The Pharaoh Hound is one of the most mysterious breeds. Despite the huge number of its admirers, there are no more than five thousand individuals all over the world that once belonged to the Egyptian kings.
In this article you will learn about the temperament of the Pharaoh Hound, its habits, diseases and some interesting facts about the breed that make it truly unique.
We will figure out how to choose the right puppy and how much it can cost, and in the end you will find out what owners think about their pets, the pros and cons of the breed and whether it is worth getting such a dog.
History of the origin of the breed
The first mentions are found in scrolls dating back to 4000 BC. In the images of antiquity, miraculously preserved to this day, we can discern the graceful silhouette of these animals. And the preserved colors give an idea that the pharaoh’s dog was fiery red with eyes reminiscent of the color of honey.
There was a legend - an entity from Sirius descended from the sky to people and lives nearby under the face of these animals. Therefore, only the pharaohs and the Egyptian nobility could afford such a dog.
Now there are more and more supporters of the version that the breed has nothing to do with ancient Egypt, but I would like to believe that the dogs have come down to us as a kind of living artifact.
In the 17th century, representatives of the breed came to Malta, where they were used for hunting rabbits. During this period, the breed became known as the “rabbit hunting dog.” After official recognition, which occurred in 1975, the image of the fiery dog of the pharaohs became a symbol of the island and was imprinted on collectible coins.
The appearance of representatives of the breed in European countries is associated with the 20th century. Here the pharaoh's hound was treated with due respect, and connoisseurs appeared.
Watch a short video where the famous journalist and dog handler Grigory Manev meets a biker Pharaoh Hound and tells why they sometimes howl at the sound of Maltese bells.
Pharaoh Hound: features of the breed
- Early socialization is essential for this dog breed. They are very sensitive to change, new acquaintances and experience stress when seeing something new, and it is more difficult for an unsocialized dog to adapt to sudden changes. A properly socialized dog is a polite and undemanding dog that gets along well with strangers and other dogs.
- Pharaoh Hounds get cold very easily, but they can live in cold climates if they are kept indoors and wear warm clothes on winter walks.
- Don't let him off the leash. It has a strong prey drive and will chase other animals for miles. The fence must be high and strong.
- Pharaoh Hounds get along well with other dogs, but small dog breeds can trigger their prey drive—as can small pets such as cats and rabbits—and some Pharaoh Hounds are aggressive toward dogs of the same sex.
- Pharaoh Hounds bark very often when chasing prey, seeing intruders, hearing unusual noises, or when they are bored. They can indulge in long barking when left alone.
- Their thin fur makes their skin vulnerable to scratches.
- At least 30 minutes of exercise per day is required.
Description of the breed
Over the long centuries of its existence, the breed has not been crossed with others and is considered primitive. When its first representatives arrived in the UK, dog handlers were quite surprised - it did not need additional selective work.
Therefore, we can say with confidence that what appears before our eyes are exactly those fiery red dogs that accompanied the majestic kings of Egypt in their luxurious palaces many centuries ago.
Photo: wikimedia.org
Colors
From the name it is clear that the fiery dog is a very brightly colored dog, in shades from brown to red.
According to the standard, the presence of white spots on the chest, crown, tip of the tail, on the forehead or on the bridge of the nose is acceptable. Such white spots will not interfere with the breed, while spots on the body of the animal are a disqualifying feature.
On the Internet you can see photographs of pharaoh dogs in gray or black or blue colors. If you see an image of such animals, this will mean that this is a breed that is similar to the pharaonic one.
Albinos are also found among the breed : completely white or white with red markings. This is rare and is a defect according to the standard, but such puppies are especially popular and in demand because of their unusual nature.
Standard
The recognition of the breed did not proceed entirely smoothly, since by 1977 there was already an officially registered breed of Pharaoh Dogs, whose homeland was Ibiza. It is not possible to register two breeds with the same name with the FCI.
Dog handlers from the organization went to meet the ancient breed and registered it, and renamed the dogs from Ibiza - Ibizan Greyhound.
