Jump to content

Pharaoh Hound


Troy
 Share

Recommended Posts

Pharaoh Hound

ANKC Standard

(from http://www.ankc.org.au/home/breeds_details.asp?bid=128 )

Group: Group 4 (Hounds)

General Appearance: The Pharaoh Hound is medium sized, of noble bearing with clean-cut lines. Graceful yet powerful. Very fast with free easy movement and alert expression.

Characteristics: An alert keen hunter, the Pharaoh Hound hunts by scent and sight using its large ears to a marked degree when working close.

Temperament: An intelligent, friendly affectionate, playful and alert breed.

Head And Skull: Skull long, lean, and well chiselled. Foreface slightly longer than the skull. Only slight stop. Top of skull parallel with the foreface, the whole head representing a blunt wedge when viewed in profile and from above. Nose flesh coloured only, blending with the coat.

Eyes: Amber-coloured, blending with the coat; oval, moderately deep set, with keen, intelligent expression.

Ears: Medium high set; carried erect when alert, but very mobile; broad at the base; fine and large.

Mouth: Powerful jaws with strong teeth. Scissor bite.

Neck: Long, lean, muscular and slightly arched. Clean throat line.

Forequarters: Shoulders: Strong, long and well laid back.

Forelegs: Straight and parallel. Elbows well tucked in. Pasterns strong.

Body: Lithe with almost straight topline. Slight slope down from croup to root of tail. Deep brisket extending down to point of elbow. Ribs well sprung. Moderate cut up. Length of body from breast to haunch bone slightly longer than height at withers.

Hindquarters: Strong and muscular. Moderate bend of stifle. Well developed second thigh. Limbs parallel when viewed from behind.

Feet: Strong, well knuckled and firm, turning neither in nor out. Paws well padded. Dew claws may be removed.

Tail: Medium set - fairly thick at the base and tapering (whip-like), reaching just below the point of hock in repose. Carried high and curved when the dog is in action. The tail should not be tucked between the legs. A screw tail is a fault.

Gait/Movement: Free and flowing; the head should be held fairly high and the dog should cover the ground well without any apparent effort. The legs and feet should move in line with the body; any tendency to throw the feet sideways, or a high stepping "hackney" action is a definite fault.

Coat: Short and glossy, ranging from fine and close to slightly harsh; no feathering.

Colour: Tan or rich tan with white markings allowed as follows:

White tip on tail strongly desired.

White on chest (called "The Star").

White on toes.

Slim white blaze on centre line of face permissible.

Flecking or white other than above undesirable.

Sizes: Height:

Dogs Ideally 56-63.5 cms (22-25 ins)

Bitches Ideally 53.5-61 cms (21-24 ins)

Overall balance must be maintained.

Faults: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Hunting blemishes excepted.

Notes: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

3. How common is it in Australia?

4. What is the average lifespan?

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

9. How much grooming is required?

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

If you wish to contribute to the knowledge about this breed, please answer the above questions. (Copy and paste them into a new post).

  • Please only answer if you breed or own a pedigree example of this breed.
  • You do not have to answer all questions
  • Please keep posts limited to answering questions or for asking further questions if you require more (or expanded) information.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

Second time owner - had a gorgeous boy a few years ago, and currently have a beautiful bitch who's just turned 2 years old :)

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

Originally thought to be one of the oldest domesticated sighthound breeds in history, originating in Egypt but developed for in Malta for hunting rabbits and other small prey (the Maltese name "Kelb Tal Fenek" means rabbit dog funnily enough :confused: ). They are the national dog of Malta, and apparently are still used in some parts for hunting over there.

Recent DNA studies point to the modern day pharaoh hound perhaps being recreated from different breeds, more recently than first thought....although who knows for sure? I mean they DO look good posing next to the pharaohs' tombs don't they :rofl:

3. How common is it in Australia?

Not all that common as a companion dog I think, but becoming more common in show circles especially in the eastern states. I'm sure once people become aware of what a great breed they are (not to mention drop dead gorgeous) they may become more popular.

4. What is the average lifespan?

12 to 15 years, or so I've read

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

Pharaohs are highly intelligent, playful and joyful, and completely loving and snuggly...well our girl is a huge snuggle pot anyway! They can be big "smilers" and also their ears and eye rims sometimes "blush" a pinky/red colour when excited..very cute! Our girl seems to be more switched on and focused than your typical eastern sighthound (i.e. our saluki LOL) and I'm sure could excel in obedience or agility if we tried. VERY waggy back end LOL

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

Being a sighthound breed, they are quite athletic and need nice long off lead romps a few times a week plus daily 1/2 hr walks at least. Of course there are times when we skip a walk day, and our girl doesn't seem to mind......oh yeah, her second favourite thing next to food, is to sleeeep! She can be quite happy to snooze the day away if we are feeling lazy.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

I think so because of the general stable temperament and friendly nature. However keep in mind that being a sighthound, they can be inclined to have a high prey drive/chase instinct and you need to take this into account when exercising and socialising.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

Preferably not, however our girl doesn't seem to mind being outside on her own with a bone when required. Could be more to do with her stable temperament, however it might -be indicative of the breed. Come to think of it, our first boy also was able to occupy himself at home, when we were out at work.

