The Pharaoh Hound: An Intelligent and Graceful Companion

The Pharaoh Hound is an elegant and athletic sighthound breed known for its sleek build, keen intelligence, and graceful speed. Often associated with the ancient hunting dogs of Egypt, the Pharaoh Hound was developed on the Mediterranean island of Malta for hunting rabbits across rocky terrain using both sight and scent. These intelligent and sensitive dogs form strong bonds with their families and thrive with owners who can provide regular exercise, mental stimulation, and gentle but consistent training, as Pharaoh Hounds are both athletic and emotionally responsive. While affectionate and playful with their people, the breed can be reserved with strangers and retains a strong prey drive, making secure outdoor space and early socialization especially important. With their striking amber eyes, graceful appearance, and unique ability to “blush” when excited, the Pharaoh Hound is an excellent choice for active owners seeking an elegant and loyal companion dog.

⭐ 3 Things You May Not Know About the Pharaoh Hound

1. The Pharaoh Hound is famous for “blushing” — its nose and ears can turn a rosy pink color when the dog becomes excited or happy.
2. Despite its ancient Egyptian appearance, the modern breed is most closely associated with the Mediterranean island nation of Malta.
3. Pharaoh Hounds are exceptionally athletic and can leap impressive heights thanks to their powerful hindquarters and agile build.

Overview

• Height: 21–25 inches
• Weight: 45–55 pounds
• Colors: Rich Tan or Chestnut, with White Markings on the Chest, Toes, and Tail Tip
• Life Expectancy: 12–14 years
• Group: Hound Group

🐾 Quick Facts About the Pharaoh Hound

• Energy Level: High — Pharaoh Hounds are athletic sighthounds that need regular exercise and opportunities to run safely.
• Grooming Needs: Low — Their short fine coat is very easy to maintain.
• Good With Kids: Yes — Pharaoh Hounds are generally affectionate, playful, and gentle with families and children.
• Trainability: Moderate — Intelligent but independent, they respond best to positive and patient training methods.
• Barking Level: Moderate — Pharaoh Hounds may bark to alert their family or express excitement during activity.

Jump to Section

• History & Origin
• Breed Traits & Personality
• Exercise & Training Needs
• Grooming Requirements
• Health Overview & Testing
• Is This Breed Right for You?
• Finding a Responsible Breeder or Rescue
• Similar Breeds You Might Like

History & Origin

Health Overview & Testing

The Pharaoh Hound is an intelligent, elegant, and highly athletic sighthound known for its sleek build, amber eyes, and distinctive ability to “blush” when excited. Originally developed as a hunting dog for rabbits and small game in the Mediterranean region, the Pharaoh Hound is generally considered a healthy and resilient breed, but like many athletic sighthounds, it can still be prone to several inherited and structural health concerns. Understanding common Pharaoh Hound health problems and recommended breeder health testing can help puppy buyers make more informed decisions when selecting a healthy puppy. Because this breed combines speed, lean body structure, endurance, and emotional sensitivity, maintaining healthy joints, cardiac wellness, mobility, skin health, and overall body condition is especially important throughout the dog’s life.

Health issues sometimes seen in Pharaoh Hounds may include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), allergies, gastric sensitivity, and age-related arthritis. Some individuals may also develop obesity-related orthopedic stress, hereditary eye concerns, thyroid disorders, or anesthesia sensitivity later in life. Because sighthounds often have low body fat percentages and unique metabolic characteristics, veterinary care and medication management sometimes require special consideration. While not every Pharaoh Hound will develop these conditions, understanding the breed’s health tendencies allows owners to make better long-term decisions regarding breeding, exercise, training, nutrition, and preventive veterinary care.

Health Testing & Responsible Breeding

Responsible Pharaoh Hound breeders should perform appropriate health screenings before breeding in order to reduce the likelihood of inherited conditions being passed to future generations. Many puppy buyers are encouraged to ask about health testing, but they are often unsure which evaluations are most important for this breed. In the Pharaoh Hound, careful attention to orthopedic, eye, thyroid, and overall structural health is especially valuable.

