Pharaoh Hound
The Pharaoh Hound is an elegant, athletic sighthound known for bright amber eyes, big upright ears, and a cheerful, affectionate personality at home. Bred to chase by sight, this breed thrives with daily movement, thoughtful training, and a secure space to sprint.
How the Pharaoh Hound ranks among other dog breeds.
About the Pharaoh Hound
The Pharaoh Hound is a sleek, medium-sized sighthound with a lively, friendly spirit and a surprisingly soft side indoors.
Many bond closely with their people and enjoy being part of everyday routines, from couch time to car rides, as long as they also get chances to move.
Because they were bred to spot and pursue quick prey, Pharaoh Hounds often have a strong chase instinct and bursty, playful energy.
They tend to do best with a securely fenced area, consistent leash habits, and reward-based training that keeps sessions upbeat rather than repetitive.
History of the Pharaoh Hound
Despite the name, the Pharaoh Hound is most closely tied to the Mediterranean island of Malta, where lean, prick-eared coursing dogs were used for generations to hunt rabbit across dry stone walls and rocky fields.
Locally, they have been known as the 'Kelb tal-Fenek', or rabbit dog, a nod to their traditional job and keen sight-hunting style. These dogs needed speed, agility, and the confidence to work in uneven terrain while staying responsive to their handler.
Malta’s busy seafaring past likely exposed the island to many hound types, but local hunters favored a dog that fit the landscape and the work.
The modern name grew from a romantic connection: the breed’s clean lines, upright ears, and warm red coat resemble the hound-like dogs pictured in ancient Mediterranean and Egyptian art.
Early fanciers and travelers often described Maltese hunting dogs as living echoes of those images, and the label 'Pharaoh Hound' stuck.
While that story adds charm, the clearest documentation places the breed’s development in Malta and nearby regions rather than directly in the courts of pharaohs. In other words, the look may feel ancient, but the story is rooted in island hunting culture.
On Malta, rabbit hunting was not just sport but also a practical way to provide food, so dogs were valued for efficiency and reliability. Hunters favored hounds that could scan the landscape, accelerate quickly, and keep a steady pace without carrying excess weight.
Many Pharaoh Hounds are also willing to use their voice when they locate game, a trait that helped people track the chase across a wide, open hillside.
Over time, this mix of athleticism and people-awareness shaped a dog that can be independent outdoors yet affectionate with family.
In the twentieth century, the breed began to travel beyond Malta. British dog enthusiasts imported Maltese hounds and worked to establish consistent type, naming, and recordkeeping.
As more dogs were bred in home kennels rather than solely for field work, the Pharaoh Hound became known as a distinctive sighthound for both companionship and sport.
Careful selection helped preserve the signature silhouette and friendly expression while keeping the agile, chase-ready build. From there, dedicated owners introduced the breed to new regions, where it remained admired but relatively rare.
Today, Pharaoh Hounds are still relatively uncommon in many parts of the world, which can make responsible breeding and thoughtful placement especially important.
Many continue to enjoy activities that tap into their sight-hound instincts, such as lure coursing, sprint-style games, and fast-paced fetch in a secure space.
At the same time, owners often describe them as clean, polite housemates who appreciate soft bedding, gentle handling, and a predictable routine once the day’s adventures are done.
Physical Characteristics and General Care
Pharaoh Hounds have a streamlined, athletic build with long, clean lines and a deep chest that supports endurance. The coat is short and close, usually in warm shades of tan or rich red, sometimes with small white markings on the chest, toes, or tail tip.
Their large, upright ears and warm amber eyes give them a bright, curious look, and many owners notice the ears can appear to “blush” when the dog is excited or warm.
Overall, they feel light on their feet and move with an easy, floating stride, with a long tail that often curves when they are pleased.
General care is refreshingly simple, but consistency matters. A soft brush or grooming mitt once a week helps lift loose hair and distributes skin oils, and baths are typically only needed when they get truly dirty.
Plan on regular nail trims so those fast feet keep good traction, along with routine tooth brushing and gentle ear checks.
Because the coat is thin and body fat is low, many Pharaoh Hounds appreciate a cozy bed indoors and a sweater for chilly walks, and a quick paw check after rough play can fit into your routine.
Exercise and safety go hand in hand with this breed. Daily walks are important, but most Pharaoh Hounds also need opportunities to run at full speed in a fully secure area, since a sudden squirrel sighting can override even a well-practiced recall.
Short, fun training sessions, food puzzles, and scent games help keep their clever minds busy, and many enjoy canine sports that reward speed and focus.
Like many sighthounds, they do best when kept lean and fit, so measured meals, sensible treats, and a consistent feeding routine are part of everyday care.
Coat & Grooming: Weekly wipe-down or soft-brush, plus regular nail trims and occasional baths, usually keeps the short coat looking sleek.
Shedding: Low to moderate shedding; you may notice light hair on bedding and floors, but it is typically easy to manage with quick brushing.
Exercise Needs: Daily brisk walks and chances to sprint or play in a secure area, with games like lure-style chasing, fetch, and short training sessions for mental work.
