Pharaoh Hound
OVERVIEW OF THE PHARAOH HOUND
The Pharaoh Hound is a Maltese breed, and they are medium-sized dogs that have a very athletic and graceful appearance. Traditionally, they were used for hunting purposes, and they are an ancient breed that has not changed considerably ever since their development. The Pharaoh Hound is the national dog of Malta, and even though they are uncommon, you may find some in shelters if you want to adopt one. You do not need to have a lot of experience with dogs if you want to adopt one. Pharaoh Hounds are extremely affectionate and adaptable, and they will make awesome family companions, even if you have kids at home. They have a lot of energy and love to play around and spend time with their parents.
In addition to their hunting instincts and playful nature, Pharaoh Hounds have a sensitive side as well. Some people have reported even seeing them blush, so make sure you take good care of them and do not hurt their feelings. Once they get attached to you, you will have found yourself a lifelong companion. The good thing is that Pharaoh Hounds can live comfortably in both large homes and small apartments as long as they are getting an adequate amount of exercise daily. If you are looking for an intelligent, sensitive, and funny pet, a Pharaoh Hound will be the perfect match.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PHARAOH HOUND
The Pharaoh Hound has a very athletic and powerful build, which makes them good as hunting dogs. These medium-sized dogs have short and glossy coats, and their color ranges from tan to chestnut. This coat is short and has a slightly harsh texture. Some dogs have white markings on their face, chest, toes, and tails, so do not worry if you notice any light spots. They tend to be alert at all times, and their intelligent nature allows them to adapt to different surroundings easily. Their triangular ears point upwards, but young puppies may have ears that lay flat. Pharaoh Hounds are very expressive animals, and you can notice by their gestures when they are happy and excited. These dogs have the ability to use their sight, sound, and hearing to hunt effectively. This makes them suitable as watchdogs as well.
ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF THE PHARAOH HOUND
The Pharaoh Hound is a very ancient breed that first originated in Egypt back in 3000 BC. The people responsible for bringing this breed out of Egypt are the Phoenicians, who used to trade in luxury items. They were the ones who brought the Pharaoh Hounds to Malta, where they began to be used as rabbit hunters. In Malta, this breed was called “Kelb tal-Fenek”, which means “dog of the rabbit”. Soon enough, Pharaoh Hounds became the national dog of Malta. This breed is one of the oldest breeds in the world, and several artifacts can be found that show their hunting power.
Despite being so popular in Malta, it took several years for Pharaoh Hounds to arrive in the west. In the 1930s, the breed was introduced in England, and the first Pharaoh Hound was brought to America in 1967. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized it as a breed in 1984, and a club called the Pharaoh Hound Club of America was also founded in 1970. Still, the Pharaoh Hound is not a very popular breed, and can only be found in limited shelter homes. Only the people who genuinely appreciate the dog’s unique appearance and personality like to keep them as pets. The Pharaoh Hound breed has been ranked 172 by the AKC in terms of popularity from a total of 197 breeds.
PERSONALITY AND HEALTH
Pharaoh Hounds have a built-in desire to hunt, but they also have a sensitive side which can make them very responsive to the feelings of others around them. Generally, they tend to be a healthy breed, but there are some health conditions that you should be aware of. These are discussed in more detail below.
Personality
Pharaoh Hounds are intelligent and obedient animals. It is important that they are trained to socialize from an early age so that they do not hesitate to interact with strangers. It is common for Pharaoh Hounds to be a little aloof with strangers, but once they have become comfortable with you, they will like to spend time with you. Despite being independent, Pharaoh Hounds are willing to please their humans, which means that training them is relatively easy. This breed has different personalities indoors and outdoors. When relaxing indoors, a Pharaoh Hound will remain calm and quiet, and may even sleep peacefully as long as they have spent time outdoors. When taken outside, they are energetic and will often chase after something that interests them. For this reason, it is important to invest in a durable leash.
Another personality trait that is common in Pharaoh Hounds is sensitivity. If there is a lot of stress or drama happening around them, they will pick it up and will be deeply affected. Even though they do not seek a lot of attention per se, it is not a good idea to leave them alone at home because they may get aggressive. If other animals like cats or even humans have not been introduced to a Pharaoh Hound at an early age, they may see them as prey. This breed is definitely not for people who are faint-hearted or are scared of dogs per se. They can be very vocal because they are not scared to express themselves. Despite this, Pharaoh Hounds are great with children because they love playtime. You just need to make sure both the kids and the dog have been trained properly from an early age.
