Pharaoh Hound

The Pharaoh Hound is a large sight hound that is the national dog of the island of Malta. It is built for speed and is used in the hunting of rabbits. In its native land and in much of the world, it is called the Kelb tal-Fenek "rabbit dog."� Although it is occasionally seen in Europe and North America, the breed is still relatively rare outside Malta. The Pharaoh Hound has a very unique trait: its "blush"�. When excited, this dog shows a pronounced rosy color over its nose and ears. On the island of Malta, teams of these hounds can sometimes be seen hunting around the ruins of stone walls, often at night. They are generally worked in teams of two generally a male and female called a "mizzewgin"�. After scenting and tracking a rabbit into the rocks, one dog indicates a rabbit hiding in the rocks while the other keeps it from escaping, and the hunter then sets a ferret into the wall to flush the prey so that he can take a shot. The Pharaoh Hound is a tall, graceful dog of lean build and fine bone, with moderate musculature. Its appearance speaks of power and athleticism. As do all sight hounds, it has keen exceptionally keen sight and is sensitive to the sudden movement of distant objects. It has a long snout; its large, long ears are medium high-set and thick at the base; they are carried erect. The eyes of the Pharaoh Hound are small, deep-set and usually amber in color. Its carriage is proud, its long neck is slightly arched. This breed stands an average 21 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder. The tail is long and usually hangs down in a relaxed position. The coat of the Pharaoh Hound is short and rather fine. It occurs in various shades of brownish red, from tan to sable. There may be small white markings on the face, chest, toes and tail tip. The first documentation of the dogs of Malta occurs when a Maltese historian mentions in the mid-17th century that Malta has renowned rabbit-hunting dogs that are envied as far away as France. His description matches the Pharaoh Hound. There is a long held belief that the Pharaoh Hound is in fact the ancient breed of the Egyptian pharaohs the same dog depicted in paintings on the walls of tombs, the same dog whose remains have been found mummified beside those of its masters. Beginning in 2004, through testing sanctioned by the American Kennel Club, DNA research was done to affirm the Pharaoh Hound's royal origins. But rather than prove it, the evidence suggested that the modern Pharaoh hound is a relatively more recent breed, with the bloodlines of many sight hounds and dogs of other types mixed into it. Many in the canine show circuit have begun to suggest that for the Pharaoh Hound breed clubs to continue the story despite proof to the contrary, and to promote the sale of puppies through that myth, is a form of fraud. Surely the next few decades will bring the issue to a head. But there is no doubt that the Pharaoh Hound of today shares ancestry with the ancient companion of the pharaohs, in the same way that many sight hounds do. The Pharaoh Hound was brought to England in the 1920's but there was no breeding. When it was again introduced into England in the 1960's the first kennel was established. In 1974 the Kennel Club recognized the breed as the "Pharaoh Hound,"� however the name was already in use as an alternative name for the more familiar Ibizan Hound of Spain. In 1977 the Federation Cynologique Internationale finally declared the Ibizan to be separate from the Pharaoh Hound. The American Kennel Club recognized the Pharaoh Hound in 1983. The Pharaoh Hound needs daily exercise in the form of a brisk long walk or a good run in an enclosed area. This breed should never be let off leash when not confined by a high fence, because it will chase after prey for long distances without a backward glance. The coat of this dog needs little care. Shedding is minimal, and there is no typical dog odor. A wipe-down with a damp washcloth or a quick touch-up with a hound glove or curry comb is all that is needed. The Pharaoh Hound should be monitored closely in very hot weather for signs of overheating, since lack of body fat causes the breed to be unable to regulate its body temperature. In cold weather this breed should always wear a coat or sweater, again because there is little body fat to insulate naturally. The Pharaoh Hound is a very healthy breed. Because it is relatively rare, it has not been overbred; the people who breed it are traditionally serious and educated about the breed, and they have so far been quite successful at keeping genetic disorders from the breed. The average lifespan is 10-15 years. The Pharaoh Hound can be very sensitive to medications, and sometimes has allergic reactions to shampoos for example.The Pharaoh Hound is affectionate with its owners and family. It can be wary of strangers and aloof toward persons with whom it has not become familiar. It is an easy breed to train, willing to please and reasonably intelligent. Softer methods should be used, as harsh training can turn off this breed and ruin the success of future training sessions. The Pharaoh Hound is generally gentle toward other dogs. Great caution should be taken when introducing the hound to cats or other small household pets, because the prey drive is very strong. An occasional individual will never be able to live safely with the household cat or pet mice, gerbils, ferrets or other small animals, but many will accept a smaller animal once they understand that the smaller friend is part of the family pack. Training and common sense and patience must be used to help this to happen. Pharaoh Hounds enjoy exercising their inherent love of running, and excel in lure coursing competitions. They are also seen in obedience competition and agility.

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