify breeder credentials, ask for health test results including patella and hip scores, and ensure the puppies are raised in a clean, social environment. The dam should not exceed four litters per Kennel Club regulations, and the breeder should provide comprehensive puppy documentation.

Health Testing Verification

Request certificates for breed-specific tests such as patella evaluations and hip scoring. Checking Kennel Club registrations and use of the Breed Club schemes strengthens confidence in breeder transparency and puppy health.

Puppy Selection Process

Observe puppy temperament carefully, looking for confident, playful, and sociable behaviour. Health checks at the breeder’s premises, including veterinary screenings, are vital before selection.

Contract and Guarantee Review

Read and understand all contract clauses related to health, return policies, and registration. Avoid sellers who cannot provide these assurances or push quick sales.

Rescue and Adoption Options

Consider breed-specific rescues and adoption if purchasing from a breeder is not viable. These organisations can offer well-cared-for Pharaoh Hounds needing new homes and provide guidance on breed characteristics and care.