פרעה

Guardians of Ancient Egypt: The Enigmatic Pharaoh Hound Dogs

The Pharaoh Hound, also known as the "Kelb tal-Fenek" in its native Malta, is a unique and ancient breed with a captivating history that spans thousands of years. Believed to be one of the oldest domesticated dog breeds, the Pharaoh Hound is renowned for its regal appearance and exceptional hunting skills.

Characterized by its sleek, muscular body and elegant presence, the Pharaoh Hound possesses several distinct features. Its coat is short and glossy, ranging in color from tan to rich chestnut, with white markings on the chest, toes, and tip of the tail. One of the breed's most notable characteristics is its "blushing" behavior. When excited or happy, the Pharaoh Hound's ears and nose turn a rosy color, making it a visually striking spectacle.

History & Origin
The origins of the Pharaoh Hound can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where depictions of dogs resembling the breed have been found on the walls of tombs and temples dating back over 4,000 years. These dogs were highly revered by the ancient Egyptians and were often depicted in artwork alongside pharaohs and nobility.

Although the exact lineage of the Pharaoh Hound remains a subject of debate, it is commonly believed that the breed made its way to the island of Malta through Phoenician traders around 2,000 years ago. The breed flourished in Malta, where it was selectively bred by the locals for its hunting abilities and distinctive appearance.

The Pharaoh Hound's hunting skills were highly valued on the island. They were primarily used for hunting rabbits, a popular pastime in Malta. Their slender and athletic build, combined with their exceptional speed and agility, allowed them to chase and capture rabbits with remarkable efficiency. The breed's keen sense of smell, acute hearing, and sharp eyesight made them ideal for tracking and locating games.

Over the centuries, the Pharaoh Hound's unique qualities and striking appearance attracted attention beyond Malta. In the mid-20th century, a British couple named Mr. and Mrs. C.J. Patterson encountered the breed during a visit to Malta and were captivated by its beauty and hunting prowess. They decided to import several Pharaoh Hounds to England, which marked the beginning of the breed's expansion beyond its native land.

In 1974, the Pharaoh Hound was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), further solidifying its place in the international dog community. Today, the Pharaoh Hound is appreciated not only for its hunting abilities but also as a loyal and affectionate companion. It continues to participate in various dog sports, including lure coursing and obedience trials.

General Structure & Appearance
The Pharaoh Hound is a breed known for its elegant and athletic physical structure. It possesses a lean and muscular build, displaying both grace and power. The Pharaoh Hound has a well-balanced and athletic build. It features a deep chest and well-sprung ribs, indicating good lung capacity and endurance.

Their body is muscular and sleek, with a slightly arched topline that flows smoothly into a long and curved tail. The tail is often held in a gentle curve when the dog is relaxed and can be raised in a sickle shape when alert or excited.

The average height of adult Pharaoh Hound males ranges from 58-64 cm at the shoulder, adult males generally weigh between 20-25 kg.
Females, on the other hand, are slightly smaller, typically between 53-61 cm in height, and typically weigh between 18-23 kg.

The Pharaoh Hound's head is elegant and elongated, with a well-defined stop. It has a slightly convex skull and a lean, chiseled muzzle. The eyes are medium-sized and oval-shaped, typically ranging in color from amber to yellow. The ears are large and erect, set high on the head. The neck is long and strong, flowing gracefully into the shoulders.

The Pharaoh Hound's coat is short, close-fitting, and dense, providing protection and resistance to various weather conditions. It is low maintenance, requiring only occasional brushing to keep it clean and healthy. The coat color can vary, but the most common shades are tan to rich chestnut. White markings may be present on the chest, toes, and tip of the tail.

Uses By Humans

  • Hunting: Historically, the Pharaoh Hound was primarily bred and used for hunting small game, particularly rabbits. Their exceptional speed, agility, and keen senses made them ideal hunting partners. They would track and chase down the game with great efficiency, making them valuable assets for hunters.

  • Companionship: Pharaoh Hounds are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, making them wonderful family pets and companions. They form strong bonds with their owners and are loyal, loving, and devoted. Their gentle and tolerant nature makes them well-suited for families, including households with children.

  • Therapy and Assistance Dogs: Pharaoh Hounds possess a calm and gentle demeanor, making them well-suited for therapy work. They can provide emotional support and companionship to individuals in need, such as those in hospitals, nursing homes, or experiencing emotional or psychological challenges. While not as common as some other breeds in assistance dog roles, Pharaoh Hounds can also be trained to assist people with disabilities.

  • Competitive Sports: Pharaoh Hounds have excelled in various dog sports and activities. Their athleticism, agility, and trainability make them well-suited for competitions such as lure coursing, agility trials, obedience trials, and even scent work or tracking events. Their natural hunting instincts and physical abilities allow them to showcase their skills in organized canine sports.

  • Show and Exhibition: Pharaoh Hounds are appreciated for their regal and striking appearance. They are often showcased in dog shows and exhibitions, where their beauty, structure, and movement are evaluated against breed standards. Participating in shows allows breeders and owners to highlight the breed's desirable traits and contribute to its preservation.

Trainability
Pharaoh Hounds are generally intelligent and eager to please their owners. They have a moderately high level of trainability and can learn commands and tasks with consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement techniques. However, it is important to note that they also possess an independent streak, which may require a firm but gentle approach during training sessions.

Temperament
Pharaoh Hounds are known for their friendly and affectionate temperament. They are typically loyal and devoted to their families, forming strong bonds with their human companions. While they can be reserved and cautious around strangers, they are not typically aggressive. Proper socialization from an early age is crucial to ensure they develop into well-adjusted and confident adults.

In summary, Pharaoh Hounds are trainable and possess a friendly temperament, making them well-suited for various roles as companions and working dogs. Their sleek and athletic structure, combined with their height and weight within the average range, allows them to excel in physical activities. Whether as a loving family pet or a skilled competitor, the Pharaoh Hound's trainability, temperament, and physical attributes contribute to its versatility and appeal.