Pharaoh Hound
Hound Medium
The Pharaoh Hound is a beloved medium breed from Malta, ranked #135 in AKC popularity. A noble, blushing hound who literally glows with excitement, combining ancient elegance with a surprisingly playful and clownish personality.
Quick Stats
Characteristics
| Family Friendly | |
| Energy Level | |
| Trainability | |
| Shedding | |
| Good with Kids | |
| Good with Dogs | |
| Apartment Friendly | |
| Grooming Needs | |
| Barking Level | |
| Exercise Needs | |
| Intelligence |
About the Pharaoh Hound
Despite their name suggesting Egyptian origins, Pharaoh Hounds were actually developed on the island of Malta over 2,000 years ago, where they are called Kelb tal-Fenek.. As of 2026, they hold the #135 position in the American Kennel Club's popularity rankings.
Standing 21 to 25 inches tall and weighing 45 to 55 pounds, the Pharaoh Hound is a medium-sized dog. The only breed that visibly blushes; when excited or happy, their nose and ears glow with a deep rosy color as blood rushes to the surface. They are well-suited to owners who can provide the exercise, training, and companionship this breed thrives on.
Primarily a companion and show dog; excels in lure coursing and agility and is valued for its unique appearance and personality..
Lifespan Overview
The Pharaoh Hound typically lives 12–14 years. Learn more about Pharaoh Hound lifespan →
Price Overview
Expect to pay $1500–$3000 from a reputable breeder. See full price breakdown →
Weight & Growth
Adult Pharaoh Hounds weigh 45–55 lbs. View growth chart →
Temperament
Rated 3/5 for trainability and 4/5 for energy. Affectionate, playful, and intelligent with a strong independent streak; they are more people-oriented than many sighthound breeds. Full temperament guide →
History
Rooted in the landscape and culture of Malta, the Pharaoh Hound carries centuries of purposeful breeding in its DNA. First imported to England in the 1920s and to America in the 1960s; recognized by the AKC in 1983 and is the national dog of Malta..
Despite their name suggesting Egyptian origins, Pharaoh Hounds were actually developed on the island of Malta over 2,000 years ago, where they are called Kelb tal-Fenek.. Holding AKC rank #135 in 2026, Primarily a companion and show dog; excels in lure coursing and agility and is valued for its unique appearance and personality..
Common Health Issues
| Condition | Frequency | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Anesthesia Sensitivity | Common | Serious |
| Allergies | Occasional | Mild |
| Hypothyroidism | Rare | Mild |
| Patellar Luxation | Rare | Moderate |
Similar Breeds
Is the Pharaoh Hound Right for You?
Choosing the right dog breed is one of the most important decisions a future owner can make. The Pharaoh Hound is a medium-sized breed belonging to the Hound group, which shapes much of its daily behavior and needs. Here is an honest assessment based on key traits to help you decide if this breed fits your lifestyle.
Energy and exercise: The Pharaoh Hound has high energy levels and requires substantial daily activity - at least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise including walks, runs, or active play sessions. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle or work very long hours, this breed may become destructive without adequate physical outlets.
Living space: With an apartment friendliness rating of 2/5, the Pharaoh Hound is not well-suited for small living spaces. This breed does best in a home with a securely fenced yard and ample room to move. Apartment living may lead to behavioral problems unless the owner is extremely committed to daily outdoor exercise.
Children and family: Scoring 4/5 with children, the Pharaoh Hound is an excellent family companion. They tend to be patient, gentle, and tolerant of the unpredictable behavior of young children. Supervision is always recommended, but this breed naturally gravitates toward being protective and affectionate with kids.
Grooming commitment: The Pharaoh Hound is relatively low-maintenance in grooming with a rating of 1/5. Weekly brushing and occasional baths are typically sufficient. This makes the breed a good choice for owners who prefer minimal grooming routines, with costs around $42–95/month.
