Health problems that may affect Pharaoh Hounds include bone fractures, allergies and epilepsy.The Pharaoh Hound is one of the oldest domesticated dog breeds in the world (estimated to have originated around 4000 to 3000 B.C.) The breed's exact origin has been lost, but one belief is it began in Ancient Egypt, where a lithe, red, prick-eared sight Hound, undeniably the close and direct ancestor of today's Pharaoh Hound, was used to hunt and chase down small game using its keen eyesight, sense of smell, and acute hearing. Hunting instincts make them difficult with cats. They are good with children and other dogs although they probably couldn't care less about meeting them. This combination can make them difficult to walk off the lead as they love to chase and hunt anything they hear, see or smell.īig softies in the house they love the home comforts of a soft warm bed to curl up in. This well defined and clean cut dog has immense athleticism with strong hunting instincts. The Pharaoh Hound has a graceful and independent temperament.
Black pharaoh hound skin#
They are very sensitive to anaesthesia and some are prone to allergies and skin rashes. The skin is thin and prone to cuts and scrapes. The coat is low maintenance, but will need brushing every so often. They will find the most comfortable and warmest place to sleep (your bed) if they aren't happy with the arrangements you have made. They will need a winter coat on cold days and very soft bedding/duvet to sleep on. With their slight frame and thin coat, Pharaohs dislike the cold. They need a fair amount of exercise every day. They do well in agility and lure coursing, but any excuse to get outside and run and they will be happy. Kind, reward and play based training works best, as they will retreat if they receive harsh words or treatment. Training is relatively straight forward, but recall is not. They are clever, but will often feint intelligence to get their own way. They have excellent hearing too and will often bark in response to a noise that you haven't heard. They are able to jump fences and dig under them. They have serious stamina and will chase for miles, completely ignoring your frantic calls. No matter how well trained you think your hound is, if they spot something (and they will), they will shoot off like a rocket. That is what they were bred for, so walks should be in a safe area and on a lead. Pharaohs are sensitive to their surroundings and dislike any form of confrontation between people. They are clowns who like to get your attention. They are playful and can get up to mischief, but this is part of their endearing quality. They need as much social interaction as possible when young to get a well balanced dog. They can be reserved with strangers and some are very timid, so introducing them to as many people as possible when they are young will help. If they are introduced as puppies this shouldn't be a problem for most.
They are fine with children and larger dogs, but cats, small pets and smaller dogs can sometimes be treated like prey. They love attention from people and will actively seek it. The Pharaoh Hound is well suited to family life and fits in well with most situations.
The breed is unusual as it can blush when excited, or happy and they like to smile. The breed was exported to Malta and soon became popular with locals for it's ability to hunt rabbits. It has changed little over the years, but was used as a sight/hunting hound and still carries those traits today. The Pharaoh Hound originates from Egypt and dates back centuries.