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Discover everything about Pharaoh Hound
Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
Looking for a Pharaoh Hound?
At a glance
Pharaoh Hound overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
S
A
B
C
D
E
Very healthyHigher risk
The Pharaoh Hound is a very primitive and robust breed with an excellent health record. Since there are hardly any breed-specific hereditary diseases that occur frequently, there are no strict mandatory health tests; however, you should still look out for hip dysplasia (HD) and patellar luxation. Occasionally, eye conditions such as cataracts can occur, which is why it is advisable to check the health status of the parent dogs.
Lifespan
11–14 yrs
Height
53–63 cm
Weight
18–25 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 2,000 – 3,500 €
- Coat: Short, smooth, dense, without undercoat
- Origin: Malta
Typical coat colors
- Rich brown
- sometimes with white breast
- toes
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Pharaoh Hound, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Pharaoh Hound right for you?
The Pharaoh Hound is an elegant, lightning-fast, and independent primitive hunter—bred in Malta to hunt rabbits in rocky terrain independently using sight, scent, and hearing. It is a fascinating mix of cat-like cleanliness indoors and highly explosive hunting drive outdoors.
Perfect for you if:
- You are fascinated by the self-reliance of primitive breeds and do not expect blind obedience.
- You have a high and absolutely escape-proof fenced garden—these dogs are incredible jumpers and will exploit any gap.
- You can provide regular off-leash time in secure areas or at a sighthound racing track to satisfy his explosive sprinting urge.
- You are looking for a sensitive, almost silent companion at home who loves the physical closeness of his humans.
Less ideal if:
- You expect him to remain recallable at the sight of a fleeing hare—he was bred to act independently and lightning-fast in exactly those moments.
- You have small animals or cats in the household that he could perceive as prey in a split second.
- You are looking for a dog that enjoys repetitive tricks, obedience training, or hours of fetching.
- You live in a densely populated city without direct access to secure, game-free off-leash areas.
The real vibes check
A Pharaoh Hound is like an aristocratic roommate who tenderly seeks your closeness on the sofa—until a leaf moves too quickly outside. You are not buying a dog that follows orders, but a highly specialized athlete who makes his own decisions in a flash. If you admire this wild independence, you will gain a loyal partner; if you need constant control, you will despair.
Breed Profile
The Pharaoh Hound is a beautiful, slim and elegant dog that immediately attracts attention. It belongs to FCI Group 5, the Spitz and Urtyp dogs, and is classified in Section 6 as a Urtyp hunting dog. His ears are large and erect, and his eyes are amber, giving him a particularly expressive face. The Pharaoh Hound has an impressive physique that exudes both strength and suppleness. There is no distinction between performance and show lines in this breed, all Pharaoh Hounds are bred to the same standards. The Pharaoh Hound's tail is long and is often carried happily across its back, especially when the dog is excited. A distinctive feature of this breed is the ability to blush when highly excited or happy, turning the nose and ears pink.
- Height
- 53 - 61 cm (Female), 56 - 63 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 18 - 23 kg (Female), 20 - 25 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 11 - 14 years
- Character
- Intelligent, independent, friendly
- Coat
- Short, smooth, dense, without undercoat
- Coat Color
- Rich brown, sometimes with white breast and toes
- Price
- 2000 - 3500 €
History
The Pharaoh Hound is one of the oldest known dog breeds and is often associated with ancient Egypt. The breed is believed to have originated in Egypt and was later brought to the Mediterranean island of Malta by the Phoenicians. In Malta, where the Pharaoh Hound is known as Kelb tal-Fenek, it was traditionally used as a rabbit hunting dog. The Pharaoh Hound is actually the national dog of Malta and is highly valued there. The Pharaoh Hound's similarity to depictions of dogs in Egyptian artwork has led to the belief that these may be the dogs kept by the ancient Egyptians. The breed was introduced to Britain in the 1960s and quickly gained popularity. The Pharaoh Hound was recognized by the F"d"ration Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1983 and by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1984.
