The tail is quite thick, although it tapers along its curved length to the tip, which normally sits around the point of the hock when the dog is relaxed. The abdomen is tucked, though not so tightly as in other hounds, for example, the Greyhound. The chest is deep, dropping to the level of the elbow, and the ribs are well sprung. The length of the back is slightly longer than the height at the withers. The neck is long and muscular with a powerful arch, and the back is lean, as would be expected of a hound, but also surprisingly broad. The ears are set quite high, and their usual upright and mobile carriage reinforces the breed’s watchful appearance. It has a keen, alert expression conveyed through its amber-coloured oval eyes. The muzzle is longer than the skull, and the head is shaped like a blunt wedge, with strong jaws and large teeth that meet in a scissor bite. Its sleek, lean look is tempered by its obvious power and strength, and it has an easy stride that covers ground very quickly. The Pharaoh Hound is a medium-sized dog of regal bearing and elegant lines. It was named the national dog of Malta in 1979. It was recognised by the Kennel Club in 1974 and by the American Kennel Club in 1984, but remains a rare breed in the western world, with only single-digit registrations with the Kennel Club in many years. Indeed, this name caused some confusion for a time, as the Ibizan Hound was also known by the name Pharaoh Hound until the 1970s. The Pharoah Hound’s Maltese name is “Kelb tal-Fenek”, meaning “rabbit dog”, and it only gained its current moniker after being exported to the United Kingdom and beyond in the twentieth century. The dogs drive the prey into their burrows, before the hunters release the ferret in pursuit, with a dog above ground following the sound of the ferret’s bell and eventually pouncing on the unfortunate rabbits as they attempt to escape. The Maltese developed a method of rabbit hunting that is still used today involving teams of hounds and a bell-wearing ferret. Phoenician traders were responsible for disseminating several Middle Eastern breeds around the world the Maltese and Whippet being other dogs owing their worldwide popularity to these merchants, and with them the Pharaoh Hound found a new home on the island of Malta. The Pharaoh Hound has a long, noble history, and as the name suggests, it descends from the royal dogs of ancient Egypt. Health problems are very uncommon in the breed, and most individuals have a life span of 11–14 years.
The breed’s strong hunting instinct also means that any outdoor spaces must be securely fenced, and the Pharaoh Hound should not be allowed off the lead in open spaces.
EGYPTIAN PHARAOH HOUND SKIN
Their thin coat and skin make them susceptible to chill, and they are not suited to outdoor living in temperate climates. When distressed, they will howl and bark incessantly, and nuisance barking is a common complaint. Pharaoh Hounds do not tolerate isolation, and are very prone to separation anxiety. Although it is a keen watch dog and sometimes excessively vocal, it is unlikely to ever show aggression towards strangers, and it is also sociable enough to mix well with other dogs. It is generally eager to please, although its origins as an independent hunter mean that it does have a stubborn streak that can sometimes surface. The breed has a friendly and gentle nature, and loves children. Having travelled from its original home with seafaring traders, it became the national dog of Malta, where it has long been treasured as a rabbit hunting hound. This ancient breed has a history of at least 3000 years, and may have been domesticated much earlier than this. Website updated: Monday, November 1, 2021Īll pictures on this website are copywrite protected and can not be used without the express permission from the owners.If the noble Pharaoh Hound looks familiar, it may be because you’ve been looking at it in ancient Egyptian artwork since your childhood.
EGYPTIAN PHARAOH HOUND SERIES
"Pharaoh Hound" Kennel Club Dog Breed Series by Juliette Cunliffe Whether you're looking for a pet Pharaoh Hound puppy, a show Pharaoh Hound puppy to excel in the conformation ring, a performance dog, a Pharaoh Hound picture, or just some specific information about the Pharaoh Hound breed itself, we look forward to helping you, and we welcome you to Amarna-Ra Pharaoh Hounds.īelow are some Pharaoh Hound books and literature that are great resources to the breed: We enjoy sharing our dog's history, traits, temperament, and their many great qualities with people interested in learning more about the breed. Looking for Pharaoh Hound information?: We'd be happy to answer questions you may have about the exceptional Pharaoh Hound breed. Looking for a Pharaoh Hound picture?: Visit our photos, friends and family, and puppies pages to see wonderful pictures of our Pharaoh Hound dogs from puppy to adult dog.