Pharaoh Hound

Pharaoh Hounds typically live 11 to 14 years. Their lean build means anesthesia sensitivity is something to flag with your vet. Hip dysplasia and certain eye conditions occur occasionally. Otherwise, this is a generally healthy, hardy sighthound breed.

That short, smooth coat is wonderfully low-maintenance. A weekly brush keeps shedding under control and the coat clean. Being thin-coated, a sweater helps during cold weather. Bathe only when needed.

Bred for hunting rabbits across Mediterranean terrain, Pharaoh Hounds need close to an hour of real activity daily, including genuine running time. A securely fenced area is essential given their incredible speed and strong prey drive. They're surprisingly calm and relaxed indoors once exercised. Off-leash recall is genuinely unreliable once something catches their eye.

Intelligent but independent, Pharaoh Hounds can be a bit challenging to train compared to typical companion breeds. Positive reinforcement and patience work best. Their hunting instincts make recall genuinely difficult once they catch a scent or sight a prey animal. Early socialization helps shape a well-rounded adult dog.

A quality protein-rich diet suits this lean, athletic breed well. Two measured meals daily work better than free feeding. They tend to stay naturally fit given their active lifestyle. Fresh water should always be available, especially after exercise.

One of the oldest dog breeds, the Pharaoh Hound has hunted rabbits across the island of Malta for thousands of years, despite its name suggesting Egyptian origins — the breed is actually Malta's national dog. Their remarkable trait of blushing pink when excited, visible in their nose and ears, is unique among dog breeds. The breed remained relatively isolated on Malta for centuries before reaching the wider world. Today it's prized for its elegant appearance and athletic hunting ability.