An interesting situation arose - it was England that became the patron of the breed, although Malta was officially recognized as its homeland, and the bulk of its representatives are concentrated in American nurseries.
The first representative of the breed appeared in the USSR in 1987, now it is registered in the RKF and belongs to the greyhounds.
Photo: wikimedia.org
Breed standard:
- adult height: males from 56 to 62 cm (56 cm is considered ideal), females - from 53 to 61 cm;
- weight should vary between 18 – 26 kg;
- the head is wedge-shaped and is located on a long neck;
- the ears are large in size relative to the head, certainly erect;
- the eyes are small, round in shape and have a unique color that can be described as honey or amber;
- the body is elongated, with shoulders laid back and long slender limbs;
- paws with pronounced muscles and hard pads;
- the coat is short, the hairs are very hard, without undercoat;
- the bite has the correct shape, without the formation of a gap;
- the tail is long, straight, tapering towards the end;
- dogs are considered long-lived, their life expectancy is, on average, a record 14 years.
The dog of the Egyptian kings has a unique feature for animals - it can “blush.” During moments of excitement, the dog’s earlobes and nose turn red.
Watch a short video from the All-Russian Dog Show.
Description and appearance of the Pharaoh Hound
The Pharaoh Hound has a graceful, flexible physique, the male reaches a height of 55-63 cm, the female reaches 53-61 cm, their weight is 18-27 kg.
The head is medium-sized, narrow, the muzzle is oblong. The ears are large, high, erect. The nose is large and red-pigmented. The eyes are small, with a smart expression, the iris is light brown. The neck is high, the chest is deep, the body is elongated, the lower back is curved, the stomach is retracted. The limbs are long, slender, with thin pasterns. The tail is of medium length, thick at the base, narrow at the end, when alert, it is raised and bent like a sickle. The coat is short, close-lying, the hair is fine, silky, and hard in places. The color can be yellow-brown, golden-red, chestnut.
The breed standard provides for white markings in the following places:
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- on the tail;
- in the chest area;
- on fingers;
- in the middle of the muzzle.
Pedigree representatives are rare and expensive, they can not be found everywhere; a visual representation of the breed can be obtained by visiting exhibitions organized by breeders.
Similar breeds
There are several breeds in the world that closely resemble pharaoh dogs in their appearance. We can highlight:
- Xoloitzcuintle. The dog's body has similar outlines, but the color of such a dog is almost black. A distinctive feature is the presence of an “Iroquois” and a strong difference in size - the Mexican dog is a mini copy of the pharaoh;
- Podenco Ibicenco. They differ in color, build and tail shape;
- Cirneco del Etna. The most similar breed, but small - almost 10 cm lower at the withers than the Pharaoh's dog.
Character and behavioral characteristics
Owners who have such pets note their amazing friendliness. Another amazing ability of dogs is their ability to smile. From an overabundance of feelings, the Pharaoh Hound bares its teeth, but this is not aggression, but a manifestation of emotions.
The dog’s ability to empathize with the owner is also interesting: he will rejoice and jump around, but he will also fall into a depressive state and refuse food in case of serious troubles.
The Pharaoh Hound needs constant contact with humans. For all her independence, she knows how to please, looking soulfully into her eyes and expecting praise.
Gets along well with small family members, becoming a partner in noisy games. It does not pose a danger to a child, but given the size of the dog, during such games it can destroy half the apartment.
Look how the Pharaoh Hound behaves with the baby!
Capable of living together with other animals. If you don't train them, it will be difficult to suppress the hunter's instinct, and small family pets may be in danger. However, with proper upbringing, you can grow up to have best friends, for example, like Hatti and Busya.
To tame the source of energy surging inside the fire dogs, long walks with active games are necessary.
Character
This breed has unique abilities that are alien to other dogs. The Pharaoh Hound is shy and conscientious, and this can cause its nose, eye rims and ears to turn red. The animal also has lively facial expressions, with the help of which it expresses its emotions. The character of Pharaoh dogs is playful and perky; they easily cheer up their owners with the help of their games and facial expressions.
