The XIX Egyptian dynasty describes the Pharaoh Hound Dog Breed as hunting dogs with long red tails who do not hesitate to go into the hills at night to hunt and enjoy doing so. It is known that the Pharaoh Hound dogs can actually blush when they get excited, causing their nose and ears to flush with blood giving their faces a faint glow.
Some dog enthusiasts may claim that certain dog breeds are “ancient”, but experts feel quite sure that the Pharaoh Hound is indeed an ancient breed. These dogs have shown little change over the past 2000 to 3000 years. There is a strong resemblance between these dogs and the jackal god Anubis. They also look a lot like dogs that were portrayed on tombs of ancient pharaohs and ancient Greek artwork.
The Origin of the Pharaoh Hound
The Pharaoh Hound Dogs originally came from Africa and Greece. It is believed that Phoenician traders brought these dogs to the Malta Islands and then to the Gozo islands where they were kept away from other parts of the world.
These dogs did very well on these islands where they were used to hunt rabbits. Some of these dogs were released at night to hunt down rabbits. When the dogs saw the rabbits going into their holes they would bark loudly. The hunters would then send in belled ferrets to chase the rabbits out of their holes, so that the Pharaoh hound could capture them.
It was sometime during the 1960’s that these dogs were brought to England. It was not long after, that this breed was brought to America. In 1983 the Pharaoh Hound was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club.
The Characteristics of the Pharaoh Hound Dogs
The main characteristic of these dogs is their love for hunting. When they are indoors they can be very calm and relaxed. These dogs are gentle, loving and a bit sensitive. The Pharaoh Hounds are very good with children and other dogs but tend to be very reserved when strangers are around. When these dogs are outside they will more than likely chase small animals. When excited their face may actually blush. Pharaoh Hounds can make very good pets for any household.
Care and Attention for the Pharaoh Hound Dogs
In general these dogs can get their exercise by taking long walks on the leash or can be given the occasional jog. What they do love to do is to run long distances in an open field. Although these dogs love to run around outside during the day, they should be allowed to sleep in a nice warm bed indoors, at night. Pharaoh Hounds do not need a lot of grooming, but in order to remove dead hair from their coats, they need to be brushed at least once a week.
Health Information of the Pharaoh Hounds
The AKC recognizes the Pharaoh Hound as one of the healthiest breeds of dogs. There are really no major nor minor health problems connected to these dogs. This is probably due to their pure bloodline. Pharaoh Hounds can live between ten to fifteen years.
[...] times, from the Balearic Islands. Their physical appearance is strikingly similar to that of the Pharaoh Hound, both bearing an amazing similar look as those depicted in Egyptian [...]