Buyers should ask whether the sire and dam have completed OFA or PennHIP hip evaluations, patella evaluations, ophthalmologist-performed eye examinations, thyroid testing, and additional cardiac screening when appropriate. Responsible breeders may also discuss orthopedic longevity, temperament stability, hunting ability, movement soundness, and overall lifespan within their bloodlines. Some breeders may additionally monitor for hereditary immune-related or neurological concerns depending on pedigree history.

Unlike some breeds selected primarily for appearance alone, responsible Pharaoh Hound breeding programs often place strong emphasis on athletic soundness, stable temperament, and functional movement because the breed was developed for physically demanding hunting work requiring speed, agility, and endurance. Ethical breeders understand that preserving the Pharaoh Hound involves much more than maintaining elegant appearance — it also includes protecting healthy movement, emotional stability, sensory wellness, and long-term vitality.

Before Pharaoh Hound puppies are placed into new homes, they should receive a complete veterinary wellness examination that evaluates the heart, eyes, joints, bite alignment, parasite status, overall structure, and general physical development. Because athletic breeds place stress on developing bones and joints during growth, proper nutrition and carefully managed exercise during puppyhood are especially important. Puppies should also leave with age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming records, feeding guidance, and recommendations for safe socialization, grooming, and physical conditioning during development.

A responsible Pharaoh Hound breeder should willingly provide documentation of completed health clearances and openly discuss inherited health concerns affecting the breed. Puppy buyers should be cautious of breeders who avoid health discussions, refuse to provide testing information, or claim their dogs are completely free of health problems. Ethical breeding focuses on reducing inherited risk through careful selection, health screening, pedigree knowledge, and lifelong breeder support rather than making unrealistic promises.

Preventive Care & Long-Term Wellness

Maintaining healthy body condition and regular exercise is especially important for the Pharaoh Hound because this breed is naturally athletic, agile, and mentally active. Without sufficient physical activity and mental stimulation, some individuals may become anxious, destructive, vocal, or emotionally frustrated. Regular exercise helps support cardiovascular fitness, muscle tone, coordination, joint stability, and emotional well-being throughout life.

The Pharaoh Hound is also an intelligent and highly sensitive breed that benefits from regular mental stimulation and structured interaction. Walks, lure coursing, obedience work, puzzle toys, scent games, hiking, and interactive play all contribute to emotional balance and long-term wellness.

The breed’s short coat requires relatively simple grooming maintenance, including regular brushing and skin monitoring to maintain healthy coat and skin condition. Grooming sessions also provide an excellent opportunity to monitor for lumps, skin irritation, coat-quality changes, or developing health concerns.

Because Pharaoh Hounds have strong prey drive and exceptional speed, secure fencing and careful leash management are especially important throughout life.

Routine veterinary examinations throughout adulthood and senior years remain important for monitoring mobility, orthopedic wellness, thyroid function, cardiac health, eye condition, and overall quality of life. Early detection of developing health concerns often allows for more successful long-term management and improved outcomes.

Lifespan & Senior Pharaoh Hound Care

The Pharaoh Hound often lives approximately 12 to 14 years when responsibly bred and properly cared for. Senior Pharaoh Hounds may gradually develop arthritis, reduced stamina, hearing decline, vision changes, muscle loss, or decreased mobility as they age. Some older dogs may also become more prone to orthopedic stiffness or endocrine-related concerns during the senior years.

As Pharaoh Hounds enter their senior years, many owners focus on maintaining moderate low-impact exercise, healthy weight management, supportive bedding, joint support, continued mental stimulation, and routine wellness monitoring. Because the breed often remains emotionally connected and mentally alert throughout life, continued companionship and purposeful interaction remain especially important even during old age.