These animals are rarely aggressive, especially if socialized correctly. To avoid “failures”, the owner will have to teach the puppy from an early age that he is the youngest member of the pack family, and the owner himself is the leader. The dog's high level of mental abilities means that they can even think about their owner's orders and disobey if they do not agree with the requirements, and make their own decisions.
Education and training
Socialization and house training should begin as early as possible. Babies can be very timid and the owner needs to show them the world around them.
During training, non-standard methods are used, constantly changing the approach to avoid boredom. It is important to take a leadership position that the dog will constantly question.
You should pay special attention to the waywardness of the animal and additionally work on its hunting behavior. The animal often ignores commands and can eat the object of the hunt.
Watch how Cleopatra hunts for a skin in training.
An unpleasant feature of pharaoh dogs is that they eat feces. This is common to many animals, but this particular breed eats them for safety reasons.
Diseases
Despite good health, a number of issues and diseases can be identified:
- Due to the small amount of adipose tissue, it is difficult to tolerate anesthesia. A lower dose is required than in other animals of the same weight;
- tendency to allergies. The owner should be very careful and not self-medicate, since the dog may have a severe allergic reaction to any drug;
- prone to ear infections;
- Joint dislocations and dysplasia are common.
Photo: wikimedia.org
Timely vaccinations and timely contact with a specialist play a huge role in the condition of the Pharaoh Hound.
Diseases and health problems
Pharaoh dogs can be called long-livers. The average lifespan of these beautiful animals is 14-18 years. An interesting fact is that pharaohs retain their activity and outstanding mental abilities until the end of their lives.
Dogs have very few health problems due to the strong breed gene pool, but hereditary pathologies are passed on to offspring more often.
Pharaohs may suffer from the following diseases:
- Intestinal volvulus due to weak muscles that support the organs of the digestive tract. This problem can only be solved with surgery;
- Dysplasia of the elbow and hip joints. With age, the situation worsens, the animal experiences severe pain during exercise;
- Puppies are sometimes diagnosed with congenital dislocation of the knee joint. A dog with this pathology can be injured again.
Pharaoh hounds do not tolerate various chemicals, fragrances in shampoos, tick killers, and so on. It is necessary to opt for gentle drugs with the most natural base possible. There may also be allergies to medications, so consultation with a veterinarian is required before using them.
Important fact: To prevent your pet from contracting dangerous infections, you must be vaccinated. Dogs of this breed tolerate this procedure easily, but only an absolutely healthy animal is vaccinated.
If the Pharaoh Hound has a balanced diet and a sufficient level of physical activity, then, as a rule, there are no additional health problems.
Estrus
The owner needs to know:
- the first heat can begin at the age of 6, 12 months or one year;
- duration on average is 22 days, can be longer (up to a month); frequency – 1 or 2 times a year;
- the main signs of the onset of estrus are swelling of the external genital organs and the presence of bloody discharge;
- During this period, bitches experience increased urination, frequent walks will be necessary;
- during the period of heat, walking is done strictly on a leash;
- To protect household items from contamination, you can use special underpants for dogs.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy in dogs lasts from 56 to 72 days. The owner must know exactly the date when the mating took place in order to be prepared for the birth. It is worth remembering that early or late birth will most likely lead to the death of puppies, so you should seek help from a veterinarian.
In the later stages, pregnancy can be determined by a veterinarian or the owner himself, since the bitch’s mammary glands and abdomen will enlarge, and yellow discharge will begin from the loop.
Photo: wikimedia.org
Care
Red fiery beasts are very clean and do not require special care. The owner should follow a number of rules, and his Pharaoh Hound will always be in excellent condition:
- The animal sheds all year round, so combing is carried out with a special mitten or go to the salon for a grooming procedure;
- the fur does not smell like a dog, so bathing is carried out twice a year, using hypoallergenic shampoo;
- regularly trim nails and treat ears;
- regularly getting rid of parasites, choosing a remedy empirically to avoid allergies.
For a healthy dog, the main care is regular walks with physical activity.
