Pharaoh Hound

Despite the ancient-Egyptian look, the Pharaoh Hound is Malta’s national dog (Kelb tal-Fenek), developed for night rabbit hunts over rocky terrain. Hunters prized a keen nose and sight, effortless jumping, and teamwork with people. The breed’s “smile” and blush endeared it to families as well. Modern preservation began in the 20th century, leading to international recognition; today the Pharaoh Hound remains a versatile companion and sport dog with strong hunting instinct.

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A medium, finely muscled sighthound with a short, glossy coat and amber eyes.

• Weight: 45–55 lb (male), 40–50 lb (female)
• Height: 23–25 in (male), 21–24 in (female)
• Coat Type: Single, short, close-lying
• Coat Colors: Tan to rich chestnut (various wheaten shades); white markings may appear on tail tip, chest, toes, or blaze
• Distinctive Physical Traits: Large mobile ears, amber eyes, long tapering tail, pronounced tuck-up, “smile” and pink skin that can blush

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Low-maintenance coat; focus on skin, nails, and ears.

• Brushing: Weekly rubber mitt to remove loose hair and boost shine
• Bathing: Every 6–8 weeks or as needed; gentle shampoo for sensitive skin
• Skin Care: Apply dog-safe sunscreen on ears/nose for sunny outings; protect from cold with a coat
• Ear Cleaning: Weekly; dry after rain or swims
• Nail Trimming: Every 2–4 weeks (fast-growing nails on hard runners)
• Dental Care: Brush teeth 2–3×/week
• Shedding: Low, year-round

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A sprinter with playful stamina—needs daily outlets.

• Daily Duration: 60–90 minutes total (split walks + gallops in secure areas)
• Great Activities: Sprint play, lure coursing, canicross, fetch, hiking, scent and sight games
• Suitability: Excellent for active urban or suburban homes with access to safely fenced fields; high prey drive requires secure leash/recall management

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Sensitive, smart, and a tad independent—keep it upbeat.

• Method: Positive reinforcement; short, varied sessions; avoid harsh corrections
• Socialization: Early exposure to people, dogs, surfaces, and sounds to build confidence
• Core Skills: Reliable recall around wildlife, “leave it,” calm door manners, settle on a mat
• Mental Work: Food puzzles, nose games, trick chains; rotate activities to prevent boredom
• Handler Note: Prey drive is real—practice long-line recalls and reward generously

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Keep a lean, athletic body for joint health and speed.

• Food Type: High-quality kibble or balanced fresh diet for active medium breeds
• Daily Quantity: ~2–3 cups total, split into two meals (adjust to activity/age)
• Scheduling: Feed twice daily; limit intense exercise 60–90 mins before/after meals
• Extras: Omega-3s (EPA/DHA) for skin/coat; joint support for sport dogs; monitor treats to maintain 4–5/9 body condition

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Source from health-testing preservation breeders—or consider sighthound rescues.

• Breeders: Choose CKC-affiliated breeders who provide hip/eye/patella results, socialization plans, and lifetime take-back
• Adoption: Sighthound and lure-coursing rescues; breed-specific clubs sometimes rehome adults
• Canadian Resources: Canadian Kennel Club breeder listings; regional lure-coursing and sighthound clubs in ON/BC/QC; Pharaoh Hound breed clubs (Canada/US) for education and referrals

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Generally healthy; watch skin and sport-related risks.

• Potential Issues: Hip dysplasia (lower incidence than many large breeds), patellar luxation, allergies/skin sensitivity, eye conditions (check lines), bloat risk in deep-chested dogs, anesthesia sensitivity typical of sighthounds
• Climate Notes: Thin coat—susceptible to cold; protect from sunburn
• Life Expectancy: 12–14 years
• Recommended Testing: Hips, patellas, ophthalmologist (CAER); discuss bloat prevention with your vet

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Are Pharaoh Hounds good apartment dogs?
Yes—if you meet daily exercise (60–90 mins), provide enrichment, and manage prey drive.

Do Pharaoh Hounds bark a lot?
Moderate—usually to alert or when excited. Teach a solid “quiet” and meet exercise needs.

Are Pharaoh Hounds hypoallergenic?
No. Shedding is low, but they’re not hypoallergenic.

How much exercise does a Pharaoh Hound need?
Plan for 60–90 minutes daily, including sprint time in secure areas and brain games.

Do Pharaoh Hounds get along with cats?
Prey drive varies. Many can live with a resident cat if raised together—always supervise and manage introductions.

Why do Pharaoh Hounds ‘blush’?
In excitement, increased blood flow makes their thin skin (nose/ears) flush rosy—one of the breed’s charming traits.

How are they in cold weather?
They chill easily—use sweaters/coats and limit time in sub-zero temps.

Are Pharaoh Hounds easy to train?
Yes, with positive, varied sessions; they’re sensitive and may shut down with harsh methods.

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