Description: Pharaoh Hound
The Pharaoh Hound is a graceful and athletic breed known for its elegant appearance and keen hunting instincts. Originating from Malta, this ancient breed is often associated with the hounds depicted in ancient Egyptian art, giving it an aura of majesty and antiquity. Pharaoh Hounds are medium-sized dogs, famous for their slim build, sleek coats, and expressive amber eyes. They are particularly notable for their ability to 'blush,' with their nose and ears turning a rosy pink when excited. These dogs are friendly, playful, and affectionate with their families, making them excellent companions for active households. They require regular exercise to burn off their high energy and are generally gentle with children. Their short coat requires minimal grooming, and they tend not to shed heavily. While intelligent, Pharaoh Hounds can be independent, so consistent, positive training works best. This breed also has a reputation for being relatively quiet and may be reserved around strangers, which adds to their suitability as watchdogs.
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Properties
The Pharaoh Hound is a striking and elegant breed, well known for its graceful and athletic physique as well as its unique history. Originating from Malta, where it is known as 'Kelb tal-Fenek', this breed is believed to have ancient roots, with similarities to dogs depicted on Egyptian artifacts dating back thousands of years. Pharaoh Hounds are medium-sized hounds, boasting a sleek, aerodynamic build ideal for speed and agility. Their short, glossy coat typically comes in rich tan or chestnut hues, often with white markings on the chest, toes, and occasionally on the tip of the tail.
The head of the Pharaoh Hound is long and chiseled, with a slight stop and alert, expressive amber eyes that are one of the breed’s most distinguishing features. The ears are set high, carried erect when alert, and are a soft, delicate texture. This breed is renowned for its ability to blush – when excited, their nose and ears turn a rosy pink color, a trait unique among dog breeds.
Pharaoh Hounds are noted for their intelligence, keen senses, and independence. Bred originally for hunting rabbits in rocky terrain, they possess an excellent nose, sharp eyesight, and remarkable speed and endurance. They are also highly agile, capable of quick turns and leaps. Despite their hunting heritage, Pharaoh Hounds are gentle and affectionate companions at home. They form strong bonds with their families and are generally good with children. They are sensitive dogs and respond best to positive reinforcement training; harsh methods can damage their trust and self-confidence.
This breed is relatively healthy, often living between 11 to 14 years. Their short coat requires minimal grooming, though they appreciate regular brushing and baths as needed. Pharaoh Hounds are clean, almost odorless dogs, and they shed very little. Due to their thin coats and lean bodies, they are sensitive to cold weather and may need a coat in winter.
Exercise is essential – these dogs need ample physical activity and mental stimulation due to their high energy and intelligence. A securely fenced yard and daily walks or runs are ideal, as they can be prone to chasing prey. Overall, the Pharaoh Hound is a unique, ancient breed blending beauty, athleticism, and affection, best suited for active families who can provide companionship and regular exercise.
Appearance
The Pharaoh Hound is a medium-sized dog breed that is renowned for its distinctive and elegant appearance, reminiscent of the ancient Egyptian dogs depicted in hieroglyphs and ancient art. The breed has a lithe, athletic, and graceful build, showcasing well-defined lines and a sleek physique. Pharaoh Hounds are often described as a harmonious blend of strength and elegance, with a body that is slightly longer than it is tall. The height at the shoulder commonly ranges between 21 to 25 inches (53-64 cm), with males typically standing taller than females. Adult Pharaoh Hounds usually weigh between 45 to 55 pounds (20-25 kg), making them agile yet sturdy animals.
The head of the Pharaoh Hound is a defining feature: long, chiseled, and wedge-shaped, with a slight stop. The skull is flat and the muzzle is long and tapering, ending in a flesh-colored or self-colored nose, often referred to as a 'Roman nose.' The eyes are oval, expressive, and amber-colored, giving the dog an intelligent and gentle expression. One of the Pharaoh Hound's most unique traits is its ability to 'blush': when excited or happy, its nose and ears can flush to a bright rosy pink, a rare feature among dog breeds.
The breed's ears are another hallmark—the large, high-set, and mobile ears stand erect, enhancing the breed’s alert expression and keen sense of hearing. The neck is long, muscular, and elegantly arched, flowing seamlessly into well-laid-back shoulders and a deep, capacious chest. The topline is almost straight, only slightly sloping from the withers to the croup. The limbs are straight, slender, yet powerful, built for speed and endurance. The feet are strong, oval, and graceful, with well-arched toes.
The coat of the Pharaoh Hound is short, fine, and glossy, lying close to the skin, and accentuates its athletic build. The breed’s color is always a shade of rich tan, ranging from light to dark reddish-gold, sometimes called ‘chestnut.’ Small white markings are permitted on the chest, toes, tip of the tail, and a small star on the center line of the face. The tail is relatively long, thick at the base, tapering to a point, and is carried high in excitement or low when relaxed. Overall, the Pharaoh Hound presents an unmistakable air of grace, agility, and nobility, true to its ancient heritage.
History
The Pharaoh Hound is an ancient breed, well known for its elegant appearance and distinctive amber-colored eyes, which are often said to 'blush' when the dog is excited. The history of this breed is steeped in legend and fact, frequently interwoven with tales from the ancient world. Pharaoh Hounds are believed to have originated in ancient Egypt, with depictions of similar dogs found on the walls of tombs and artifacts dating as far back as 4000 to 3000 BCE. These early illustrations show slender, upright-eared dogs, often shown alongside royal figures and used for hunting small game, such as rabbits and gazelles. The Pharaoh Hound’s streamlined body, long legs, and keen sight made it a prized companion for Egyptians, who valued both the breed’s hunting ability and companionship.
Despite the strong associations with ancient Egypt, most canine historians agree that the modern Pharaoh Hound is not a direct descendant of those ancient dogs but rather a close lookalike. Genetic evidence has shown that the breed as it exists today developed in Malta, where it is known as the Kelb tal-Fenek, which translates to 'Rabbit Dog.' This name references the breed's longstanding use for rabbit hunting on the rocky, arid terrain of the Maltese islands. It is likely that Phoenician traders transported similar dogs from North Africa to Malta several thousand years ago, where the breed remained relatively isolated and unchanged.
The Pharaoh Hound retained its essential characteristics and has been a part of Maltese culture for centuries, even becoming the national dog of Malta. Its reputation as a skilled and tireless hunter, combined with its gentle temperament, ensured its continued presence on the islands. The breed was officially recognized by The Kennel Club (UK) in the 1970s and by the American Kennel Club in 1984. Today, the Pharaoh Hound is celebrated for its unique blend of athleticism, intelligence, and loyalty, making it a cherished companion and show dog across the world. The breed’s mystique and regal bearing continue to captivate dog enthusiasts, connecting the modern animal to the grandeur of the ancient world.