With attentive care, preventive veterinary support, responsible breeding, and a healthy lifestyle, many Pharaoh Hounds continue to thrive as affectionate, athletic, and highly devoted companions throughout their lives.

Is This Breed Right for You?

The Pharaoh Hound is an intelligent, athletic, and highly affectionate sighthound known for its graceful appearance, speed, and strong bond with its family. Originally developed for hunting rabbits and small game, the Pharaoh Hound thrives when given exercise, companionship, structure, and opportunities to stay mentally and physically engaged.

While affectionate and adaptable, the Pharaoh Hound is not the ideal fit for every household. Here’s a quick overview to help you decide:

✔ Ideal for:

• Active owners who enjoy hiking and outdoor activities
• Families seeking an intelligent and interactive companion
• People able to provide regular exercise and mental stimulation
• Owners interested in lure coursing or canine sports
• Homes willing to provide companionship and structure

❌ Not Ideal for:

• People unable to provide regular exercise and engagement
• Homes where the dog will frequently be isolated or inactive
• Owners unprepared for strong prey drive
• People seeking a highly obedient off-leash companion
• Homes unwilling to provide training and supervision

Finding a Responsible Breeder or Rescue

If you’re interested in bringing a dog of this breed into your home, consider adopting from a rescue organization or finding a reputable breeder.

Find a Reliable Rescue:

Read our page about how to adopt from a reliable dog rescue.

Find reliable rescues through our Dog Rescue Directory.

Find a Responsible Breeder:

Read our information page about buying a healthy puppy from a responsible breeder.

Find responsible breeders through our Dog Breeders Directory.

Puppy Considerations

Pharaoh Hound puppies are playful, curious, and highly energetic from an early age. Early socialization and positive reinforcement training are extremely important to help puppies develop confidence, emotional stability, and appropriate behavior.

Because these puppies mature into athletic and highly alert hunting dogs, early structure and healthy outlets for their energy are especially important. Their intelligence, curiosity, and prey drive often become obvious very early in development.

Puppies benefit from:

• Early socialization with people, dogs, sounds, and environments
• Positive reinforcement training and structured routines
• Daily exercise and mentally stimulating activities
• Confidence-building exercises and interactive play
• Consistent boundaries and positive behavioral guidance

Because Pharaoh Hound puppies are emotionally sensitive and highly intelligent, calm leadership and consistent training are especially important during development.

Living With a Pharaoh Hound

Living with a Pharaoh Hound is often rewarding for owners who appreciate affectionate, intelligent, and highly interactive companion dogs. These dogs generally form strong bonds with their families and often enjoy participating in outdoor adventures and active household routines.

The Pharaoh Hound requires regular physical exercise and mental stimulation to remain healthy and emotionally balanced. Many enjoy lure coursing, hiking, scent games, puzzle toys, obedience work, and interactive play with their families.

This breed generally does best in homes where it receives companionship, structure, training, and opportunities to stay mentally occupied. Without enough engagement or exercise, boredom may lead to anxiety, destructive behavior, excessive barking, or emotional frustration.

Although affectionate and social with family members, Pharaoh Hounds may naturally become intensely focused when chasing moving objects or wildlife. Early socialization and responsible ownership are important for helping the breed develop into a confident and manageable adult.

Feeding a balanced, high-quality diet and maintaining a healthy weight are important for supporting endurance, mobility, muscle condition, orthopedic wellness, and overall quality of life. Routine veterinary care, exercise, training, grooming, and companionship all contribute to helping the breed thrive.

Final Thoughts…

The Pharaoh Hound is an affectionate, intelligent, and deeply loyal sighthound that thrives with owners who appreciate athletic companionship and close emotional connection. Their elegance, speed, and devotion make them remarkable companions in the right homes.

With proper exercise, preventive care, socialization, training, grooming, and companionship, the Pharaoh Hound can become a deeply rewarding and highly devoted lifelong companion.

