Pharaoh Hound

 

General Description:

Medium-sized and of noble bearing, the Pharaoh Hound should be graceful,powerful, and above all - fast. Coat color can range from tan to chestnut to red golden, with white markings on the tip of the tail, chest, toes and on the center line of the face. A unique breed characteristic is their "blush" - when happy or excited, the nose and ears turn a deep rose color. Today, their willingness to please makes them excellent candidates for hunting, obedience and lure coursing. They do have a great sense of humor, and do bark when happy.

A Look Back

One of the oldest domesticated dogs in recorded history, the Pharaoh originated in ancient Egypt as far back as 3000 B.C. They are bred for rabbit hunting. As they were bred to catch small critters who "run" care should be given if you have a small hairy dog, or a cat.

* Hound Group; AKC recognized in 1983.
* Ranging in size from 21 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder.
* Rabbit hunter.

This breed is a hardy one, with few health issues.

The average life expectancy is 12-14years but some dogs reach 16 yrs of age.

Intelligent, friendly and playful, the Pharaoh Hound is affectionate with its family, good with children who are gentle with them. When getting a rescue Pharoah Hound, children should be monitored until they learn to behave around the new dog.
They bond strongly with their family, but can be stand offish with strangers until they are sure of them.
Often these dogs retain their puppy ability to enjoy play throughout their lives. They often bark with joy.
Extremely athletic, they require daily exercise, but should be kept in a fenced area, as they possess a great keenness for hunting and may try to chase after small animals.

They should also be kept on a leash when in a city as they will often chase anything moving and cars will not register with them.
This breed would not be good with cats or small furry animals unless raised with them. They have a willingness to please, are quick to train, and should be kept on a leash until their recall training is secure.
The breed's short, glossy coat is low-maintenance; they have little or no doggie smell. They should be "inside" dogs.

 

Size:

Females: Preferred height at the withers is 21 inches. Males: Preferred height at the withers is 24 inches, and build is described as lithe for both sexes.

 

Color:

Coat color can range from tan to chestnut to red golden, with white markings on the tip of the tail, chest, toes and on the center line of the face. A unique breed characteristic is their "blush" – when happy or excited, the nose and ears turn a deep rose color.

Energy Level:

Medium to high, expect to have to have 2 good walks a day to keep this dog happy, and it must be on a leash when out of a secure yard.

Life expectancy:

The average life expectancy is 10-16 years.

Children:

Intelligent, friendly and playful, the Pharaoh Hound is affectionate with its family, good with children who are gentle with them. When getting a rescue Pharoah Hound, children should be monitored until they learn to behave around the new dog.

They bond strongly with their family, but can be stand offish with strangers until they are sure of them.

Often these dogs retain their puppy ability to enjoy play throughout their lives. They often bark with joy.

Extremely athletic, they require daily exercise, but should be kept in a fenced area, as they possess a great keenness for hunting and may try to chase after small animals.

Other animals:

This breed hunts rabbits, so any small fluffy critter would not be a good family member to this breed.

Abilities:

Hunting and lurecoursing are area’s this breed loves.

Shedding/Grooming:

Short coat with little grooming needs.

Health:

This old breed has few health issues.

Best with:

Another companion who likes to run, or a family who is info exercise.

Not for:

Folks who want a dog to be in the yard, or who want a dog they don’t have to walk.

Pros:

This is a very loving breed who will bark with joy and blush when upset.

Cons:

Needs exercise and can’t be with small fuzzy animals.

Further Information:

AKC Breed Information
Pharaoh Hound Club of America