Pharaoh Hound
Quick Summary
Athletic sighthound with noble bearing, ideal for active owners. Key traits include independence and grace. Main considerations: secure fencing and exercise needs.
Contents
Weight Range
45-55 lbs
♂ Male: 45-55 lbs
♀ Female: 45-55 lbs
Height Range
53-64 inches
♂ Male: 23-25"
♀ Female: 23-25"
Life Expectancy
12-14 years
Average lifespan with proper care and nutrition
Intelligence
Rank #52
Average Intelligence
Breed Group
Hound Group
Originally bred for Ancient sighthounds from Malta served as rabbit hunters since 1000 BCE
Popularity
#172
Less common breed
Compatibility Ratings
Behavior & Training
Physical Characteristics
| Male Height | 23"-25" |
| Female Height | 23"-25" |
| Male Weight | 45-55 lbs |
| Female Weight | 45-55 lbs |
| Coat Length | 1/5 |
| Drooling Level | 1/5 |
Cost & Ownership
Cost Category
Initial costs include $2000-3000 for purebred puppy. Monthly expenses cover premium food, preventive care, and routine vet visits. Consider pet insurance for potential health issues.
Training & Socialization
Training Difficulty
Dignified and independent nature balanced with affectionate family loyalty. High energy levels require proper outlet through exercise. Shows reserve with strangers while maintaining gentle disposition with family.
Social Needs
Moderately social dogs requiring daily family interaction but comfortable with alone time. Generally good with other dogs, reserved with strangers. Benefits from early socialization.
Breed Overview
Noble and graceful, Pharaoh Hounds possess a distinctive copper-colored coat and expressive amber eyes. Their athletic build features long, clean lines and a streamlined silhouette characteristic of ancient sighthounds. Standing proudly with erect ears and an alert expression, these dogs combine elegance with surprising strength. Their muscular frame supports effortless movement, while their intelligent gaze reflects their keen hunting heritage.
Key Highlights
Pros
- ✓ Elegant and graceful
- ✓ Low grooming needs
- ✓ Athletic and agile
- ✓ Gentle with family
Cons
- ✗ Strong prey drive
- ✗ Independent nature
- ✗ Needs secure fencing
- ✗ Can be aloof
Breed Characteristics
| Temperament | Friendly, Smart, Noble |
| Energy Level | Energetic |
| Trainability | Independent |
| Grooming Needs | Weekly Brushing |
| Shedding | Seasonal |
Exercise & Nutrition
Exercise Requirements
Requires 60-90 minutes of daily exercise including high-intensity running in secure areas, agility training, and mental stimulation activities. Best exercised in fenced areas due to strong prey drive. Intensity level should be vigorous with proper warm-up.
Diet & Nutrition
Requires 2-3 cups of high-quality dry food daily, divided into two meals. Special consideration needed for metabolism and energy requirements. Premium protein sources recommended for muscle maintenance.
Feed 2-3 cups premium dry food daily, split into two meals. Consider high-protein formulas for active adults. Adjust portions based on activity level and age. Fresh water always available.
Environment & Living Space
Living Requirements
Adapts well to apartments if adequately exercised, but thrives with access to securely fenced yards. Ideal in moderate climates, needs protection from extreme cold. Indoor living essential.
Minimum space requirements include secure fencing at least 6 feet high. Adapts to apartment living if exercise needs met. Thrives in homes with outdoor access but primarily indoor living.
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
History & Origin
Pharaoh Hounds emerged in Malta over 3,000 years ago, developed to hunt rabbits in rocky Mediterranean terrain. Despite their name, DNA evidence suggests no direct Egyptian ancestry, though their noble bearing recalls ancient times.
Historical Purpose
Ancient sighthounds from Malta served as rabbit hunters since 1000 BCE. Prized by Mediterranean nobility for their exceptional speed and hunting prowess in rocky terrain.
Fun Fact
Unique among dogs, Pharaoh Hounds blush when excited, their ears and nose turning rosy pink!
Grooming & Maintenance
Special Considerations
Requires secure fencing due to prey drive. Weekly grooming sufficient. Regular exercise essential for physical and mental well-being.