Choice of clothes
The breed is not adapted to life in low temperatures, so to protect the pet it is necessary to purchase clothing for it. The stores offer a wide range, but the choice should be made based not on the beauty of the suit, but on its functionality and correct size.
Proper pet care
There are no particular difficulties in keeping a Pharaoh Hound. Representatives of this breed easily get along both in the house and in the apartment. But in order to ensure your pet a long and happy life, you need to take into account several rules.
Features of keeping a “pharaoh” in an apartment
The Pharaoh Hound easily gets along in an apartment provided that it is walked frequently and intensively
The lack of undercoat and short hair oblige these dogs to be kept indoors. However, “pharaohs” are born hunters who need systematic intense exercise. A standard two-time walk “on business” is not suitable for them and will negatively affect the four-legged health, both physical and emotional. This point must be taken into account before you get a pet. From 3–4 months of age, they will need active, repeated walking with increasing load, lasting at least 2 hours.
Try not to leave your dog alone. As mentioned earlier, Pharaohs have a nasty habit of barking loudly, and they are also prone to howling when left alone at home. This behavior is not provoked by fear, it is rather a demand for attention.
In general, representatives of this breed are sociable and perceive other animals well and do not pretend to be leaders. It is not in the nature of pharaoh dogs to defend their position through aggression. However, you should remember that they are physically strong and can inadvertently harm small children.
Due to the lack of long hair, these dogs need a warm place to sleep. You can use any bed covered with thick natural fabric, or you can buy a special sleeping place at a pet supply store. The main thing is not to place it in a draft.
Dog hygiene
The Pharaoh's Hound should be brushed regularly with a rubber brush.
Pharaoh dogs are easy to care for, but some subtleties are still present. Among them it is worth highlighting the following aspects:
- The coat should be cleaned once a week using a hard rubber glove. Pharaoh dogs shed in autumn and spring, during which it is especially not recommended to neglect the procedure.
- The eyes do not require special care as this breed is not prone to tearing. It is enough to inspect them regularly and remove accumulations as they form.
- Ears are cleaned once every 2 weeks. For the procedure, use a cotton pad soaked in warm water, which is used to wipe the inner surface.
- Your dog's teeth should be checked regularly for plaque or decay. As a rule, pets with proper bites do not need brushing. If tooth decay is detected, contact your veterinarian.
- Bathing is performed as needed. In general, the breed is clean and has practically no characteristic dog smell. Therefore, it is enough to bathe your pet 2-3 times a year. It is advisable to use natural-based shampoos, since these dogs are prone to allergies. Among the popular products are brands such as: Natura Delix Bio, Trixie, Hartz.
Principles of proper nutrition
The diet should be rich in vitamins, proteins and proteins
There are no strict recommendations regarding the diet of pharaoh dogs, but the diet should be rich in proteins. It is important to remember that representatives of this breed are prone to food allergies, provoked by an excess or deficiency of certain substances. For this reason, dog breeders prefer to feed “pharaohs” with ready-made industrial mixtures. In order not to risk the health of your pet, choose super-premium products, for example, ROYAL CANIN, Hills, Pronature, ACANA. Also, the dog should always have access to clean drinking water.
Important! The animal intensively builds muscle mass until the age of 3 years, so you should select food from the super-premium line for active dogs.
Adherents of natural nutrition should note that 2/3 of the animal’s diet should consist of lean meat (chicken, beef, rabbit, turkey) and offal. It is highly undesirable to use pork.
So, the “pharaoh’s” diet should contain the following products:
- porridge - rice, artek (wheat), buckwheat, millet;
- dairy products - cottage cheese, fermented baked milk, kefir;
- meat;
- boiled eggs;
- vegetables - beets, carrots, pumpkin, zucchini;
- sea fish (no more than 1 time per week).
The following are contraindicated for dogs:
- sausages;
- legumes;
- potatoes (both raw and boiled);
- fried and fatty foods;
- confectionery.
Features of walking a four-legged animal
Pharaoh dogs are lovers of active and long walks
The Pharaoh Hound, as already mentioned, has a developed hunting instinct, which brings certain difficulties in walking it. For example, if you live in a private house, then you should take care of installing a fence. And we're not talking about flimsy fencing. This should be a high fence that will restrain your pet, who is distinguished by his jumping ability, intelligence and dexterity.
