Pharaoh Hound - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Medium

Height: 53 - 63 cm (21 - 25 inches)

Weight: 19 - 22 kg (42 - 50 lb)

Life Span: 12 years

Grooming: Easy

Exercise: Medium

Feeding: Reasonable

Temperament: Intelligent & alert

Country of Origin: Malta

AKC Group: Hound

Other Names: Kelb-tal Fenek (Rabbit Dog)

Temperament:

The Pharaoh Hound is intelligent, alert, friendly and playful. Pharaoh Hounds can be rather dominant towards other males and are cautious around strangers. They generally get along with children but should not be kept with other household pets as they are viewed as prey. If they have early socialization with family pets then they can be taught to live alongside them. Pharaoh Hounds are affectionate and loyal to their family and tend to be calm and quiet indoors. Training is not too difficult and they are reasonably obedient.

Grooming:

The Pharaoh Hound requires little coat care. They only need grooming with a rubber brush during moulting to remove the loose hairs.

Exercise:

Pharaoh Hounds need daily exercise, such as running alongside a cycle. They enjoy hunting or coursing and will run off if they pick up a scent and therefore should be kept on a lead. They have considerable stamina and deeply rooted hunting instincts. Pharaoh Hounds can jump very high and need a well fenced off backyard.

History:

Pharaoh Hounds share an ancestry with the Ibizan Hounds and dates back to 4000 BC in Egypt. A statue of a hound closely resembling a Pharaoh Hound was found in Tutankhamen's tomb and it is evident that these dogs were closely associated with the early Egyptian rulers. Archaeologists have been able to ascertain with fair accuracy the details of their ancestry. It is believed that these hounds found their way to Malta with the Phoenician traders and ended up becoming the national dog of that country. Their breed type has remained the same for centuries.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Clean cut, graceful with light bone structure and penetrating eyes.

Color: Tan and white markings are permitted. A white tail tip is desirable.

Coat: Glossy, short and dense.

Tail: Tapering, hanging when at rest and carried high and curved when in action.

Ears: Large, erect and triangular.

Body: The body is slightly longer than the shoulder height and the topline is nearly straight. The brisket is deep down to the elbows and the ribs are well-sprung. The shoulders are long and strong and the abdomen is moderately cut up.

Additional Comments:

* The Pharaoh Hound needs a warm sheltered place to sleep, as their short coats provide little protection against the cold.

* Pharaoh Hounds tend to be clean and odourless.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/pharaoh_hound/