Ownership Cost Summary
Before bringing a Pharaoh Hound home, it is critical to understand the full financial commitment over their 12–14 year lifespan. The initial purchase price of $1500–$3000 is only the beginning.
The first year is the most expensive, totaling approximately $5,277. This includes the purchase price, initial veterinary visits, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, supplies (crate, bed, bowls, leash), and early training classes. Many owners underestimate this initial outlay and find themselves financially stressed within the first few months.
Ongoing monthly costs average $166, broken down as follows: food ($57–88/mo), grooming ($42–95/mo), insurance ($30–80/mo), with annual costs for veterinary care ($484–664/yr) and supplies ($297–524/yr). As a medium breed, the Pharaoh Hound falls in the middle range for food costs, medication, and equipment sizes.
Over a full 12–14 year lifespan, total ownership costs typically reach $15,000–$30,000+ depending on health, not including emergency veterinary care which can add $2,000–$10,000 over the dog's lifetime. Pet insurance at $30–80/month is strongly recommended to manage unexpected health expenses.
Hidden costs often overlooked: Many prospective Pharaoh Hound owners fail to budget for training classes ($150–$500 for basic obedience), boarding or pet sitting during vacations ($30–$75/night), dog-proofing the home ($100–$300), replacement of chewed items during puppyhood, and potential property damage. Additionally, renters may face pet deposits ($200–$500) and monthly pet rent ($25–$75). Factor these real-world costs into your decision to ensure the Pharaoh Hound fits your financial situation comfortably without requiring sacrifices in the quality of care you can provide.
Breed Traits Explained
The Pharaoh Hound belongs to the Hound group, which historically means these dogs were bred to hunt using keen eyesight or an exceptional sense of smell. Hound breeds can be independent-minded and may follow a scent or sight rather than listening to commands. They require patience in training and secure containment to prevent them from wandering.
With a family friendliness score of 4/5, intelligence at 4/5, and shedding rated 2/5, the Pharaoh Hound presents a specific profile that works best for owners who understand and appreciate these characteristics. Their exercise needs (4/5) and barking tendency (2/5) should factor heavily into your decision, especially if you live in close proximity to neighbors or have limited outdoor space.
Intelligence and engagement: With intelligence rated 4/5, the Pharaoh Hound is a quick learner that thrives on mental challenges. This high intelligence means they need puzzle toys, training sessions, and varied activities to prevent boredom. An under-stimulated Pharaoh Hound may develop unwanted behaviors like excessive barking, chewing, or escape attempts. The upside is that they pick up new commands quickly and excel in activities like obedience, agility, or nosework.
Shedding and home cleanliness: The Pharaoh Hound's low shedding (2/5) makes them easier to maintain in a clean home. Regular brushing still helps remove dead coat and promote skin health.
Pharaoh Hound Quick Decision Guide
Making an informed decision about the Pharaoh Hound requires weighing all factors together. Here is a consolidated assessment to help you decide confidently whether this breed matches your situation.
You will love the Pharaoh Hound if: You enjoy an active lifestyle with daily outdoor activities, have children or plan to start a family, have adequate space with outdoor access, and prefer lower-maintenance coat care. The Pharaoh Hound's hound heritage brings specific qualities that dedicated owners find deeply rewarding.
Consider a different breed if: You cannot commit to 60+ minutes of daily exercise, , or if your living situation cannot accommodate a medium breed comfortably. Being honest about these factors prevents rehoming situations that are stressful for both dog and owner.
Next steps: If the Pharaoh Hound seems like a good match, explore our detailed sub-pages on lifespan, cost, temperament, and health for deeper information. Connect with Pharaoh Hound owners through breed clubs and online communities to hear firsthand experiences. If possible, spend time with Pharaoh Hounds before committing - attending dog shows, visiting breed-specific meetups, or fostering through a rescue organization. Use our Puppy Weight Calculator and Dog Age Calculator for practical planning, and review our expert guides for training, nutrition, and health care advice tailored to all breeds and life stages.