A beautiful and graceful breed, the Pharaoh Hound is renowned for its athletic frame and graceful gaits. This ancient breed originated in Egypt, where its hunting prowess and loyalty won it admiration. Everywhere it goes, the Pharaoh Hound attracts attention with its sleek coat, alert ears, and expressive amber eyes.
The Pharaoh Hound is a playful and loving dog that builds close relationships with its family, despite its majestic appearance. They are ideal for active homes that take pleasure in outdoor activities because they are bright and vivacious. They do, however, have a sensitive side and require tactful handling as well as encouragement during training.
The Pharaoh Hound’s ability to "blush"—turn its ears and nose a deep shade of pink—when it gets excited is one of its most distinctive characteristics. With its lively personality and independent spirit, this endearing trait makes the Pharaoh Hound a truly unique breed. The Pharaoh Hound is a wonderful addition to any household, whether you’re searching for a devoted friend or an energetic running partner.
| Characteristic | Description |
| Origin | Malta |
| Size | Medium, around 21-25 inches tall |
| Weight | 45-55 pounds |
| Coat | Short and smooth |
| Color | Tan or chestnut with white markings |
| Temperament | Friendly, active, and intelligent |
| Exercise Needs | High, enjoys running and playing |
| Lifespan | 12-14 years |
- Breed characteristics
- Brief description of the breed
- What is the actual country of origin?
- What is the country of origin according to FCI?
- When the breed appeared?
- How long does it live?
- How much does a male weigh?
- How much does a female weigh?
- What is the height (height at the withers) of a male?
- What is the height (height at the withers) of a bitch?
- How much does a puppy cost with documents?
- What is the price of a puppy without documents?
- Video
- History of the origin of the pharaoh dogs
- Pharaoh Hound – breed description
- Popular colors of Pharaoh Hounds
- Character and habits of Pharaoh dogs
- Interesting facts about Pharaoh dogs
- Pros and cons of Pharaoh dogs
- Breeding Pharaoh Hounds
- Caring for Pharaoh Hounds
- Pharaoh Hound Diet
- Diseases and health problems
- Video on the topic
- Pharaionov Dog
- Interview with dog breeder Maria Obolenskaya | Dog breeding – business or science?
- For the first time I see – Faraoneov Dog!
- The secrets of the breed. Pharaionov Dog // #greetings
- Pharaionov Dog. Peculiarities. Care
- Pharaionov Dog. Planet of dogs 🌏 My planet
Breed characteristics
* Features of the breed Pharaoh Hound based on owner feedback and expert evaluations from Usatik.ru. Since the data is average, it might not accurately reflect the actions of a single person. Sadly, one cannot possibly consider every single one of a pet’s unique characteristics.
Brief description of the breed
What is the actual country of origin?
What is the country of origin according to FCI?
When the breed appeared?
How long does it live?
How much does a male weigh?
How much does a female weigh?
What is the height (height at the withers) of a male?
What is the height (height at the withers) of a bitch?
How much does a puppy cost with documents?
What is the price of a puppy without documents?
The Pharaoh Hound is an elite breed that is relatively uncommon, highly expensive, and whose origins are unknown. A sophisticated animal is a mark of genuine luxury and social status. Pharaoh dogs are known for being graceful, loyal to their master, and skilled hunters in addition to being dependable companions.
Video
Pharaoh Hound
- History of the origin of Pharaoh Hounds
- Pharaoh Hound – breed description
- Popular colors of Pharaoh Hounds
- Character and habits of Pharaoh Hounds
- Interesting facts about pharaoh hounds
- Pros and cons of pharaoh hounds
- Pharaoh hound breeding
- Pharaoh Hound Care
- Pharaoh"s diet
- Diseases and health problems
- Pharaionov Dog – price and how to buy correctly
History of the origin of the pharaoh dogs

The earliest known reference to the pharaoh dog dates to 1647 and was found in the manuscripts of a member of the Maltese Order. Although the breed got its start in Malta, despite its name, there is a story that these graceful creatures’ ancestors accompanied Egyptian pharaohs on their hunts. Many scientists believe that over a millennium ago, the ancestors of the pharaoh dogs arrived on Malta with the colonialists.
Many myths surround pharaoh dogs. One of these claims is that the god saved humanity by appearing as a fiery dog and then descended to earth to live among humans. This elegant creature is frequently likened to the appearance of the god Anubis. The dog’s exclusivity stems from the fact that its appearance has remained largely unchanged over many centuries of existence.
Interesting fact: Until the 20th century, Pharaoh Hounds were known only in Malta and thanks to this they were able to preserve their authenticity. They coexisted with humans for many hundreds of years, hunting small game and keeping watch over homes. The dog wasn’t brought to Europe until 1960, and it shot to international fame right away.
The Pharaoh Hound participated in its first exhibition, which was held in England in 1963. It was not until 1977 that the breed received official recognition, at which point selection also started and its standards were developed and approved. Since most Pharaoh Hound nurseries and breeders are based in the United States, this breed is currently most popular there. Malta takes great pride in this animal. In the world, there are only roughly 5,000 members of this ancient breed.
Pharaoh Hound – breed description