Are you considering adding a Pharaoh Hound to your family?

🐶 Pharaoh Hound FAQs

How long do Pharaoh Hounds live?

Pharaoh Hounds typically have a lifespan of about 12 to 14 years. With proper nutrition, regular exercise, and routine veterinary care, many enjoy long, healthy lives.

This breed is generally healthy but may be prone to certain inherited conditions such as joint issues or sensitivity to anesthesia. Regular health checkups support long-term wellbeing.

What is the Pharaoh Hound temperament like?

Pharaoh Hounds are known for being intelligent, affectionate, and playful. They are sensitive dogs with a gentle and friendly nature.

They tend to form strong bonds with their families and enjoy interactive play. Early socialization helps ensure confidence and balanced behavior.

Are Pharaoh Hounds good family dogs?

Pharaoh Hounds make excellent family dogs for active households. They are affectionate with family members and often do well with respectful children.

They generally thrive in environments where they receive regular exercise and companionship. Supervision supports positive family interactions.

Do Pharaoh Hounds shed a lot?

Pharaoh Hounds are low shedders due to their short, fine coat. Shedding is minimal and easy to manage.

Occasional brushing helps remove loose hair and keeps the coat healthy. Grooming needs are minimal compared to many breeds.

Are Pharaoh Hounds easy to train?

Pharaoh Hounds are intelligent but can be independent thinkers. Training works best when it is positive and engaging.

Gentle, consistent methods and short sessions help maintain focus. Harsh training techniques are not recommended for this sensitive breed.

Similar Breeds You Might Like

If you’re interested in the Pharaoh Hound, you may also enjoy learning about these similar sighthound breeds:

• Ibizan Hound – A close relative known for elegance and athletic ability.
• Greyhound – A fast, gentle sighthound with a calm demeanor.
• Whippet – A smaller sighthound valued for speed and affectionate nature.

🐾 Lisa’s Picks for Pharaoh Hounds

As someone who has worked with dogs for over 50 years—including more than 20 years helping with housebreaking and everyday care—I’m often asked for product recommendations. I’ve found that a few simple items can make a big difference in a dog’s comfort and daily routine.

If you have a Pharaoh Hound or are planning to bring one into your home, these products and tips can help support your journey together.

🛏️ 1. Dog Beds

👉 My Tip:  Waterproof Bed Protection (My Personal Favorite Trick)

One thing I personally do is use twin-size waterproof mattress covers over larger dog beds. They’re easy to wash, protect the bed beneath, and save money long-term—especially helpful for puppies, seniors, or heavy shedders. You can find different colors and patterns that fit your decor.

For tiny dog beds, you can use waterproof pillow covers that fit over the beds to protect them and save money long-term.

I use the same idea around the house, too. Washable, waterproof couch covers are a simple way to protect furniture from dirt, shedding, and accidents—especially helpful with puppies, seniors, or dogs that love the couch.

* Orthopedic Foam Dog Beds:
A high-quality orthopedic bed is one of the best investments you can make for your dog. I recommend these for every breed, once they are out of the chewing stage, especially as they age. They provide joint support, improve comfort, and help dogs truly rest.

* Tough Dog Beds for Dogs That Chew:
If your dog tends to chew or destroy their bedding, a standard plush bed may not last long. In these cases, I recommend tough, chew-resistant dog beds made with reinforced materials.
These are designed to hold up better against digging, scratching, and chewing, and can save you from constantly replacing beds. While no bed is completely indestructible, choosing a more durable option can make a big difference.

* Puppies need Simple Washable Bedding:
For young puppies that are still learning house training, I often suggest starting with simple, washable blankets instead of an expensive dog bed.
Thick towels, fleece throws, or washable pads work very well during this stage. They’re easy to clean, quick to replace, and help protect your main dog beds until your puppy is more reliable. Once house training is more consistent, you can transition to a more permanent, supportive bed.

