Want to learn how to transform your Pharaoh Hound’s behavior? Click here to find out how.

The Pharaoh Hound, also called the Kelb-tal Fenek, is an ancient breed that has been the founder of several other breeds throughout the centuries. Their roots can be traced back to at least 3,000 B.C. in Egypt. They belong to the hound group and are sight hunters. They can still be used for hunting, however, they are also prized as a family dog.

The Pharaoh Hound is one of the oldest known domestic dogs. The antiquity of these Egyptian Hounds has been proved by the many sculptured delineations and decorative friezes on Egyptian temples and tombs dating back to 4400 B.C.

It is thought that the Phoenicians brought the Pharaoh Hound from Egypt to the Mediterranean islands of Malta and Gozo. There, the breed existed for over 2000 years, surviving in its purest form. Kelb-Tal-Fenek, their Maltese breed name, means “dog of the rabbit.” This hunting focus has molded a dog that is athletic, intelligent, and self confident.

Today, the Pharaoh Hound can be found in Finland, Denmark, Scotland, England, France, Germany, Russia and Sweden, among other countries. The Internet and increased ease of travel has expanded our ties to new friends in other countries. This allows the importation and exportation of dogs around the world.

The Pharaoh, though a born hunter with plenty of energy, is relatively biddable and can be trained to obedience. It is one of the few hounds who can be relied on to come when called. Yet if the breed is on the scent of something particularly appealing, the Pharaoh Hound might be a little reluctant to heed your call.

The Pharaoh hound responds well to training and it enjoys the challenge of agility training. A medium sized dog, about 53 cm to 56 cm at the withers and weighing around 50lbs, the Pharaoh Hound conveys a picture of elegance, power, and alert intelligence.

The Pharaoh Hound’s gait is free and flowing. Its head is held fairly high and the dog should cover ground well without any apparent effort. Legs and feet should move in line with body; any tendency to throw feet sideways, or a high stepping ‘hackney’ action is highly undesirable.

The Pharaoh Hound is intelligent, fun-loving and affectionate and is an excellent house dog, obedience dog and courser. The breed is naturally immaculate and its short odor-free coat requires little grooming.

The Pharaoh Hound is a great dog for many living situations. Great with kids and family members, the Pharaoh Hound gives love and affection often. However, the breed is reserved with strangers They should not be around small animals because of their strong hunting instincts.

This breed can live on a farm or in a city apartment but no matter where they live they need lots of exercise. This breed cannot be allowed to run in an unsecured area because they will escape to hunt, so secure fencing is a must. Warm climates are preferred by this breed that also likes warm beds to sleep on.

This breed has an extremely low grooming demand. They should receive a full grooming every 12 to 16 weeks and a general grooming once a month. Bathe your Pharaoh Hound only when it’s really necessary. Pharaoh Hounds don’t require frequent baths and emit no usual canine odor. When you do bathe them, use a rubber brush to remove excess shed hair which hasn’t come off through regular brushing. You can also dry shampoo if you don’t feel it’s necessary to go through a full bathing process.

Want to learn how to transform your Pharaoh Hound’s behavior? Click here to find out how.