Original Use
The Pharaoh Hound was used to hunt rabbits and other small game and is known for its speed and good eyesight.
Origin
Malta
Date
Antike
Character & Temperament
The Pharaoh Hound is a fascinating creature. He is intelligent and learns quickly, but he is also very independent. This means that while he is capable of learning new things, he doesn't always feel the need to please his human. He often makes his own decisions, and that makes him an interesting but sometimes challenging companion. Despite his independence, the Pharaoh Hound is a friendly dog that generally gets along well with people and other dogs. He is not particularly alert and does not tend to be aggressive, but he can be reserved around strangers. His temperament is even-tempered; He is not hyperactive, but he needs regular exercise to be happy. If you are looking for a dog that is happy to spend a lot of time in your company but is also capable of staying alone, the Pharaoh Hound could be a good choice. He is usually quite happy being alone as long as he gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. The Pharaoh Hound has a strong hunting instinct and often displays strong prey-catching behavior. So if you have small pets, you should be careful because the Pharaoh Hound might be tempted to chase them. It's also important to keep him on a leash when he's not in a fenced area, as he can be prone to chasing wildlife. An interesting aspect of the Pharaoh Hound is his sense of humor. He is often playful and has a tendency to be silly, making him an entertaining companion. He is also very sensitive and reacts strongly to the mood of his people. It is important that you have a calm and patient approach when living with a Pharaoh Hound as they do not respond well to harsh corrections or loud voices. When it comes to living with a Pharaoh Hound, it is important to know that although he can live well in an apartment, he needs regular access to a safe, fenced area to run and play. He is not particularly affectionate, but he values the company of his people and should be considered part of the family. Finally, it is important to know that the Pharaoh Hound is a skilled jumper and often displays amazing acrobatic skills. It is therefore advisable to have a high fence around your garden to ensure that he does not escape and explore on his own.
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the Pharaoh Hound is known for his unique smile? When they are particularly happy or excited, they pull back their lips and show their teeth in a charming grin!
What Awaits You
Paharan dogs are highly motivated to hunt. It's difficult to make good use of it. They need something to do and a lot of exercise, but they tend to hunt uncontrollably and independently.
Housing & Care
The Pharaoh Hound can live in both the city and the country as long as it gets enough exercise. He is an active dog and loves running in a fenced yard. He gets along well with children, but as with any breed, children should be taught to treat the dog with respect. Pharaoh Hounds have a high prey instinct, so caution is advised around small pets, including cats.
- Family Friendly
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Family-oriented - Child Friendly
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Patient with children - Dog Friendly
Usually gets on fine with other dogs.
Generally tolerant - City Friendly
City-appropriate with enough exercise and stimulation.
Manageable in cities
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
Training & Education
The Pharaoh Hound is intelligent but also independent, which makes training challenging at times. He responds best to positive reinforcement. Since he is a hunter by nature, you should ensure that he receives enough mental and physical stimulation without overwhelming him. Coursing or agility could be great sports for him. It's important to start recall training early and teach him how to control his impulses, especially as it relates to his hunting instincts.
Nutrition & Care
Pharaoh Hounds are athletic dogs and require a balanced diet that meets their energy needs. High-quality dry or wet food that is rich in proteins and fats is ideal. Some owners also prefer a BARF diet (organic raw food). The Pharaoh Hound has short, smooth fur without an undercoat. That's great because he doesn't shed much and is quite easy to care for. An occasional brushing is enough. This breed copes well with the climate in Germany, but in cold weather the dog will certainly appreciate a warm jacket.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Hair everywhere, always — no white clothing survives. | Very heavy |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Health
A
Robust
Health grade
The Pharaoh Hound is a very primitive and robust breed with an excellent health record. Since there are hardly any breed-specific hereditary diseases that occur frequently, there are no strict mandatory health tests; however, you should still look out for hip dysplasia (HD) and patellar luxation. Occasionally, eye conditions such as cataracts can occur, which is why it is advisable to check the health status of the parent dogs.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
With joint-friendly exercise, a warm coat on cold days, and occasional eye and thyroid check-ups, most of these dogs remain active well into old age.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parents' knees, hips, elbows, eyes, and thyroids tested to specifically reduce risks within the bloodline.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
What owners say about the Pharaoh Hound
Sabine M., Halterin aus dem Taunus (Rüde, seit 2018)
Als ich mich damals in den Pharaoh Hound verliebte, wurde mir von vielen Seiten gesagt, dass diese Hunde wegen ihres extremen Jagdtriebs niemals ohne Leine laufen können. Mein Rüde hat tatsächlich einen unfassbaren Hetztrieb – und das Besondere im Vergleich zu reinen Windhunden ist, dass er nicht nur auf Sicht jagt, sondern auch mit der Nase stöbert. Wenn er eine Fährte hat, schaltet sein Gehör komplett auf Durchzug.
