Fun Pharaoh Hound Facts For Kids

Pharaoh Hounds, or the Kelb-tal-fenek breed, are dogs that hail from Malta. They have also been linked to Egypt for a long time.

In mythology, Pharaoh Hounds are said to belong to a breed that existed even during Egyptian civilization. This would make this breed one of the oldest living dog breeds that humans have domesticated.

But, recent DNA analysis has proved that they might not be that old. However, these dogs still look beautiful with their minimal fur coat and their sharp pointed ears.

A Pharaoh Hound's coat is usually red, chestnut, or golden red in color but other coat variations are also available.

They have a slender bodies with muscular legs and pointed faces. The breed maintains good health, and they are super low-maintenance with the least amount of shedding, so they won't need daily grooming.

Because of the sweet Pharaoh Hound temperament, these dogs can easily become part of many households. The breed loves to mix with others dogs and even children.

Many people are very easily intimidated by the look of a Pharaoh Hound, but they are one of the most docile breeds to keep as a pet. One of the special features of the breed is their high intelligence, which had originally made them a popular hunting dog in Malta.

Are you interested in this super active and loving breed? Keep reading to know more about Pharaoh Hounds. Also, check out these articles about pocket pitbull and lab chow mix to know more about different dog breeds.

Pharaoh Hound Interesting Facts

What type of animal is a Pharaoh Hound?

Pharaoh Hounds are a renowned dog breed from Malta. They are known as Kelb-tal-fenek in their place of origin, which means 'dog of the rabbit'.

What class of animal does a Pharaoh Hound belong to?

Pharaoh Hounds belong to the class mammalia and the family canidae.

How many Pharaoh Hounds are there in the world?

Pharaoh Hounds are found all over the world, so it would be hard to note down their exact number. No conclusive studies have been done to find their exact population.

Where does a Pharaoh Hound live?

Pharaoh Hounds are usually found in human households as beloved pets. In their origin country of Malta, Pharaoh Hounds have been used for hunting rabbits and other small mammals. In Malta, the hounds were primarily found in high terrains.

What is a Pharaoh Hound's habitat?

Like any other dog, Pharaoh Hounds prefer a comfortable and loving home. One thing to note about these dogs is their intolerance to cold weather.

As they have a short coat, the dogs aren't suitable to live in places where the weather dips to low temperatures. During cold winters, these dogs like to wear sweaters.

Having heating is necessary to make them feel comfortable during harsh winter weather. On the other hand, these dogs are perfect for places of warm temperature.

Their coat is made for hot and humid climates, like Malta. Pharaoh Hound dogs can easily adapt to apartment living, and they do not have a problem mixing with other pets that may inhabit the same space.

Pharaoh Hounds are very affectionate with their families and especially children. Pharaoh Hound dog breeds can live in apartments, but they do require a little bit more space because of their high energy level.

It might also be beneficial to live near a park or other outdoor space. One thing that a Pharaoh Hound dog cannot tolerate is being left alone by their owners.

You will need to give these sensitive dogs their share of attention. If you frequently go on business trips, stay away from home or work extremely long hours, Pharaoh Hounds are not for you.

Who do Pharaoh Hounds live with?

Pharaoh Hounds can be found with loving and caring human families. This dog breed seldom faces any problems while adapting to an apartment lifestyle.

They are very welcoming towards other dogs, cats and pets that may live in your home. Pharaoh Hounds love children, and they will quickly make friends with them.

However, Pharaoh Hounds, as hunting dogs, have quite a high prey drive, so if you have rodents or lizards at your home it is advised to keep them away from the dog.

Many dog breeds have a problem mixing with strangers, but Pharaoh Hounds will find it quite easy to get along with strangers. But, Pharaoh Hounds may often face discrimination from other people, as they are hounds and people can be scared of them.

How long does a Pharaoh Hound live?

The average lifespan of a healthy Pharaoh Hound is thought to be around 11 to 14 years. With proper care and nutrition, Pharaoh Hounds can have a long and comfortable life with their humans.

How do they reproduce?

Female Pharaoh Hounds will go through their estrus (heat) cycles, and when mating this can lead to pregnancy. They have bigger litters that range between six to eight puppies. The gestation period of these dogs lasts between 58 to 68 days.

