Pharaoh Hound
Discover the Pharaoh Hound, a graceful and ancient breed known for its keen hunting instincts and striking appearance.
Breed Overview
Personality Traits
History & Background
The Pharaoh Hound, an elegant and graceful canine breed, is steeped in a rich history that traces its origins back to ancient times. This breed is closely associated with Malta, where it is esteemed as the national dog, but its ancestry is believed to reach further back to the Phoenician traders who are thought to have brought the ancestors of the Pharaoh Hound from Egypt to Malta around 3000 years ago. These dogs were highly regarded in ancient Egyptian society, often depicted in artefacts and hieroglyphs that showcase their sleek form and hunting prowess, suggesting their esteemed role alongside their human counterparts.
Evidence of the breed's continuity and preservation on the islands of Malta and Gozo comes from the meticulous care taken by the Maltese to maintain the breed's purity over centuries. Used primarily for rabbit hunting, known locally as "Kelb tal-Fenek," the Pharaoh Hound has retained its strong hunting instincts, agility, and intelligence. The breed's adeptness at coursing game across the rugged Maltese terrain highlighted its enduring utility and companionship to the Maltese people, ensuring its survival and pure lineage through to modern times.
The Pharaoh Hound was introduced to Britain in the 1930s but gained wider recognition and establishment outside Malta in the latter part of the 20th century, culminating in its recognition by the Kennel Club in the UK and the American Kennel Club in the US. Despite its name and ancient Egyptian connections, the breed's direct lineage outside of Malta is a subject of ongoing historical and canine research debate. Regardless, the Pharaoh Hound remains a symbol of elegance, history, and charm, cherished for its friendly disposition, striking appearance, and the rich historical tapestry that it represents.
Temperament & Personality
The Pharaoh Hound, an elegant and noble breed often associated with the regal aura of ancient Egypt, strikes a fine balance between grace and athleticism. This breed is known for its intelligence, keen sense of independence, and a lively personality that shines through in its bright, expressive eyes. Pharaoh Hounds carry themselves with an air of dignity and charm, yet they possess a playful and sometimes mischievous disposition.
As adept hunters with a strong prey drive, Pharaoh Hounds excel in activities that stimulate their senses and cater to their athletic nature. They are particularly noted for their remarkable speed and agility, making them not only stunning to watch in motion but also skilled competitors in lure coursing and similar canine sports.
Pharaoh Hounds form deep bonds with their families and are known for their loyalty and affectionate nature. They enjoy being part of household activities and thrive on attention, often seen seeking out human companionship with a gentle nudge or a soft gaze. Their sociable temperament, however, does not diminish their effectiveness as watchdogs; they are alert and vigilant without being overly aggressive.
Training a Pharaoh Hound requires patience and understanding, as they are sensitive dogs that do not respond well to harsh methods. They react best to positive reinforcement and need early socialization to curb their natural hunting instincts and ensure they remain well-behaved around other pets and children.
Despite their refined appearance, Pharaoh Hounds have a fun-loving side and can often be seen "blushing," with their ears and nose turning a rosy colour when excited or happy. This unique characteristic, coupled with their playful antics, endears them to many.
In summary, the Pharaoh Hound is a versatile and affectionate breed that offers the right balance of dignity and playfulness. They are a perfect companion for families and individuals who value an active lifestyle and can provide the compassionate guidance, exercise, and engagement this majestic breed requires.
Common Health Conditions
Common Health Conditions
The Pharaoh Hound, known for its noble and graceful appearance, tends to be a healthy and resilient breed. However, they do have predispositions towards some health conditions that owners should be aware of to ensure these dogs lead a long and healthy life.
1. **Hip Dysplasia**
Description and Diagnosis: Hip dysplasia in Pharaoh Hounds is a heritable condition where the hip joint does not fit into the socket properly, leading to arthritis and pain. It's diagnosed through physical exams and confirmed with X-rays. Symptoms include reluctance to exercise, stiffness, and lameness in the hind legs.
Prevention & Management: Preventing hip dysplasia involves selective breeding from dogs with certified good or excellent hip scores. Management includes maintaining a healthy weight to reduce joint strain, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and in severe cases, surgery.
2. **Sensitivity to Anesthesia**
Description and Diagnosis: Pharaoh Hounds have a unique sensitivity to certain anesthetic agents, which can lead to slower recovery times and increased risks during surgery. This sensitivity is identified through the dog's history, breed knowledge, and cautious administration and monitoring of anesthesia.
Prevention & Management: Inform your vet about this breed-specific sensitivity. The use of modern anesthetic protocols and careful monitoring during and after procedures can help manage this risk. Always discuss any concerns with your vet before your dog undergoes anesthesia.
3. **Allergies**
Description and Diagnosis: Allergies in Pharaoh Hounds can manifest as skin irritations, itching, and ear infections. These reactions can be to food ingredients, environmental allergens, or flea bites. Diagnosis involves elimination diets to rule out food allergies and intradermal skin testing for environmental allergens.
Prevention & Management: Managing allergies includes avoiding known allergens, feeding hypoallergenic diets, regular flea prevention, and possibly allergy shots (immunotherapy) for environmental sensitivities. Symptomatic treatments may include antihistamines, steroids, or special shampoos.
4. **Patellar Luxation**
Description and Diagnosis: Patellar luxation is where the kneecap dislocates out of its normal position in the groove of the thigh bone. It can cause discomfort and lameness. Diagnosis is by palpation during a physical exam and confirmed by X-rays.
Prevention & Management: There is a genetic predisposition, so breeding animals should be screened for this condition. Management often includes weight control, exercise limitation, anti-inflammatory medications, and in severe cases, corrective surgery.
