 The Pharaoh Hound is one of the oldest domesticated dog breeds in recorded
history, tracing it's lineage to roughly 3000 B.C. Through the paintings
and hieroglyphics of the Ancient Egyptians, we have learned that this unique
dog was treasured as a great hunter, protector and companion, and was a
favorite hound of the young King Tutankhamen.
The Pharaoh Hound was described in a translation of a letter from the XIX
Dynasty of Egypt: "The red, long-tailed dog goes at night into the
stall of the hills, he is better than the long faced dog. He makes no delay
in hunting, his face glows like a god and he delights to do his work."
Even today the Pharaoh Hound will glow or "blush", it's nose
and ears turning a bright rosy hue, when excited or happy. The Pharaoh Hound is a sort of canine fossil, a living Egyptological survival.  It is believed that Phoenician traders carried the Pharaoh Hound from Egypt
to the islands of Malta and Gozo well before the birth of Christ. Once
established, these hounds were cut off from the outside world, and thus
maintained a purity of breed type for over 2000 years. The Pharaoh Hound
was and is highly prized as a hunting dog on the islands, and is known
there as "Kelb-tal-Fenek" or the Rabbit Dog.
The breed itself was probably developed by careful selection and
cross-breeding, a practice which began in very early times: the ancient
Egyptians were skilful stockmen. The dog which was the familiar companion of the
Kings of Egypt was probably the product of well-matched stock from the
gentle-eyed feral dogs (canis familiaris), which can still be found in Upper
Egypt, and the small Egyptian or golden jackal, producing a cross-breed called,
by one Egyptological authority, canis lupaster domesticus. Of this type the very
ancient god Wepwawet, a predecessor of Anubis, is the most familar example.
The dogs probable descent from the jackal is suggested by several factors: its
distinctive red-gold colour, its capacity as a scavenger, and its very curious
practice of 'calling'. This seems to be another jackal inheritance, for in the
close family unitys of the animals in the wild, jackal parents will always
recognize and respond to the call of one of their pups.Pharaoh Hounds were first imported to England sometime between 1920 and 1930,
but did not become established there until the mid 60's. They were imported to
the U.S. from England in 1967, and became established here during the 70's. The
Pharaoh Hound was accepted into the Hound Group by the American Kennel Club in
1984.
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General Appearance
The Pharaoh Hound gives a striking impression of elegance, power, and grace. A medium sized dog, they should range from 21 to 25 inches at the shoulder, and weight 40 to 60 pounds.
The ears should be large and erect, with a broad base, and are mobile like
those of a horse. A Pharaoh with ears which will not stand ("soft
ears") should not be used for breeding. The eyes are amber colored
and oval in shape. The head is elegant, the neck long and slightly arched,
and the body is graceful and powerful. The tail is long, whiplike, and
carried in a high upward curve when the dog is moving.
The coat is short and glossy, and may range in color from tan to dark
chestnut. A white tip on the tail is strongly desired, but not required. Small
amounts of white are allowed on the chest and toes, and a slim white snip is
allowed on the center of the face. Any solid white spot on the neck, shoulder,
or any part of the back is a disqualification for showing and breeding purposes.
The nose, eye rims and lips are flesh colored to blend with the coat.
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