The puppies are born blind and with sparse hair on their body. Proper care from licensed vets will ensure that the dog and puppies are healthy.

Pharaoh Hound puppies are usually quite playful, and they are full of energy. They need to receive training early on in their puppy stage to get better at socializing, as well as to curb their prey drive. In 1970, the first Pharaoh Hound litter was born in the USA.

What is their conservation status?

Pharaoh Hounds are found widely around the globe, but they are yet to be listed in any conservation list. However, some do believe that the origin species of the Pharaoh Hound dog breed comes from Egypt, and then the first Pharaoh Hound was brought to Malta, where they became an important breed.

Despite this, the official conservation status of Pharaoh Hounds is Not Listed.

Pharaoh Hound Fun Facts

What do Pharaoh Hounds look like?

Pharaoh Hounds are definitely majestic in their appearance. They look quite similar to tomb paintings of dogs made during the Egyptian civilization. They are believed to be the original Egyptian Pharaoh Hound, though this claim may be contested because of modern DNA studies.

Pharaoh Hound dogs have a slender and chic body that is agile and made for hunting. The big pointed ears of this breed stand out. Pharaoh Hounds have chiseled and long facial features with brown or amber eyes and a pointed nose.

Their cheeks often have a droopy feel to them. The slender body of the Pharaoh Hound is muscular, and they tend to have long necks. They are often compared to the old Egyptian tomb paintings because of their long, sleek tail.

The coat of Pharaoh Hounds is usually of a single uniform color. The most common coat color of a Pharaoh Hound is chestnut or red, but other colors such as golden, tan and white are also predominant.

Some dogs may even have splotches or white markings on their body. Black Pharaoh Hounds can also be seen, but they are quite rare.

The short coat of this dog breed is fairly easy to manage, and it gives a shiny look to the Pharaoh Hound. The look of a Pharaoh Hound has often been compared to that of a greyhound but with less prominent muscles.

Pharaoh Hounds also sport strong and muscular legs, which used to help them to hunt in the rocky terrains of Malta. At the puppy stage, Pharaoh Hounds are extremely cute with their droopy skin, and they may also have white markings.

How cute are they?

Pharaoh Hound dogs are extremely cute. They are even more fluffy and adorable as Pharaoh Hound puppies.

However, as they grow up, Pharaoh Hound breeds start to take on the appearance of their true form, the hound, and they gain their muscular body. Many people may get intimidated by the look of a Pharaoh Hound dog. However, Pharaohs are one of the most friendly dog breeds, and they easily get along with strangers.

How do they communicate?

As a hunting dog breed, Pharaoh Hounds are usually quite vocal with their communication. They love to bark, and in most cases, this barking isn't out of aggression.

Owners should only think of adopting a Pharaoh Hound if they are able to tolerate this incessant barking. These friendly dogs may even be found barking when they are in a good mood.

Like other dogs, Pharaoh Hounds will also communicate by urinating. The scent of urine helps these dogs to mark territories, as well as to entice their mates. If you have a Pharaoh Hound dog, you must focus on properly training them with different cues for communication.

They are very intelligent, and Pharaoh Hounds can learn several communication cues or commands from their owners. This can be done through thorough training right from the puppyhood of a Pharaoh Hound.

How big is a Pharaoh Hound?

The usual height of a Pharaoh Hound is around 21-25 in (53-63 cm). They are slightly smaller in comparison to the greyhound breed, who can easily attain a maximum height of 27-30 in (68-76 cm).

How fast can a Pharaoh Hound run?

One of the most talked-about capabilities of a Pharaoh Hound is their ability to run. Their muscular bodies and legs allow them to traverse through the rocky and elevated terrains of Malta.

Pharaoh Hounds can run at a top speed of 35 mph (56 kmph), which is impeccable for this dog breed.

With proper training, Pharaoh Hounds can also participate in different competitions arranged by the American Kennel Club. They need a lot of exercise to keep themselves agile, and taking them on running trips can truly improve a Pharaoh Hound dog's temperament.

How much does a Pharaoh Hound weigh?

