Pharaoh Hound

45-55 lbs
21-24"
Malta
Kelb-tal Fenek

Aloof and goofy, the Pharaoh Hound can be dated back to around 3000 B.C. It has been rumored that the Pharaoh Hound originates back to Ancient Egypt. However, recent DNA analysis has shown the breed originated in Malta. The breed has been shown in previous Egyptian hieroglyphics, which lends credence to the idea of the Pharaoh Hound existing for centuries. The Pharaoh Hound is a muscular, athletic breed with a graceful stride. His original purpose was to track small game by using his talents of sight, sound, and smell. His look exudes an exotic and regal appearance. He loves to be able to play and has intense bouts of energy. This breed is athletic and excels at agility and lure coursing. Grooming the Pharaoh Hound is relatively simple due to the shiny, short coat. Weekly brushing will help minimize average shedding. The Pharaoh Hound would fare best in a living arrangement in which his exercise needs will be met.

purpose Purpose
hunting, coursing
history Date of Origin
3000 BC
ancestry Ancestry
tesem

Pharaoh Hound Health

Sketch of Pharaoh Hound
Average Size
Male Pharaoh Hound size stats
Height: 23-25 inches Weight: 45-55 lbs
Female Pharaoh Hound size stats
Height: 21-24 inches Weight: 45-55 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Usually A Very Healthy Breed
Minor Concerns
  • Anesthesia Sensitivity/Allergy
Occasional Tests
  • Blood Test
  • Physical Examination

Pharaoh Hound Breed History

The Pharaoh Hound is known as a breed with one of the oldest reputations worldwide. While the breed originated in Ancient Egypt in 3000 B.C., recent genetic testing has revealed that the Pharaoh Hound was actually developed as recently as the 17th century in Malta. In Ancient Egypt, this breed was documented and preserved through hieroglyphics. It is believed that Phoenician traders imported the Pharaoh Hound into Malta, retaining its purity throughout the years. The breed was also described in a letter dating back to the 19th Dynasty in which its signature blush was highlighted. The Pharaoh Hound glows and blushes when it becomes excited. It was originally named the Kelb tal-Fenek, meaning “dog of the rabbit”. The name was a reference to the breed's ability to successfully hunt small game. In the 1930s, the Pharaoh Hound was imported into England but documentation was scarce and inconsistent for the breed. In 1963, Pauline Brock arrived back home with a Pharaoh Hound by the name of Bahri of Twinley. Bahri of Twinley turned out to be the first Pharaoh Hound to be shown in England. In 1967, the first Pharaoh Hound dogs were imported to the United States. In 1979, the Pharaoh Hound was accepted into the Miscellaneous Class in the AKC. In 1983, the breed was officially recognized by the AKC. While the Pharaoh Hound does not rank high on the breeds registered by the AKC, it is still considered a delightful breed with a profound sense of humor that is sure to entertain his family.

Pharaoh Hound Breed Appearance

The Pharaoh Hound is an athletic, muscular, medium-sized breed that shows his agility in the field. His expression is that of keen intelligence. The Pharaoh Hound is known as a sighthound; this type of dog uses its sight, scent ability, and sense of hearing to hunt small game effectively. He has an elegant yet powerful stride that is determined to succeed at the hunt. The ears are medium high set and perk up at the sound of prey. The ears are carried erect when alert and are broad at the base. The skull is lean and chiseled. The nose of the Pharaoh Hound is flesh colored and blends in with the coat color. The neck is lean but muscular and the shoulders are long, sloping, and laid back. With forelegs that are straight and parallel, the feet are firm and the pads are well-padded. The hindquarters are strong and muscular. The Pharaoh Hound has a short, shiny, thin coat with a variety of colors that range from chestnut, red golden, rich tan, to tan with white markings. 

