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Pharaoh Hound Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Pharaoh Hound so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank174
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OriginMalta flagMalta
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is a Pharaoh Hound known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed.
PharaohKelb Tal-Fenek
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Pharaoh Hound? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Purebred

Pharaoh Hound Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a Pharaoh Hound? Learn how big the Pharaoh Hound breed typically grows.
Medium
Weight Statistics
How much does a Pharaoh Hound weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Pharaoh Hound breed.
45-55 pounds (20-25 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Pharaoh Hound?
50 pounds (22.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Pharaoh Hound? Pharaoh Hound height:
Male: 23-25 inches (59-63 cm), Female: 21-24 inches (53-61 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Pharaoh Hound?
Male: 24 inches (61 cm), Female: 22.5 inches (57 cm)

Pharaoh Hound Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does a Pharaoh Hound puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Pharaoh Hound costs.
$1800-$2000
If you choose to purchase the Pharaoh Hound, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Pharaoh Hound for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Pharaoh Hound gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Pharaoh Hound? How many Pharaoh Hound are there in the world?
Frequent: The Pharaoh Hound is easier than average to get. Maybe there is some risk of overbreeding, as it is a popular breed.

Due to its popularity, inbreeding may occur. A new study shows that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful and seek the help of an experienced person or a professional, in making your decision.

Pharaoh Hound Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Pharaoh Hound? Discover the Pharaoh Hound's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Smart: The Pharaoh Hound dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Pharaoh Hound is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Pharaoh Hound? Learn about the Pharaoh Hound's trainability and response to training methods.
Pharaoh Hound dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Rating
How good is a Pharaoh Hound as a watchdog? Learn about the Pharaoh Hound's alertness and guarding instincts.
Pharaoh Hound dogs are not the best watchdogs. They aren't very territorial and protective about their property, so they probably won't alert you if they sense something different.
Territorial Protection
Is a Pharaoh Hound protective of its territory? Learn about the Pharaoh Hound's guarding instincts and behavior.
Pharaoh Hound dogs can't provide protection for their territory. It's better to leave them out of the duty of protecting your valuables and property.

Pharaoh Hound Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does a Pharaoh Hound have? Learn about characteristic Pharaoh Hound temperament and behavior traits.
ActivePlayfulIntelligentAffectionateSociableTrainable
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Pharaoh Hound sensitivity:
Sensitive: Pharaoh Hound dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Pharaoh Hound a good family dog?
Average to High: Pharaoh Hound dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Pharaoh need? Pharaoh Hound social needs:
Pharaoh Hound dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Pharaoh Hound to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Pharaoh Hound roam?
The wanderlust potential of the Pharaoh Hound is strong enough to escape from home. They have a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Pharaoh Hound have high prey drive?
Pharaoh Hound dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. Cats or any other small animals are in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Pharaoh Hound dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Pharaoh Hound Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does a Pharaoh Hound bark a lot? Learn about typical Pharaoh Hound vocalization patterns and triggers.
Low to Average: The Pharaoh Hound rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is a Pharaoh Hound? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Pharaoh Hound breed.
Average: Pharaoh Hounds, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Pharaoh Hound live in an apartment? Learn about the Pharaoh Hound's suitability for apartment living.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Pharaoh Hound indoors.

Pharaoh Hound Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Pharaoh Hound to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Pharaoh Hound's flexibility to new situations.
Pharaoh Hound dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Pharaoh Hound be left alone? Learn about the Pharaoh Hound's tolerance to solitude.
Pharaoh Hound dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Pharaoh Hound Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is a Pharaoh Hound biting potential? Learn about the Pharaoh Hound's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The Pharaoh Hound has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a Pharaoh Hound mouthy? Learn about the Pharaoh Hound's tendency to use mouth during play.
Pharaoh Hound dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Pharaoh Hound dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Pharaoh Hound bite? Learn about the Pharaoh Hound's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Pharaoh Hound bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Pharaoh Hound measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Pharaoh Hound is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Pharaoh Hound bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Pharaoh Hound bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Pharaoh Hound puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Pharaoh Hound, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Pharaoh Hound bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Pharaoh Hound can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Pharaoh Hound Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Pharaoh Hound live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Pharaoh Hound breed.
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Pharaoh Hound: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Pharaoh Hound handle different weather? Learn about the Pharaoh Hound's climate adaptability.
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Pharaoh Hound? Discover typical conditions affecting the Pharaoh Hound breed.
Pharaoh Hounds tend to have a lot and frequent health issues. Regular vet check-ups are essential with this breed.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Pharaoh Hound need vet visits? Learn about the Pharaoh Hound's veterinary care requirements.
Frequent
The Pharaoh Hound should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.

