Pharaoh Hounds are medium to large-sized dogs with a sleek, athletic build. Most of these dogs weigh 40 to 68 pounds and stand around 21 to 25 inches tall. Their elegant and lean physique contributes to their agility and speed, which are characteristic traits of the breed. Female Pharaoh Hounds tend to be about 21 to 24 inches tall. Pharaoh Hounds are often confused with Ibizan Hounds, which are taller, and Basenjis, which are smaller.

Pharaoh Hounds typically stop growing between 12 and 18 months old. However, they can continue to mature emotionally and develop muscle tone until they are around two years old. Make sure to provide your Pharaoh Hound puppy with balanced nutrition and exercise as they grow.

Pharaoh Hounds come in a variety of colors, including red, white, and tan. Red is the most classic color, often described as a rich, coppery shade. White Pharaoh Hounds usually have white markings on their chest, feet, neck, or face. Tan is less common but is also a recognized Pharaoh Hound shade. Their coats are short and smooth, enhancing their sleek appearance. 

Pharaoh Hounds are also sometimes called “Blushing Dogs” for their unique way of blushing when happy or excited. Among their distinguishing traits are their amber eyes, white-tipped tail, and ability to smile.

Pharaoh Hounds have low-shedding coats. Their short, smooth fur doesn’t tend to shed much, which makes them relatively easy to maintain compared to some other breeds. Regular brushing, about once a week, can help remove loose hairs and keep their coat healthy. While they do shed some, it’s usually not enough to be a major concern or cause for frequent cleaning. Heavier weekly brushing and regular baths can help keep your Pharaoh Hound’s coat smooth and clean.

Yes, Pharaoh Hounds can be great with kids, particularly when they’ve been properly socialized and introduced from a young age. They are generally affectionate, playful, and energetic, which can make them good companions for active families. Their gentle nature and patience with children often make them a good match. Your Pharaoh Hound will likely enjoy playing with kids for hours. 

As with any breed, it is recommended that your child is always supervised when interacting with your Pharaoh Hound to keep both the child and dog safe. Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs is crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child, as is teaching dogs how to interact gently with children.

Pharaoh Hounds were bred to chase small, furry animals such as rabbits, so they do not always make the best companions to cats they were not raised alongside. Pharaoh Hounds can get along well with cats, but it often depends on their individual temperament and early socialization. They love to give chase, so it’s best to supervise your Pharaoh Hound and your cat when they are together and possibly to separate them when you’re not home.

Pharaoh Hounds generally get along well with other dogs, especially when they are properly socialized from a young age. They are typically friendly and can be quite playful with their dog friends. Their social nature and energetic personality often make them good playmates for other dogs.

However, their strong prey drive and high energy levels can sometimes lead to spirited interactions. It’s important to monitor their play and ensure they have appropriate outlets for their energy to prevent any rough play or dominance issues. As with any breed, individual temperaments can vary, so gradual introductions and positive reinforcement can help foster good relationships with other dogs.

Pharaoh Hounds are not known for being excessive barkers, but they will bark to alert you to unusual situations or when someone approaches their territory. Their barking tends to be moderate and is often used to communicate or signal that something is happening. Make sure to teach your Pharaoh Hound when it’s okay to bark and when it’s not, or you may end up with a nuisance barker. If your dog’s needs are met, they should be quite satisfied and settled.

Yes, Pharaoh Hounds can make excellent family dogs. They are known for their affectionate and playful nature, which can be a great fit for families. They often enjoy being active and participating in family activities, and their intelligence and trainability make them adaptable to various living situations.

They tend to get along well with children and can be quite gentle and loving. However, like all dogs, they benefit from proper socialization and training to ensure they interact well with everyone in the household.

Pharaoh Hounds also require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy, so they do well in families that can provide them with plenty of activity and engagement. They are a happy breed who is fast, independent, athletic, and sensitive, like most hounds. Best suited to an active family who loves to jog, this breed needs daily physical activity. Pharaoh Hounds must be kept on-leash because they love to run and chase. Overall, their friendly disposition and loyalty make them a good choice for a family pet.

Pharaoh Hounds are generally considered to be fairly easy to train due to their intelligence and eagerness to please. They are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement techniques, such as praise, treats, and play. Their keen minds and natural curiosity make them quite receptive to training.

However, they can also be somewhat independent and stubborn, so consistent, patient training is important. Establishing clear commands and routines will help guide their behavior. Socialization from an early age is also beneficial to ensure they grow up to be well-adjusted and obedient. Also keep in mind that even if a certain dog breed is known to be easy to train, training any dog requires a long-term commitment.

Yes, Pharaoh Hounds are quite smart. They are known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities, which are traits that help them excel in various activities, from obedience training to agility courses. Their keen minds and quick learning skills make them adaptable and responsive to training.

Their intelligence is paired with a curious and active nature, which can keep them engaged and interested in learning new things. However, their independent streak means they might sometimes test boundaries, so consistent and positive reinforcement training is key to harnessing their smarts effectively. It may be a good idea to channel your Pharaoh Hound’s athleticism into a dog sport such as lure coursing or agility.

Yes, Pharaoh Hounds have quite an affectionate nature. They form strong bonds with their families and are often described as loving and loyal. They enjoy being close to their pet parents and can be quite cuddly and attentive, which makes them great as family pets.

Pharaoh Hounds thrive on human interaction and are typically eager to be involved in family activities. Their gentle and affectionate demeanor often makes them a good fit for households looking for a loving and engaging dog.

A healthy Pharaoh Hound will live between 12 and 14 years. They’re generally a healthy breed, especially when cared for with regular veterinary visits.

Despite their name, the modern Pharaoh Hound is actually from Malta, not Egypt. Brought by Phoenician traders to the Malta and Gozo Mediterranean islands around 2,000 years ago, this is the national dog of Malta. Today, this breed looks just as their ancestors were depicted in Egyptian tombs in hieroglyphics over 6,000 years ago.

Like most hound breeds, the Pharaoh Hound is quite healthy and free from most genetic disorders, but they may be susceptible to the following: 

• Anesthesia sensitivity: Because of their low body fat, Pharaoh hounds can be sensitive to anesthesia. Make sure your vet is aware that this sensitivity is common in Pharaoh hounds if your dog needs a procedure requiring anesthesia.

• Others: This breed may also be susceptible to allergies, hypothyroidism (a thyroid malfunction that results in low hormone production and could cause obesity), low energy, and a brittle coat.

No, Pharaoh Hounds are not hypoallergenic. While they do shed less than some breeds and have a short, smooth coat that may produce fewer allergens, no dog breed is completely hypoallergenic. People with allergies might still react to the dander, saliva, or urine of Pharaoh Hounds. 

If you have allergies but are interested in Pharaoh Hounds, it’s a good idea to spend time with the breed first to see if you have any allergic reactions. Regular grooming and cleaning can help manage allergens, but it’s important to understand that some level of reaction might still occur.

Pharaoh Hounds have a unique trait where their skin can appear to “blush” or become slightly flushed, especially on their ears and faces. This is due to their thin skin and the lack of an undercoat, which makes the blood vessels more visible. When they are excited, nervous, or even just after a good workout, you might notice this temporary change in their skin color.

This blushing effect is a distinctive characteristic of the breed and is often considered one of their charming features. It’s not related to health issues but rather to the breed’s natural physiology.