Trotzdem kann ich ihn heute an übersichtlichen Orten ohne Straße in der Nähe frei laufen lassen. Das war aber ein verdammt hartes Stück Arbeit. Wir haben zwei komplette Begleithundekurse absolviert und trainieren bis heute täglich kleine Unterordnungsübungen. Man darf nur niemals den typischen Kadavergehorsam eines Schäferhundes erwarten. Er hinterfragt Kommandos immer noch gerne, aber mit viel Geduld und positiver Verstärkung klappt der Rückruf bei uns inzwischen wirklich gut.
Thomas B., Halter aus der Nähe von München (Hündin, seit 2021)
Für mich ist meine Hündin der absolute Traumhund, aber man muss ehrlich sein: Die Haltung ist speziell. Wer einen unkomplizierten Hund sucht, den man einfach überall im Wald flitzen lassen kann, wird mit einem Pharaoh Hound wahrscheinlich unglücklich. Ich lasse meine Hündin draußen grundsätzlich nicht von der Leine. Ihr Jagdinstinkt ist so tief verwurzelt, dass sie beim kleinsten Reiz weg wäre. Um ihr trotzdem den nötigen Freilauf zu bieten, fahren wir regelmäßig auf eine Windhundrennbahn und nutzen sicher eingezäunte Ausläufe.
Im Haus ist sie dagegen eine absolute Bereicherung. Sie ist unglaublich sauber, riecht kaum und das kurze Fell ist extrem pflegeleicht. Sie hat einen genialen Sinn für Humor, bringt uns täglich zum Lachen und reagiert extrem feinfühlig auf unsere Stimmungen. Wenn man einmal laut wird, zieht sie sich sofort sensibel zurück – man muss also sehr ruhig und sanft mit ihr umgehen.
Annett K., Halterin aus Berlin (Rüde, seit 2020)
Was man vor dem Kauf unbedingt wissen sollte: Der Pharaoh Hound ist keine leise Rasse. Mein Rüde ist sehr mitteilsam und schlägt sofort an, wenn sich dem Grundstück jemand nähert. Er ist zwar absolut nicht aggressiv und freut sich über jeden Besuch, sobald die Tür offen ist, aber er ist eben ein wachsamer und lautstarker Begleiter.
Außerdem ist er ein absoluter Überflieger – im wahrsten Sinne des Wortes. Seine Sprungkraft ist der Wahnsinn, weshalb wir unseren Garten extra mit einem über zwei Meter hohen Zaun sichern mussten. Er lernt extrem schnell, entscheidet aber selbst, ob sich das Ausführen eines Befehls für ihn lohnt. Man braucht eine gehörige Portion Humor und darf die Unabhängigkeit dieser Hunde nicht als persönlichen Affront sehen.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
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Frequently asked questions about the Pharaoh Hound
Is a Pharaoh Hound the right dog for me?
The Pharaoh Hound is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Pharaoh Hound live?
The average life expectancy of a Pharaoh Hound is 11-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Pharaoh Hound need?
Pharaoh Hound grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Pharaoh Hound good for families with children?
The Pharaoh Hound can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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