Pharaoh Hound - Temperament & Personality
Dog Breeds
Introduction
The Pharaoh Hound Dog Breed has a personality and temperament that is loyal and affectionate. The Pharaoh Hound is naturally aloof towards strangers, but they are never aggressive or shy. This breed is very calm, they do not bark much, and they are easy to train.
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Personality
Like many breeds that were developed in Ancient Egypt, the Pharaoh Hound is a graceful sighthound. Light on his feet, graceful and an exceedingly fast sprinter. Pharaoh Hounds are sensitive dogs who prefer a quiet house and a gentle touch. They are quiet and clean housemates, so light on their feet that they can sneak up on you in a room with hardwood floors. They are loyal watchdogs who will alert you that someone is approaching, but Pharaohs are timid and are not guard dogs. Active empty nesters will get along well with Pharaohs, who can be too skittish to live with a lot of children, and they make good companions for first time dog owners.
Activity Requirements
Though they are athletic sprinters, you don't need to be a runner yourself to raise this breed. Pharoah Hounds should be allowed to run several times a week, but they are not built for endurance activities. A few sprints and a Pharaoh is done for the day, happily retiring to his bed for some rest and relaxation. They are fine city dwellers, as long as they are allowed to get to a park for regular sprints. Other than that, regular walking will keep the Pharaoh Hound happy and healthy.
Taking your Pharaoh Hound to the agility track where he can use his mind and body also provides an excellent outlet for exercise.
Trainability
Gentle consistency and lots of praise and treats are all you need to train a Pharaoh. Though they are independent, they pick up on tasks fairly quickly. They are naturally well-behaved so training is usually easy, even for first time dog owners.
Housetraining a Pharaoh Hound can be difficult. Crate training for six to eight months is to be expected. Some owners pay their breeder to housebreak their Pharaoh before bringing him home.
Early and frequent socialization is very important so that their natural tendency toward shyness does not become all out fearfulness.
Behavioral Traits
Their chasing instinct is strong. Cats and small dogs an be in peril if your Pharaoh's hunting instinct is as strong as his need to chase moving objects. Running should always happen in an enclosed area, and Pharaohs should never be trusted off-leash for both their safety and the safety of other animals.
Pharaoh Hounds are sensitive animals who are not emotionally equipped to live in hectic environments where there may be lots of shouting or fighting. Large families may not provide the best homes for Pharaohs because of the natural chaos. They are better suited for single people or empty-nesters.
Appearance & Grooming
History and Health