Pharoah Hound Profile

Other Names:  Kelb-tal Fenek (Rabbit Dog)

Country of origin: Egypt

Dog Group Kennel Club: Hound

General appearance:

Pharaoh Hounds are of medium size with and elegant yet powerful appearance. They have deep chests, long muzzles, erect ears and very short coats. This beautiful and athletic breed has a short coat that doesn't need much grooming. The coat is short and glossy lying close to the body of the dog. The Pharaoh Hound is weather resistant to a degree.They vary in colour from light to dark reddish brown in colour. They are unique in that when they are excited they blush, their noses and insides of their ears turn rosy pink.

Colours:

Red in varying shades.

Size:

Bitch                 53 - 61cms

Dog                   56 - 63 cms 

Weight:

                                Min                   Max
 
Bitch                 20kg (44lbs) 23kg (51lbs)
 
Dog                    23kg (51lbs) 25kg (55lbs)

Temperament:

Pharaoh Hounds are alert and intelligent with a passion for hunting.  To do this, dogs use their eyes and ears and, as such, should be carefully observed with smaller animals.  Besides this, Pharaoh Hounds are affectionate, playful and very vocal. Doing well in running and obedience sports, the Pharaoh Hound should always be a companion animal. Not good for kennel life, this dog loves to be near his owner. This dog can be active yet calm and collected at times making this dog perfect for a household with children, although they should be properly trained with this breed.Cats and other small animals are seen as prey to the Pharaoh Hound that hasn’t been socialised with them from an early age. The Pharaoh is not a dog for the faint hearted, they have a way of reading your next action and seem to be able to get there that little bit ahead of you.

Movement:

Free flowing and effortless.

Care and training:

Rubber brushing for the Pharaoh Hound is fine for removing loose and dead hair. An average shedding breed, this dog does not need regular bathing, only when necessary. A very clean and well kempt dog, grooming is not a big concern.

They are intelligent and fairly obedient, one of the few hounds that, more often than not, will return to you on command. Training should be consistent and early socialisation is a must. They are highly trainable and indeed several Pharaoh Hounds have become highly successful in the fields of Obedience and Agility.Prone to timidity, the trainer must be well experienced with this breed so they're not to frighten him.

Overall Exercise: 2 hours per day.
These dogs require lots of exercise. Once on the scent of game they will run and run. As they can jump reasonably high you will need to have an adequately fenced garden to keep this dog in.

Feeding requirements:

The Pharaoh Hound is an undemanding dog to feed with no special dietary requirements; they generally have a good appetite.

Exercise: Med

Grooming: Low

Noise: Low

Personal Protection: Medium

Suitability As Guard Dog: Medium

Level of Aggression: Low

Compatibility With Other Animals: Medium

Suitablity for Children: Medium

Often docked:  No

Average litter size: 7 - 8

Life expectancy (yrs): 11 - 14

Health issues:  Allergies, sensitivity to  anesthesia, and hip dysplasia. This is a very healthy breed.

History:  The Pharaoh Hound is one of the oldest domesticated dogs that can traces its lineage to about 5,000 B.C. in the Middle East alone. After Egypt was invaded by the Romans 2,000 years ago, they were thought to have been taken to Malta, the Balearic Islands and Gozo by the phoenicians and/or Carthaginians, and then on to Sicily. A famous Egyptian ruler, King Tutankhamen, owned a pharaoh hound named Abuwitiyuw. The breed has a striking resemblance to the Egyptian god Anubis, with its large pointed ears and thin face. There are several skeletal excavations, paintings, carvings and other artistic portraitures of this breed found in Egypt. When they were brought to Malta, Sicily, Gozo and the Balearic Isles they were used for hunting, especially rabbit. Their descendents are thought to be the Cirneco Dell'Etna and the Ibizan Hound found in Sicily. They are excellent hunters, hunting with not only their nose, but their eyes and ears as well.