Grooming
With very short hair and little to no undercoat, Pharaoh Hounds shed very little, so they may be suitable for pet parents with mild allergies. Here are grooming tips for your Pharaoh Hound:
Brushing: Low-maintenance despite their haughty appearance, Pharaoh Hounds still require a weekly brushing with a rubber mitt to remove dead hairs. That will keep their coat clean and shining bright like a ruby.
Bathing: They’ll only need a bath about every six weeks with a gentle shampoo due to their short coat, natural cleanliness, and—bonus!—general lack of odor. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth will do just fine to get a Pharaoh Hound squeaky clean in-between baths (unless they really get into a mess).
Nail trimming: Nail trimming should also be done about every four to six weeks. If you can hear your Pharaoh Hound “tap-dancing” on the floor, that’s a tell-tale sign you need to get the clippers out.
Ear cleaning: Check their ears for debris and any redness or swelling. If you notice anything, speak to your vet. If your vet recommends at-home cleaning, follow this step-by-step guide on how to clean dog ears.
Dental care: Pharaoh Hounds need daily toothbrushing to keep their pearly whites, well, pearly. Of course, scheduling an annual professional teeth cleaning with your veterinarian is also advised.
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Training
Pharaoh Hounds are very intelligent, and their independence and show-me-the-reason thinking can make training a Pharaoh Hound a challenge. But with positive reinforcement, aka rewarding good behavior with treats, toys and praise, they often respond well. Steer clear of repetition and boredom, and keep training fun, fair and rewarding.
Pharaoh Hounds are very food-motivated (which, same), so healthy treats will keep them focused and stimulated to successfully learn skills and tricks. Be forewarned, though: They often will not do something just to make you happy and will up and quit without a blink of their hauntingly lovely eyes if a negative approach is used. So before you embark on training your Pharaoh Hound puppy, get up to speed with some training 101 and have a few training treats close at hand.
The Pharaoh Hound has a high prey drive, and their natural desire to run and chase needs to be keep in check, especially during training sessions. Never, ever train off-leash unless you have a very large outdoor space surrounded by six-foot fencing. If you don’t have that luxury, think about investing in a long leash in the interest of successful training and the safety of your (likely) runaway hound on the search for prey. And definitely schedule in some recall training, aka teaching your dog to come when called.
The Pharaoh Hound is friendly and great with children but can be aloof with strangers. To help your dog ease better into meeting friends and extended family, it’s wise to add some socialization training into the mix from a young age. It would be a shame for this gloriously graceful dog not to be shown off in their best light and win the hearts of all who meet them.
All dogs bark, but the Pharaoh Hound is one breed who stays vocal beyond puppyhood. While you may want your fur baby to have their say, you don’t want it to become a nuisance, so it’s worth spending time on some training to curb the barking.
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Diet
Like all dogs, Pharaoh Hounds need a balanced diet consisting of high-quality commercial dog food. These dogs are especially voracious eaters when they’re young and growing, up until around 2 or 3 years old, after which their appetites level out considerably. Talk to your veterinarian about how much to feed your Pharaoh Hound to make sure they’re getting enough nutrients and the right amount of calories.
Pharaoh Hounds love their treats, which can be a fantastic aid for training these high-achievers—but don’t overdo it and accidentally sabotage their svelteness. Treat calories count, so be sure to factor them into your dog’s overall nutritional plan. It’s also important to make sure your Pharaoh Hound has access to an abundance of fresh, clean water.
Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet to meet your Pharaoh Hound’s unique health and medical needs. They can also help you devise a feeding chart on how much and how often to feed your capable companion.
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Exercise
With a high prey instinct, the Pharaoh Hound breed is a natural athlete who loves the full-speed galloping thrill of the chase and hunt, making small animals like squirrels, rabbits, birds, lizards and butterflies fair game. They’re also highly intelligent escape artists, so they should only be let off-leash in a large enclosed area with six-foot high fencing. To satiate their chasing instincts, you may want to look into lure coursing, which will allow your Pharaoh Hound to chase a mechanical lure in a controlled setting. Just keep in mind that they are flight risks due to their high prey drive, so make sure the lure does a loop back in your direction!
You can also count jumping, digging and chewing among their strengths (and potential downfalls), which is why they do best in active homes where they have the opportunity to play, run and exert themselves daily. If dog sports like lure coursing aren’t on the agenda daily, remember that your Pharaoh Hound will need two three-minute walks a day to keep your new satin cushions safe from any anti-social behavior.
Pharaoh Hounds make great running companions, but are lightning-fast so you may not be able to keep up. When not showcasing their sleek strength and vivacious vigor, they like to lounge around the house with their human companions. A dedicated dog lover who can appreciate the Pharaoh Hound’s natural zest for adventure and bestow upon them multiple walks or runs each day on-leash, preferably in warmer climates, will ultimately win their big ol’ heart (picky though it may be).
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Environment
Pharaoh Hounds thrive in a setting worthy of their prestige: a home with good-sized yard with at least six-foot fencing to contain their athletic ability and energetic nature. Pharaoh Hounds get along well with kids and other animals when raised with them, but early socialization is important, as is careful introduction to strangers. It’s also important to teach kiddos how to properly interact with pups.
The climate is also important to a Pharaoh Hound’s ability to thrive. They don’t have an undercoat, so they’ll need extra protection in the elements. Start shopping for a dog coat and some sweaters to keep them in tip-top toasty conditions during colder months.
Pharaoh Hounds do enjoy the outdoors, and they will ask you for some physical and mental stimulation with those amber eyes of theirs. Give it to them—otherwise, they may cause some mischief while entertaining themselves.
Due to their high prey drive, Pharaoh Hounds will be off to the races in no time if they’re allowed off-leash, making the perfect pet parent and experienced one who can match a Pharaoh Hound’s strong will and independent spirit and curb their natural tendency to take off.
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