If you keep a dog in an apartment, then you should definitely use a leash when walking. Representatives of this breed are very curious and do not always respond to calls. If your pet spots game, it will break into a run without looking back, and the animal’s endurance and speed will play a bad role. Therefore, you can let your pet loose to spend its energy reserves only in a fenced area, away from roads.
Video: example of active play with a pet
Remember that the “Pharaohs” require many kilometers of daily cross-country runs. It’s very good if you can practice four-legged agility (obstacle running) or coursing (a race along a track with angles that force pets to maneuver).
Important! The Pharaoh Hound does not tolerate the cold well, so for winter walks it will need overalls.
Video: dog behavior during coursing
Features of pregnancy and childbirth
During pregnancy, the dog needs special attention and approach
Pregnancy and childbirth in a Pharaoh Hound usually occur without complications. Females of this breed whelp between 58 and 63 days. There are from 3 to 10 babies in a litter. Large litters are born a little earlier, and small ones a little later.
Keeping and caring for a pregnant pet has its own characteristics. So, from the second half of the term, you should limit her contacts with other dogs, do not let her jump or run up the stairs. However, you should not reduce the duration of walks; only their intensity decreases.
Changes also apply to the animal’s diet. The amount of food increases weekly by 10%, mainly due to proteins. Feeding should be fractional, i.e. food is given in smaller portions 4–5 times a day. Be sure to add vitamins of group B, as well as A, D, E (before use, you need to consult a veterinarian who will determine their dosage).
2 weeks before the expected date of birth, you should reduce the amount of protein foods (meat, eggs, etc.), and 5 days - eliminate them completely. Only if the pet completely refuses cereals, vegetables, fruits and dairy products, can she be given meat (in a minimal amount).
Before giving birth, you need to arrange a place for the dog. The best option is a small playpen (about 90x120 cm) or a spacious box. It should be raised above the floor by 10–15 cm (to avoid contact with a cold surface) and covered with clean natural fabric in several layers (linen, cotton, etc.). Be sure to make sure that one wall has a height that would allow the bitch to leave the nest without hindrance, but the puppies could not get out. The dog must be introduced to the designated area in advance.
Heating is important. If possible, install an infrared lamp (it is mounted above the box), an electric heating pad or other heater. The temperature in the nest in the first 10–14 days should be 26–28°C, after which it is reduced to 20°C in increments of 2 degrees. If you are using a heating pad, do not place it under the bough as this may cause bleeding. It is optimal to place the device in the corner of the box.
Also keep clean (ironed several times) diapers, brilliant green or 3% hydrogen peroxide, sterile scissors to cut the umbilical cords, and a terry towel nearby.
The onset of labor is indicated by a decrease in the bitch’s body temperature to 37°C, drooping of the abdomen and the appearance of mucous discharge from the loop. This stage can last 12–42 hours, after which pushing begins. The animal may whine, lie on its side, become restless, or rest its paws on the box. This means that puppies will appear very soon.
Your actions are as follows:
- Calm your pet by patting her head until the first puppy appears.
- After his birth, remove the membranes and cut the umbilical cord at a level of 2 cm from the tummy. Treat its edge with green paint or peroxide. If bleeding occurs, bandage with thread.
- Wipe the baby with a diaper and place it in the box with the mother so that he can feel the nipple and begin to suck colostrum. Such actions by the puppy help stimulate uterine contractions.
- If the newborn shows no signs of breathing, immediately rub with a terry towel.
- Do these manipulations with the rest of the puppies.
After the birth of each baby, the placenta should come out. They need to be collected in a separate container and monitor the quantity. If it does not match the number of newborn puppies, contact your veterinarian immediately. Otherwise, the dog may die.
Feeding
Due to the propensity of the pharaohs to obesity, the diet is designed in such a way that it is extremely balanced. When using dry food, choose exclusively premium class food.
