Pharaoh Hound

Pharaoh Hounds are people oriented and loyal. With enough exercise and a confident owner, they are gentle and loving family members.

Positive Traits:

• Energetic, active, and athletic

• Good with kids and other pets
• Vigilant watchdog with a ready bark
• Outgoing, playful personality
• Brave and ready for adventure
• Lively, with a friendly personality

Negative Traits:

• Can be rambunctious and rowdy, especially as a younger dog

• Easily bored and will find her own fun
• Sees cats and small animals as prey unless trained otherwise
• Sensitive, matures slowly
• May have a tendency to bark excessively
• Can seem stubborn

Whether you are considering adding a new Pharaoh Hound to your family or you already have one as a companion, it is important for you to know about the genetically linked diseases known to occur more often in this breed. Of course not every Pharaoh Hound will have these problems, but research shows your pal is more at risk than other breeds. By exploring the health concerns specific to the Pharaoh Hound you will become a knowledgeable and confident pet parent. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian about breed risks every time you visit and educate yourself on the most important concerns to watch for at home. She’s counting on you to be her health expert.

Some health issues a Pharaoh Hound could encounter:

Cataracts

Bloat

Eye Problems

Blindness

Allergies

Back Problems

Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's)

Distichiasis

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

Knee Problems

Joint Disease

Retinal Dysplasia

Persistent Pupillary Membrane

Mange

Epilepsy

Thyroid Disease

The Pharaoh Hound has been found in records dating back to 3000 B.C.E., and is the national dog of Malta. They were bred for rabbit hunting and companionship. Pharaoh Hounds are graceful,powerful, and fast. They are eager to run but are laid-back in the home. Pharaohs are known for their characteristic blush, a reddening of the ears and nose, when happy or excited. They are highly intelligent, happy, and affectionate. Pharaoh Hounds have excelled in agility, obedience, and lure coursing competitions.

Consult with a veterinarian if your Pharaoh Hound shows signs of the following:

• Dry heaving or a larger, tight, painful abdomen

• Drinks and urinates more, eats more, potbelly, poor haircoat
• Blinking, redness, pain or itchiness around eyes
• Cloudiness to eye lens
• Increased blinking, extra tears and squinting
• Bumping into objects, startles easily
• Dilated pupils in daylight, or increased "eye shine" at night
• Excessive licking or chewing, pawing at face and/or ears, head shaking, face rubbing
• General reluctance to run or play
• Any abnormal shaking, trembling, or excessive involuntary tremors
• Dry, scaly, sometimes itchy hairless patches on face or paws
• Dull coat, hair loss, sluggish, weight gain