Pharaoh Hound

Pharaoh Hound
History:

Country/Date of Origin: Malta/1000 BC

There is no mistaking the striking resemblance of the Pharaoh Hound to the ancient Egyptian god, Anubis, guide of the dead. The traceable history of the Pharaoh Hounds, however, lies in Malta where they are used for rabbit hunting. The Maltese heritage is almost three thousand years old and it is thought that the dogs were purebred long before, having been brought to the island by Phoenician traders. The agile sight hunters remained in relative obscurity on the Mediterranean island until the late 1960s when they began to attract an international following. It was not accepted into the American Kennel Club until 1983.

 Other Names Body Type Personality Coat Health Concerns

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Kelb-tal-fewek

AKC Group: Hound

Breed Club: Pharaoh Hound Club of America

Rescue Club: Pharaoh Hound Club of America Rescue

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Body Type:

  • A racy courser that is a member of the greyhound family
  • Nose, eyes and body color are all about the same
  • Height: 21-25 inches (at shoulder)
  • Weight: 45-55 pounds
  • Large, erect ears are not altered
  • White-tipped tapering tail is not altered

Personality:

  • Fun loving and affectionate with family
  • Standoffish with strangers. Does not make a good watch dog however
  • Intelligent but not easy to train
  • Playful nature but gentle manners makes it a good children's pet

Coat:

  • Coat is short and glossy. Requires a minimum of grooming
  • Color is always tan. A large white patch on the chest called "star" is desirable
  • White markings are permitted on the feet and tail tip

Health Concerns:

  • Relatively healthy
  • Shares a sensitivity to anesthetics, flea collars, and many drugs with other member of the greyhound family
  • Thin skin is susceptible to allergic disorders
  • Bleeding disorders
  • Heart disease
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Tasty Tidbits:
  • Unlike the other members of the greyhound family, the Pharaoh Hound will overeat and get fat
  • Said to be the only dog that "blushes"