Pharaoh Hound
The Pharaoh Hound is a graceful and athletic breed, renowned for its elegant appearance, speed, and ancient history. Originally bred as a hunting dog in Malta, the Pharaoh Hound is known for its striking features, excellent hunting abilities, and affectionate nature. This breed is often admired for its sleek, noble look and its ability to excel in various activities, including agility and lure coursing.
Appearance:
The Pharaoh Hound has a distinctive and elegant appearance that is both noble and athletic:
- Size: Males typically stand between 24 to 25 inches at the shoulder, while females are slightly smaller, standing between 21 to 24 inches.
- Weight: The Pharaoh Hound weighs between 45 to 55 pounds, making it a medium-sized breed.
- Coat: It has a short, sleek coat that is smooth to the touch. The coat is shiny and glossy, often emphasizing the breed's muscular build.
- Color: The Pharaoh Hound's coat is typically a rich tan or chestnut color, with variations ranging from a light fawn to a darker, deeper red-brown. They may have white markings on the chest, feet, and tip of the tail.
- Distinctive Features: One of the most striking features of the Pharaoh Hound is its large, upright ears that give it a regal appearance. The breed also has a long, wedge-shaped head and large, expressive eyes that give it a thoughtful, intelligent expression.
Temperament:
The Pharaoh Hound is known for being friendly, gentle, and intelligent. However, it also has some characteristics that reflect its history as a hunting dog:
Essentials for Your Newly Adopted Pet
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- Affectionate: Pharaoh Hounds are very affectionate with their families and are known to form strong bonds with their owners. They are typically friendly with children and other pets, making them great family companions.
- Loyal: This breed is loyal and protective of its family, although they are not overly aggressive.
- Independent: While Pharaoh Hounds are affectionate, they can also be independent and somewhat reserved with strangers. They may be aloof or cautious around new people, but are rarely aggressive.
- Energetic and Playful: Pharaoh Hounds are lively and playful, often displaying a strong prey drive due to their hunting background. They enjoy playtime and are very agile and quick.
- Intelligent: They are highly intelligent and quick learners, but their independent nature means that they may not always be as eager to please as some other breeds, requiring firm and consistent training.
Exercise Needs:
The Pharaoh Hound is an active and athletic breed that requires regular physical activity to stay healthy and happy:
- Daily Exercise: They require a significant amount of exercise, typically around 1 to 2 hours per day, to keep them fit and stimulated. Regular walks, runs, or playtime in a secure, enclosed area are ideal.
- Running and Chasing: Due to their hunting background, Pharaoh Hounds love to run and chase. They thrive in homes where they can have regular opportunities to run, but they must always be in a securely fenced area to prevent them from chasing small animals.
- Mental Stimulation: In addition to physical exercise, Pharaoh Hounds benefit from mental stimulation. Agility, obedience training, and scent work are all great activities that allow them to use their intelligence and natural instincts.
- Lure Coursing: Pharaoh Hounds are excellent at lure coursing, a dog sport where dogs chase a mechanically operated lure. This activity helps channel their prey drive in a safe and controlled environment.
Health:
The Pharaoh Hound is generally a healthy breed with a lifespan of 12 to 14 years, but like all breeds, they are prone to some health conditions:
- Hip Dysplasia: Like many medium to large breeds, Pharaoh Hounds can be prone to hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly.
- Hypothyroidism: Some Pharaoh Hounds may develop hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones. This can lead to weight gain, lethargy, and other issues.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): PRA is a genetic condition that can cause progressive vision loss. While not all Pharaoh Hounds will develop PRA, it is something to be aware of.
- Epilepsy: Some Pharaoh Hounds may be prone to seizures, although this is not common across the breed.
- Bloat: As with many deep-chested breeds, Pharaoh Hounds may be susceptible to bloat, a condition where the stomach fills with gas and can twist, leading to a life-threatening situation. It’s important to avoid vigorous exercise right after meals to reduce the risk.
History and Origin:
The Pharaoh Hound is one of the oldest known dog breeds, with a history dating back over 2,000 years. Originating from the island of Malta in the Mediterranean, it was originally bred by the ancient Egyptians for hunting small game such as rabbits, hares, and other animals. The breed’s history is somewhat mysterious, but it is believed to be related to ancient hounds seen in Egyptian art and hieroglyphics.
The Pharaoh Hound was highly prized for its ability to track and catch prey, using its keen sense of smell and sight. This breed was eventually brought to Malta, where it was used to hunt on the rocky, arid terrain. The Pharaoh Hound was even considered a royal companion and was often seen in ancient Egyptian art as a symbol of nobility.
Today, the Pharaoh Hound is mainly a companion dog but still retains its hunting instincts and athletic abilities. It was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1983.
Grooming:
The Pharaoh Hound has minimal grooming needs due to its short coat:
- Brushing: Their sleek, short coat only requires occasional brushing, about once a week, to keep it looking shiny and healthy.
- Bathing: Pharaoh Hounds do not require frequent baths, but they can be bathed as needed, especially after outdoor activities or runs.
- Ear Care: Their large, upright ears should be checked regularly for debris and dirt, as they are prone to collecting dust.
- Nail trimming: Regular trimming of their nails is necessary to prevent discomfort or injury.
- Teeth cleaning: As with all dogs, regular dental care is important for their overall health.
Ideal Home:
The Pharaoh Hound is best suited to active individuals or families who can provide them with plenty of exercise, attention, and space to run:
- Active families: This breed is ideal for families who enjoy outdoor activities, running, hiking, or other sports. They thrive in homes with ample room to run and play.
- Homes with a secure yard: Due to their strong prey drive, it’s essential that Pharaoh Hounds have a securely fenced yard where they cannot escape.
- Experienced dog owners: Pharaoh Hounds are independent and may require firm, consistent training, making them better suited for experienced dog owners.
Fun Facts:
- "Blushing" Pharaoh Hound: When the Pharaoh Hound is excited, happy, or feels love, its nose and ears can "blush," turning a deeper pink or red color. This is a unique trait of the breed.
- Ancient roots: The Pharaoh Hound is often said to be one of the oldest dog breeds in existence, with ties to ancient Egypt.
- Fast runners: Pharaoh Hounds are incredibly fast and agile, capable of running up to 40 miles per hour (64 km/h), making them excellent hunters and competitors in racing sports.
- Great swimmers: Despite their hunting background, Pharaoh Hounds are also good swimmers and enjoy being in the water.
Conclusion:
The Pharaoh Hound is a majestic and athletic breed with a rich history and a playful, affectionate nature. Its sleek appearance, intelligence, and speed make it an ideal companion for active families or individuals who can provide it with the exercise and training it needs. Whether hunting, playing, or simply relaxing with its family, the Pharaoh Hound makes an extraordinary pet for those who appreciate its unique personality and regal charm.
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