General Breed Information
Pharaoh Hounds are one of the oldest breeds of dog on the planet. References to the "red dog" have been found on various ancient artifacts, and paintings and written references to them and to their hunting prowess can be found on the Egyptian tombs. Pictures depicting this breed have also been found on pottery from their native island of Malta.
They are the only mammals besides man that blush (parrots do too, but they're not mammals!).
They were the favorite of the Pharaohs, who used them to hunt gazelle and other small game. Whether they were imported from Malta into Egypt, or the other way around is the subject of much heated debate, but truly the Maltese have the credit of protecting the "Kelb tal Fenek" or "Dog of the Rabbit"for thousands of years.
Pharaoh Hounds are the National Dog, and indeed considered one of the national treasures of Malta. The Maltese still use the Pharaoh to hunt rabbit and other small game, as well as guard their homes,and it is due to the vigilance and ferocious pride of the Maltese that this breed still exists in its' purest and healthiest state.
Pharaoh Hounds belong to the family of dogs known as Sighthounds, and in AKC (American Kennel Club) competition are shown in the Hound Group. Pharaohs are unusual among the Sighthounds because they hunt by sight, sound and scent.
Pharaohs are a very happy and playful breed that, given proper early socialization, does well with other pets and especially with children. Pharaohs are WONDERFUL companions for children-it's as if they were made for each other! I myself have five children; all my puppies will have been well socialized by the time they leave for their new homes (my husband uses the word terrorized, but he's not being very nice).
Because Pharaoh Hounds have been bred for millennia to hunt independently of the hunter, do not expect your pet to stand around by your side waiting for you to give it a command. These are not Golden Retrievers (who are wonderful pets too, but very different!). They are HIGHLY intelligent animals, thoroughly convinced of their own superiority, and absolutely sure that you were put on this planet to spoon-feed them caviar and fluff their royal pillows. If blind obedience and a dog that remains loyally by your side is a trait that is highly valued, this is not the breed for you. But if an intelligent partner who will share their life with yours is ok, you'll be a match.
This is not to say that they cannot be trained or will ignore you! Many Pharaohs have agility, obedience and companion dog titles (as well as bench and field titles), not to mention working as Therapy Dogs. They just need to be convinced (gently) that it was their idea, not yours :)
The techniques that are successful in working with and training Sighthounds differ from those of other groups. Gentle patience, short training sessions to prevent boredom (remember-they are very smart), and lots of praise and rewarding (treats are a great motivator) will achieve far more than harsh corrections with these very sensitive dogs. They will often be your little shadow (my male, Excaliber, is practically glued to my side!), and are very sweet and affectionate-very clownish too. Their antics keep their owners in stitches!
Pharaoh Hounds, with their grace and beauty, certainly lend themselves to being spoiled, but in actuality are a tough and hardy breed-fast, agile and elegant. They have been known to climb trees, leap into the air and catch and kill birds mid-flight, and can rip a gazelle in half. And to see them run in an open field is breathtaking-these guys are FAST! They are not mindless killers though, so don't panic-you won't be buying the Rambo of the dog world! Do keep in mind though, that they were bred to run down game-all moving objects interest them greatly.