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  1. Expert Hub
  2. Dog Breeds
  3. Pharaoh Hound

Pharaoh Hound

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Find Pharaoh Hound Breeders Near You

Connect with certified breeders who have Pharaoh Hound puppies available.

Find Pharaoh Hound Breeders

Get to Know Pharaoh Hounds

  • Blushing Dog: Pharaoh Hounds are one of the only breeds that visibly blush—their nose and ears turn deep rose-pink when excited or happy.
  • Maltese National Dog: Despite the Egyptian-sounding name, the Pharaoh Hound is the national dog of Malta.
  • Triple Threat Hunter: They hunt using sight, scent, and hearing—an unusual combination among sighthound-type breeds.
  • Ancient Appearance: Their sleek, athletic build closely resembles dogs depicted in Egyptian tomb paintings over 4,000 years old.

Breed History

The Pharaoh Hound is the national dog of Malta, where it is called 'Kelb tal-Fenek' (rabbit dog). Despite its name, the breed was not developed in Egypt—the 'Pharaoh' name was given in the 1960s due to the breed's resemblance to dogs depicted in ancient Egyptian art. The breed was developed in Malta and Gozo over centuries for rabbit hunting using sight, scent, and hearing. The Pharaoh Hound is one of the oldest domesticated dog types. The AKC recognized the breed in 1983.

Personality and Behaviour

  • Affectionate & Loving: Pharaoh Hounds are warm, loving dogs that form deep bonds with their families.
  • Playful & Clownish: They have a fun-loving, playful nature and are known for their sense of humor and goofy antics.
  • Intelligent & Independent: They are smart but have typical sighthound independence. They think for themselves.
  • Active & Athletic: They are graceful, athletic dogs that enjoy running and need regular exercise.

Care

  • Exercise: About 45 to 60 minutes of daily exercise. They love running in safely fenced areas. Their prey drive makes off-leash running in open areas risky.
  • Grooming: Their short, glossy coat needs minimal grooming—a weekly wipe-down with a damp cloth is sufficient.
  • Diet: Feed a high-quality food for active medium-to-large breeds. They are lean dogs and should maintain an athletic build.
  • Health: Generally a healthy breed. Watch for hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, and sensitivity to anesthesia. Their thin coat means they are sensitive to cold weather.

Pharaoh Hound Summary

weight iconWeight
45-55 lbs
lifespan iconLifespan
12-14 yrs
exercise iconExercise
High
trainability iconTrainability
Moderate
temperament iconTemperament
Affectionate
Intelligent
Playful
Active
Noble
grooming iconGrooming
Low

How Much Does It Cost to Own a Pharaoh Hound Per Year?

Determining the cost of owning a Pharaoh Hound is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.

The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator

Pharaoh Hound sitting with a calculatorCalculate Now

Frequently Asked Questions About Pharaoh Hound

When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Pharaoh Hound puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.

You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:

  • Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Pharaoh Hound, and can I see the results?
  • What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
  • How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.

The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.

To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.

Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.

Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.

As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.

Whether a Pharaoh Hound is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.

Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.

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