✂️ 2. Proper Grooming Tools for the Pharaoh Hound Coat

Pharaoh Hounds have a short, fine coat that is very easy to maintain, but regular grooming helps keep the coat and skin healthy.

A soft brush or rubber grooming brush works well to remove loose hair and keep the coat clean, while a grooming mitt can help distribute natural oils and maintain the breed’s sleek appearance and healthy shine. A metal comb may be used lightly for detail work if needed.

Pharaoh Hounds are light shedders, and occasional brushing helps control loose hair while keeping the coat in excellent condition. Because of their fine coat and sensitive skin, gentle grooming products and soft brushes are usually best.

Regular brushing:

• Helps control loose hair
• Keeps the coat clean and glossy
• Maintains healthy skin

🦴 3. Treats (Great for All Dogs)

• Jerky Treats for Dogs: Almost all dogs love soft, easy-to-break NATURAL jerky treats. They’re perfect for rewarding good behavior without overfeeding. Soft jerky treats provide protein and are easy to chew.
  
  
• Tiny Treats for Small Dogs
  For small dogs, I recommend using very tiny, NATURAL training treats that are soft and easy to chew. This lets you reward often without overfeeding.

• Stronger Chew Treats for Larger Dogs
  Dogs that enjoy a more robust chewing experience will benefit from stronger chew treats. Some larger dogs may still go through them quickly, while others will take more time—so it often depends on the individual dog.

👉 My Tip: Check Ingredient Labels

I always recommend checking the ingredient label when choosing treats at the store. Dogs don’t need added sugar or artificial ingredients, and some treats can upset their stomach or cause diarrhea. Look for all-natural ingredient labels, and single ingredient or few ingredient labels are preferred.

It’s important to note that even among the same breed, some dogs enjoy chewing more than others, and many have preferences for certain types of chews. If you notice bleeding gums during chewing, it’s a good idea to have your dog examined by a veterinarian to rule out any dental issues.

🧠 4. Enrichment Toys for Mental Stimulation

Pharaoh Hounds are active, so giving them something to do is important.

An enrichment toy can help:

• Prevent boredom
• Reduce unwanted behaviors
• Keep their mind engaged

When choosing an enrichment toy, think about your dog’s personality and needs. Some dogs love puzzle toys and mental challenges, while others are happier with something they can chew or carry around.

🐕 5. Safe, Comfortable Harness, Collar & Leash

From my experience, choosing the right walking gear can make a big difference in both safety and control. Some harnesses and collars are designed to help prevent dogs from slipping out, which is especially important for strong or easily startled dogs, and those are the types I personally recommend for safety.

Harness: A quality, comfortable properly fitted harness can make walks more comfortable and easier to manage—especially for dogs that tend to pull or get excited outdoors. If you have a dog that tries to wiggle out of their harness, search for an “escape proof” harness that has an extra strap towards the back.

Collar: I use and prefer safety martingale collars, as they can help prevent dogs from backing out of their collar while still being more gentle than traditional collars when used correctly.

Leash: Choose a lightweight leash for small dogs and a sturdier, heavier leash for larger dogs to ensure good control. Nylon leashes are strong and long-lasting. Some leashes also include a comfortable padded handle.

👉 My Tip: Avoid Retractable Leashes

I don’t recommend retractable leashes, as they can break and tangle easily and create safety issues and tripping hazards.

💡 Lisa’s Tip:

You don’t need a lot of products to care for a dog well… just the right ones. Focus on comfort, consistency, and routine, and you’ll make life easier for both you and your dog.

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Learn more about responsible dog ownership, dog health and daily care:

• Dog Rescue: Adopt a Dog Only From Reliable Rescues
• Choosing a Healthy Puppy from a Dog Breeder
• Healthy Diets
• Bathing, Ear, Teeth and Nail Care
• Senior Dog Guide
• Browse all dog breeds in our complete alphabetical dog breeds directory.