The average weight of a Pharaoh Hound is around 45-55 lb (20-25 kg). Female Pharaoh Hounds may weight slightly less, especially when compared to male dogs.

Pharaoh Hounds have a tendency to put on some extra pounds, so regular exercise and a proper diet are needed for the dog to help stop them from putting on weight too easily. Their weight should be checked regularly in order to take proper care of these dogs and their health.

What are the male and female names of the species?

As is the norm, male Pharaoh Hounds are known as dogs, and a female Pharaoh Hound is known as a bitch.

What would you call a baby Pharaoh Hound?

Baby Pharaoh Hounds are called puppies, just like other dog breeds.

What do they eat?

The daily meal of a Pharaoh Hound may include around 1.5 to 2 cups of good quality dog food. As they have a muscular body, Pharaoh Hounds need an ample amount of protein.

This may come from beef, chicken, lamb, or other rich protein sources. Apart from proteins, they also need good fats and other micronutrients.

However, owners should keep a check on the number of carbohydrates eaten by their dog. The diet should also be based on the age and size of the Pharaoh Hound dog.

These dogs eat less food in their puppyhood, as well as when they turn into adults.

As they have a slim body, many people are prone to giving Pharaoh Hounds more food than they need, but this should be avoided at all costs. Pharaoh Hounds may suffer from food allergies, so their pet parents should definitely talk with a vet before they try to change their food habits.

Vets can also give advice about the correct food that a Pharaoh Hound should eat on a day-to-day basis. Good quality food is beneficial in ensuring that a Pharaoh Hound has a healthy coat and a satisfying life.

Are they slobbery?

No, Pharaoh Hounds aren't slobbery in most cases. Even though they are quite tolerant to high temperatures, Pharaoh Hounds should always have access to a bowl of clean and fresh water. This helps them to keep off the heat, and you may notice them panting less during warmer conditions.

Would they make a good pet?

Yes, Pharaoh Hounds make really great pets, and there are many reasons for this. One of the foremost reasons is their ability to adapt to an apartment lifestyle fairly easily.

When you have a Pharaoh Hound breed puppy, they will most likely attach to you and the home environment very quickly. This dog breed needs a lot of affection, and they are extremely friendly.

Because of the calm Pharaoh Hound temperament, this dog breed is great for novice owners. You just need to provide them with adequate space in the apartment, and the dog will be happy.

As a loving and docile dog, Hound Pharaoh breeds also work well for households that have kids and other pets. They are one of those breeds that are extremely playful, and you will need to supply them with a lot of toys.

They are a low-maintenance dog breed, because Hound Pharaohs don't have thick coats. Their short and dense coat does need weekly grooming, but it won't be too much bother for the owners.

They do shed like other dogs, but it is minimal and can easily be curbed with frequent grooming.

They are also easy to groom, and grooming can be done at home with simple tools. Being a hound, Pharaoh Hounds may often have roughness in their coat, so you may need to consult a vet to get advice on using a more moisturizing shampoo while bathing them.

Do not forget to clip their nails during grooming, as this dog breed likes to run and overgrown nails can hurt their paws.

As their ears always remain erect, it is important to clean them well during the weekly grooming sessions. Make sure to brush the teeth of a hound at least two to three times a week.

Another great thing is the manageable size of a Hound Pharaoh. Their height and weight fall in the medium range, so even children and older people shouldn't have a problem handling the breed.

They are dog breeds for those who are afraid of handling large dogs due to their height and weight. Because of their short coat, this dog breed is able to live in areas with warm weather. However, they aren't great for households that get too cold and damp.

If you want to rescue a hound, Pharaoh Hounds can be a good choice. Just make sure that the temperature of your home matches with that of the breed.

The minimal weight and medium height of this breed, along with their muscular body, makes them perfect candidates for owners who have an active lifestyle. Pharaoh Hounds are extremely intelligent, and they are fairly good for taking on hiking or trekking trips.

If you live near places that have an elevated height with rocky terrain, Pharaoh Hounds will feel right at home. They do bark a lot, but proper training can easily help to curb this habit.

Did you know...

