Pharaoh Hound: The Ancient Egyptian Dog Breed with a Unique Blushing Trait

Are you looking for a loyal, affectionate and athletic canine companion? Meet the Pharaoh Hound – an ancient breed that originated thousands of years ago in Egypt. With their unique appearance and delightful personalities, Pharaoh Hounds can make wonderful pets for the right owner.

In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll dive into the fascinating history of Pharaoh Hounds, their defining characteristics, and everything you need to know about caring for this majestic breed. By the end, you‘ll have a thorough understanding of whether a Pharaoh Hound could be the ideal dog for you and your lifestyle. Let‘s get started!

The Origins of Pharaoh Hounds: A Glimpse Into Ancient History

The Pharaoh Hound is believed to be one of the oldest domesticated dog breeds in existence. Depictions of these elegant dogs have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs and artifacts dating back over 5,000 years. It‘s thought that they were beloved companions to the Pharaohs and the ruling class.

However, DNA analysis has revealed that while Pharaoh Hounds share similarities with dogs from ancient Egypt, the breed actually developed in Malta. It‘s likely that Phoenician traders brought Egyptian dogs to Malta, where over time the isolation allowed them to evolve into a distinct breed optimized for hunting rabbits on the rocky island terrain.

In Malta, Pharaoh Hounds are known as "Kelb tal-Fenek" which translates to "rabbit dog." For thousands of years, they served as trusty hunting partners, using their keen senses to swiftly chase down prey. The breed remained largely isolated in Malta until the mid-20th century when they were imported to the UK and bred to meet kennel club standards.

So while Pharaoh Hounds may not be from Egypt originally, these regal dogs still boast an impressively long and storied history. Their ancient origins are a large part of their allure for many devoted fans of the breed.

Pharaoh Hound Breed Characteristics

Pharaoh Hounds have a striking and unique appearance that stops many dog lovers in their tracks. Some key characteristics of the breed include:

• Sleek and elegant yet powerful build
• Short, glossy coat in shades of rich tan or chestnut
• Amber or light gold eyes
• Large, upright ears
• Long, lean head
• Deep chest with well-tucked abdomen
• Tail medium in length, thick at the base and tapering

In terms of size, Pharaoh Hounds are considered a medium-sized breed. Males typically stand 23-25 inches tall and weigh 45-55 pounds, while females tend to be slightly smaller at 21-24 inches tall and 40-50 pounds.

One of the breed‘s most distinctive traits is their ability to "blush" when excited or happy. The nose and ears take on a reddish hue due to increased blood flow, almost like they are glowing. This endearing quirk adds to their unique charm.

Pharaoh Hounds also have a graceful yet powerful gait, built for speed and agility. Watching them run is a sight to behold – they appear to glide effortlessly and can reach impressive speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. Their athleticism makes them naturals at sports like lure coursing.

In addition to their physical attributes, Pharaoh Hounds are known for being:

• Loyal and devoted to their owners
• Affectionate and good with kids
• Playful and energetic
• Intelligent problem solvers
• Independent thinkers
• Strong prey drive
• Reserved or aloof with strangers
• Sensitive and don‘t respond well to harsh training methods

While every dog is an individual, in general Pharaoh Hounds bond closely with their families and enjoy being part of the action. They can be quite energetic and need an outlet for their natural drive. Mental stimulation is important too, as these smart dogs bore easily.

Potential owners should keep in mind that as sighthounds with a strong instinct to chase, Pharaoh Hounds have a tendency to take off after small animals. A securely fenced yard is a must, and they should only be let off-leash in enclosed areas. With patient training and plenty of opportunities to run, their prey drive can be managed.

Exercise and Training Needs

As an athletic, high-energy breed, Pharaoh Hounds require substantial daily exercise to stay fit and happy. A minimum of 1-2 hours of physical activity per day is ideal, split between walks, jogging, playtime and mentally stimulating games. Access to a securely fenced yard where they can sprint and stretch their legs is beneficial.

Despite their intelligence, Pharaoh Hounds are not always easy to train. They are sensitive dogs who don‘t respond well to harsh corrections or an overly firm hand. Building a strong bond through positive reinforcement methods is essential. Short training sessions that incorporate play tend to work best to hold their focus.

