Pharaoh Hound
法老獵犬
Updated 2026-09-09
At a glance
The Pharaoh Hound is Malta's national hound, a sleek tan sighthound bred to course rabbits over rocky terrain and famous for 'blushing' — its nose and ears flush pink when it is excited. Friendly, affectionate and quick to learn, it settles well at home but has a hunting instinct no training can override: the AKC says it should never be exercised off lead outside a securely fenced area. The short coat needs little grooming, and the parent club stresses that this people-oriented breed does not do well as an outdoor dog.
Facts
| Size | Medium |
|---|---|
| Height | 53–64cm |
| Weight | 20–25kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–14years |
| Breed group | AKC: hound FCI: 5 |
| Role | Hound |
| Coat | Short coat |
| Shedding | 3/ 5 |
| Exercise | 60–150min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 3 hours |
| Companionship need | 5/ 5 |
| Trainability | 4/ 5 |
| Barking | 3/ 5 |
| Good with children | 3/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 5/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 4/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 1/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Hip dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen hips by X-ray. Ask your vet about hip screening and about keeping your dog lean and fit.
Elbow dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen elbows by X-ray. Ask your vet if you notice front-leg lameness, especially in a growing dog.
Inherited eye conditions
Various inherited eye conditions are reported in the breed; annual eye examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist are recommended for breeding stock. Ask your vet about eye screening.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is reported in the breed. Ask your vet about thyroid testing if you notice weight gain, lethargy or coat changes.
Patellar luxation
Patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps) is commonly reported in small breeds; breeders screen for it. Ask your vet if your dog skips or holds up a hind leg.
Cancer
Certain cancers are reported at higher rates in the breed. Ask your vet about regular check-ups and about any new lumps.
Behaviour
Never off lead in an open area
The AKC says the Pharaoh is quick to learn and eager to please, but that most Pharaohs — however well trained — will not come when called once they find themselves free in an open area, and some have been lost or killed in traffic. It advises 15–20 minutes of free running twice a day inside a fence at least 6 ft high, or two walks of at least 20 minutes, and says no amount of training should be trusted to overcome the hunting instinct.
People-oriented, vocal, not an outdoor dog
The parent club describes an active, high-energy breed that is very people-oriented and needs to be an active family member to thrive; it does not make a good outdoor dog, can be quite vocal with a wide variety of sounds, and excels in agility, obedience and rally, lure coursing and therapy work.
Energy and exercise
Energy level is rated 4/5 (high) on the AKC breed-trait chart. The Royal Kennel Club puts its exercise need at "more than 2 hours per day".
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 4/5, barking level 3/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — Pharaoh Hound
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Canadian Kennel Club — Pharaoh Hound (Hounds)
Origin, temperament, activity level, height/weight, coat and grooming as described by the Canadian Kennel Club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
The Royal Kennel Club — Pharaoh Hound
Breed characteristics (size large, exercise more than 2 hours per day, lifespan over 10 years).
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
FCI nomenclature — Pharaoh Hound (standard no. 248, group 5)
FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
What owners say
Owner advice is quoted from public community posts and reflects those owners' opinions, not PocketPaw's position. It is unverified and not a substitute for professional advice. Each item links to where it was said.
“The parent club's "Living With Pharaohs" page tells prospective owners to expect an active, high-energy hound that must be part of the family rather than kept outside, to plan daily exercise and play for body and mind, and to be ready for a talkative dog with an unusual repertoire of sounds.”
— Pharaoh Hound Club of America — Living With Pharaohs via breed clubWorldwide2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Pharaoh Hound — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Pharaoh Hound — Choosing a Breed — Canadian Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]Pharaoh Hound — Breeds A to Z — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]Pharaoh Hound — FCI standard no. 248 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [5]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [6]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [7]Living With Pharaohs — Pharaoh Hound Club of America — Pharaoh Hound Club of America (Accessed 2026-09-09)
Still have questions?
Ask owners on the PawMunity forum — every breed has its own board.
Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.