Pharaoh’s dog

Breed Description

Like a shadow of Anubis descending from the walls of Egyptian pyramids, the Pharaoh Hound is one of the oldest breeds on Earth, possessing an aristocratic appearance and gazing at the world around with a languid glance. All this describes the Pharaoh Hound.

So, what kind of breed is this? Indeed, the pyramids of Ancient Egypt showcase numerous images of animals that closely resemble the Pharaoh Hound. There are many legends about the breed’s origin. According to one, these dogs descended from the heavens to save the Atlanteans from their own decadence. Some people supposedly left with the dogs toward the Nile and were saved. Allegedly, skeletons of these dogs have been found buried alongside priests in tombs. Another group of dog enthusiasts claims that Roman legionaries brought these dogs from Ancient Egypt to gift to Caesar. There are also other theories regarding how such beautiful dogs came to be. Their ancestors are traced back to wolves and even jackals. However, studies have disproven all these versions of the breed’s origin. Despite that, one should not fully trust these assumptions. Scientists assert that the Pharaoh Hound emerged much later and has no relation to Egyptian dogs, let alone Anubis.

Today, it is well-known that the homeland of the Pharaoh Hound is the island of Malta. These dogs arrived with the Phoenicians, who kept their dogs in special conditions, preserving their original appearance and hunting traits. Yes, the kelb-tal-fenek (another name for the breed) is a hunting dog from the islands of Gozo and Malta. “Kelb-tal-Fenek” translates to “rabbit dog” in Maltese dialect.

Since the 1960s, the breeding of these dogs has been overseen by the United Kingdom. However, since 1974, the breed has been recognized as a treasure of the island of Malta. Considering the unique origins of such dogs, a general standard for all Mediterranean dogs was developed in 1977, which included the Pharaoh Hound. Then, in 1991, the breed was recognized by the international association of dog breeders as a distinct breed. To this day, these dogs are used for hunting rabbits. But unlike terriers and dachshunds, they do not burrow into the animal’s den; instead, they drive dozens or even hundreds of rabbits to the surface in packs, surrounding them. The dogs operate largely on instinct and do not wait for their owner to adjust their actions. Moreover, Pharaoh Hounds often assist in herding goat herds.

Appearance

“Once you see it, you never forget it!” – this inscription was carved into the door of the first kennel dedicated to breeding graceful dogs.

A medium-sized hound with a noble posture and attentive gaze – this is how the breed standard describes it. Indeed, the dog’s appearance is striking in its elegance. The fine, smooth, and short coat highlights the animal’s athletic build. Its “dried” physique is completely free of fat, and the breed’s hallmark is its coat color, reminiscent of a deep tan. The dog seems sculpted from stone.

The ideal height at the withers for males is 56 – 63 cm. Females are slightly shorter: 53 – 61 cm. However, weight is not specified in the standard. Generally, an adult dog weighs around 25 kg. Surprisingly, these dogs can maintain their “athletic” form even when not used for hunting.

At the same time, the appearance of the Pharaoh Hound resembles some other breeds. There are notable similarities with the Ibizan Hound and even the Basenji. However, there are still significant differences. The Pharaoh Hound does not have the more refined outlines and coat. Perhaps the Kelb-tal-Fenek is a sort of “Swan of Rothbart” in the famous “Dance of the Little Swans.” The dog’s movements are graceful and light. During a hunt, it seems to glide above the ground with incredible speed, skillfully and gracefully navigating between obstacles.

Отличительные черты

Голова

The wedge-shaped head of the Pharaoh Hound on a strong, long neck is completely covered with short fur of the primary color. The skull is slightly flattened on top. The length of the skull is a bit shorter than the muzzle. The forehead is not pronounced, providing a smooth transition to the dog's nose.

Морда

The muzzle is elongated and even slightly longer than the skull. The nose can only be flesh-colored. There is only a slight narrowing from the eyes to the nose. Overall, the muzzle is not pointed, with strong cheekbones. In keeping with the general build of the animal, the muzzle has athletic contours.

Уши

The ears of the Pharaoh Hound are quite wide at the base and are positioned high on the skull. Drooping ears are not permitted. According to the standard, the ears are highly mobile and are always seeking sound. When the animal is calm, they are held upright.

Глаза

According to the standard, the eyes should be of medium size. The iris is only amber in color. They are not set too deeply and are rather almond-shaped. The special shape of the eyes gives the dog’s gaze an attentive yet languid look.

Зубы

Powerful jaws meet in the correct bite, with the upper teeth covering the canines of the lower jaw. Among dog breeders, this bite is referred to as a scissors bite. They are very strong, positioned vertically in relation to both jaws.

Корпус

The dog's body is slightly shorter than the height at the withers when measured from the chest to the loin. The hindquarters (croup) are slightly sloped towards the tail. The chest is powerful, but not overly wide. Notably, the lower part of the chest drops almost to the elbows of the front legs. The abdomen is dry, but not sunken.