Pharaoh Hound Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Pharaoh Hound? Understand daily activity needs of the Pharaoh Hound breed.
Pharaoh Hound dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs. If you live a chilled life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Pharaoh Hound need? How much exercise do Pharaoh Hound dogs require per day?

Do Pharaoh Hound dogs need a lot of exercises?

Pharaoh Hound dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Pharaoh Hound breed need?
Pharaoh Hound dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. They're not the most active dog breed. If you live an active life, this breed can be a bad choice for you.

Pharaoh Hound Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is a Pharaoh Hound prone to weight gain? Learn about the Pharaoh Hound's obesity risks.
Average: The Pharaoh Hound has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Pharaoh Hound weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does a Pharaoh Hound need daily? Learn about the Pharaoh Hound's feeding requirements.
2 to 2.5 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Pharaoh Hound Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Pharaoh Hound hypoallergenic? Learn about the Pharaoh Hound's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Pharaoh Hound dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does a Pharaoh Hound come in? Discover all possible Pharaoh Hound color variations.
Tan Red White Golden Chestnut
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Pharaoh Hound need? Learn about Pharaoh Hound coat maintenance requirements.
Effortless: The Pharaoh Hound requires minimal grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned sometimes to avoid infections. Pharaoh Hound is one of the best choices if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Highly recommended for beginners.
Drooling Tendency
Does a Pharaoh Hound drool a lot? Learn about the Pharaoh Hound's drooling habits.
The Pharaoh Hound is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Pharaoh Hound could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Pharaoh Hound.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a Pharaoh Hound smell bad? Learn about the Pharaoh Hound's natural odor levels.

Medium

The Pharaoh Hound has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Pharaoh Hound have? Learn about the Pharaoh Hound's fur characteristics.
Shiny
Bathing Needs
How often does a Pharaoh Hound need baths? Learn about the Pharaoh Hound's bathing requirements.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Shedding Level
How much do Pharaoh Hound dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Pharaoh? Do Pharaoh Hound dogs shed a lot?
Pharaoh Hound dogs shed none to minimal. Having a puppy from this breed you don't have to be afraid of your couch or car being covered by dog hair. Pharaoh Hound dogs could be the best choice if you don't tolerate dog hair.

Pharaoh Hound Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a Pharaoh Hound good with children? Learn about the Pharaoh Hound's behavior around kids of different ages.
Pharaoh Hound dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a Pharaoh Hound get along with other pets? Discover the Pharaoh Hound's compatibility with other animals.
Pharaoh Hound dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Pharaoh Hound temperament with other people:
Pharaoh Hound dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
How well do Pharaoh Hound dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Pharaoh Hound breed live with a cat?
Pharaoh Hound dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Pharaoh Hound good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Pharaoh Hound dogs get along with other dogs?
Pharaoh Hound dogs are dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Pharaoh Hound can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Pharaoh Hound breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Pharaoh Hound breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Pharaoh Hound dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Pharaoh Hound dogs good office canines? Do Pharaoh Hound dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Pharaoh Hound is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Pharaoh Hound dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Pharaoh temperament with senior people? Are Pharaoh Hound dogs good for elderly owners?
Pharaoh Hounds are usually recommended for elderly people.

Pharaoh Hound As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can a Pharaoh Hound be a service dog? Learn about the Pharaoh Hound's service work potential.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Pharaoh Hound is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is a Pharaoh Hound good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Pharaoh Hound's therapy work aptitude.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Pharaoh Hound is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Pharaoh Hound good at detection work? Learn about the Pharaoh Hound's scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Pharaoh Hound is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can a Pharaoh Hound do search and rescue? Learn about the Pharaoh Hound's SAR capabilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Pharaoh Hound is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a Pharaoh Hound good on boats? Learn about the Pharaoh Hound's maritime capabilities.