9. How much grooming is required?

Very wash and wear breed due to their short coat. Regular brushing with a bristle brush or rubber glove gets rid of the dead hair, and keeps the coat maintained and shedding to a minimum. I have noticed though that our girl does have more of a "doggy" smell than our saluki (who is always sweet smelling no matter how long between baths!)

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

Can be boisterous as a pup (like most breeds), however if brought up with kids and with basic obedience there should be no issues whatsoever.

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

Not that I know of, everything we read before getting our first boy indicates that pharaohs are one of the healthiest breeds and I don't know of any inheritable diseases. Other than possible sensitivity to anaesthesia/chemicals etc. I'm not sure of other health issues. Perhaps others can elaborate?

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

Nothing apart from the usual questions to ask a registered, ethical breeder. I'm sure others can add to this too :(

Link to comment
Share on other sites

;) to Asha!

Thanks for posting Sighthounder, unfortunately I think you might be the only regular poster with Pharaohs?

Asha says Hi Back SSM :D

Yep, looks like I'm the only one :thumbsup: Pharaohs are fantastic dogs and gorgeous to boot, so really are a well kept secret I guess!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

An old boyfriends parents had a Pharoah Hound - Cleo (probably not very original :rofl: ) - she was an absolutely gorgeous girl and to me seemed cat like obsessed with cleaning herself :laugh:

Definitely a breed on my future list ;)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 months later...

What is the average price for one on LR and MR?

What are they like with other dogs?

Do they like toys?

Do they have much of a doggy smell?

Is there much difference in temperement between males and females?

Thats it for know :thumbsup:

Edited by whitka
Link to comment
Share on other sites

What is the average price for one on LR and MR?

Cant tell you about prices for other breeders, only know that my son has paid around the same price as most other breeds.

What are they like with other dogs?

Three Pharaohs, three Labs, a visitors lab sometimes, a couple of Newfies, the occassional X breed, we all mix together here. Never a problem

Do they like toys?

Oh they love toys, our three prefer soft toys, and they usually throw them around and chase them. Its really very funny to watch. But the bitch, she loves squeaky toys, and they drive her insane until she gets the squeaker out.

Do they have much of a doggy smell?

No, no doggy smell at all really - in fact they are very clean dogs

Is there much difference in temperement between males and females?

I see no evidence of a difference in temperament between the sexes, in fact I would say that they are both very affectionate and cuddly animals - but I always think males of any breed are more affectionate.

Thats it for know :thumbsup:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

What is the average price for one on LR and MR?

-Not sure about generally, but our two were similarly priced compared to other relatively uncommon breeds. Probably in the high $100's

What are they like with other dogs?

Like any breed, they are great with other dogs if properly socialised at an early age. Ours loved to romp in the doggy park with all manner of breeds :rofl:

Do they like toys?

Yep! soft toys to destroy, or more preferably something to chase..like a fluffy on a rope or something similar.

Do they have much of a doggy smell?

Not really, although our girl has more of a doggy smell than our saluki. But compared to some other breeds, I guess the pharaoh is a clean and sweet smelling breed :cry:

Is there much difference in temperement between males and females?

Not really that I've noticed (we had a boy, and now have a bitch). Both were/are very snuggly and really affectionate, although that could be in the genes, as they were related (from a repeat mating). Our girl loves nothing more than a full body rub, followed by snuggling under the doona on a Sunday morning :D

Thats it for know :cry:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 year later...
  • 4 weeks later...

Anyone else have a pharaoh??...anybody at all? :)

Not sure if we are allowed to post photos in these breed threads, but here's Our girl :)

2855573992_0bd39a7b5d_o.jpg

She is BEAUTIFUL. I have a not so secret desire to own one of these beauties one day. I think it is the ears that do me over :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

MAybe find a Pharaoh breeder and tell them. They may know of someone who does rescue or breeders may be able to nut out where she is from. Very concerning about the Pharaoh cross Afghans below her!

Couldn't find any rescue or breeders in ACT but found a breeder in NSW and have both emailed and left a phone message.

About the pups....yes, very concerning given the parentage.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That Pharoah and the crossbred pups were part of a large scale, multiple state based rescue mission. There were other dogs involved. No, not a good background, but a genuine rescue that was known about by a good many folks. Just so happened that the most suitable and available foster carer was in that area. ;)

A lovely girl, and lovely pups with much more stable and biddable temperaments than may be expected (father is a lovely natured boy as well). Highly recommended for anyone suitable who may be looking for a sighthound pet.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...