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Pharaoh Hound

Pharaoh Hound

The Pharaoh Hound is a sighthound believed to descend from ancient Egyptian hunting dogs and is recognized as the national dog of Malta. With a lean, athletic build and tall, alert ears, the breed carries itself with striking elegance and quick, agile movement. Pharaoh Hounds are affectionate and outgoing with their families, but their independent streak and sharp intelligence call for consistent, patient training. As a breed that genuinely loves to run, they do best with owners who can commit to regular exercise, which is why the Pharaoh Hound is generally considered better suited to owners with some prior dog-keeping experience.

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Pharaoh Hound key facts

Care level
Intermediate
Lifespan
12-14 years
Size
Height 53-63.5cm / Weight 18-27kg
Diet
High-quality medium-breed dog food. Feed twice daily.
Temperament
Agile and intelligent. Friendly, affectionate and playful.
Exercise
60+ min walk daily. Regular opportunities to run in a safe area.
Coat Care
Easy-care short coat. Brush 1-2 times weekly.
Origin
Malta
Notes
Strong chase instinct toward small animals. Sensitive to cold; provide warmth in winter.
TraitsIntermediateMediumHunting dogAncient breed

About Pharaoh Hound

The Pharaoh Hound, Malta's national dog with roots in ancient Egyptian hunting dogs, combines an elegant look with an agile, friendly temperament. Lifespan is 12–14 years, standing 53–63.5cm and weighing 18–27kg.

7 things to know before welcoming a Pharaoh Hound

  1. 1High Exercise Needs

    Pharaoh Hounds have a strong drive to run and benefit from daily walks plus time to move freely. Without enough exercise, they can become bored or stressed.

  2. 2Smart but Independent

    Highly intelligent and quick to learn, but also independent-minded, so training requires patience and consistency. Early socialization as a puppy is especially important.

  3. 3Easy-Care Short Coat

    Their short, smooth coat needs relatively little brushing. During shedding season, though, more frequent brushing helps manage loose hair.

  4. 4Sensitive to Cold

    With low body fat and a thin coat, Pharaoh Hounds tend to feel the cold easily. Extra protection is worth considering for winter walks or time spent outdoors.

  5. 5Affectionate Yet Alert

    They're deeply affectionate with family but can also be watchful and sensitive to unfamiliar sounds. Gradual exposure to new environments and noises helps them adjust.

  6. 6Mind the Fence Height

    Their athleticism and jumping ability are notable, so yard fencing should be tall and sturdy enough to keep them safely contained.

  7. 7Preparing Your Home

    Before bringing one home, consider whether your living space and daily schedule can support an active, medium-sized dog that needs regular exercise.

Frequently asked questions about Pharaoh Hound

Q.Is the Pharaoh Hound suitable for first-time owners?
A.Because of their high exercise needs and independent nature, Pharaoh Hounds are generally considered better suited to intermediate owners. They do best with people who have some dog-keeping experience and can commit to daily exercise.
Q.How much grooming do they need?
A.Their short coat makes routine brushing fairly easy. During shedding season, though, more frequent brushing helps keep loose hair under control.
Q.Do they get along well with other dogs and children?
A.Pharaoh Hounds are affectionate with their families but can also be watchful, so early socialization matters. Gradual, careful introductions are recommended in multi-dog households or homes with young children.
Q.How much exercise do they need?
A.As a sighthound, the Pharaoh Hound has a strong drive to run and benefits from daily walks plus time to move freely. Without enough activity, they can become restless or bored.
Q.Is it true they're sensitive to cold?
A.Yes, with low body fat and a thin coat, Pharaoh Hounds tend to feel cold easily. Extra protection is worth considering for winter walks or extended time outdoors.

Useful tools for Pharaoh Hound care

Learn more about Pharaoh Hound in the encyclopedia

View Pharaoh Hound encyclopedia entry →

Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.

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