The Pharaoh Hound breed is archaic. Its representatives have only crossed paths with one another for over a millennium. This is a beautiful animal with a rather elongated body, the sexual characteristic of which is clearly expressed. Men are inherently stronger and more muscular. They weigh between 20 and 28 kg and can grow to a height of 57 to 60 cm. Females rarely weigh more than 53 cm and are shorter than males.
- A lean, but embossed body;
- The dog"s shoulders are tilted back, and the shoulder blades are slightly brought together;
- The head is wedge-shaped with an indistinct transition from the muzzle to the forehead;
- Large conical ears, which are located high;
- Strong jaws with pronounced cheekbones;
- The muzzle is elongated and narrowed towards the nose;
- The chest is voluminous;
- The neck is strong, quite high, has an elegant curve;
- The almond-shaped eyes are located far from each other, shallowly set;
- The limbs are muscular and strong, but rather thin and graceful;
- The tail is thin and whip-shaped.
Although the iris of an adult animal’s eyes is a vivid amber color, puppies’ eyes are always blue from birth. Depending on the dog’s emotional state, its nose may change color. Excited, it becomes a vivid pink color. This is not a defect or a departure from the accepted breed norm; rather, it is quite natural.
Pharaoh Hounds’ loud, shrill bark can be bothersome in a typical setting, but it can be very useful for hunting or in situations where the owner is in danger. The dog will startle all the neighbors with its howls and serenades if it is left alone and unoccupied for an extended period of time.
Popular colors of Pharaoh Hounds

The smooth, somewhat thick coat of the Pharaoh Hound is its defining feature; undercoat not required. Short hair is incredibly shiny, silky, and soft. Except for the ears and muzzle, where it is always a little shorter, the coat is the same length throughout the body. The Pharaoh Hound’s fiery color, which ranges from red to rich brown, is permitted by the standard. The hue ought to be vivid and intense.
Although they are not regarded as defects, white marks on the chest, fingers, or head, as well as muzzle blazes, are undesirable. Shades of fawn with a light mark on the tail are acceptable. White on the sides and withers is regarded as a serious defect that can result in the dog’s total disqualification.
Interesting fact: Pharaoh Hounds do not do well in cold climates due to their lack of undercoat, making them unsuitable for breeding in northern latitudes where winters are long and severe.
Dogs may wear jumpsuits, which are specifically designed for cold climates and should be worn from the end of October through April. Given that pets are prone to colds, it is advisable to wear a raincoat during inclement weather. Such a dog should only reside in a home or apartment; bringing it outside is strictly forbidden.
One clear benefit of the breed is that the animal does not smell like a "dog" because of its short hair, which virtually never sheds. It is sufficient to run a hard glove over the dog’s coat once a week; there is no need to comb it. Additionally, they are only cleaned infrequently—once or twice a year—and never with detergent.
Character and habits of Pharaoh dogs

Despite their powerful build and striking appearance, pharaoh dogs are incredibly gentle animals that have a strong bond with their owners. They accept affection from all members of the household equally and do not favor any one person over another, but they also never press their own way.
The dog is wary of strangers and remains vigilant when they are around. Gaining their trust is extremely challenging if they haven’t seen the person since they were young children. The Pharaoh dog does not become hostile unless there are compelling causes for it to do so.
The animal doesn’t display any affection for pets and is rather patronizing. The dog gets along well with cats, small rodents, and other dogs when living under one roof. The dog’s hunting instincts may come alive if he encounters a strange cat on the street and rushes after it in spite of the owner’s objections. The dog is friendly but acts dignified around other dogs. It is always prepared to attack and defend its household in the event of a threat.
Fascinating fact: The Pharaoh dog is incredibly patient with kids, willing to put up with their jokes and play games with them. If handled excessively harshly, it will just disappear without reacting to hostility.
Members of the breed never hesitate to make their own decisions. It will be challenging to carry out the owner’s instruction if, in the pet’s opinion, it is inappropriate. It is not acceptable to use physical violence or moral pressure. Lessons that are dull and repetitive soon tire the dog, making it obstinate and disorganized in its attention. Putting games together in a way that keeps the pet interested is essential.
The sleek, athletic Pharaoh Hound breed is prized for its amiable disposition, intelligence, and agility. This breed, which was first developed in ancient Egypt for hunting, is distinguished by its elegant look, alertness, and special capacity to "blush" when aroused. Because of their loving and devoted nature, Pharaoh Hounds are great family companions, but in order to be happy and healthy, they also need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation.
Interesting facts about Pharaoh dogs

