Introduction to the Pharaoh Hound

I think it's fair to say that the Pharaoh Hound only exists today because of their hunting ability, they are very, very good at it. The Maltese only kept and bred from the best hunters. This is, I think, the main reason why after being in the country for nigh on 30 years they are still quite rare. They hunt with all their senses, so don't have to see or hear anything to disappear as soon as they are let off the lead. They are very fast and seem to be gone in a trice but they always come back to see where you are, it's almost like they can't understand why you're not joining in.

In the KC description above, you will have noticed that the word 'Alert' was used 3 times in those few lines. They make excellent guards reacting very quickly to a strange sound. On Malta they were often confined to the flat roofs of the farmhouses where they had a good view, alerting the farmers to the approach of visitors.

They love being with their people and don't do well as permanent kennel dogs, most living in the home or kennelled part-time. When they first came to the UK prospective owners were told that they couldn't be let off the lead, but this attitude has changed slowly over the years. There are Pharaohs with the Kennel Clubs 'Good Citizen' obedience certificates from bronze up to gold. Some UK Pharaohs are competing in agility and in the USA there are several agility and coursing champions too.

Pharaohs are a healthy breed and could be described as an easy care dog with their short glossy coats and little, if no undercoat. A good brush a few times a week will keep their coats in good condition. They have little body odour of their own but like all animals will take on the smell of their surroundings. Not a fussy eater, he does well on most foods. Owning one is relatively easy as long as you have a well fenced garden and the time to devote to giving them plenty of exercise and stimulating the mind of this very intelligent hound.

So there you have it, if you like a challenge and looking for a fun dog to own these are for you but you must have an extremely good sense of humour to go with it. The Kennel Club doesn't mention the Pharaoh's ability to smile and even to blush, which they will do when they're pleased to see you and equally if you've caught them doing something naughty (which, if left to their own devices, will be all the time).