5. **Degenerative Myelopathy**
Description and Diagnosis: Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive neurological disease affecting the spinal cord, leading to weakness and paralysis in the hind limbs. Diagnosis is through elimination of other conditions via MRIs or CT scans and confirmed with a genetic test for the specific mutation associated with the disease.
Prevention & Management: There is no cure but managing the condition focuses on maintaining mobility and comfort. This can include physical rehabilitation, assistive devices for walking, anti-inflammatories, and supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids.
In summary, while Pharaoh Hounds are predisposed to certain health conditions, proactive monitoring, and preventive care can significantly enhance their quality of life. Consulting with a vet for regular check-ups and adhering to a tailored health plan is essential for managing these potential issues effectively.
Family Life
Pharaoh Hounds are graceful, elegant dogs with a noble history that dates back to ancient Egypt. Their pleasant demeanor and striking appearance make them a distinctive choice for a family pet. For anyone considering adding a Pharaoh Hound to their household, it's important to familiarise yourself with their particular social habits, training responsiveness, and physical care requirements.
Friendliness with Children
Pharaoh Hounds can be wonderful companions for children, appreciating the energy and playfulness that kids bring into the household. They are typically gentle and patient with children, although, like with any dog, interactions should be supervised, especially with younger children, to ensure the safety and comfort of both the dog and the child.
Stranger Friendliness
These dogs tend to be reserved but polite with strangers. They are not typically overly aggressive or timid, but they may take a bit of time to warm up to new people. Proper socialisation from a young age is crucial to help your Pharaoh Hound become a well-adjusted, confident, and sociable pet.
Friendliness Towards Other Pets
Pharaoh Hounds usually coexist peacefully with other pets, especially if they have been raised together. However, due to their strong prey drive, they may not be well-suited to living with smaller animals such as rodents or rabbits. For households with multiple dogs, the Pharaoh Hound can integrate well, given they are properly introduced and socialised.
Ease of Training
Overall, Pharaoh Hounds are intelligent and relatively easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, and play. Nonetheless, they do have an independent streak that can sometimes challenge their trainers. Consistency and patience are key to successfully training a Pharaoh Hound.
Grooming Needs
Pharaoh Hounds have a short, sleek coat that is relatively low maintenance. Regular brushing can help reduce shedding and keep the coat shiny. They only need occasional baths unless they get particularly dirty. Attention should also be given to their ears, teeth, and nails to maintain overall health.
Housing Needs
Pharaoh Hounds are adaptable to various living situations but do best in environments where they have enough space to move around comfortably. A house with a secure, fenced garden is ideal. However, with sufficient daily exercise, they can also adapt to apartment living.
Exercise Needs
These dogs are active and enjoy having tasks to do. A Pharaoh Hound requires regular, varied exercise to stay healthy and happy. This breed enjoys long walks, runs, and playtime in a secure area. They excel in canine sports such as lure coursing, which taps into their natural hunting instincts.
In summary, integrating a Pharaoh Hound into your family can be a rewarding experience. Their amiable nature with children and general friendliness towards other pets make them lovely companions. While relatively easy to train and with low grooming needs, they do require proper socialisation and regular exercise to thrive. Prospective owners should ensure they can provide sufficient space and the dedication to meet the exercise and social needs of this noble breed.
Exercise & Training
Daily Care Needs
Exercise Needs
Pharaoh Hounds are active and athletic dogs that thrive on regular exercise. They benefit from daily walks, combined with vigorous play sessions to expend their high energy levels. Activities such as running or agility courses are well-suited to their athletic nature, and they particularly enjoy any opportunity to chase and run, thanks to their sighthound heritage. Mental stimulation is equally important, so consider engaging them with puzzle toys or scent games.
Training
Pharaoh Hounds are intelligent and eager to learn, which generally makes training a rewarding experience. However, they also have an independent streak, so the use of positive reinforcement methods, including treats and verbal praise, is essential. Consistent and patient training sessions will help in preventing them from becoming bored or stubborn. Early socialisation and obedience training are recommended to ensure a well-rounded adult dog.
Grooming
The Pharaoh Hound’s short coat is low-maintenance, requiring minimal grooming. A weekly brush should suffice to remove loose hairs and keep their coat looking tidy. They shed infrequently, which is a bonus for cleanliness around the home. Regular dental care, including brushing their teeth, and nail clipping are necessary to maintain their overall health and well-being.
Housing Needs
Pharaoh Hounds are versatile in their living arrangements. While they can adapt to apartment living, they thrive best in homes with secure gardens where they can safely explore and run freely. They are sensitive to the cold, so warm and comfortable bedding is important, particularly in cooler climates. They are social animals and prefer to be with their family, so access to indoor living spaces is important to their happiness.
Social Traits
Pharaoh Hounds are generally friendly and bond closely with their family members, including children, making them a good choice for families. They are usually reserved but polite with strangers, warming up to them once familiar. With other pets, particularly smaller animals, supervision is advised due to their natural hunting instincts. Early socialisation is key to nurturing a harmonious household, especially when other pets are present.
Diet & Nutrition
For a Pharaoh Hound owner, selecting the appropriate diet for their canine companion involves a few breed-specific considerations. Pharaoh Hounds, being lean and athletic dogs, do best on a high-quality, balanced diet that supports their energy levels and maintains their slender physique. It's beneficial to opt for dog food that caters to the needs of medium-sized breeds, with a particular focus on those formulations designed for active dogs. Given their sensitive digestive systems, a diet with easily digestible ingredients, free from artificial additives, is preferable. Incorporating both dry and wet food can aid in hydration and enhance dietary variety. It's also vital to adjust the portion sizes according to the dog's age, weight, and activity level to prevent overfeeding. Regular consultations with a veterinarian can ensure the diet continues to meet all nutritional requirements as the dog ages or if its health status changes.