Pharaoh Hound Dog Breed Information: Traits, Facts, Care & More

This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Aukse Caraite, DVM.

Scientific Classification

History and Origin

The Pharaoh Hound traces its origins to the Mediterranean island of Malta, where it was developed as an agile hunting dog prized for speed, endurance, and keen eyesight. Although often associated with the dogs of ancient Egypt because of its striking appearance, the modern breed evolved in Malta, where it became known as the Kelb tal-Fenek, or “rabbit dog.” It was traditionally used to hunt rabbits across rocky terrain and remains Malta’s national dog.

By the 19th and early 20th centuries, Pharaoh Hounds continued to serve as dependable working companions in rural Malta while gradually attracting interest from dog enthusiasts abroad. The breed was introduced to Britain during the mid-1900s, where careful breeding preserved its athletic build, elegant outline, and alert temperament. International recognition soon followed as dedicated fanciers established breeding programs outside its homeland.

Historically, the breed’s story reflects a remarkable journey: from a skilled Mediterranean hunting dog to a refined yet capable companion admired worldwide. The Pharaoh Hound gained wider recognition during the 20th century and was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1984. Today’s Pharaoh Hound is the result of Maltese heritage, centuries of functional breeding, careful preservation, and modern kennel-club standards.

Appearance

The Pharaoh Hound possesses a graceful athleticism and refined elegance that gives it a noble, alert appearance despite its lean frame. With its sleek short coat, long-legged build, large upright ears, and distinctive amber eyes, Pharaoh Hounds are striking sighthounds known for their balanced proportions, effortless movement, and naturally dignified expression.

1. Body Build

Pharaoh Hounds have a lean, athletic, and well-balanced body with a deep chest and tucked-up waist. Their medium-sized frame is built for speed and endurance, giving them a graceful, effortless gait. Fine bones and defined muscles create an elegant silhouette without sacrificing strength or agility.

2. Coat Type

The Pharaoh Hound has a short, fine coat made up of smooth, close-fitting hair with little to no undercoat. This sleek covering enhances the breed’s streamlined outline and requires minimal grooming. The coat has a naturally glossy finish that highlights the dog’s refined physique.

3. Coat Colors

Pharaoh Hounds are primarily seen in shades of tan, chestnut, and rich reddish-gold. White markings are commonly accepted on the chest, toes, tail tip, and sometimes as a narrow facial blaze. Their simple, solid coloring contributes to the breed’s clean and elegant appearance.

4. Facial Markings

Facial markings are typically minimal, though some Pharaoh Hounds display a white blaze on the forehead or muzzle. Large upright ears, amber eyes, and a long, refined muzzle create an alert, intelligent expression. Their distinctive “smile” and ability to blush add to their unique appearance.

5. Chest Markings

The chest often features a clearly defined white patch, which is a desirable characteristic of the breed. This marking contrasts with the rich tan or chestnut coat while preserving the Pharaoh Hound’s sleek outline. The chest remains lean and athletic rather than heavily feathered or broad.

6. Tail

The Pharaoh Hound’s tail is medium-long, tapering, and carried low at rest with a gentle upward curve when alert or moving. It complements the dog’s balanced silhouette without curling tightly over the back. The tail is smooth, elegant, and expressive in motion.

7. Ears

Pharaoh Hound ears are large, erect, and set high on the head. They are broad at the base and pointed at the tips, giving the breed its unmistakable alert expression. Highly mobile, the ears quickly respond to sounds and changing surroundings.

8. Eyes

Their eyes are oval, moderately deep-set, and amber, blending harmoniously with the coat. Pharaoh Hounds have a warm, intelligent, and attentive gaze that reflects their gentle yet alert temperament. The eyes become especially expressive during play and interaction.

9. Nose

The nose is flesh-colored or pinkish-brown, matching the dog’s coat rather than being black. It is medium-sized, refined, and proportionate to the long muzzle. Together with the ears and amber eyes, it contributes to the breed’s distinctive, elegant profile.

10. Feet

Pharaoh Hound feet are compact, strong, and slightly oval with well-arched toes. Thick pads provide excellent traction and durability for running across rocky or uneven terrain. Their feet are built for speed, agility, and efficient movement.