Health
There are a few health conditions that you should look out for if you plan to adopt a Pharaoh Hound. The most common ailment when it comes to this breed is allergies. There are different kinds of allergies and it is important that they are diagnosed early on to be treated properly. Food-based allergies are common and the easiest way is to eliminate those foods from your dog’s diet. Contact-based allergies can be caused by bedding, flea powders, shampoos, or other chemicals. In order to treat them, it is important that you recognize and eliminate the cause. Some Pharaoh Hounds can also be affected by airborne allergies which can be caused by dust, pollen, and mildew. Your vet can recommend certain medications for these kinds of allergies.
Another thing to keep in mind is that Pharaoh Hounds can be sensitive to anesthesia. Since they have lower body fat, they can be more sensitive to it than other breeds, so make sure your vet is aware of the potential risks if your pet ever needs anesthesia. When looking for this breed, make sure you keep a lookout for several health clearances. These include one from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for diseases like elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, patella luxation, and hypothyroidism. Some Pharaoh Hounds suffer from eye disorders as well, so look for certifications from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF). Common cancers in this breed include hemangiosarcoma, mammary cancer, and mast cell tumor. These commonly affect old-age dogs.
GROOMING AND NUTRITION
Pharaoh Hounds do not need extensive amounts of grooming and care, as long as you are taking care of their cleanliness on a regular basis. When it comes to their diet, you need to make sure that they are being fed controlled portions that meet nutritional needs and also prevent them from being overweight.
Grooming
The good thing about Pharaoh Hounds is that they do not have a very strong odor, which means that they do not need frequent baths. If you take them outdoors on a daily basis, you can wipe off any dirt using a damp cloth. Their short coat does not shed as much, and a weekly brushing with a rubber mitt will get rid of extra hair to prevent it from sticking to your clothes and furniture. The short coat also means that you will need to take extra care of their skin because their hair is not long enough to provide sufficient protection. Their skin will be more prone to cuts and scrapes, so make sure you keep an eye out for nicks every time you brush them. Do not forget to clean their ears because they can be a common source of infection. Signs include redness and an unpleasant odor. Using a pH-balanced ear cleaner is the most effective way to prevent infections.
When it comes to oral health, make sure you are brushing their teeth at least two to three times a week, if not daily. Doing so will prevent the build-up of tartar and plaque, which can lead to more serious problems later on. Brushing regularly will also prevent bad breath. Make sure you are using toothpaste that is designed specifically for dogs. If your Pharaoh Hound does not like brushing, you can look for alternate methods like dental chews and treats. Also, keep a check on their nails and trim them if they get too long because they can be damaging to your furniture and clothes. If the nails are making a clicking sound when they touch the ground, they are too long. Never cut their nails too short because dogs have blood vessels in their nails and they may start bleeding. This can create a phobia in their head and they will not let you cut their nails again. You can instill grooming practices in your dog by beginning at an early age and treating them with rewards. Do not forget to take your Pharaoh Hound to the vet occasionally to get them examined for any underlying conditions.
Nutrition
Keep in mind that the nutritional needs of a Pharaoh Hound will depend on its size. Dogs are individuals, and just like humans, each individual will consume a different amount. It is obvious that a couch potato will consume much less than one who is highly active. Since there are so many different brands available in the market, it can get confusing to decide which brand to purchase. The quality of the dog food you buy will make a huge difference, and the better the food, the better its nutritional value. It is important to keep in mind that Pharaoh Hounds have a slim build. This certainly does not mean that they are underweight and you need to feed them more.
Make sure you are measuring the amount of food you give to them, and feed them twice a day in portions instead of leaving the food out all the time. Just by looking at your dog, you should be able to guess if your dog is nourished adequately. The waist should be visible, and you should be able to feel the ribs by touching them gently. Make sure the ribs are not visible, as this can mean that your dog needs more food. Never hesitate to contact your vet in case you are unsure about anything. If you want to prepare their food at home, you should know which foods are safe for your dog and which ones can lead to allergies. For home-prepared meals, always take the approval of your vet first.
TRAINING YOUR PHARAOH HOUND
As with most breeds, the key is to start early on if you want your dog to be trained well. Pharaoh Hounds are quick to learn and can be pleased easily. Due to their calm nature, they can live in an apartment as well, but their loud barking can be a source of disturbance for neighbors. If your dog loves to play in the yard, make sure it is surrounded by a high fence that it cannot jump over. This is because if anything catches their interest, they will chase it.
When you take them out for a walk, always keep them on a leash and make sure you can control them. Doing so will keep both your dog and other people and their pets safe. In order to meet their exercise needs, you will need to provide at least 30 minutes of activity a day. Pharaoh Hounds are fairly easy to train, but you need to make sure that you are not being too harsh. As long as you are patient and the activities are interesting enough, your dog will not give you a hard time. Positive reinforcement is the best way to train your dog because harsh and repetitive methods will not work for your Pharaoh Hound.