Not really

Pharaoh Hound breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can a Pharaoh Hound pull carts? Learn about the Pharaoh Hound's drafting abilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Pharaoh Hound is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was a Pharaoh Hound used in military service? Learn about the Pharaoh Hound's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Pharaoh Hound Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Pharaoh Hound usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
6-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Pharaoh Hound pregnant? Learn about the Pharaoh Hound's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Pharaoh Hound: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a Pharaoh Hound have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

Pharaoh Hound Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Pharaoh Hound in? Learn about the Pharaoh Hound's AKC classification.
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1983 as a Hound breed.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Pharaoh Hound in? Learn about the Pharaoh Hound's international classification.
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Primitive type section.

Pharaoh Hound Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligence Rating: Smart: The Pharaoh Hound dogs have great intelligence.
  • Training Difficulty: Pharaoh Hound dogs are easy to train.
  • Grooming Requirements: Effortless: The Pharaoh Hound requires minimal grooming.
  • Shedding Level: Pharaoh Hound dogs shed none to minimal.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Pharaoh Hound is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Pharaoh Hound dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Compatibility: Pharaoh Hound dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Pharaoh Hound dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Pharaoh Hounds are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Pharaoh Hound dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Health Concerns: Pharaoh Hounds tend to have a lot and frequent health issues.
  • Allergy Friendliness: Pharaoh Hound dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Watchdog Rating: Pharaoh Hound dogs are not the best watchdogs.
  • Mouthing Tendency: Pharaoh Hound dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: The wanderlust potential of the Pharaoh Hound is strong enough to escape from home.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: Pharaoh Hound dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Cat Friendly: Pharaoh Hound dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Pharaoh Hound is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Pharaoh Hound History

The Pharaoh Hound is proved to be an ancient hound breed originated from Egypt, where many reminders were found in art and literature about their early existence. The breed is one of the oldest domesticated dogs in recorded history. An artifact from 4000 BC. presents two Pharaoh Hound-shaped dogs hunting gazelles in the desert. A dog resembling the Pharaoh Hound was often portrayed as the companion of nobles and kings in early ancient Egyptian art. Reliefs of the Pharaoh Hound can be found in the tomb chapel of Senbi and Mereuwka. A letter was also discovered and restored dating to the 19th Egyptian dynasty mentioning a tan long-tailed dog whose face glows like a God, a reference no doubt to the breed’s habit of blushing in the sun.

The breed’s history would be different without the intervention of the Phoenicians. They sailed the Mediterranean 2,500 years ago, from what is today known to be Lebanon, as seafaring traders, doing business of several luxury items. It is presumed that the Phoenicians disseminated Egyptian hounds throughout the whole ancient world, as far west as England. According to this presupposition, it is said that it was the Phoenicians who introduced the Pharaoh Hound to Malta, where they were used as rabbit hunters. Back then, the breed was called Kelb tal-Fenek, which translates to “dog of the rabbit”, after the prey the local hunters used the dogs to catch. Thanks to their compassion and talent, the breed thrived in Malta and later, in 1979 the breed became the official national dog of Malta.

Taking into account the genetics and the DNA analysis of the Pharaoh Hound and of the Cirneco dell’ Etna of Sicily, indicate that their separate breed formation occurred within the last 200 years, in spite of the genetic foundations of these dogs dare to the more distant past.

The breed remained fairly unknown in the west until arriving in England in the early 1930s. The first litter of Pharaoh Hounds born outside Malta was in 1963, in the United Kingdom. In the same year, the breed was recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, under the patronage of the United Kingdom. In 1974, a breed standard was approved by the British Kennel Club.

In 1967 the first Pharaoh Hounds were exported to the United States. Not much after that, in 1970, the Pharaoh Hound Club of America was founded, and the breed was officially recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1983. Nowadays the Pharaoh Hound is still considered an uncommon breed, however, they can be found wherever the breed’s fanciers appreciate the dogs’ unique looks and characteristics.

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