LargeMalta

Pharaoh Hound

"The Pharaoh Hound captivates with its noble presence and unique 'blushing' ability – a proud, athletic companion with deep-seated ancient roots."

Your Height:

180 cm

Shoulder Height: 60 cm

Age12-14 years

Average life expectancy with species-appropriate husbandry and good health.

Height

Shoulder Height: 56-64cmHead Height: ~88cm (est.)

The standard size measured from the ground to the highest point of the shoulder (withers).

Weight20-25 kg

Ideal body weight for a healthy, adult breed.

Cost/Month€60+

The sum of food, insurance, and basic care per month.

Character Profile

Activity Level

A measure of the daily urge to move and the necessary mental stimulation.

Extremely active; requires significant daily exercise and opportunities to sprint in secure areas due to high prey drive.

Trainability

The willingness of the breed to cooperate with humans and learn commands quickly.

Intelligent and eager to please, but can be independent with a strong hunting instinct that makes recall challenging.

Family Friendliness

Describes patience and adaptability when dealing with children and family bustle.

Very affectionate, gentle, and loyal to its family; known for being excellent with children.

Sociability

Behavior towards strangers and other dogs/pets.

Generally gets along well with other dogs; tends to be somewhat aloof and reserved with strangers at first.

Beginner Friendly

Indicates how well the breed is suited for first-time owners without much experience.

Better suited for active owners with some experience due to its high energy and intense hunting drive.

Apartment Friendly

Considers barking behavior, space requirements, and the general need for rest indoors.

Only conditionally suitable; needs plenty of space and high daily activity levels to remain calm indoors.

Grooming Effort

Time required for brushing, bathing, and nail care. Long-haired breeds often need daily care.

Minimal maintenance required due to the short, smooth coat; occasional brushing is enough.

Shedding

How much loose hair the breed loses in the house. Important for allergy sufferers and cleaning effort.

Sheds very little and lacks the typical 'doggy odor'.

Did you know?

Keeping a pet of this size costs over 80€ per month on average. Plan your finances wisely.

Character & Training

The Pharaoh Hound is an exceptionally intelligent and sensitive companion that forms deep bonds with its family. Its temperament blends the independence of a sighthound with a gentle, almost cat-like demeanor indoors. A unique trait is its ability to 'blush' when excited or happy. Training requires patience and positive reinforcement, as they are independent thinkers. Their strong prey drive is a defining characteristic, necessitating consistent yet affectionate guidance to manage their natural hunting instincts.

Living & Exercise

Ideally, the Pharaoh Hound thrives in a home with a securely fenced yard where it can unleash its impressive speed. Despite its high energy levels, it is remarkably calm indoors and appreciates comfortable resting spots. Daily vigorous physical and mental stimulation is essential. Due to its thin skin and short coat, it is sensitive to cold and requires protection during winter months. It excels in active households that respect its need for freedom and exercise.

Health & Grooming

This breed is generally robust and less prone to hereditary diseases than many others. Occasionally, joint issues or skin sensitivities may occur. Grooming is minimal; periodic brushing is sufficient to maintain its glossy coat. However, attention should be paid to its large, upright ears and regular nail trimming. Known for being exceptionally clean and lacking a typical 'doggy' odor, the Pharaoh Hound is low-maintenance. A balanced diet is crucial to preserve the lean, athletic silhouette of this elegant sighthound.

History

The origins of the Pharaoh Hound date back over 5,000 years to ancient Egypt, where it served as a royal companion. Phoenician traders eventually brought the breed to Malta. There, it was bred in isolation for millennia as the 'Kelb tal-Fenek' for rabbit hunting. Today, it stands as the national dog of Malta and a living monument to canine history, having preserved its original, noble form virtually unchanged.

Similar Breeds

Based on character, activity level, and grooming needs – not by appearance.