Pharaoh Hound
History and origin: An ancient breed, it is believed that the Phoenicians took these hounds with them when they settled on Malta and Gozo. This medium-sized sight hound was used by Egyptian nobility to hunt rabbits and gazelles.
Description: The Pharaoh Hound stands 21 to 25 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 45 and 60 pounds. He has a lithe, athletic, graceful body and a short, smooth,silky, and shedding coat that needs very little grooming. The color may be tan or red. The Pharaoh Hound has amber eyes similar in color to those of the Weimaraner.
About the breed: The Pharaoh Hound is the oldest domesticated dog in recorded history. He played an important role in the daily life of kings and nobles in Ancient Egypt. He is an elegant, intelligent, swift, and powerful breed that is affectionate to his owners but reserved and cautious with strangers as the Greyhound or Saluki. He is quiet, clean, and easygoing in the home. Though tolerant of older children, he will not appreciate a hectic environment or any kind of roughhousing. The Pharaoh Hound will not make a good watch dog and must be watched around small animals because of his high prey drive. Similar to all sight hounds, the Pharaoh Hound needs daily exercise to remain happy and fit. Training can take longer than normal with this breed. No rushed or overbearing techniques should be used. Patience and precision are needed because of the slow speed at which all sight hounds learn. If pushed, the dog may panic and become passive-resistant. The “Sit” and “Come” commands are the most challenging to teach. Socialization from puppy hood will help reduce this breed's natural timidity.
Feeding: Recommended feeding for the Pharaoh Hound is1-1 ½ cans of a branded meaty product (13.3oz) with added biscuit in same amount or 3 cupfuls of a complete dry food.
Ideal home: The Pharaoh Hound can live in an apartment provided he is getting enough exercise everyday. Keep in mind that this breed can jump a six-foot fence. The environment should be quiet, predictable, and free of hectic activity. The Pharaoh Hound will not tolerate roughhousing and may snap in protest. The owner of a Pharaoh Hound should be easygoing and respectful of this breed's need for space. Provide a place for the dog to call his own, perhaps a bed in the corner of the living room. Overbearing, loud people should avoid this breed. Because of their natural instinct to hunt, most sight hounds do not do well with small pets, particularly rabbits or rodents.
