Pharaoh Hound

Origin & history

Despite the evocative name, the Pharaoh Hound is the national dog of Malta, where it is known as the Kelb tal-Fenek, meaning rabbit dog. It was bred and used for centuries by Maltese hunters to work rabbits over the islands rugged limestone terrain, hunting by a combination of sight, scent and sharp hearing, often alongside ferrets. The breed was little known beyond Malta until the twentieth century, when dogs were brought to Britain in the 1960s and the breed gained recognition and a following in the show world. The name and the breed were once popularly linked to the hunting dogs depicted in ancient Egyptian art, but that romantic story is not supported by modern genetic evidence, which places the Pharaoh Hound among more recently established European breeds rather than as a direct descendant of ancient Egyptian dogs. Its real heritage as a hardworking Maltese rabbit hound is impressive enough on its own.

Temperament

Pharaoh Hounds are affectionate, sensitive and playful at home, often forming intense bonds with their people and disliking being shut out of family life. They are usually good with children who treat them kindly, and many live happily with other dogs, especially other sighthounds. Small, fast pets are a different matter, because the prey drive is strong and a bolting cat or rabbit can trigger an instant chase. With strangers they tend to be reserved but rarely aggressive, and they make alert watchdogs that will bark at the unfamiliar. They are intelligent and capable of learning a great deal, but they are also independent and easily hurt by harsh handling, so training must be patient, upbeat and reward-based. They are highly tuned in to atmosphere and do not thrive in tense or chaotic homes, and they need real exercise to stay settled.

Appearance

A medium-sized, elegant sighthound, generally about 53 to 63 cm at the shoulder and roughly 20 to 25 kg, with a lean, athletic, slightly racy build. The body is deep-chested and tucked up at the loin, built for speed and agility over rough ground. The coat is short, fine and glossy and lies close to the skin. Colour is always some shade of rich tan or chestnut, sometimes with small white markings on the chest, toes or tail tip. Distinctive features include large, mobile, upright ears, amber eyes that blend with the coat, a long whip-like tail, and the famous ability of the nose and ears to flush rosy pink with excitement.

Suitability

This breed is best suited to an active owner with a house and a securely fenced yard, since a sighthound that bolts after prey is at serious risk near roads. It needs daily exercise and ideally regular chances to run safely, such as a fenced oval or lure coursing. It is generally better for owners with some experience, given the prey drive, sensitivity and independent nature, though a dedicated first-timer can manage one. Pharaoh Hounds dislike being left alone for long and want to be part of the household. The Australian climate suits them reasonably well, as the short coat and desert-bred origins handle warmth, but their thin skin and low body fat mean they feel the cold and need a coat in winter and shade and water in summer.

Health

Pharaoh Hounds are a generally healthy, long-lived breed, often reaching around 12 to 14 years and sometimes more. They have relatively few inherited problems compared with many breeds, though some lines can be affected by hip dysplasia, patellar luxation and eye conditions. Like most sighthounds they have very little body fat and thin skin, which means they can be sensitive to certain anaesthetics and to cold, and they bruise and graze more easily than heavier dogs. They are also notably sensitive to many flea and tick treatments and other chemicals, so veterinary advice on products matters. Buy from a breeder who hip-scores their dogs, has eyes checked, and is familiar with the anaesthetic and drug sensitivities common to sighthounds. A conscientious breeder will be candid about the breed needing an experienced, gentle hand and will discuss the longevity of their lines.