The basis of natural nutrition should be:
- meat;
- cottage cheese;
- cereals;
- vegetables.
Some owners even organize a week of Japanese cuisine for their pets, check it out!
If you notice that your pet has gained weight and his sides are “sticking out,” you should not starve him. Contact your veterinarian to prescribe a diet or simply reduce the portion.
Care and maintenance
- Not demanding in care.
- Bath as needed.
- Clean your ears every three days.
- Clean your eyes as mucous discharge occurs.
- Dental care. It is enough to examine the teeth and oral cavity of a Pharaoh Hound once a week. As for the care itself, during a thorough examination you should pay attention to: The condition of the gums - if they are red and inflamed, it is recommended to contact a veterinarian who will recommend special medications or remedies;
- Teeth color – ideally, it should remain normal, without plaque (you can clean it yourself) and purulent formations. To maintain teeth in good condition, special bones and toothpastes for dogs can be very useful;
- Dental health – check for loose or broken teeth. Between them there should also be no food residues, the accumulation of which causes the animal to develop an unpleasant odor from the mouth and subsequently rot;
- The presence of tartar - in this case, it is impossible to do without the intervention of a veterinarian and its removal. It should also be noted that an important factor for the health of the Pharaoh Hound - and in particular the teeth - is proper balanced nutrition.
Remember that all dog grooming procedures help to establish a relationship with the dog and train him to be disciplined. Regular checking of the Pharaoh Hound puppy will develop into a kind of obligatory and pleasant communication procedure. If you notice any changes in behavior or find any unexplained sores or redness, contact your veterinarian.
Price and where to buy a puppy
When looking for a baby of such a rare breed, you can only contact a well-known nursery. It is impossible to purchase a representative of this breed on the poultry market. When choosing a baby, pay attention to the reputation of the breeder and the living conditions of the puppy’s parents.
The cost of puppies depends on exhibition prospects. And if a baby with defects and without documents can be sold to you for $1,000, then an elite individual will cost five times more.
Photo: wikimedia.org
Owner reviews
Maria : don’t be afraid to train the dog yourself. It's very simple. He makes contact well, you just need to do it in the form of a game. It is advisable not to leave him alone for a long time - he will dismantle half the house. From the first days, take care of your health and problems will not arise. It’s still interesting how puppies’ eyes change from turquoise to amber. By the way, people pay a lot of attention to dogs on the street :)
Vladislav : It’s very difficult to say something definite. We love our dog very much, we got it after we played with him enough. We overcame everything: they taught us commands, weaned us from hooliganism. But he is often sick and constantly catches colds. It’s good that you have now found “your” veterinarian, he understands the breed and dosage of medications. One thing I can say for sure – children are best friends!
Dmitry : I advise you to keep the pharaoh in a private house. In the apartment he will bark and howl from loneliness. But even in the house he keeps an eye on him. He will jump over the fence and get his prey. So catch him in the neighbors. In general, like any dog, he requires attention and patience, but he will answer you with absolute love and devotion.
Advantages and disadvantages
To make it easier for our readers to decide on their desire to purchase a pet of this breed, we will highlight the positive and negative qualities of the Pharaoh Hound.
pros
- loyalty;
- intelligence;
- excellent hunter;
- gets along with children;
- does not require special care.
Minuses
- stubbornness;
- tendency to allergies and poor tolerance to anesthetics;
- puppy cost;
- tendency to hypothermia.
How to choose a puppy
Pedigree breeding is a rather complex process, so Pharaoh dogs have a narrow gene pool, which complicates the process of choosing a purebred representative.
A purebred Pharaoh Hound puppy has a flexible body with a straight top line and formed lower legs, the dog's paws are strong with dense pads.
The stomach is tucked, the chest is deep, the neck is slender and muscular, slightly arched.
The puppy's nose is flesh-colored, his eyes are amber and deep-set.
Any deviation from the standard is considered a defect.
Pharaoh hound puppies are very affectionate and playful. They easily get along with children
Photo
Photo: wikimedia.org
Photo: wikimedia.org
Photo: wikimedia.org
