Do Pharaoh Hounds have unique traits?
Yes, when excited, the Pharaoh Hound smiles and blushes. It is common to see a Pharaoh Hound showing you every tooth in its mouth while wiggling its entire body. Not every Pharaoh Hound “smiles”, however, every Pharaoh Hound blushes. When excited, the inside of their ears and the nose turn a rosy pink. This is because the Pharaoh Hound has no black pigment in their skin.
Can Pharaoh Hounds live with cats?
Yes, there are many owners who own both Pharaoh Hounds and cats. However, it is important to recognize that Pharaohs have a very strong prey drive. It is best if a Pharaoh Hound puppy and kitten are raised together but adults have been introduced successfully. Owners should be careful to never leave the two alone while not at home and never let the Pharaoh Hound play a chase game with the cat.
How do Pharaoh Hounds get along with children?
This is a combination made in heaven. There is nothing a Pharaoh Hound likes more than an energetic child to play with. They will provide each other with hours of entertainment. However, it is important to keep an eye on them, especially if the child is a toddler. This would be the case with any breed. The quick energy of a child can be frightening to a dog and even a dog raised with a child can snap if awakened suddenly by a child jumping on them.
How do Pharaoh Hounds get along with other dogs?
Pharaoh Hounds are unusually adaptable and it normally takes a very short time for them to settle in and become comfortable with their housemates. Being high-energy dogs, it would be inadvisable to leave them unsupervised with small dogs or other small animals. They can play very rough and cause injury without intent.
Are Pharaoh Hounds easy to train?
Pharaoh Hounds are exceptionally intelligent and can be trained to do just about anything. They respond well to positive training methods, which works well with their independent nature. They love figuring out what you want and enjoy the game. If you try to train a pharaoh using only negative reinforcement, your dog will shut down and you will both be frustrated.
How do Pharaoh Hounds handle cold weather?
Pharaoh Hounds have a very thin coat of short hair and their ear tips can easily freeze in sub-zero temperatures. In colder climates, a warm and protective coat or jacket is a must when pharaohs are outside for any length of time. Pharaohs like their comfort and can get chilled at night so some owners have fleece jackets or pajamas their dogs wear at night.
Do Pharaoh Hounds have genetic health issues?
The Pharaoh hound is a very healthy breed as a rule. At this point in time they have been virtually free from the genetic problems which plague many breeds (i.e. hip dysplasia, patella luxation, eye disorders, etc.) as a result of the conscious efforts made by responsible breeders.
What are the grooming requirements for a Pharaoh Hound?
Pharaoh Hounds do not need to be bathed regularly due to their unique coat, natural cleanliness, and general lack of odor. A quick slicking down with a damp cloth, as well as a thorough ear cleaning and nail clipping/filing about once every one to two weeks is all that’s generally needed.
Do Pharaoh Hounds shed?
Pharaoh Hounds have very short, glossy coats which shed very little. Many times it has been reported that people who suffer from allergies to dog hair, do not react to the Pharaoh Hound.
Which makes the better pet ... a male or a female?
Much depends on the role the dog is expected to play in your life. The males often are a bit more laid back. Both sexes are affectionate and responsive, although the females often tend to display more independence.
How long do Pharaoh Hounds live?
The average life span for the breed is 12-14 years, although there have been some that have reached the age of 16 or better.
Are Pharaoh Hounds at risk with anesthesia?
Anesthesia is always a risk in any breed, but Pharaoh Hounds are not as prone to problems as many of their sight hound cousins. With the new generation of anesthesia commonly used in today's veterinary medicine, the risks are minimal. Ask your veterinarian what type of anesthesia they are administering and discuss the risk factors.
Are the ears natural or are they cropped like a Dobermans?
The Pharaoh Hound ears are natural. They are born with their ears flat to their heads. The ears normally begin to lift at about 4 weeks of age.
Do Pharaoh Hounds come in any other color except brown?
Acceptable color for Pharaoh Hounds ranges from tan through chestnut. A white tail tip is strongly desired, although not required. They are allowed some white on the chest and toes. A small, white snip on the fore face is also allowed. Any white on the back of the neck or on the body is a disqualification. To view the AKC breed standard at the AKC website or visit the PHCA's Illustrated Guide To The Standard.