Appearance

The Pharaoh Hound is a medium sized, lithe, graceful sighthoud, who, as his name suggest, carries himself with a noble air. Both skull and muzzle are long and slim and the head is wedge shaped. The ears are erect and large, the eyes are amber in color and small. The long neck is gracefully arched. That tail is tapered to a point and resembles a whip. The dog should carry his tail low when relaxed, and straight or slightly curled up when excited. The coat of the Pharaoh Hound is glossy and short in either red or tan, usually with some white markings at the tip of the tail, chest, toes and on the face in the form of a thin line that runs down the center. Pharaoh hounds “blush” when they are excited or happy, meaning their normally flesh-colored nose tends to turn a rosy shade, indicating their upbeat mood.

Size and Weight

The ideal height for male Pharaoh Hounds is from 23 to 25 inch at the shoulder and the ideal height for females is 21 to 24 inches. They range in weight from 45 to 60 pounds. They are slightly longer than they are tall.

Coat and Color

The Pharaoh Hound wears a short coat that varies in texture from fine to slightly harsh. The colors can range from red to tan and there may be white on the tip of the tail, chest, toes, or on the center of the face. White markings that appear on the back are a disqualification in the show ring, but do not disqualify a Pharaoh from family life.

Grooming Needs

The Pharaoh Hound is easy to groom. He is an average shedder, and brushing weekly with a hound mitt will help keep flyaway hair under control, and will help keep the coat shiny. They do not emit a dog odor, so they only need to be bathed as needed. Some owners avoid baths all together by wiping the dog down with a damp cloth a few times per week.

Since the coat of the Pharaoh doesn't protect from the elements, they are prone to nicks and cuts from simple things like playing outdoors. While brushing, it is important to check for small wounds that should be cleaned in order to prevent infection.

The ears should be checked on a regular basis for signs of wax buildup, irritation or infection. Clean them with a cotton ball and a veterinarian-approved cleanser; never use a cotton swab in a dog's ear canal. Teeth should be brushed on a weekly basis to prevent tartar buildup, promote gum health and keep bad breath at bay. Trim nails monthly if the dog does not wear the toenails down naturally outdoors.