11. Overall Expression

Pharaoh Hounds have a noble, alert, and intelligent expression. Their combination of large upright ears, amber eyes, refined features, and naturally graceful posture creates an appearance of elegance and confidence. Their unique ability to “smile” and blush gives the breed an especially endearing and memorable character.

Photo Gallery

Pharaoh Hound Traits & Characteristics

Pharaoh Hounds are graceful, intelligent, and full of energy. Despite their elegant appearance, they are playful, affectionate, and often form strong bonds with their families. They tend to be alert companions with a keen hunting instinct, sensitive to their surroundings, and thrive on positive interaction. Pharaoh Hounds are gentle, independent, loyal, and athletic, but they can also be reserved with strangers. Their active nature makes them wonderful companions, though they do best with regular exercise, patient training, and early socialization.

Core Traits

The further out a point is along a spoke, the stronger that trait is in the breed (on a scale of 1 to 10).

Remember: Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.

Complete Traits Overview

Exercise & Activity Breakdown

Pharaoh Hounds are energetic and athletic sighthounds with a playful, intelligent nature. While they enjoy relaxing with their families indoors, they require regular daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and prevent boredom, anxiety, or unwanted behaviors such as chasing or destructive chewing.

• Puppy (0–12 months): At this stage, Pharaoh Hound puppies are curious, active, and eager to learn. Short play sessions, early socialization, and positive obedience training lay the foundation for good manners. Activities like chase games, basic fetch, and early interactive games help build confidence and focus.

• Adult (1–6 years): Adult Pharaoh Hounds thrive on long walks, secure off-leash running, canine sports, and mentally stimulating activities. Puzzle toys, lure coursing, obedience work, and agility training help satisfy both their physical energy and intelligent minds.

• Senior (7+ years): As they age, Pharaoh Hounds may slow down but still benefit from daily walks and moderate play sessions to maintain muscle tone and mobility. Low-impact enrichment games and a consistent routine support their overall physical health and emotional well-being.

Nutrition

Pharaoh Hounds need a high-quality diet that matches their life stage (e.g., puppy, adult, senior). As an active, medium-sized breed with a lean physique, it's important to feed them food specifically formulated for active or medium breed dogs to support muscle maintenance, sustained energy, and overall health.

These diets should include a balanced blend of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients to support joint function, skin and coat health, and immune function. Because Pharaoh Hounds are athletic and naturally lean, portion control and high-quality protein sources are important for maintaining ideal body condition. As they age, a diet rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine can help preserve mobility and cognitive function. Read our “"Best Pharaoh Hound Dog Food Guide" to explore targeted nutrition tips and top food recommendations.

Common Health Issues

Pharaoh Hounds are generally healthy, athletic dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain inherited and age-related health conditions. Common concerns may include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), allergies, bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), and sensitivity to certain anesthetics due to their low body fat. Understanding these risks can help owners recognize early warning signs, schedule routine veterinary checkups, and make informed decisions about diet, exercise, preventive care, and long-term health management.

*HYPO: Hypoglycemia
*SZ: Seizures

Recommended Health Tests for Pharaoh Hounds

Routine veterinary exams and breed-appropriate screenings are important for early detection and prevention.

Proactive health care, proper nutrition, and regular veterinary checkups can help ensure your Pharaoh Hound enjoys a long, active, and healthy life as your loyal companion.

💡 Due to this breed's susceptibility to certain inherited and age-related health conditions, we recommend considering pet insurance and a wellness plan to help manage unexpected veterinary expenses. This can provide financial peace of mind while ensuring your dog receives timely, high-quality care. Check out our best pet insurance and best pet wellness guides to find a suitable plan for your pet.

Care Requirements

Pharaoh Hound Dog Trainability

Pharaoh Hounds are intelligent, observant, and athletic companion dogs. While they learn quickly, their independent nature and sensitive temperament can make training both rewarding and occasionally challenging. Consistent, structured training using clear communication, patience, and rewards is essential. They respond well to praise, treats, and engaging activities—especially when training sessions are kept short, upbeat, and mentally stimulating.

When compared to many other breeds, Pharaoh Hounds benefit from calm leadership, early socialization, and reward-based training. Their intelligence and natural curiosity flourish in environments where learning is enjoyable and encouraging. With patience, consistency, and mutual trust, they develop into confident, well-mannered, and dependable companions.

