Pharaoh hound

Pharaoh hound is an agile, fast, with a well-developed hunting instinct, independent, he has a good sense of smell and a good predisposition to watch. Although he likes to hug very much, he prefers multi-kilometer runs and hunts – the lazy owner will not check with him.

Nature

Pharaoh dog is very affectionate towards his family and needs contact with people and caresses. He keeps his distance from strangers. He doesn’t like loneliness, he likes the company of other dogs from his herd. He is tolerant of foreign quadrupeds. Contact with smaller animals, including cats, should be under control. When it comes to fun, I prefer races and races.

Skills

The Pharaoh dog has a noble, slim build. It is adapted to a warm, dry climate. He was bred for hunting and has a very strong hunting instinct. In search of prey, he travels many kilometers in a short time. It is extremely fast and durable. During hunting, he is guided by both eyesight, smell and hearing. He can catch a hare on the run, and when he sniffs a hidden victim, he announces it with a bark.

For this breed, it is very important to meet the need for running. The best is a large, fenced garden. In the open, a Pharaoh’s dog can be released if he has been taught to call. He can run by the bicycle, although this will not replace his free movement. Coursings are an excellent form of recreation for him.

Pharaoh hound. Training and education

Ambitious owners may be tempted to train their pet in obedience. Although it is difficult to demand absolute compliance with it, early work usually pays off. We base our learning on positive motivation and rewarding, because it is an independent dog – strength methods will not work.

Who is this race for?

This inquisitive and cheerful dog will be a nice companion for a person who leads an active lifestyle and already has experience with dogs.

Pharaoh hound. Advantages and disadvantages

Disadvantages

• independent
• has a strong hunting instinct
• needs a lot of traffic

Advantages

• affectionate friend of the family
• calm at home
• tolerant of other dogs
• easy to care for
• healthy

Health

Usually, a representative of this breed enjoys excellent health. Sometimes there are allergies.

Feeding

There are stomach twists, which is why I need good feed in a controlled amount, because it tends to gain weight.

Care

The care of a Pharaoh hound is easy, just brushing during the molting period – scanty, because this animal has no undercoat. If we want his coat to shine, let’s wipe it with chamois leather. He is cold and in the winter he needs clothes.

History

Pharaoh’s dog is probably the best-known breed among the original greyhounds with erect ears. Quadrupeds of this type have been commonly found in Mediterranean countries for centuries. They were created on the basis of pariahs, which were selected for hunting animals. They come from Malta, where the first mention of similar dogs appeared in 1647.

They are valued there mainly as dogs for rabbits – hence the original name of the breed: “kelb tal-fenek”. They are used to hunt birds, and some hunters even teach them how to fetch them. They also work well as guard dogs and sometimes guard goats and sheep.

The name “Pharaoh dog” was given by German cynologists to the breed due to its similarity to dogs from ancient Egyptian images, including the god of death Anubis, depicted as a dog or a dog with a dog’s head. In Egypt, greyhounds with standing ears and a curled tail were known as “test”.

The modern history of the breed dates back to the 1920s, when quadruped dogs imported from the Balearic and Canary Islands were registered as “Pharaoh dogs” in Germany. The first model was approved by FCI in 1963, but it was so wide that it covered almost all quadrupeds in the type of primary greyhound.

Meanwhile, in the 1960s, dogs began to be brought to Great Britain from Malta, which was then a British colony. The British created their own pattern, and the breed was finally recognized as “kelb tal-fennec” in 1974. In 1977, the FCI canceled the imperfect old pattern and adopted the British, recognizing the patronage country of Great Britain and leaving the name “Pharaoh dog.”

Maltese would like to recognize the breed under their native name, but for now their voice is too weak. In 1974, kelb tal-fenek became the national dog of Malta, and in 1977 his image was placed on a specially minted coin. In Europe, the breed is most popular in Scandinavia.

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Pharaoh dog (Kelb Tal – Fenek) – group V FCI, section 6, reference number 248

• Origin: Malta; 
• patronage: Great Britain
• Character: alert, intelligent, sensitive, friendly, willing to play, independent
• Size: dogs 56-63.5 cm, ideal height 56 ​​cm, bitches 53-61 cm, ideal height 53 cm
• Weight: dogs 23-25 ​​kg, bitches 20-23 kg
• Coat: very short, close-fitting
• Color: red or red with white markings; a white tail end is desirable; there may be white on the chest, fingers and a white arrow on the face
• Lifespan: 11-14 years
• Vulnerability to training: moderate
• Activity: if it runs out, it is calm at home
• Resistance/susceptibility to diseases: very resistant, but does not like moisture
• Possibility of buying a puppy: import only (you usually have to wait for the puppy)

Interesting facts

Pharaoh dog has some unusual skill – it blushes. If he is excited or happy, his ears and nose change color from brown to pink.

Many dogs of this breed also have the ability to “smile” (so-called grin) – the dog raises his lips and reveals his teeth, but is not aggressive. Admittedly, an unoriented person can be frightened of such a smile, especially when the dog does it by jumping up at the height of his face!