Other names/Nicknames:
- Kelb-tal-fewek
Country/Date of origin:
- Malta
- 1000 BC
Height:
- Females: 21 to 24 inches
- Males: 23 to 25 inches
Weight:
- 45 to 55 pounds
Personality:
- Fun-loving and affectionate with family.
- Standoffish with strangers.
- Does not make a good watch dog.
- Intelligent but not easy to train.
- Playful in nature and gentle mannered.
History:
There is no mistaking the striking resemblance of the Pharaoh Hound to the ancient Egyptian god, Anubis, guide of the dead. The traceable history of the Pharaoh Hounds, however, lies in Malta where they are used for rabbit hunting. The Maltese heritage is almost three thousand years old and it is thought that the dogs were purebred long before, having been brought to the island by Phoenician traders. The agile sight-hunters remained in relative obscurity on the Mediterranean island until the late 1960′s when they began to attract an international following. It was not accepted into the American Kennel Club (AKC) until 1983.
Body Type:
- A racy courser that is a member of the greyhound family.
- Nose, eyes, and body color are all about the same.
- Large, erect ears are not altered.
- White-tipped, tapering tail is not altered.
Coat:
- Coat is short and glossy.
- Minimal grooming.
- Color is always tan.
- A large white patch on the chest (called a star) is desirable.
- White markings are permitted on the feet and tail tip.
Health and Wellness:
- Relatively healthy.
- Shares a sensitivity to anesthetics, flea collars, and many drugs with other member of the greyhound family.
- Thin skin is susceptible to allergic disorders.
- Bleeding disorders.
- Heart disease.
What you should know:
- Unlike the other members of the greyhound family, the Pharaoh Hound will overeat and get fat.
- Said to be the only dog that blushes.