Intelligence

According to canine psychologist Stanley Coren (author of The Intelligence of Dogs - View on Amazon), dog intelligence can be broken down into three types:

1. Instinctive Intelligence – What a dog is bred to do (herding, guarding, retrieving).
2. Adaptive Intelligence – A dog’s ability to solve problems and learn from the environment.
3. Working & Obedience Intelligence – How quickly a dog learns commands and obeys them.

IQ Comparison

Pharaoh Hounds are known for their keen intelligence and exceptional problem-solving ability, especially in environments that encourage positive reinforcement, exploration, and active engagement. Though independent by nature, they score well in instinctive and adaptive intelligence thanks to their ability to assess situations quickly, learn through experience, and respond efficiently when properly motivated. Their sharp minds and athleticism make them excel at lure coursing, agility, scent games, and advanced obedience, often thriving when training remains varied and rewarding.

Pharaoh Hounds perform best when training is built around trust and encouragement. While their independent streak may require extra patience from novice owners, they're intelligent learners who respond exceptionally well to calm, consistent guidance. Their natural awareness, adaptability, and eagerness to work with trusted handlers place them among the more capable and versatile sighthound breeds.

Breeding

Pharaoh Hounds are prized for their elegance, intelligence, and affectionate temperament. Like many purebred dogs, however, they can be predisposed to inherited health conditions such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), hypothyroidism, and certain eye disorders. This makes responsible breeding essential. Ethical breeders should perform appropriate health screenings and selective breeding practices to reduce the risk of passing on hereditary conditions. Proper spacing between litters is important to protect the health of both the dam and puppies, and only physically healthy, mentally stable Pharaoh Hounds should be bred.

• Age: Pharaoh Hounds should not be bred until they are fully mature—typically between 18 and 24 months of age.
• Litter size: A typical Pharaoh Hound litter includes 6–8 puppies.
• Temperament: Breeding dogs should have sound temperaments—gentle, intelligent, and confident, without signs of aggression, fearfulness, or excessive nervousness.

Is The Pharaoh Hound A Good Family Dog?

If the conditions below align with your lifestyle, activity level, and living situation, a Pharaoh Hound could be an excellent companion for your family. Otherwise, you may want to consider other breeds that better match your needs.

✅ = Ideal / Strong Match | ⚠️ = Needs Consideration | ❌ = Not Recommended

Perfect Owner Profile for a Pharaoh Hound

The perfect Pharaoh Hound owner is someone who enjoys an active lifestyle and appreciates an intelligent, athletic companion. Pharaoh Hounds are best suited for people who can provide daily exercise, positive training, and regular mental stimulation. They thrive with owners who can offer secure outdoor space, gentle leadership, and consistent routines while respecting the breed's sensitive and independent nature.

A Pharaoh Hound is an excellent fit for active singles, couples, or families with respectful children who enjoy spending time outdoors. The ideal owner should be patient, attentive, and committed to regular walks, play, and enrichment activities. While they adapt well to family life, they do best with owners who understand their strong prey drive, provide secure fencing, and build a trusting relationship through positive reinforcement.

Annual Cost of Ownership

Best Places to Get A Pharaoh Hound

Online marketplaces: For pre-screened, healthy puppies, Pawrade and PuppySpot are recommended resources that offer puppies from reputable U.S. breeders.

Rescue shelters: While Pharaoh Hounds are uncommon in local shelters, rescue opportunities do occasionally arise. Check breed-specific rescue organizations, local animal shelters, and sighthound rescue groups for available dogs. Online communities and adoption networks can also be valuable resources.

Breeders: Finding a reputable Pharaoh Hound breeder can be challenging due to the breed's relative rarity and limited number of responsible breeders. Start by searching within your region, but be prepared to travel if necessary. Always request health clearances, pedigree information, and veterinary records for both parents. The Pharaoh Hound Club of America breeder directory is an excellent resource for locating ethical, preservation-focused breeders.

Avoid breeders who:

• Don’t provide health clearances for both parents
• Don’t allow visits to meet the dogs or see their living conditions
• Have frequent litters with no waiting list
• Emphasize appearance over health and temperament

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources

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