Pharaoh Hound Dog Breed Guide
📍 Origin: Malta
The Pharaoh Hound is one of the oldest domesticated dogs in recorded history, originating from Malta where it serves as the national dog. It is a sleek, athletic sighthound known for an unusual trait called blushing, where its nose and ears flush pink with excitement.
| Breed | Pharaoh Hound |
| Size | Medium (45–55 lbs) |
| Height | 23–25 inches |
| Lifespan | 11–14 years |
| Temperament | Affectionate, Playful, Active |
| Energy Level | High●●●●○ |
| Good With Kids | ✅ Yes |
| Grooming | Minimal |
| Training | Good |
| Shedding | Light |
| Best For | Experienced Owners |
🐕 Pharaoh Hound Overview
The Pharaoh Hound is a medium-sized, elegant sighthound with a lean, muscular body built for speed and agility. Affectionate and playful with family, this breed bonds closely with its people while remaining reserved with strangers. Its short, low-maintenance coat and moderate shedding make it a practical choice for owners who want a clean, tidy dog.
📜 History & Origin
The Pharaoh Hound has been traced back over 5,000 years to ancient Egypt, with depictions resembling the breed found in Egyptian tombs and artifacts. Phoenician traders are believed to have brought the dogs to Malta, where the breed was preserved in relative isolation and became known locally as the Kelb tal-Fenek, meaning rabbit dog. The AKC officially recognized the Pharaoh Hound in 1983, and the FCI classifies it in Group 5 as a primitive type.
👀 Size & Appearance
🐶 Male
- Weight: 45–55 lbs (20–25 kg)
- Height: 23–25 inches (58–64 cm)
🐕 Female
- Weight: 40–50 lbs
- Height: 21–24 inches
Coat type: Short, glossy, fine
🧠 Temperament & Behaviour
With Children
Pharaoh Hounds are generally excellent with children. Their patient, gentle nature makes them reliable family companions. Always supervise interactions with very young children.
With Other Dogs & Pets
Generally sociable with other dogs and pets when properly socialised from puppyhood. Early introductions are recommended.
🏃 Exercise Needs
Pharaoh Hounds are high-energy dogs that require at least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise daily. This includes brisk walks, off-leash running, fetch, or swimming. Without adequate exercise, they can become destructive or develop behavioural problems.
⚠️ Apartment living: Not ideal. A house with a garden is strongly preferred.
🍗 Food & Diet Guide
🐶 Puppy (8 weeks – 12 months)
- Feed a large/medium breed puppy formula
- 3–4 small meals per day up to 6 months
- Reduce to 2–3 meals from 6 months onward
- Look for AAFCO "complete and balanced for growth" statement
- Avoid overfeeding — controlled growth prevents joint issues
🐕 Adult (Pharaoh Hound)
- Daily amount: 1.5 to 2 cups of quality dry kibble
- Split into 2 meals per day
- Choose AAFCO-compliant food for adult maintenance
- Monitor weight monthly — adjust portions as needed
Always consult your veterinarian for a feeding plan specific to your dog's age, weight, and health status.
🏅 Training Guide
Basic Commands
Start sit, stay, come, and leave it from day one. Positive reinforcement with treats works best. Keep sessions to 5–10 minutes.
Toilet Training
Take puppy outside every 2 hours and immediately after meals, play, and sleep. Reward immediately after they go outside.
Leash Training
Start with a flat collar and short sessions. Reward loose-leash walking. A front-clip harness helps dogs that pull.
Socialisation
Expose to different people, sounds, and environments between 8–16 weeks. This is the critical window for confident adult behaviour.
✂️ Grooming
Brushing
Weekly brush is usually sufficient.
Bathing
Bath every 4–6 weeks or when dirty. Over-bathing strips natural coat oils.
Nail Trimming
Trim nails every 3–4 weeks. If you hear clicking on hard floors, they are too long.
Ear Cleaning
Check ears weekly for redness, odour, or discharge. Clean gently with a vet-approved ear cleaner.
🩺 Health Problems
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Preventive Health Tips
- Annual vet checkups (twice yearly for dogs over 7)
- Keep vaccinations and deworming up to date
- Maintain a healthy weight — obesity worsens most conditions
- Ask your breeder for OFA/PennHIP health clearances on parents
⏱ Lifespan
The average Pharaoh Hound lifespan is 11–14 years. Smaller breeds often live longer than larger breeds. Individual lifespan depends heavily on genetics, diet, exercise, and veterinary care.