Pharaoh Hounds are usually categorized as sighthounds, but they also have a keen sense of smell along with enhanced hearing. In rocky terrain, the breed can hear a sound coming from a distance of 10 ft (3 m) because of their sharp ears.

Pharaoh Hound breeds are similar to the Sicilian Cirneco dell'Etna, but their genetic pool became drastically different around 200 years ago. The latter usually has a smaller height and is lighter in weight.

Characteristics and health issues

Common characteristics of Pharaoh Hounds include being affectionate, docile, active, sociable, playful, and exercise loving. However, they do like to bark much more than other hound dogs.

They are known to have a high prey drive because this breed was primarily bred to work as hunting dogs. Pharaoh Hounds are an easy-to-train dog. However, you should never have a Pharaoh Hound without a leash while roaming outside.

Pharaoh Hounds need anywhere between 40 to 60 minutes of exercise per day. It is better if you can take them outside on frequent walking trips, but let them perform any form of exercise and they will be quite happy.

A great thing about Pharaoh Hounds is that this breed is categorized as 'self-runners'. Hence, you wouldn't need to entice them to perform exercises, they are already happy to be active. However, they have a tendency to gain extra weight due to overfeeding.

Apart from cutting down on their food, owners also need to let them have enough exercise. Being active is one of the most important ways for the majestic Pharaoh Hound to maintain their excellent health.

Pharaoh Hounds have been living with humans for a long time, and they have shown little evidence of genetic disposition to having poor health. But, like any other dog, there are some diseases that are common in this breed.

One thing that pet parents should be aware of is the anaesthetic sensitivity of Pharaoh Hounds.

While you are spaying or neutering your pet, make sure to see a vet that is experienced and qualified to deal with Pharaoh Hounds. This is especially more important for owners who have senior Pharaohs as they grow sensitive with age.

Allergies are another big problem with Pharaoh Hounds. As they like to roam outside, pet parents should be aware of the triggers of these allergies as well as the treatments.

Not all commonly found pet foods are suitable to give to these hounds. If you are thinking of getting a Pharaoh puppy, make sure to visit a vet to learn more about Pharaoh Hound friendly food.

The same idea goes for grooming products that could cause allergies in your pet. Some of these dogs even have allergies to pollen and dust.

This also makes Pharaoh Hounds more prone to ear infections. You must keep your home or apartment as clean as possible to avoid any trigger as it can get uncomfortable for the dog and their health.

Like other dogs, Pharaoh Hounds are also prone to hip and joint problems. Hip dysplasia has been seen in many cases, and they will often need medical intervention.

Weight gain and obesity may bring out several health problems in these dogs, so owners should be wary of this. Hypothyroidism and Von Willebrand's disease have been found in some cases. It is recommended to have regular full-body checkups to ensure that your dog is maintaining good health.

As a pet owner, you should always ensure that the puppy comes from a good breeder. Dogs that are born in unsafe and uncomfortable environments will often have severe trauma.

Rehoming these pups becomes an issue as they need a lot of attention. So, you should always check the profile of a breeder before buying a Pharaoh Hound from them. Another thing is to do a complete health profile of the puppy after you have brought them home.

Common tests include hip evaluation, ophthalmologist evaluation, thyroid evaluation, and patella evaluation. If the vet notices any problems, it is always better to start off with early treatment so that the dog can have a safe and healthy life.

Are Pharaoh Hounds good family dogs?

Yes, Pharaoh Hounds are excellent family dogs because of their affectionate temperament. These dogs can instantly steal your heart with their cute looks.

As low maintenance dogs, Pharaoh Hounds have soon become a favorite of many owners. You may need to spend up to 1,800 USD or 2,500 USD while bringing a Pharaoh Hound puppy to your home.

While getting the puppy, make sure that they come from a good breeder. Choosing an improper breeder may result in several different types of diseases when the Pharaoh Hound grows up.

A proper breeder makes sure that the dogs have been reared correctly in comfortable situations. Once you bring the dog into your home, make sure to give them some time to get accustomed to the environment.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other mammals including pitbull chihuahua mix, or cheagle.

You can even occupy yourself at home by drawing one of our Pharaoh Hound coloring pages.