The most archaic members of the wolf and jackal families are thought to have mixed blood to create Pharaoh canines. They were revered in ancient Egypt as the earthly manifestation of the god Anubis.
Many owners of these elegant dogs claim that their dogs are capable of feeling shame and even guilt. The dog’s ears and muzzle tips start to turn pink at this point. The pet’s lips form what appears to be a smile when it is content and joyful.
Due to their extreme independence, members of the ancient breed require constant authority from their owners in order to get the pet to obey.
The Pharaoh’s dog is known for coprophagy, or eating its own excrement, because it had to conceal signs of its existence from predators for many centuries while it lived in the wild. In order to prevent it from becoming a habit, the pet owner must accept this trait and work to get rid of any evidence of the animal’s life right away.
For these dogs, a typical daily walk of two times is insufficient. They require energy-dense games and frequent runs throughout the day.
The dog will start howling loudly as soon as it is left alone in the apartment. The animal is howling because of dull boredom rather than fear.
This breed of dog uses a distinctive method of hunting in which it leaps over the hole where the prey is hiding and lands on all fours. As soon as the victim emerges from its shelter, the dog charges after it.
Pros and cons of Pharaoh dogs

Pharaoh dogs have a very deep personality. You should consider the benefits and drawbacks of the breed before making a purchase.
- Dogs are distinguished by their intelligence, they always think over each command;
- Aggression is not characteristic of them;
- The animal is very active, and during the game it is easily trained in various tricks;
- Representatives of the breed are distinguished by their unrivaled devotion to their owner, and all other household members are perceived as members of the pack that need to be protected;
- Pharaionov Dog is not dangerous even for the smallest children, always patient;
- With timely socialization, correct education, the dogs calmly treat other dogs and will not rush into the fight first;
- Pharaohs are wary of strangers, but without aggression they never let out of sight.
One should take note of the breed’s shortcomings, which include excessive independence and an overly sharp voice. If the dog feels that the owner’s command is inappropriate, he may refuse to follow it. When an owner has a pet like this, they cannot let their guard down; otherwise, the dog will stop obeying and will display his true wild nature.
Some breeders will find it problematic when their dogs are overly active. For these animals, the typical leisurely stroll is not appropriate. They enjoy playing games, jumping, running, and covering large distances.
Pets suffer greatly from loneliness and long to be with their owners. It is best to bring the dog along with you or to leave it with family members who can provide it with enough one-on-one time.
Breeding Pharaoh Hounds

After making the decision to acquire a Pharaoh Hound, it is important to consider the characteristics of this breed. Earning the respect of the pet is essential to establishing your role as a leader, as not all seasoned breeders can handle the upbringing of a misbehaving animal. In case you lack sufficient experience, it is advisable to seek assistance from a specialist.
Puppies must be socialized early on. It is important to consider the pet’s amazing energy and natural hunting instincts during later training. It is necessary to build training in the format of an interesting game so that the dog does not get bored and actively responds to commands.
Fascinating fact: Pharaoh Hound pregnancies and deliveries typically go smoothly. Three to ten babies make up a litter. Births typically take place between days 58 and 63.
Beginning in the second half of her pregnancy, the mother must restrict her interactions with other dogs, cut back on her physical activity, and refrain from jumping and climbing stairs. During this time, the weekly food allowance should be increased by 10% because of proteins. Supplement the diet with vitamins as well.
Because pharaohs love the heat, they ought to be housed in a warm room. A quiet, draft-free area should be the sleeping area. During the winter, special dog walking clothes must be purchased. The area used for eating and resting needs to be kept immaculate.
Given the rarity of this breed and the high cost of puppies, you should honestly evaluate your ability to provide your pet with the proper upkeep and training. The dog’s health will suffer from improper care and neglect, which could eventually result in an early death.
Caring for Pharaoh Hounds

