Pharaoh Hound

Pharaoh Hound

The elegant and aloof Pharaoh Hound can lay claim to being the oldest domesticated dog. It also has the honor of being the only breed to blush when it is happy or excited.

History:

The earliest recording of the Pharaoh Hound is a disc that depicts two Pharaoh Hounds hunting gazelle. This circular record has been dated to around 4000 BC. These dogs were revered by their noble and royal owners, and so were often depicted in carvings. A dog resembling the modern Pharaoh Hound was found buried by its master at the Pyramid of Cheops. It is likely that the Pharaoh Hound was brought to Malta by the Phoenicians when they settled the island. The type stayed pure for nearly 5000 years and the breed is now the national dog of Malta.

The Pharaoh Hound was undiscovered by the western world until the 1930s. The first dogs were imported from Malta into England at that time, and a second export took place in the 1960s. They first reached the USA in the late 1960s. In Malta they were, and still are, used to hunt rabbits and guard homesteads. They are also known by the name of Kelb-tal-Fenek, which means "rabbit dog."

Physical characteristics:

The Pharaoh Hound is a medium-sized dog. Height: 21 - 25 in (53 - 64 cm). Weight: 45 - 55 lb (20 - 25 kg).

This ancient breed closely resembles the ancient Egyptian god Anubis. Their upright triangular ears have a wide base and are very mobile. The best single word to describe the Pharaoh Hound is sleek, from the elegant tapering head to the muscular lean body and long refined legs. The short glossy coat is fine in texture and can be any shade of red from dark to medium tan. They can have white markings on the chest, the tips of the tail and toes, and sometimes they have a white spot between the eyes called "the kiss of Allah."

Behavior:

The Pharaoh Hound may not be as popular as some other breeds of dogs, but it has a dedicated following who consider the virtues of this dog to be nothing less than outstanding. This medium-sized dog is large enough to be considered suitable for outdoor activities but is still of a manageable size. The Pharaoh Hound loves to run and is at its best if provided with lots of exercise. Owners must remember that the Pharaoh Hound is principally a sight hound, and so visual distractions should be avoided during training. The eyes and ears should be checked regularly, as some of these dogs may be prone to infections. A wonderful dog for the enthusiast.