Tips for a Longer, Healthier Life
- Feed a balanced, high-quality diet appropriate for age and size
- Maintain a healthy weight throughout life
- Regular exercise matched to age and health status
- Annual vet visits for early detection of health issues
- Dental care — dental disease affects overall health significantly
💷 Puppy Price
United States
Pedigree AKC-registered puppy from health-tested parents
Europe
Pedigree FCI-registered puppy from health-tested parents
United Kingdom
Pedigree KC-registered puppy from health-tested parents
Estimated Monthly Cost (UK)
Prices vary by breeder, location, and pedigree quality. Always buy from a health-tested, reputable breeder — never from puppy farms.
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Active singles
- Experienced dog owners
- Families with older children
- Excellent with children
❌ Cons
- First-time owners
- Apartment dwellers
- Owners with small animals
- Requires significant daily exercise
🆚 Pharaoh Hound vs Other Breeds
✅ Pharaoh Hound wins at
The Pharaoh Hound is slightly more affectionate and bonds more deeply with its family.
✅ Ibizan Hound wins at
The Ibizan Hound is more adaptable to varied climates and slightly easier for first-time sighthound owners.
✅ Pharaoh Hound wins at
The Pharaoh Hound is more openly affectionate and less aloof with family members.
✅ Basenji wins at
The Basenji is virtually barkless and better suited to apartment living with sufficient exercise.
🏠 Who Should Own a Pharaoh Hound?
✅ Great Choice If You Are:
- Active singles
- Experienced dog owners
- Families with older children
- A family with children
❌ Consider Another Breed If:
- First-time owners
- Apartment dwellers
- Owners with small animals
- You live in a small apartment without outdoor access
- You have a very sedentary lifestyle
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pharaoh Hound good for families?
The Pharaoh Hound is an affectionate and playful breed that generally does well with families, especially those with older children who can match its energy level. It tends to be gentle and devoted to its household but may be too boisterous and fast-moving for very young toddlers. Socialization from an early age helps the Pharaoh Hound get along well with children and other family pets.
How much does a Pharaoh Hound puppy cost?
In the United Kingdom, a Pharaoh Hound puppy from a reputable breeder typically costs between 1,200 and 2,500 GBP. In Pakistan, prices generally range from 150,000 to 350,000 PKR depending on the breeder and lineage. In India, expect to pay approximately 80,000 to 180,000 INR, though availability is limited and imported bloodlines cost significantly more.
Is Pharaoh Hound easy to train?
The Pharaoh Hound is intelligent and eager to please but also has the independent, sensitive nature typical of primitive sighthound breeds, which can make training a moderate challenge. Positive reinforcement methods using treats and praise work best, as this breed does not respond well to harsh corrections. Consistency, patience, and short training sessions produce the best results with this sensitive and sometimes stubborn dog.
What food is best for a Pharaoh Hound?
A high-quality dry kibble formulated for medium-sized, active breeds is a solid foundation for the Pharaoh Hound, with real meat listed as the first ingredient. Given the breed's lean build and athletic nature, meals should support muscle maintenance with adequate protein levels of around 22 to 26 percent. Feed adults approximately 1.5 to 2 cups of premium kibble daily, split into two meals to reduce the risk of bloat.
Does Pharaoh Hound bark a lot?
The Pharaoh Hound is considered a moderate barker that will alert its owners to strangers or unusual activity but does not bark incessantly without cause. With proper exercise and mental stimulation, excessive barking is generally not a significant issue for this breed.
Can a Pharaoh Hound live in an apartment?
The Pharaoh Hound can technically live in an apartment if given at least 60 minutes of vigorous daily exercise, but it is not ideally suited to apartment life due to its high energy and need for space to run. A home with a securely fenced yard is strongly preferred to allow this athletic sighthound to sprint and burn off energy safely.
🏆 Final Verdict
The Pharaoh Hound is best suited to experienced dog owners who understand the breed's specific needs. With a lifespan of 11–14 years, high energy demands, and minimal grooming requirements, the Pharaoh Hound is a wonderful family dog.
If you can meet their exercise, training, and care needs, the Pharaoh Hound will reward you with years of loyal companionship.