Pharaoh Hound
Malta's national dog, one of the world's oldest breeds. A graceful, rust-coated sighthound that uniquely blushes when excited, its nose and ears turning pink.
Do Pharaoh Hounds shed?
No — Pharaoh Hounds shed very little. This is one of their most appealing traits for people who'd rather not hoover twice a day. You'll still want to brush them regularly to keep their coat healthy, but you won't find hair on every surface you own.
Are Pharaoh Hounds good with kids?
Yes — Pharaoh Hounds are generally good with children. They tend to be intelligent and friendly, which makes them a natural fit for busy family life. Always supervise any dog around young children, regardless of breed. Their high energy actually works in their favour here — they can keep up with kids for hours.
Are Pharaoh Hounds good with cats?
Pharaoh Hounds have a strong prey drive and will often chase cats. It\'s not impossible to have a Pharaoh Hound and a cat together, but it takes careful management — separate spaces, slow introductions over weeks, and never leaving them unsupervised until you're absolutely certain they're safe together. Some Pharaoh Hounds raised with cats from puppyhood learn to coexist, but the prey drive is rarely fully extinguished.
Are Pharaoh Hounds easy to train?
Pharaoh Hounds are moderately trainable — capable dogs, but they have opinions and will test boundaries. Positive reinforcement works well. Avoid harsh corrections, which can make them shut down or become anxious. Consistency is the key word with this breed. Everyone in the household needs to use the same rules and commands, or they'll find the inconsistency and exploit it.
Do Pharaoh Hounds bark a lot?
Pharaoh Hounds bark at a moderate level — they'll alert you to strangers or unusual sounds, but won't bark continuously for no reason. Separation anxiety can increase barking in any breed. If left alone too long, a Pharaoh Hound may become vocal — something to factor in if you work long hours. With consistent training ("quiet" command + reward), most Pharaoh Hounds can be taught when barking is and isn't appropriate.
Are Pharaoh Hounds hypoallergenic?
No — Pharaoh Hounds are not hypoallergenic. They shed low amounts of hair and dander, which is the main allergen trigger for most people. If allergies are a dealbreaker, consider a Poodle, Bichon Frise, or a Poodle-cross (Cockapoo, Cavapoo, Labradoodle) instead — all produce much less dander.
How much exercise does a Pharaoh Hound need?
Pharaoh Hounds need 90–120+ min/day of exercise daily. This is a highly active breed — one short walk won't cut it. They need sustained, vigorous exercise. Without it, expect destructive behaviour, hyperactivity at home, and a generally miserable dog. Running, hiking, fetch, swimming, agility — this breed is up for all of it.
Mental exercise matters as much as physical. A Pharaoh Hound with a bored brain will find its own entertainment — usually involving your sofa or your shoes. Training sessions, puzzle feeders, and nose-work games all count.
Pharaoh Hound health problems
Like all breeds, Pharaoh Hounds are prone to certain conditions. Knowing about them upfront means earlier detection, better outcomes, and fewer surprise vet bills.
- Dental disease. Smaller breeds have crowded teeth and are prone to periodontal issues. Brush teeth regularly.
- Luxating patella. Kneecap slipping, especially common in small breeds.
- Obesity. The most preventable health problem across all dog breeds. Keep them at a healthy weight.
- Annual vet checks. Catching problems early makes all the difference.
How long do Pharaoh Hounds live?
Pharaoh Hounds typically live 12–14 years. This is fairly typical for a medium-sized breed.
Lifespan is heavily influenced by weight management, exercise, genetics, and access to regular vet care. A Pharaoh Hound at a healthy weight, with good genetics and regular check-ups, will typically live toward the top of that range.
How much does a Pharaoh Hound cost in the UK?
A Pharaoh Hound puppy from a reputable KC-registered UK breeder typically costs £1 000–£2 500.
If you see a Pharaoh Hound puppy advertised for significantly less than £1 000, be very cautious. Low prices are the most common red flag for puppy farms.
The purchase price is just the start. First-year costs typically include:
- Vaccinations: ~£80–120
- Neutering/spaying: £200–400 depending on size and vet
- Microchipping (mandatory in UK): ~£20–30
- Bed, crate, leads, collar: £100–250
- Food (per year): £400–£1,200+ depending on size and diet
- Pet insurance: £28–£60/month (see below)
- Routine vet visits: £50–200/year
Total first-year cost beyond the puppy price: typically £1,500–£3,000.
Pharaoh Hound pet insurance
Pet insurance for a Pharaoh Hound in the UK typically costs £28–£60/month for comprehensive lifetime cover.
Lifetime cover is strongly recommended over cheaper time-limited or maximum-benefit policies. Once a condition is diagnosed and treated, lifetime cover continues to pay for it every year. Time-limited policies exclude it after 12 months — exactly when chronic conditions become expensive.
Compare quotes from Petplan, ManyPets, Waggel, and Animal Friends — all have strong reputations for actually paying out claims. Always check the annual limit (aim for £7,000+ per condition) and whether hereditary conditions are covered.
Questions about Pharaoh Hounds
Detailed answers to the most common questions about the breed
Similar medium breeds
Often misunderstood. The Staffy is one of the most affectionate breeds…
The Am Staff is a powerfully built, deeply loyal breed. Loving with fa…
An American coonhound developed from old brindle cur stock. A courageo…
A silky, wheat-coloured terrier that greets everyone like a long-lost …