• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Pharaoh Hound Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Pharaoh Hound so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank174
Reviews0
User Ratings
Compare the Pharaoh Hound With Other Dogs
Select at least one dog breed to make the comparsion.
 
 
Pharaoh Hound dog profile picture
OriginMalta flagMalta
Other Names
What other names does the Pharaoh Hound have?
PharaohKelb Tal-Fenek
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Pharaoh Hound Size and Weight

Size
Is a Pharaoh Hound small, medium or large dog?

How big do Pharaoh Hound get?

What is the average size of a Pharaoh Hound?

Medium
Weight
How much does the Pharaoh Hound weigh? How much should a Pharaoh Hound weight? What is the normal weight of a Pharaoh Hound? How much does a full-grown Pharaoh Hound weight?
45-55 pounds (20-25 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Pharaoh Hound?
50 pounds (22.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Pharaoh Hound? Pharaoh Hound height:
Male: 23-25 inches (59-63 cm), Female: 21-24 inches (53-61 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Pharaoh Hound?
Male: 24 inches (61 cm), Female: 22.5 inches (57 cm)

Pharaoh Hound Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Pharaoh Hound puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Pharaoh Hound in the United States? How much money is a Pharaoh Hound?

Where to buy a Pharaoh Hound with a good pedigree?

$1800-$2000
If you choose to purchase the Pharaoh Hound, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Pharaoh Hound for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Pharaoh Hound gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Pharaoh Hound? How many Pharaoh Hound are there in the world?
Frequent: The Pharaoh Hound is easier than average to get. Maybe there is some risk of overbreeding, as it is a popular breed.

Due to its popularity, inbreeding may occur. A new study shows that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful and seek the help of an experienced person or a professional, in making your decision.

Pharaoh Hound Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Pharaoh Hound? Is the Pharaoh Hound breed dumb or smart?
Smart: The Pharaoh Hound dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Pharaoh Hound is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are Pharaoh Hound dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Pharaoh Hound?
Pharaoh Hound dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Ability
Is Pharaoh Hound good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Pharaoh Hound dogs are not the best watchdogs. They aren't very territorial and protective about their property, so they probably won't alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Pharaoh Hound dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Pharaoh Hound dogs can't provide protection for their territory. It's better to leave them out of the duty of protecting your valuables and property.

Pharaoh Hound Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Pharaoh Hound have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
ActivePlayfulIntelligentAffectionateSociableTrainable
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Pharaoh Hound sensitivity:
Sensitive: Pharaoh Hound dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Pharaoh Hound a good family dog?
Average to High: Pharaoh Hound dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Pharaoh need? Pharaoh Hound social needs:
Pharaoh Hound dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Pharaoh Hound to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Pharaoh Hound roam?
The wanderlust potential of the Pharaoh Hound is strong enough to escape from home. They have a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Pharaoh Hound have high prey drive?
Pharaoh Hound dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. Cats or any other small animals are in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Pharaoh Hound dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Pharaoh Hound Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: Pharaoh Hounds, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do Pharaoh Hound dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Pharaoh bark?
Low to Average: The Pharaoh Hound rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Pharaoh Hound good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Pharaoh Hound in an apartment?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Pharaoh Hound indoors.

Pharaoh Hound Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Pharaoh Hound dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Pharaoh Hound be left alone? How long can you leave a Pharaoh Hound alone?
Pharaoh Hound dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Pharaoh Hound Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Pharaoh Hound has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Pharaoh Hound? How much bite force does a Pharaoh Hound have? How strong is a Pharaoh Hound bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Pharaoh Hound bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Pharaoh Hound measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Pharaoh Hound is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Pharaoh Hound bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Pharaoh Hound bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Pharaoh Hound puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Pharaoh Hound, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Pharaoh Hound bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Pharaoh Hound can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Pharaoh Hound bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Pharaoh? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Pharaoh Hound? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Pharaoh Hound has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Pharaoh Hound do?
Pharaoh Hound dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Pharaoh Hound dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Pharaoh Hound Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Pharaoh Hound dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Pharaoh Hounds tend to have a lot and frequent health issues. Regular vet check-ups are essential with this breed.
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Pharaoh Hound breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Pharaoh Hound see the vet?
Frequent
The Pharaoh Hound should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Pharaoh Hound dogs live? How old can a Pharaoh Hound be? What is the age limit of the Pharaoh Hound? How many years can the oldest Pharaoh Hound live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Pharaoh Hound?

How long is the lifespan of a Pharaoh Hound?

12-14 years
The average lifespan of Pharaoh Hound: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.

Pharaoh Hound Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Pharaoh Hound have? What is the activity level of the Pharaoh Hound?
Pharaoh Hound dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs. If you live a chilled life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Pharaoh Hound need? How much exercise do Pharaoh Hound dogs require per day?

Do Pharaoh Hound dogs need a lot of exercises?

Pharaoh Hound dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Pharaoh Hound breed need?
Pharaoh Hound dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. They're not the most active dog breed. If you live an active life, this breed can be a bad choice for you.

Pharaoh Hound Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Pharaoh Hound need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Pharaoh Hound breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Pharaoh Hound? How much food should I feed my Pharaoh Hound?
2 to 2.5 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Pharaoh Hound risk for obesity:
Average: The Pharaoh Hound has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Pharaoh Hound weight regularly.