Конечности

Thin and long, yet strong, they provide agility and quick maneuverability for Pharaoh hounds during hunting. The front legs are very well-developed, with the shoulder blades not protruding and pushed back. The wrists are very strong, and the elbows are close to the body. The hind legs are very powerful, with strong wrists. The hind paws are parallel to each other. Notably, it's customary to remove the dewclaw from the hind legs.

Хвост

Как правило, хвост собаки опущен, но не зажат между задних лап. Достаточно толстый у основания, низко посажен. При движении животного последняя четверть хвоста немного загибается кверху, однако до завития полумесяцем дело не доходит. Полный завиток не встречается.

Шерсть

Looking at the Kelb-tal-Fenek from the outside, one gets the impression that the dog is hairless, completely without fur. In reality, this is not the case. These beauties do have fur, and it is hypoallergenic. Very short and soft, it lies close to the body.

Окрас

The Maltese hound can have various shades of chestnut, red-gold, or even lemon color. However, the most commonly seen dogs have a reddish-brown coat. Notably, a white tip on the tail, as well as white toes and a small white spot on the chest, are quite acceptable. At the same time, spots on the back and neck are considered defects.

Character

A lot can be said about the character of Pharaoh Hounds. However, it all becomes clear just by watching how they run during walks. The owner experiences truly incredible feelings while observing their fast and sharp turns.

In Malta, you can still see these graceful animals herding goats. This is done both to preserve the breed’s genetics and for other reasons. They are often kept on a “starvation diet” specifically to maintain not only their appearance but also their specific personality traits.

Despite their agility, they are extremely attentive to everything around them and very alert. You can immediately understand what your dog wants at any given moment.

The breed standard indicates that the character of the Kelb tal-Fenek is watchful, playful, friendly, and affectionate. It is also noted that these dogs love to play. Therefore, families with children can consider that their child has found a worthy companion for active outdoor activities.

The main thing is that the children are taught how to interact with the dog. Despite their size, Pharaoh Hounds do not tolerate rudeness directed at them. If there is a small child in the family, there is no need to worry when a four-legged friend arrives-the child will be under the animal’s protection. However, leaving a baby alone with the dog is also not advisable.

It is worth noting that this breed is calm towards other animals in the home, except for same-sex individuals, as competition may arise. Never take your eyes off smaller animals living in the house. If your chestnut beauty spots a rabbit, guinea pig, mouse, or ferret in your absence, their fate will be dire. Hunting instincts will take over, and the “little one” will be eliminated.In everyday life, Maltese dogs are exceptionally compliant. They seek a close bond with their owner but do not impose themselves. The breed is generally very intelligent and easily trainable.Maltese Hounds have a negative attitude towards solitude, but they will not cause a ruckus in protest-that’s for sure. Moreover, these hounds are extremely fastidious about dirt. They are very clean, and during dreary weather, they noticeably long for sunny days.The Pharaoh Dog is like glasses in an expensive frame. The status of the dog’s owner significantly increases with the acquisition of such a pet. It is worth noting that life changes radically when a Kelb tal-Fenek enters the home.

Care and Maintenance

How difficult is it to care for a Pharaoh Hound? The answer to this question is not as simple as it may seem. It can be said unequivocally that these dogs feel better in a country house than in an urban apartment. This is related to the activity level and size of the animals themselves. For many hundreds of years, these dogs have run through meadows and slopes in pursuit of wild game. It is unlikely that such activity can be provided in urban conditions, making it challenging for the animals. However, if you live near a park and can allocate at least three hours a day for walking your Maltese Hunter, then the problem becomes easier to solve. If your work schedule and living area do not allow you to spend that much time outdoors, it is better to refrain from getting such a dog. Living in a private home outside the city doesn’t fully resolve the walking issue. These dogs need space, so even a portion of the backyard should be of considerable size. The minimum area for daily runs should be at least 200-250 square meters. Additionally, it is highly recommended to check the height of any fencing; it should be no lower than 2 meters. A lower fence will easily be jumpe
During walks, your dog should ideally remember its hunting skills. Set up a few exercises similar to hunting elements, and for about 20-30 minutes, let the animal “catch its rabbit.” Believe me, your dog will be very grateful.

If there are other dogs around, be attentive and ensure they are not aggressive. Conflicts often arise between same-sex dogs, so it’s best to avoid such situations.

Pay special attention to the selection of accessories. Due to their long necks, not every collar will fit properly. Keep in mind that your dog comes from regions where the temperature rarely drops below 10В°C! The short coat does not protect Pharaoh Hounds from the cold of Russia, so it is advisable to dress them in insulated dog overalls during cool weather.

The Kelb Tal-Fenec is a true metrosexual in the canine world. Always a clean dog, it can come back from a walk without getting dirty even in damp weather. Its coat hardly sheds and does not require clipping or plucking. It is sufficient to brush it 2-3 times a week with a special glove to remove dead fur. These dogs are not often bathed since their fur does not have a distinct dog smell. When bathing, follow basic principles: avoid getting water in the dog’s eyes and ears, and use specialized shampoos.

