Pharaoh Hound

Size
Medium (11kg - 27kg)
Exercise
20 min/day
Training
Weekly
Size of home
House with garden
Time at home
Often alone
Grooming
Low maintenance
Barking preference
Low
Personality
Independent + affectionate

3. Ffire Photography. Submitted by Pennhari. Natasha Burton Dean Addems

History:

For many years, the Pharaoh Hound was considered one of the oldest dog breeds, because it is thought by some to resemble paintings of dogs featured on the walls of ancient Egyptian pyramids and tombs. Recent DNA analysis reveals, however, that this breed is actually a more recent construction, developed out of different lines of European hunting dogs. This DNA data now puts to rest the “Egyptian Myth” and proves the breed did not originate from Egypt. Another study -”Mitochondrial DNA sequence variation in Portuguese native dog breeds” - found no evidence of connection between Iberian dogs and those of North Africa; showing again, no connection between Mediterranean hounds and dogs of North Africa.

The first two specimens of the breed were taken to Britain from Malta in the 1920s, but at that time, no litter was bred. Again, some dogs were imported to the UK in the early 1960s, and the first litter was born in 1963. The breed standard was recognised by the Kennel Club in 1974. (1)

The Pharaoh Hound is a Maltese breed of dog and the national dog of Malta. It is traditionally used for hunting rabbit in the Maltese Islands. (2)

Characteristics:

An alert keen hunter, the Pharaoh Hound hunts by scent and sight using its large ears to a marked degree when working close. The Pharaoh Hound’s ears are extremely mobile, turning to catch the slightest sound - always listening and prepared to spring into action. (1)

Pharaohs also have a unique trait of "blushing" when excited or happy, with their ears and nose becoming bright pink. (2)

Talia Kelly Photography. Submitted by Pennhari. Natasha Burton Dean Addems

Appearance:

The Pharaoh Hound is medium sized, of noble bearing with clean-cut lines. Graceful yet powerful, the breed is very fast, with free easy movement and an alert expression. (1)

Its build is one of strength without bulkiness or excessive musculature. Its head is elegant without being fine or extreme. The skull resembles a blunt wedge, and is long and chiseled with only a slight stop and a snout of good length. (2)

Although most coats are short and glossy, fine and close, many Pharaoh Hounds do not begin life that way. Many, from a few days of age, develop a “puppy” coat, which is somewhat longer and possibly a bit fuller than the coat would be at maturity. Colour is tan or rich tan with allowable white markings. Eyes are amber-coloured, blending with the coat; oval shaped, moderately deep set, with a keen, intelligent expression. The ears are large but fine, and broad at the base. They are not to be upright and parallel, being carried not on top of the head but at the outer corner of the skull, in the position often described as “Five to One on the clock face”. When alert the ear is carried erect but it is an extremely manoeuvrable organ and very expressive, turning to catch the slightest sound and when happy or showing affection the hound will fold them back against his neck. (1)

Temperament:

An intelligent, friendly affectionate, playful and alert breed. The Pharaoh Hound has a truly outstanding personality, highly intelligent, alert, fun loving and affectionate, and also very sensitive. He is full of vitality and animation.

While many Pharaoh Hounds are extroverts, it is definitely not a temperament fault should the dog be initially wary on introduction to strangers. (1)

Sizes:

Dogs: 56-63.5 cm

Bitches: 53.5-61 cm (1)

Health:

Pharaoh Hounds, being somewhat uncommon outside of the Maltese Islands of Malta and Gozo, and because they are not profitable for commercial breeding, have not been subjected to as much irresponsible breeding as some more popular breeds. Breeders try hard to prevent hereditary diseases from entering the gene pool and according to the American Breed Club, Pharaohs are virtually free from genetic diseases.

