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Pharaoh Hound

dog breed

Photo · Wikipedia FR (CC BY-SA)

Weight

5–30 kg

Size

Medium

Lifespan

11–14 ans

Energy

Très élevé

Origin

Malte

Coat

Reddish-brown to dark reddish-brown, marked with white.

Maintenance

Élevé

Training

Moyen

The Pharaoh Hound or Pharaoh Hound is a dog breed originating from Malta. According to the nomenclature of the International Cynological Federation, it is classified in Group 5 Spitz and Primitive type dogs, Section 6 Primitive type dogs, standard no. 248.

Profile

At a glance

Energy

Très élevé

Trainability

Modéré

Maintenance

Élevé

Indicative profile — every animal is an individual.

⚡ Key facts in 30 seconds

L'essentiel

  • 1Medium size (5–30 kg) — balance between presence and practicality.
  • 2Life expectancy: 11 to 14 years on average, depending on hygiene and diet.
  • 3Very high energy level — plan for 1h30+ of daily exercise minimum.
  • 4Regular grooming — brushing 3 to 5 times per week.

Chapter 1

Getting to know the Pharaoh Hound

Origins & history

A story told

The Pharaoh Hound or Pharaoh Hound is a very ancient dog breed originating from Malta (not from ancient Egypt as several sites claim), after the arrival of its ancestors on the Mediterranean archipelago around 1000 years before Christ. It has the same origins as the Cirneco dell'Etna, the Canary Podenco and the Ibiza Podenco, which were raised in Sicily, the Canary Islands and the Balearics. The Pharaoh Hound was then introduced to England from the early 20th century. The breed was definitively recognized by the FCI (International Cynological Federation) on August 9, 1963. The ancestors of the Pharaoh Hound spread all along the Mediterranean, particularly in Crete, Sicily, the Maltese islands and especially in Spain and the Balearic Islands. The islands, in particular, preserved them from external contacts for centuries; they are still probably very close to their ancestor, the tesem of the Pharaohs. Pharaoh Hounds were imported to England and the United States in the 1960s. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1983.

Character

Daily temperament

Its standard describes it as vigilant, intelligent, friendly, affectionate and playful. The Pharaoh Hound is a breed that seeks to have close bonds with its master and to be the center of attention. It is easy to train.

Physical

Breed standard

The Pharaoh Hound is a medium-sized dog, with an elegant appearance, powerful and very agile. Viewed from the side and from above, the head is conical in shape. The muzzle is slightly longer than the skull. The length of the body, measured from the tip of the shoulder to the tip of the buttock, slightly exceeds the height at the withers. The tail is whip-shaped and is set at medium height. Lowered, it just barely exceeds the point of the hock and in action, it is carried high and curved. The coat is short and brilliant, without fringes. The coat colors range from red-brown to dark red-brown marked with white. The white markings must be distributed on the tip of the tail, the chest and on the toes. A fine white stripe on the center line of the face is allowed but not sought.

Chapter 2

Daily life

What if you adopted your future companion?

The Pharaoh Hound of your dreams may already be waiting in a shelter. Hundreds of pharaoh hound (and equally wonderful crossbreeds) are looking for a family in France — every adoption starts a new story.

Editorial recommendation — no affiliate links.

Âge

What human age for a pharaoh hound ?

The calculator is already set to the breed's adult size (espérance de vie 11–14 ans). Drag the slider to see the equivalence and corresponding life stage.

3 years
Birth22 years
Adult size

10 à 22 kg — a giant dog ages significantly faster than a small dog after maturity.

Equivalent human age

29years

Adulte

Most stable period. Monthly weigh-in, annual vet visit, dental care — this determines quality of life in later years.

Method: AVMA table: 15 human years in year one, +9 in year two, then +5 per year for a moyen dog.

These equivalences are statistical benchmarks drawn from published veterinary tables. Every animal ages at its own pace, depending on genetics, diet and care. This calculator is neither a diagnosis nor veterinary advice.

Health

Health watch

The Pharaoh Hound is suitable for experienced owners. It is sensitive to medications, narcotics and insecticides.

Alert

To avoid for dog

Our database lists toxic ingredients and problematic additives by species.

  • low-fat cocoa powderModerate
  • maltitolModerate
  • cocoa pasteModerate
  • onion piecesModerate

Calculator · daily ration

How much to give a pharaoh hound ?

Estimate based on the veterinary formula RER × DER, adjusted for dog. Adjust according to package recommendations.

18 kg
5 kg33 kg
Moderate

Result

221 g

per day · 839 kcal

111 g / repas (2 par jour)

Calculation for food of 380 kcal/100g.

For an exact calculation for your Pharaoh Hound (breed, age, allergies, health conditions): create a free account

Maintenance

Daily care

The Pharaoh Hound is suitable for experienced owners. It is sensitive to medications, narcotics and insecticides.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Pharaoh Hound

Is the Pharaoh Hound suitable for apartment living?+
It depends on the individual: their size requires space and exercise, provided their outdoor activity needs are met.
How much exercise per day for a Pharaoh Hound?+
1h30 to 2 hours of activity per day minimum, ideally with mental stimulation (games, tracking, canine sports).
What is the life expectancy of a Pharaoh Hound?+
Between 11 and 14 years on average. Appropriate nutrition, regular veterinary care, and exercise help extend their lifespan.
Is the Pharaoh Hound good with children?+
This depends on the individual: early socialization and mutual respect are key. Never leave a young child alone with any animal, regardless of breed.

If you like this dog

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For more information

Sources & official links

Supplementary documentation on reference sites — breed clubs, encyclopedias, veterinarians.

The right score for your Pharaoh Hound.

SokoScan calculates a personalized PawScore based on breed, age, weight and your pet's sensitivities. Free, instant.