While they are smart and capable of learning a variety of commands, Pharaoh Hounds have an independent streak. They aren‘t as eager to please as some other breeds and can have selective hearing when it suits them. Patience and consistency are key. Even a well-trained Pharaoh Hound may decide to chase after a squirrel rather than obey a command.

Early socialization is also critical for this breed. Exposing a Pharaoh Hound puppy to many different people, animals and situations helps them grow into a confident, well-adjusted adult. Regular ongoing socialization is important to prevent any fearfulness from developing.

Grooming and Care

One of the benefits of Pharaoh Hounds is their short, close-lying coat that is very low maintenance. They shed minimally and only need occasional brushing to remove loose hair and keep their coat gleaming. Baths are rarely necessary unless they get into something messy.

However, their large upright ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection and cleaned as needed to prevent wax buildup. Dental hygiene is also important, so aim to brush their teeth a few times a week.

Trim their nails every few weeks, especially if they aren‘t wearing them down naturally through activity. Since Pharaoh Hounds are such fast-growing dogs, it‘s essential to feed a high-quality, age-appropriate diet and monitor their calorie intake to maintain a lean, healthy weight.

Potential Health Issues

While generally a robust breed, Pharaoh Hounds are prone to certain hereditary health conditions including:

• Hip dysplasia
• Luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps)
• Hypothyroidism
• Eye disorders like progressive retinal atrophy

Responsible breeders strive to screen their breeding stock to avoid passing on genetic issues. When selecting a Pharaoh Hound puppy, choose a reputable breeder who does health testing and can provide certificates for the parents.

With proper care and preventative vet check-ups, Pharaoh Hounds typically live between 11-14 years. Keeping them lean, providing joint supplements and using ramps or stairs to get in vehicles can help protect their joints. Monitoring their eye health is also important.

Are Pharaoh Hounds Good Family Pets?

For the right family, Pharaoh Hounds can be excellent companions. They are known for being gentle, affectionate and very dedicated to their owners. When raised with children, they can be patient playmates.

However, their high exercise needs and training challenges mean they aren‘t the ideal choice for first-time dog owners or very busy families who can‘t meet their daily activity requirements. Pharaoh Hounds do best with an experienced owner who understands how to work with an intelligent, independent-minded dog.

Homes with small pets like cats, rabbits or birds may want to think carefully before getting a Pharaoh Hound, as their strong prey drive means they may perceive smaller animals as something to chase. With that said, many Pharaoh Hounds can learn to peacefully coexist with other pets if raised together from a young age.

Pharaoh Hounds also aren‘t a great fit for homes where they would be left alone for long periods. They bond closely with their people and can develop separation anxiety. Having another canine companion can help alleviate boredom when you‘re away.

Finding a Pharaoh Hound

Pharaoh Hounds are still quite rare in many parts of the world. Expect to spend time on a waiting list before a puppy becomes available. In the United States, typically less than 100 Pharaoh Hound puppies are registered with the AKC each year.

When searching for a breeder, look for one who is active in the Pharaoh Hound community, participates in dog shows or competitive sports, and conducts the recommended health screenings. They should be able to answer all your questions about the breed and provide guidance on training and care.

Adoption is another option to consider. While uncommon, occasionally adult Pharaoh Hounds are surrendered to rescue groups or animal shelters. Most will be mixed breeds rather than purebreds. Pharaoh Hound enthusiast groups on social media or your local sighthound rescue are good places to start your search.

Final Thoughts

With their rich history, unique appearance and endearing personality quirks, Pharaoh Hounds can be immensely rewarding companions for active households. These intelligent, affectionate dogs have a loyal following of devoted enthusiasts who appreciate their elegance, athleticism and independent spirit.

While not as well known as other breeds, Pharaoh Hounds are starting to garner more attention. As of 2023, they ranked 172 out of 200 AKC registered breeds in popularity. For many owners, the breed‘s relative rarity is part of their appeal.

That said, Pharaoh Hounds are not the right fit for everyone. As an ancient sighthound breed, they have high exercise needs, a strong prey drive, and an independent nature that can make training a challenge. Novice owners may find them too much of a handful.

But for experienced dog owners willing to put in the time and effort, the payoff is a beautiful, noble and affectionate companion animal. With their "blushing" ability and clownish sense of humor, life with a Pharaoh Hound is never dull. These survivors from the age of antiquity make truly special pets.