A little look at life together.
Getting to know the Pharaoh Hound
The Pharaoh Hound is an athletic Maltese hunting dog with large upright ears, a fine coat, and a keen interest in moving quarry. Arrange secure running opportunities and consider how to manage chase instincts around everyday distractions.
An everyday routine
Make space for substantial daily activity and short learning sessions. A busy weekend cannot replace a dependable weekday routine.
Coat care to plan for
A relatively straightforward coat still needs routine checks, appropriate brushing, and attention to nails and teeth. Ask a groomer to demonstrate tools that suit this coat.
Before deciding, meet the individual dog and ask about their history, handling preferences, and current routine. Breed tendencies are a starting point, not a promise about personality.
Pharaoh Hound questions
Do Pharaoh Hounds really blush?
Yes. When a Pharaoh is excited, the nose and the insides of the ears turn a rosy pink, because the breed has no black pigment in its skin. Some also smile by showing their teeth, though not every dog does.
Are Pharaoh Hounds from Egypt?
The story starts in Egypt, but the breed was shaped on Malta. The dogs were kept there as rabbit hunters and were named the national hound of Malta in 1979. They trace back to ancient Egyptian hounds, which Phoenician traders are thought to have carried to the islands, and the breed has been known on Malta and Gozo for more than 2,000 years.
How big does a full-grown Pharaoh Hound get?
Males usually stand 23 to 25 inches tall and females 21 to 24 inches, with a weight of 45 to 55 pounds. They are medium-sized, lithe dogs built for speed.
Do Pharaoh Hounds shed, and are they hypoallergenic?
They shed lightly to moderately. The short, glossy coat sheds very little. Some people with dog allergies do not react to Pharaohs, but that is owners' experience and not a guarantee, so spend time with one before you commit.
How much exercise does a Pharaoh Hound need?
Regular, proper running. Aim for 15 to 20 minutes of free running twice a day in a securely fenced area, or at least two 20-minute walks a day if that is not possible. Pharaohs are high energy outdoors and happy to sleep on the sofa once they have had their run.
Can a Pharaoh Hound be let off leash?
Only inside a secure fence. The hunting instinct is too strong to trust, and even a well-trained Pharaoh may not come back when it spots something to chase. A fence six feet high is best.
Do Pharaoh Hounds bark a lot?
They can be vocal. The breed makes a wide range of sounds, plays noisily and tends to bark a warning at anything out of the ordinary. Barking is moderate overall.
How long do Pharaoh Hounds live?
Pharaoh Hounds usually live 12 to 14 years, and some dogs have reached 16 or older. These are breed-wide figures, not a prediction for one dog.