Reputable breeders continue to test their breeding stock for genetic conditions such as hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, and myriad eye conditions, just to ensure that these disorders do not become a problem. Reputable breeders should be able to show documentation of health screening performed on their breeding dogs. Note that Pharaohs, like most sighthounds, are sensitive to barbiturate anaesthetics. Their ears are thin and prone to frostbite when in cold climates. Life expectancy is about 12 to 14 years.(4)

Suitability:

Anyone considering owning a Pharaoh must know that the breed does require a regular exercise schedule to keep happy and in good condition. Be prepared to walk your Pharaoh for at least 20 minutes twice a day. No amount of training should be trusted to overcome the Pharaoh's strong hunting instinct. He should never be allowed to exercise off-lead in an unenclosed area.The Pharaoh is quick to learn and eager to please. However, there is a problem in teaching him to come if he is off lead in an open area. It has been proven time and again that most Pharaohs, no matter how obedient or well trained, will not come when called when they find themselves suddenly in a 'free situation. They will run off, happy to be hunting'”.

Pharaoh Hounds do not require a great deal of grooming. Daily light brushing or a heavier weekly brushing will do, with baths given as necessary. Particular attention should be paid to keeping the ears clean, and keeping the nails trimmed short enough that they do not make a tapping sound when the dog walks across the floor. Teeth should be cleaned at home on a regular basis but also should be checked by your veterinarian when the dog has his yearly checkup. Pharaohs do not normally have a 'doggy odour,'so if an odour is present, check him to find the cause. (5)

In Conclusion:

Now you know a little about the Pharoah Hound you may have think that this is the dog for you. Before you make a decision, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the Pharoah Hound and its needs and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.

References:

DOGSAUSTRALIA.org.au
wikipedia.org
Coile, Caroline (2005). Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds (second ed.). Barrons. p. 352
Pharaoh Hound Club of America. Retrieved 4 July 2014.
American Kennel Club

Image: Shutterstock.com

Official breed standard as recognized by Dogs NSW (Last Updated: 02 Mar 2010)

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A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

General Appearance

The Pharaoh Hound is medium sized, of noble bearing with clean-cut lines. Graceful yet powerful. Very fast with free easy movement and alert expression.

Characteristics

An alert keen hunter, the Pharaoh Hound hunts by scent and sight using its large ears to a marked degree when working close.

Temperament

An intelligent, friendly affectionate, playful and alert breed.

Physical Standards

Head and Skull	Skull long, lean, and well chiselled. Foreface slightly longer than the skull. Only slight stop. Top of skull parallel with the foreface, the whole head representing a blunt wedge when viewed in profile and from above. Nose flesh coloured only, blending with the coat.
Eyes	Amber-coloured, blending with the coat; oval, moderately deep set, with keen, intelligent expression.
Ears	Medium high set; carried erect when alert, but very mobile; broad at the base; fine and large.
Mouth	Powerful jaws with strong teeth. Scissor bite.
Neck	Long, lean, muscular and slightly arched. Clean throat line.
Forequarters	Shoulders: Strong, long and well laid back.Forelegs: Straight and parallel. Elbows well tucked in. Pasterns strong.
Body	Lithe with almost straight topline. Slight slope down from croup to root of tail. Deep brisket extending down to point of elbow. Ribs well sprung. Moderate cut up. Length of body from breast to haunch bone slightly longer than height at withers.
Hindquarters	Strong and muscular. Moderate bend of stifle. Well developed second thigh. Limbs parallel when viewed from behind.
Feet	Strong, well knuckled and firm, turning neither in nor out. Paws well padded. Dew claws may be removed.
Tail	Medium set - fairly thick at the base and tapering (whip-like), reaching just below the point of hock in repose. Carried high and curved when the dog is in action. The tail should not be tucked between the legs. A screw tail is a fault.
Gait/Movement	Free and flowing; the head should be held fairly high and the dog should cover the ground well without any apparent effort. The legs and feet should move in line with the body; any tendency to throw the feet sideways, or a high stepping "hackney" action is a definite fault.
Coat	Short and glossy, ranging from fine and close to slightly harsh; no feathering.
Colour	Tan or rich tan with white markings allowed as follows:White tip on tail strongly desired.White on chest (called "The Star").White on toes.Slim white blaze on centre line of face permissible.Flecking or white other than above undesirable.
Size	Height:Dogs Ideally 56-63.5 cms (22-25 ins)Bitches Ideally 53.5-61 cms (21-24 ins)Overall balance must be maintained.

Faults

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.Hunting blemishes excepted.