This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, April 2013 issue.
I acquired my first Pharaoh Hound over eight years ago after researching the breed for almost a year. Although I prepared myself for what I knew was a unique breed, nothing could fully prepare me for the reality of living with Pharaoh Hounds.
Like most sighthounds, Pharaoh Hounds can be quirky and idiosyncratic. Some are extremely shy with strangers, taking time to feel comfortable. But at the heart of this breed lies a mischievous clown that can be surprisingly adaptable and even trainable.
My first Pharaoh Hound was a male named Logan. Aware that Pharaoh Hounds can be quite vocal, and since I live in a residential neighborhood and work up to six hours a day, I planned to help integrate Logan into our home.
From the day he arrived, Logan went everywhere with me. He was introduced to new sights, sounds, and scents daily, walking on different surfaces from carpet to tile. We visited outdoor restaurants, parks, malls, and strolled around the neighborhood. I cannot stress enough the importance of early and ongoing socialization for the Pharaoh Hound.
The first “trick” Logan learned was to “speak” on command. To manage potential excessive barking, I rewarded barking when asked for and ignored it otherwise, hoping to reduce the unwanted barking.
Most Pharaoh Hounds are extremely food-motivated, making training relatively easy. Many Pharaoh Hounds earn titles in Rally Obedience, Obedience, and Agility—impressive for a sighthound. Judges have often commented that they had never seen a Pharaoh Hound in Rally or Obedience before Logan and I walked into the ring.
Extreme caution is essential when working with a Pharaoh Hound off-leash. Unfortunately, too many stories involve Pharaoh Hounds injured or killed after getting loose. Known as escape artists, they need to be well-secured, with a minimum six-foot fences in all yards in which they are allowed to free roam.
Like most breeds, Pharaoh Hounds do well with crate training if introduced at a young age. Logan was sleeping through the night in his crate within three days, and this has been true of all my subsequent Pharaoh Hounds.
Pharaoh Hounds need a moderate amount of exercise, which can be met with daily neighborhood walks. They also excel in Lure Coursing, an AKC event where hounds chase a simulated “bunny” on an open, secured field. Many Pharaoh Hounds love this chase, and it’s amazing to watch them run free. Unlike Greyhounds, Pharaoh Hounds are not couch potatoes that will be content lounging all day.
Pharaoh Hounds generally enjoy the company of other dogs and, if trained young, can live peacefully with cats. Introducing a cat into a home with adult Pharaoh Hounds who were not socialized as puppies can be challenging. Extreme caution should be used when introducing adult Pharaoh Hounds to cats due to their high prey drive.
These hounds can be affectionate with their owners, though usually on their terms, and some are more reserved. If you need a dog’s constant affection, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel might be a better match. Pharaoh Hounds are often drawn to small children and are naturally gentle with them.
With short, clean coats, Pharaoh Hounds require minimal grooming and are a breed that enjoys overall good health, with relatively few genetic issues. Pharaoh Hounds are a fun, quirky, energetic breed and make wonderful companions for the right home.