Appearance of Pharaoh Hound
Eye Color Possibilities
amber Pharaoh Hound eyes
Amber
Nose Color Possibilities
isabella Pharaoh Hound nose
Isabella
Coat Color Possibilities
red Pharaoh Hound coat
Red
fawn Pharaoh Hound coat
Fawn
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Pharaoh Hound straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Pharaoh Hound Breed Maintenance

The Pharaoh Hound's short and thin coat makes for easy maintenance. Weekly brushing with a rubber curry brush is ideal in order to remove dead hair. The Pharaoh Hound is not considered hypoallergenic and does shed an average amount. Bathing is only recommended when necessary in order to avoid overproduction of oils in the skin. Its nails must be trimmed every 2 to 3 weeks to prevent overgrowth or breakage. Teeth should be brushed weekly to maintain oral health. The Pharaoh Hound does not have an odor. This breed has much energy which he uses to run around, chasing objects, and utilizing his scent talent. He would benefit from high-level activities with intense play. This vibrant companion will also benefit from long walks and jogging in the neighborhood. This breed is best living in a home with lots of range outdoors to be able to roam around. However, if he is given free roam, it is highly recommended that a tall fence be installed as this breed can jump high distances and may choose to explore and hunt if not contained. The Pharaoh Hound fares best in a warmer climate due to his thin coat. His diet should be consistent with regular dietary needs for a high energy hound, to ensure he is provided with optimum care. 

Brushes for Pharaoh Hound
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Scissors
Scissors
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Pharaoh Hound requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Pharaoh Hound Temperament

The Pharaoh Hound is known for his funky disposition amongst his family. This breed will bark if left untrained. He is intelligent and attuned to the needs of his family. He is described as a sufficient hunter due to his talent in following a scent. This breed enjoys being able to maintain an active lifestyle and enjoys playtime with children. As a loyal companion to his family, the Pharaoh Hound will feel right at home with others. A friendly dog, he fares well with children and is calm when indoors. This breed gets along with other dogs as long as he is trained at an early stage to accept others. Due to his original purpose of hunting, the Pharaoh Hound may be quick to hunt smaller rodents such as hamsters. It is important to monitor and observe for any signs of aggression towards other animals. The Pharaoh Hound is a bit timid when introduced to strangers but will warm up with patience. The Pharaoh Hound is capable of being trained when time and consistency are met, although he may might want to run off and engage in another activity when he has had enough instruction.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
5 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
30 minutes
activity minutes

Pharaoh Hound Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
2.5 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.20 - $1.40
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$34.00 - $45.00
food bag monthly cost

Pharaoh Hound Height & Weight

6 Months
Sketch of Pharaoh Hound at six months
Male Pharaoh Hound size stats at six months
Height: 9.0 inches Weight: 15.0 lbs
Female Pharaoh Hound size stats at six months
Height: 8.0 inches Weight: 15.0 lbs
12 Months
Sketch of Pharaoh Hound at 12 months
Male Pharaoh Hound size stats at 12 months
Height: 14.5 inches Weight: 27.5 lbs
Female Pharaoh Hound size stats at 12 months
Height: 13.5 inches Weight: 27.5 lbs
18 Months
Sketch of Pharaoh Hound at 18 months
Male Pharaoh Hound size stats at 18 months
Height: 20.5 inches Weight: 45.0 lbs
Female Pharaoh Hound size stats at 18 months
Height: 19.0 inches Weight: 45.0 lbs

Top Pharaoh Hound Breeders

Check out who made our list for the most reputable Pharaoh Hound breeders of 2024.
Top Pharaoh Hound breeder CharmedWons Pharaoh Hounds
CharmedWons Pharaoh Hounds
Collegeville, Pennsylvania
Top Pharaoh Hound breeder XO Dogs
XO Dogs
Collegeville, Pennsylvania
Top Pharaoh Hound breeder Hounds of Distinction
Hounds of Distinction
Lubbock, Texas

Pharaoh Hound Owner Experiences

Jimmi
7 Months
6 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Pharah hound is very good dog
4 years, 1 month ago
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