Pharaoh Hound at a glance
- Size
- Large
- Height
- 53–63 cm
- Weight
- 20–25 kg
- Life expectancy
- from 10 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog. Not assessed yet: Energy.
Is the Pharaoh Hound right for you?
Like every breed, the Pharaoh Hound is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You enjoy long walks and an active, outdoor life.
- You have, or would like, another dog.
- You would prefer a dog that tends to shed little.
- You would like a coat that is fairly easy to look after.
Consider another breed if…
- The dog would regularly be left alone for long working days.
- You cannot offer well over an hour of exercise every day.
- You live in a flat or a small home.
- You have young children at home.
How would the Pharaoh Hound fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Pharaoh Hound
The Pharaoh Hound is a graceful, athletic dog with a short tan coat, an elegant chiselled head and large, upright ears. It is a sighthound that can also hunt by scent, combining a sprinter's speed with a long-distance runner's stamina. It is typically loyal to its family and sociable with people and other dogs.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Large
A large dog.
- Exercise
Very high
Usually needs several hours of activity or work a day.
- Energy level
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Grooming
Weekly
The coat usually needs brushing about once a week.
- Shedding
Low
Tends to shed little, though every dog sheds some hair.
- Trainability
Independent
Can be independent-minded; patient training helps.
- Good with children
Older children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
- Good with other dogs
Usually sociable
Usually sociable with other dogs.
- Good with cats
Strong chase instinct
Often has a strong instinct to chase small animals.
- Suits first-time owners
Experienced owners
Best with an experienced owner.
- Barking / vocality
Barks sometimes
May bark at visitors or unfamiliar sounds.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
The breed is native to Malta and Gozo, where it was known for centuries as a farmer's dog and called the Maltese Rabbit Dog. In the 1960s enthusiasts renamed it the Pharaoh Hound, because it closely resembles the hound-like dogs shown in ancient Egyptian wall paintings and carvings.
There is no firm evidence of a genetic link to ancient Egypt, but it is thought that Phoenician traders may have carried dogs around the Mediterranean. The Pharaoh Hound is relatively new to the UK, arriving in the 1970s; the first to be shown at Crufts appeared in 1970.
Pharaoh Hound temperament
Pharaoh Hounds are typically loyal, alert and sociable, enjoying the company of people and other dogs. As sighthounds, they think for themselves, and their desire to hunt is strong, so care is needed around cats, small furry animals and livestock.
Unlike many sighthounds, they can be quite vocal and are quick to alert to interesting sounds, which may not suit a busy town home with close neighbours. They are slow to mature into sensible adults and, if bored, will invent their own fun. They do not like being left alone for long.
Size and appearance
The Royal Kennel Club classes the Pharaoh Hound as a large breed. Adults typically stand 53–63 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 20–25 kg.
The coat is short and smooth. Breed standard colours are tan, rich tan, and tan with white markings, which may appear on the tail tip, chest, toes and face. When excited, their nose and ears can glow a deeper red.
How much exercise does a Pharaoh Hound need?
Pharaoh Hounds need more than two hours of exercise a day. They love sprinting and longer runs and can jump surprisingly high. Vary the type of exercise and the routes to meet their mental needs too. Once on the trail of quarry, they will not stop, so secure off-lead areas are important.
They do not cope well with cold or wet weather, so a coat helps on slower walks and before and after faster exercise. They need a decent-sized garden with secure fencing of at least 6 ft. The Royal Kennel Club suggests a large house in the country.
Training a Pharaoh Hound
Pharaoh Hounds can really enjoy training, but owners should not expect instant obedience from a sighthound.
- Start early training to ignore livestock and behave well around cats and other small animals.
- Build a solid recall, but do not rely on it completely.
- Try canicross, agility, obedience or heelwork to music to channel their energy.
- Keep them busy: a bored Pharaoh Hound will find its own entertainment.
Pharaoh Hound grooming
The Pharaoh Hound is easy to groom. A weekly going-over with a rubber grooming mitt removes loose and dead hairs.
Living with a Pharaoh Hound
Pharaoh Hounds need plenty of time for training and exercise and are slow to mature, which may not suit a home with very young children. With older children or teenagers who can join in with training, dog sports, long walks or running, they should do very well. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
Other dogs
Usually sociable with other dogs.
Cats and small pets
Often has a strong instinct to chase small animals.
Flats and smaller homes
Usually needs a roomy home.
Garden
A secure garden is strongly advised.
Being left alone
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
First-time owners
Best with an experienced owner.
Pharaoh Hound health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
Pharaoh Hounds are generally a healthy breed, and the Royal Kennel Club places them in Breed Watch Category 1, with no specific points of concern identified. The Royal Kennel Club encourages breeders to prioritise genetic diversity, and the breed has a breed club health scheme.
Patellar luxation
Purina lists patellar luxation, a kneecap problem, as a condition the breed can suffer from.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Pharaoh Hound home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Pharaoh Hound cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Pharaoh Hound home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 10 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Pharaoh Hound
If you have decided the Pharaoh Hound suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Pharaoh Hound
Pharaoh Hounds do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Pharaoh Hounds looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
There are no Pharaoh Hound adverts at the moment.
Find Pharaoh Hound adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
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View breed guide
Pharaoh Hound FAQs
Is the Pharaoh Hound good with children?
Usually better with older, calmer children. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Pharaoh Hound live in a flat?
Usually needs a roomy home. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the Pharaoh Hound need?
Very high: usually needs several hours of activity or work each day. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
Does the Pharaoh Hound shed?
Tends to shed little.
How much grooming does the Pharaoh Hound need?
Typically: about once a week.
Is the Pharaoh Hound easy to train?
Can be independent-minded; patient training helps. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Can the Pharaoh Hound be left alone?
Usually copes only with short periods alone. Build up time alone gradually.
Does the Pharaoh Hound bark a lot?
Barks sometimes. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Is the Pharaoh Hound good with cats?
Often has a strong instinct to chase small animals. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How long does the Pharaoh Hound live?
Typically from 10 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Pharaoh Hound get?
Adults typically stand 53–63 cm at the shoulder and weigh 20–25 kg.