General Health: Often a sturdy breed, though some lines may see skin sensitivities, occasional eye or joint concerns, and the usual issues that can affect active, lean dogs; routine veterinary checkups help guide prevention.
Expected Lifespan: Typically long-lived for its size when kept lean, active, and supported with routine care.
First-Time Owner Tips
A Pharaoh Hound can be a wonderful first sighthound, but it helps to plan for their athletic brain-and-body needs from day one. Set up a consistent routine for potty breaks, meals, and quiet time, and introduce household rules gently and early.
These dogs tend to be sensitive to tone, so they often learn fastest with patient positive reinforcement and clear, predictable boundaries.
Because they are quick and curious, plan ahead with a well-fitted harness, a sturdy leash, and a safe place to rest, such as a crate or gated room, so you can prevent mistakes while your dog learns.
The biggest learning curve for many new owners is managing the chase instinct. Practice leash manners, build a strong “check in” habit, and save off-leash freedom for securely enclosed areas only.
Socialization matters too: calm exposure to friendly dogs, visitors, and everyday sights can help prevent shyness, while teaching polite greetings keeps excitement from turning into jumping. Finally, budget time for daily enrichment.
With enough exercise, sniffy walks, and a rotation of toys and puzzles, many Pharaoh Hounds relax into tidy, quiet companions indoors and handle alone time often often much more comfortably, especially when they have a cozy place to retreat.
- Use a harness and practice leash skills early; many Pharaoh Hounds will chase wildlife if given the chance.
- Keep training upbeat and brief, using treats, toys, and praise to avoid boredom.
- Invest in a secure fence and double-check gates; this breed is fast and curious.
- Provide warm bedding and a coat for chilly walks; their short coat offers little insulation.
- Rotate enrichment like scent games, puzzle feeders, and safe chew options to prevent mischief.
Monthly Costs to Expect
Required monthly costs usually start with quality food and treats, plus replenishing basics like poop bags, chews, and the occasional replacement toy.
Most owners also budget for routine preventatives and wellness care, often spread out across the year, along with simple supplies such as a leash, harness, ID tag, bedding, and basic cleaning items.
Your total can vary based on food quality, your dog’s appetite and activity level, and local pricing for veterinary services, licensing, and pet-friendly housing fees where applicable.
Optional or variable costs depend on your preferences and schedule. Many Pharaoh Hounds need little more than at-home brushing, but you might pay for nail trims, a self-serve wash, or the occasional professional bath before an event.
Training ranges from affordable group classes to private coaching, and active owners sometimes add sports fees, daycare, or pet sitting when travel or long workdays pop up, plus occasional fun gear upgrades.
Insurance is another choice, or you can set aside a monthly savings cushion for unexpected expenses, which can be especially helpful in higher-cost areas or for dogs with adventurous lifestyles.
Food & Treats: Required: about $45 to $100 per month, depending on food quality, treat habits, and activity level.
Grooming: Optional/Variable: about $5 to $40 per month, mostly DIY supplies, with occasional professional nail trims or baths.
Preventatives & Routine Care: Required: about $20 to $70 per month for routine preventatives and checkups, varying by region and your veterinarian’s recommendations.
Insurance / Savings: Optional/Variable: about $0 to $80 per month for pet insurance or a dedicated savings cushion, depending on coverage and comfort level.
Training / Enrichment: Optional/Variable: about $10 to $120 per month, from enrichment toys to classes or private sessions, depending on goals.
Pharaoh Hound FAQs
Do Pharaoh Hounds make good family dogs?
Many Pharaoh Hounds are affectionate and playful with their families and often do well with respectful children. As with any breed, supervise interactions and make sure kids understand gentle handling, especially around a dog that can bolt when excited.
Are Pharaoh Hounds easy to train?
They are smart and often pick up routines quickly, but they can be independent and easily bored. Short, reward-based sessions and consistent household rules usually work better than repetitive drills.
How much exercise does a Pharaoh Hound need each day?
Plan for daily walks plus chances to run hard in a fully secure area. Pair physical exercise with brain work like scent games or food puzzles to help them settle calmly at home.
Do Pharaoh Hounds shed a lot?
Shedding is usually low to moderate because the coat is short and close. Regular brushing and quick cleanups around sleeping spots are typically enough for most homes.
Can a Pharaoh Hound live with cats or small pets?
Some can, especially if raised with them and carefully managed, but the breed’s chase instinct can be strong. Use gates, secure routines, and supervision, and do not assume off-leash reliability around small animals.
Are Pharaoh Hounds big barkers?
They are not always noisy, but many will bark or “talk” when excited, bored, or alerting you to something new. Meeting their exercise needs and rewarding quiet behavior can help keep sound levels reasonable.
Is a Pharaoh Hound a good apartment dog?
They can adapt to apartment living if they get consistent daily exercise and have a calm indoor routine. Expect to prioritize leash walks and scheduled chances to sprint safely, since they are built for speed.