Pharaoh Hound Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Pharaoh Hound have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Shiny
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Pharaoh Hound coats?
Tan Red White Golden Chestnut
Grooming
How to groom the Pharaoh Hound and how often? How often should I take my Pharaoh Hound to the groomer?
Effortless: The Pharaoh Hound requires minimal grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned sometimes to avoid infections. Pharaoh Hound is one of the best choices if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Highly recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Pharaoh Hound dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Pharaoh? Do Pharaoh Hound dogs shed a lot?
Pharaoh Hound dogs shed none to minimal. Having a puppy from this breed you don't have to be afraid of your couch or car being covered by dog hair. Pharaoh Hound dogs could be the best choice if you don't tolerate dog hair.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Pharaoh Hound need a bath? How often should you give a Pharaoh Hound a bath? Can I bathe my Pharaoh Hound every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Pharaoh Hound breed hypoallergenic?
No
Pharaoh Hound dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Pharaoh Hound has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Pharaoh Hound drool?
The Pharaoh Hound is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Pharaoh Hound could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Pharaoh Hound.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Pharaoh Hound Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Pharaoh Hound dogs get along with other pets? Are Pharaoh Hound dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Pharaoh Hound dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Pharaoh Hound temperament with other people:
Pharaoh Hound dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Pharaoh Hound dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Pharaoh Hound temperament with children:
Pharaoh Hound dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Pharaoh Hound dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Pharaoh Hound breed live with a cat?
Pharaoh Hound dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Pharaoh Hound good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Pharaoh Hound dogs get along with other dogs?
Pharaoh Hound dogs are dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Pharaoh Hound can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Pharaoh Hound breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Pharaoh Hound breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Pharaoh Hound dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Pharaoh Hound dogs good office canines? Do Pharaoh Hound dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Pharaoh Hound is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Pharaoh Hound dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Pharaoh temperament with senior people? Are Pharaoh Hound dogs good for elderly owners?
Pharaoh Hounds are usually recommended for elderly people.

Pharaoh Hound As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Pharaoh Hound be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Pharaoh Hound is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Pharaoh Hound be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Pharaoh Hound be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Pharaoh Hound is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Pharaoh Hound be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Pharaoh Hound is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Pharaoh Hound be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Pharaoh Hound is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Pharaoh Hound be a boat dog?

Not really

Pharaoh Hound breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Pharaoh Hound be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Pharaoh Hound is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Pharaoh Hound dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Pharaoh Hound Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Pharaoh Hound pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Pharaoh Hound breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Pharaoh Hound: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Pharaoh Hound have in a litter? How many puppies can the Pharaoh Hound breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Pharaoh Hound have? How many puppies can a Pharaoh Hound give birth to?
6-8 puppies

Pharaoh Hound Recognition

AKC Group
Is Pharaoh Hound recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1983 as a Hound breed.
FCI Group
Is Pharaoh Hound recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Primitive type section.

Pharaoh Hound Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Smart: The Pharaoh Hound dogs have great intelligence.
  • Trainability: Pharaoh Hound dogs are easy to train.
  • Grooming: Effortless: The Pharaoh Hound requires minimal grooming.
  • Shedding Level: Pharaoh Hound dogs shed none to minimal.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Pharaoh Hound is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Adaptability: Pharaoh Hound dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Pharaoh Hound dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Pharaoh Hound dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Pharaoh Hounds are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Pharaoh Hound dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Health Issues: Pharaoh Hounds tend to have a lot and frequent health issues.
  • Hypoallergenic: Pharaoh Hound dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Watchdog Ability: Pharaoh Hound dogs are not the best watchdogs.
  • Mouthiness: Pharaoh Hound dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: The wanderlust potential of the Pharaoh Hound is strong enough to escape from home.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Pharaoh Hound dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Cat Friendly: Pharaoh Hound dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Pharaoh Hound is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Pharaoh Hound History

The Pharaoh Hound is proved to be an ancient hound breed originated from Egypt, where many reminders were found in art and literature about their early existence. The breed is one of the oldest domesticated dogs in recorded history. An artifact from 4000 BC. presents two Pharaoh Hound-shaped dogs hunting gazelles in the desert. A dog resembling the Pharaoh Hound was often portrayed as the companion of nobles and kings in early ancient Egyptian art. Reliefs of the Pharaoh Hound can be found in the tomb chapel of Senbi and Mereuwka. A letter was also discovered and restored dating to the 19th Egyptian dynasty mentioning a tan long-tailed dog whose face glows like a God, a reference no doubt to the breed’s habit of blushing in the sun.

The breed’s history would be different without the intervention of the Phoenicians. They sailed the Mediterranean 2,500 years ago, from what is today known to be Lebanon, as seafaring traders, doing business of several luxury items. It is presumed that the Phoenicians disseminated Egyptian hounds throughout the whole ancient world, as far west as England. According to this presupposition, it is said that it was the Phoenicians who introduced the Pharaoh Hound to Malta, where they were used as rabbit hunters. Back then, the breed was called Kelb tal-Fenek, which translates to “dog of the rabbit”, after the prey the local hunters used the dogs to catch. Thanks to their compassion and talent, the breed thrived in Malta and later, in 1979 the breed became the official national dog of Malta.

Taking into account the genetics and the DNA analysis of the Pharaoh Hound and of the Cirneco dell’ Etna of Sicily, indicate that their separate breed formation occurred within the last 200 years, in spite of the genetic foundations of these dogs dare to the more distant past.

The breed remained fairly unknown in the west until arriving in England in the early 1930s. The first litter of Pharaoh Hounds born outside Malta was in 1963, in the United Kingdom. In the same year, the breed was recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, under the patronage of the United Kingdom. In 1974, a breed standard was approved by the British Kennel Club.

In 1967 the first Pharaoh Hounds were exported to the United States. Not much after that, in 1970, the Pharaoh Hound Club of America was founded, and the breed was officially recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1983. Nowadays the Pharaoh Hound is still considered an uncommon breed, however, they can be found wherever the breed’s fanciers appreciate the dogs’ unique looks and characteristics.

Rate The Pharaoh Hound Breed

Pharaoh Hound Comments, Reviews and Questions