Regular cleaning will not cause any problems for short hair. For those living in the home, these animals’ shedding is essentially undetectable. Severe hair loss can occasionally result from dietary mistakes, but this issue can be resolved by including vitamins and microelements in the diet. Pharaohs need to have their fur properly dried and are bathed one or two times a year. It is preferable to use the mildest shampoo formula or to use no detergent at all.
Always keep in mind that, because your pet has almost no fat layer, even a small negative can be harmful. You really need a warm jumpsuit. Because they cannot tolerate hard surfaces, pharaohs actually prefer to rest on the owner’s sofa. Make sure your pet has a cozy, warm bed.
The ears of Pharaoh dogs are examined after each walk. Insects and dirt should be cleaned frequently because they can cause an inflammatory process to start. Every day, a gentle cloth dipped in warm, just-boiled water is used to wipe the eyes. Every five to seven days, the pet’s teeth should be brushed using dog toothpaste and a silicone toothbrush designed for young children. Giving the dog specific cleaning bones that gently remove plaque is beneficial. Claws are clipped when necessary.
Adequate and prompt care can help shield your pet from numerous harmful illnesses. It is important to keep a close eye on the dog’s coat and promptly remove any parasites. From a young age, pharaohs are accustomed to all forms of hygiene.
Pharaoh Hound Diet

Pharaoh Hounds should consume enough protein in their diet prior to the age of three, as this is when they typically begin to gain muscle mass. Dogs typically do not have dietary sensitivity issues or difficulty selecting food.
Adults eat twice daily. Ideally, the best possible prepared food. In the event that the dog is eating a natural diet, vitamins and microelements must be added in order to maintain balance. It is important to compare the pet’s age and level of physical activity with its calorie intake.
When using natural food, you have to follow these guidelines:
- The pet"s diet should include only lean meat, which is best pre-scalded or frozen to prevent infection with parasites;
- The menu of a dog of any age should be designed to fully satisfy the body"s needs for nutrients;
- Sour milk products and chicken eggs in reasonable quantities are useful for dogs;
- Smoked foods, sweets, flour and other harmful products are completely excluded;
- As a source of carbohydrates and fiber, it is useful to add various cereals, but not legumes;
- It is imperative to accustom the pet to vegetables and greens.
Pharaohs shouldn’t be overfed or fed foods that produce a lot of gas. The pet should have time to become hungry in between meals. It’s critical to always have access to a bowl of fresh water. A veterinarian should always be consulted before adding any food supplements to a pet’s diet because too much vitamin A can be even more harmful than not enough.
Diseases and health problems

One may refer to pharaoh dogs as long-liver breeds. These stunning creatures have an average lifespan of 14–18 years. It’s fascinating to note that pharaohs continue to be active and possess exceptional mental faculties right up until the end of their lives.
Because of their strong breed gene pool, dogs rarely have health issues; however, hereditary pathologies are more frequently passed on to offspring.
Pharaohs may be afflicted with the following illnesses:
- Intestinal volvulus due to weak muscles that support the digestive tract. This problem can only be solved with surgery;
- Elbow and hip dysplasia. With age, the situation worsens, the animal experiences severe pain when exerting stress;
- Puppies are sometimes diagnosed with congenital dislocation of the knee joint. A dog with this pathology can be injured again.
Pharaoh dogs are intolerant to a wide range of chemicals, including perfumes in shampoos, repellents for ticks, etc. Selecting mild medications with the most natural ingredients is essential. Additionally, medications may cause allergies, so speaking with a veterinarian before using them is necessary.
An essential fact: Vaccination should be administered in order to rule out the possibility of the pet contracting a dangerous infection. This procedure is simple to apply to dogs of this breed, but vaccination is only administered to fully healthy animals.
Additional health issues in pharaoh dogs are generally avoided if they eat a balanced diet and get enough exercise.
A remarkable breed, the Pharaoh Hound is renowned for its grace, agility, and amiable disposition. Its sleek look and ancient heritage set it apart from other dog breeds. This breed might be the ideal option if you’re searching for a devoted friend with a fascinating past.
Pharaoh Hounds are easy to train and have a strong tendency to form close bonds with their families despite their lively and playful personalities. For them to remain content and healthy, they do need to exercise frequently. This dog is an excellent fit for an active lifestyle, if that describes you.
Because of their short coats, these dogs require little maintenance in terms of grooming. Although their health is generally good, like all breeds, they still need to have regular veterinary checkups and a balanced diet to stay in good health.
In the end, the Pharaoh Hound is a wonderful pet for those who appreciate a blend of beauty, intelligence, and affection. They will be a great asset to any house given the proper upkeep and care.









