PHAROAH HOUND Breed Standards
The Pharaoh Hound traces its lineage to 3000 BC in ancient Egypt and is thought by some to be the oldest domesticated dog. The dog bears an unmistakable likeness to the Egyptian jackal god Anubis, ruler of the underworld. Historians have learned through Egyptian paintings and hieroglyphics that the Pharaoh Hound was prized for its hunting ability and close relationships with its owners. Phoenician traders brought the Pharaoh Hound to the Mediterranean islands of Malta and Gozo, where purity of breeding ensured that the dog today resembles its ancestors from thousands of years ago. The image of the Pharaoh Hound has remained remarkably unchanged from dogs depicted in ancient Egyptian tombs, such as the tomb chapel of Mereruwka and of Senbi.
The Pharaoh Hound’s name in Maltese, Kelb-tal Fenek, means “rabbit hound,” and the Maltese have long used the Pharaoh Hound in tandem with falcons to hunt rabbit. The Pharaoh Hound's agility and hunting ability have made it a perennial favorite among Maltese farmers for thousands of years.
According to some records, the Pharaoh Hound first arrived in England in the early 1930s. In 1963, author Pauline Block brought her dog Bahri of Twinley to London. The Pharaoh Hound was first introduced in the United States in 1967 by Ruth Taft-Harper. The first litter was whelped in 1970. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed in 1983. Pharaoh Hounds became eligible to compete in the Hound Group in 1984. Today, the Pharaoh Hound can be found in many countries, such as Finland, Denmark, Scotland, England, France, Germany, Russia and Sweden but remains a somewhat rare breed
SKILLS: General Appearance is one of grace, power and speed. The Pharaoh Hound is medium sized, of noble bearing with hard clean-cut lines-graceful, well balanced, very fast with free easy movement and alert expression.
SIZE: Height--Dogs 23 inches--25 inches. Bitches 21 inches--24 inches. Allover balance must be maintained. Length of body from breast to haunch bone slightly longer than height of withers to ground. Lithe.
COAT: Short and glossy, ranging from fine and close to slightly harsh with no feathering. Accident blemishes should not be considered as faults. Color - Ranging from tan/rich, tan/chestnut with white markings allowed as follows: White tip on tail strongly desired. White on chest (called "the Star"). White on toes and slim white snip on center line of face permissible. Flecking or other white undesirable, except for any solid white spot on the back of neck, shoulder, or any part of the back or sides of the dog, which is a disqualification.
CARE REQUIRED: The Pharaoh Hound needs little grooming. It is only necessary to remove dead and loose hair with a rubber brush. Bathe or dry shampoo only when necessary. The Pharaoh Hound is a clean dog with no doggy odor. This breed is an average shedder.
CHARACTER: Intelligent, friendly, affectionate and playful. Alert and active. Very fast with a marked keenness for hunting, both by sight and scent.
EXERCISE: The Pharaoh Hound relishes the opportunity to stretch its legs in a safe area - with frequent long runs. Try to set aside an hour each day to bicycle while the dog runs alongside you on a leash, although it can manage with a long daily walk on the leash and occasional sprints.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: The Pharaoh Hound will be okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. It is relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least a large yard. It needs soft bedding and warmth and generally should not be expected to sleep outside except in warm climates... but it would still prefer to sleep with its family. This breed likes to chase things and should not be let off the leash unless it is in a safe area. They can go far away from you if they spy or scent wild game because they never loose their instinct to hunt alone. To prevent this you will need a secure, high fence around your yard. They can jump very high to get out of a space.
TRAINING: The Pharaoh Hound should not be too difficult to train. The handler needs to be understanding of the dog's character and to be consistent in approach. It can do well in competitive obedience. Socialize the Pharaoh well at an early age to avoid timidity.
