Description: Pharaoh Hound
The Pharaoh Hound, one of the oldest domesticated dog breeds, typically characterized by its noble and elegant appearance, is believed to have its origins in ancient Egypt. Exhibiting a sleek, slim body and a striking reddish-brown coat, this breed stands out with its large, pointy ears and expressive amber eyes. Known for their intelligence, agility, and friendly demeanor, Pharaoh Hounds possess a unique blend of enthusiasm and calmness, making them suitable for families and active individuals alike. They are especially noted for their loyalty and affection towards their owners. This breed thrives in environments where they can exercise and engage in playful activities, reflecting their hunting heritage.
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Properties
The Pharaoh Hound, known for its refined and elegant appearance, is one of the oldest domesticated dog breeds, often associated with the ancient Egyptian pharaohs. This breed is in fact more closely native to Malta, where it is known as Kelb tal-Fenek and considered a national symbol.
The Pharaoh Hound possesses a striking appearance marked by its lean and muscular build, large upright ears, and luminous amber eyes, which seem to glow in the dark. These characteristics not only reflect the breed's noble history but also contribute to its athleticism and agility. Typically, they stand about 21 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 45 to 55 pounds.
One of the unique features of the Pharaoh Hound is its 'blush' - when excited or happy, its nose and ears can flush pink, adding to its expressive nature. The breed's short, glossy coat can range from tan to chestnut, and requires minimal grooming, making it relatively low-maintenance compared to other breeds.
Pharaoh Hounds are known for their intelligence and can be trained with relative ease, making them suitable for various canine sports such as lure coursing, obedience, and agility competitions. However, they do have a high prey drive, a vestige of their origin as hunting dogs, which necessitates careful socialization and training from an early age. Furthermore, their sensitive and alert nature makes them excellent watchdogs, though they are typically friendly towards strangers.
The breed is generally healthy, with a life expectancy of about 12 to 14 years. Some common health issues to watch for include allergies, sensitivity to anesthetics, and hereditary health issues like hip dysplasia.
Providing the Pharaoh Hound with daily physical and mental exercise is crucial as they are a breed with high energy levels. A fence is highly recommended as they can jump high and may tend to chase small animals due to their hunting instincts. In terms of companionship, Pharaoh Hounds are affectionate and bond closely with their families, often seen cuddling with their humans after a day full of activity.
Ultimately, the Pharaoh Hound combines elegance and endurance, making it a beloved companion for those who appreciate its history and can cater to its dynamic needs.
Appearance
The Pharaoh Hound, known also by its indigenous name 'Kelb tal-Fenek', features a distinct and elegant appearance that hails from ancient times, with depictions resembling this breed found in Egyptian artifacts. This breed possesses a graceful, athletic build, standing 21 to 25 inches at the shoulder and weighing roughly 45 to 55 pounds.
One of its most striking and talked-about characteristics is its coat color — a rich, tan or chestnut, which is always sleek and short, providing an excellent view of the breed's lithe body structure. Their skin is tight over the fine-boned structure, accentuating the muscular build which is without excess bulkiness, allowing for their famed speed and agility.
The head of the Pharaoh Hound is one of its most aristocratic features, long and finely chiseled, with only a slight stop between the forehead and the muzzle. They have expressive, amber eyes that convey a keen, intelligent look. The large ears are another characteristic trait, alert and very mobile, capable of pointing forward giving them that quintessential alert expression.
One of the unique aspects of the Pharaoh Hound is its ability to blush when excited, with the nose and the insides of the ears turning a deep rose color. This blushing feature is not only endearing but also unique among dog breeds.
The body of the Pharaoh Hound is almost square, and they move with a free and flowing gait. The tail is another expressive part of their body, carried high when in motion, further emphasizing their joyous and active nature. Their physical structure supports their stamina and speed, making them excellent hunters, as they were originally bred for chasing game over the Maltese countryside.
Overall, the Pharaoh Hound presents a picture of an elegant but sturdy hunter, capable of quick bursts of speed. Their appearance not only reflects their rich history but also their functionality as a breed adept at hunting and companionship. Their distinct appearance and endearing personality traits make them a beautiful and faithful companion in homes around the world.
History
The Pharaoh Hound, known as Kelb tal-Fenek in Maltese, which translates to 'rabbit dog,' is an ancient breed that has graced humankind with its presence for thousands of years. Considered one of the oldest domesticated dog breeds, their likenesses are found in ancient Egyptian artifacts dating back to 4000 B.C. The breed's appearance in Egyptian art and its resemblance to the god Anubis, who is depicted with a similar slender body and erect ears, solidifies their place in history.
Despite their name, the breed is actually native to Malta, where it was transported from Egypt by Phoenician traders. In Malta, the Pharaoh Hound has been a valuable hunting companion, especially adept at hunting rabbits in rocky terrain. This activity is where the breed's Maltese name, 'rabbit dog,' comes from. The dog’s keen sense of sight and smell makes it an exceptional hunter. Its athletic build allows it to perform with great speed and agility.
The breed was relatively unknown outside of Malta until the 1960s. It was then that it began to gain popularity in other parts of the world, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. The Pharaoh Hound was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1983, in the Hound group. Since then, the breed has slowly but steadily attracted admirers and has become not only a companion animal but also a competitor in dog sports such as lure coursing.
Despite its ancient origins, the Pharaoh Hound has retained much of its primitive instincts and appearance. The breed is known for its rich red coat, tall, erect ears, and amber eyes that glow with a red hue when excited—a trait that has led many to believe it is blushing. This unique feature, along with its athletic nature and friendly disposition, continues to endear the Pharaoh Hound to those lucky enough to know it. Although it is still one of the more rare breeds, its remarkable history and engaging characteristics ensure that it will be cherished for many years to come.