Typically, eyes should be inspected daily, and if necessary, the corners of the dog’s eyes should be wiped to prevent “crusting.” Cloudy discharge is a signal of inflammation and requires a visit to the veterinarian.Ears are a “trademark” of all Pharaoh Hounds. Cleaning the ears is an essential part of their care. They should be cleaned weekly with special swabs. However, it’s wise to inspect their ears more frequently, especially during summer. If the animal shows signs of discomfort, shakes its head, or tries to scratch its ear constantly, a tick might be present. You should urgently contact a veterinary clinic!Teeth should be brushed at least twice a week, monitoring for any yellow plaque on the enamel. If plaque builds up, it can lead to tartar, which is much more difficult to remove later.Claws should be trimmed at least once a month. Overly long claws can cause pain to the animal while moving, so it’s important not to let them get to that state. Inspect your dog’s claws every 10 days to determine when they need trimming.Pay close attention to your dog’s diet. Properly selected food can help avoid many issues with allergies and coat condition.

Training and Education

First of all, it is important to note that during a hunt, the Pharaoh Hound relies not only on its sense of smell but also on hearing and sight. Therefore, during training, you can and should use this to your advantage.

Firstly, it is essential to get the puppy accustomed to its name, and only then smoothly transition to mastering basic commands. Commands like “place,” “no,” “give,” “forbidden,” “sit,” and “lie down” are relatively easy to learn at home.

To quickly train the dog to its place, say “place” every time it lies down there. In cases where it falls asleep in another part of your house, it’s better to gently take the puppy back to its spot without waking it.

It is crucial that before going outside, your dog becomes accustomed to the leash and collar. Remember that for ages, Maltese dogs have hunted and made independent decisions.

Unfortunately, there are cases where well-trained dogs, which obediently follow commands at home, simply run away once released from the leash. Sadly, this is one of the downsides among many positives.

During walks, commands that remind your dog of hunting are best learned. In any case, the animal looks forward to praise, so it is highly recommended not to skimp on treats and vocal praise for every successful command execution. You definitely won’t spoil the animal this way. However, raising your voice and shouting at the dog will only lead to a damaged psyche. Remember that these animals use their sense of smell, sight, and hearing while hunting. So, besides treats, they also perceive your reactions and hear your gentle voice. This moment can create such a strong bond between you that nothing can break it.Start training with the simplest commands, gradually adding more complex ones. And don’t train for longer than 20-25 minutes; otherwise, the dog will tire and stop absorbing information.If you plan to use the dog for hunting or want it to participate in dog races, it is best to consult professional trainers and take obedience courses. Zooinika features the best options, offering puppies with pedigree.

How to Choose a Puppy

Choosing a Pharaoh Hound puppy is a serious commitment that requires careful preparation. You will be bringing a living creature into your life, and the full responsibility for it will lie with you. Are you ready to be on guard 24 hours a day for the next 12 to 15 years? Does your schedule allow for the luxury of having a Pharaoh Hound?

Before starting to choose a puppy, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the breed standard. This breed is quite rare in Russia, so its price can be quite high. If there is an offer significantly lower than usual, it might be a sign that the dog is not purebred or is unwell.

After studying the breed standard, it’s beneficial to read real owners’ reviews and watch videos showcasing these graceful hunters. It’s certainly not advisable to buy a dog from an unverified source. The best option is to purchase from a kennel that specializes in breeding the breed.

At the kennel, you will be able to evaluate not only the puppies themselves but also the conditions in which they live. Ideally, you should see the puppies’ mother. Her appearance and behavior can give you an idea of how your dog will behave when it grows up.

During the selection process, check the puppy’s nose. The golden rule states: a cold, moist nose indicates a healthy dog. Check the puppy’s ears – they should be clean and pain-free. Carefully examine the puppy’s eyes. The iris should be pure, without cloudiness. Interestingly, KГ¤lb-tel-Felek puppies have blue eyes when they are young, and only over time do their eyes develop the appropriate color. Aggression in a puppy is a bad sign, and it’s better to refrain from purchasing such a dog. Typically, Pharaoh Hound puppies are active and playful but not aggressive. On Zooinik, you’ll find only verified offers with a health guarantee.

Health and Diseases

Like any living creature, the Pharaoh Hound occasionally suffers from health issues. However, the breed generally has a strong immune system. For example, in the USA, screening is commonly performed to rule out the most frequent diseases associated with these dogs.

Among the most dangerous diseases affecting Maltese Hounds is hip dysplasia. This hereditary condition causes the hip joint to develop improperly from birth. If the dog starts limping, it could be a serious sign, and it is advisable to seek a thorough examination at a veterinary clinic promptly. Patellar dislocations and certain retinal issues, as well as liver problems (which can often be resolved by changing the diet), occur somewhat less frequently.

The most serious condition in older dogs is malignant tumors of the mammary glands. The cause of this disease remains unknown. Hemangiosarcoma has been diagnosed more frequently since the year 2000, and its occurrence is often linked to prolonged exposure to sunlight.

It’s important to note that these diseases are simply diagnosed more often in this breed. To prevent the list from growing, it is strongly recommended to adhere to the schedule of all necessary vaccinations. Considering your options? There’s a vast selection of listings available on the Zounika map by city.