Pharaoh Hound FAQ
The Pharaoh Hound originated in ancient Egypt. It is thought to have been brought from Egypt by the Phoenicians when they settled on the Mediterranean islands of Malta and Gozo where the Pharaoh Hounds have existed for over 2,000 years.
On Malta, the breed is known as "Kelb tal-Fenek" (dog of the rabbit) and even today, plays an important role in the life of the Maltese sportsmen. The island of Malta is extremely rocky and stone walls divide the farmer’s fields. The hounds are normally hunted in teams, who have learned to work together to bring down the elusive rabbits. The rabbits usually take refuge inside the rubble walls. The hunters then utilize the aid of a ferret, which wears a small bell around its neck. The ferret is released at the point marked by the hounds. One hound is allowed to follow the movement of the ferret by the sound of the bell. If the rabbit has gone into a crevice in the rocks, all possible escape routes are covered with a net, which traps the rabbit when it bolts.
Hunting, most often, takes place at night and the dogs untiringly pursue their prey for many hours. Their keen sense of both sight and hearing, coupled with their natural strength and endurance, makes them better suited to this task than any other breed. Occasionally, the dogs are used to herd goats and sheep on Malta's sister island of Gozo. Some are used to retrieve birds as well. The Kelb tal-Fenek was declared the National dog of Malta and in 1977.
The Pharaoh Hound is a medium sized dog weighing between 40 to 60 pounds with an average height of 25 inches at the withers for a male and 23 inches for a female. They are clean dog with short odor-free coat that requires very little grooming. They make a wonderful watchdog as they are very observant and possesses keen eyesight and an acute hearing, and will bark promptly at the approach of strangers, but being a very active dog, they are not a good candidate for apartment living unless it’s owner is prepared to give him plenty of daily exercise.
Generally speaking, Pharaoh Hounds are described as aloof. Curious but cautious, with strangers, yet friendly, affectionate and playful with it’s owners and others that they are familiar with. Pharaohs are independent, intelligent and strong willed which may pose a challenge to those who are looking to compete in the obedience ring.
Pharaohs are playful and enjoy children that they know, but may be leery to those that they are not familiar with. Being a sight hound, they are prone to chasing anything that moves, thus they should not be let off the leash unless it is in a safe area. They can travel far away from you if they see or smell a “game” because they never loose their instinct to hunt alone.
Pharaoh Hound is one of the few breeds of dogs that blush. Their nose and ears turns a rosy color when excited.
For additional information, please visit the Pharaoh Hound Club of America website at www.pharaohhca.com and the American Kennel club website at www.akc.org.
The Pharaoh Hound originated in ancient Egypt. It is thought to have been brought from Egypt by the Phoenicians when they settled on the Mediterranean islands of Malta and Gozo where the Pharaoh Hounds have existed for over 2,000 years.
On Malta, the breed is known as "Kelb tal-Fenek" (dog of the rabbit) and even today, plays an important role in the life of the Maltese sportsmen. The island of Malta is extremely rocky and stone walls divide the farmer’s fields. The hounds are normally hunted in teams, who have learned to work together to bring down the elusive rabbits. The rabbits usually take refuge inside the rubble walls. The hunters then utilize the aid of a ferret, which wears a small bell around its neck. The ferret is released at the point marked by the hounds. One hound is allowed to follow the movement of the ferret by the sound of the bell. If the rabbit has gone into a crevice in the rocks, all possible escape routes are covered with a net, which traps the rabbit when it bolts.
Hunting, most often, takes place at night and the dogs untiringly pursue their prey for many hours. Their keen sense of both sight and hearing, coupled with their natural strength and endurance, makes them better suited to this task than any other breed. Occasionally, the dogs are used to herd goats and sheep on Malta's sister island of Gozo. Some are used to retrieve birds as well. The Kelb tal-Fenek was declared the National dog of Malta and in 1977.
The Pharaoh Hound is a medium sized dog weighing between 40 to 60 pounds with an average height of 25 inches at the withers for a male and 23 inches for a female. They are clean dog with short odor-free coat that requires very little grooming. They make a wonderful watchdog as they are very observant and possesses keen eyesight and an acute hearing, and will bark promptly at the approach of strangers, but being a very active dog, they are not a good candidate for apartment living unless it’s owner is prepared to give him plenty of daily exercise.
Generally speaking, Pharaoh Hounds are described as aloof. Curious but cautious, with strangers, yet friendly, affectionate and playful with it’s owners and others that they are familiar with. Pharaohs are independent, intelligent and strong willed which may pose a challenge to those who are looking to compete in the obedience ring.
Pharaohs are playful and enjoy children that they know, but may be leery to those that they are not familiar with. Being a sight hound, they are prone to chasing anything that moves, thus they should not be let off the leash unless it is in a safe area. They can travel far away from you if they see or smell a “game” because they never loose their instinct to hunt alone.
Pharaoh Hound is one of the few breeds of dogs that blush. Their nose and ears turns a rosy color when excited.
For additional information, please visit the Pharaoh Hound Club of America website at www.pharaohhca.com and the American Kennel club website at www.akc.org.