Pharaoh Hound
The Pharaoh Hound is described by the AKC as friendly, smart, noble, a member of the Hound Group, originally from Malta.
Last updated: October 2026 · 5 sources · see sources
| Height | 23-25 inches (male), 21-24 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 45-55 pounds [1] |
| Life expectancy | 12–14+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Friendly / Smart / Noble [1] |
| AKC group | Hound Group [1] |
| Origin | Malta [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 180 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Anyone considering owning a Pharaoh must know that the breed does require a regular exercise schedule to keep happy and in good condition. If you are fortunate enough to have a 'self-runner,' just let him run 15 to 20 minutes twice a day. This requires a six-foot-high fenced-in area of about 50 feet by 50 feet, minimum. [1]
Grooming
Pharaoh Hounds do not require a great deal of grooming. Daily light brushing or a heavier weekly brushing will do, with baths given as necessary. Particular attention should be paid to keeping the ears clean, and keeping the nails trimmed short enough that they do not make a tapping sound when the dog walks across the floor. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Dr. Stephen Sipperly, chair of the Pharaoh Hound Club of America health committee, notes that the requirements for a CHIC certification for a Pharaoh Hound include screening for hip and elbow dysplasia, patella luxation and eye disorders, and he adds that the majority of results for all those screenings are normal. The most common cancers in the breed are hemangiosarcoma, and mast cell tumor and mammary cancer, though some of these conditions are likely age related and afflict all dogs, regardless of breed or mix. 'Looking at the results, I can say with confidence that the Pharaoh Hound is not plagued with any significant disorders,' Dr. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Thyroid Evaluation. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a medium dog (median $482) | $239 – $1,107 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, medium dog | $589 – $1,571 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, medium dog | $264 – $2,106 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Pharaoh Hound in 1983. [1]
- It ranked No. 180 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 171 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Pharaoh, the Blushing Dog.” [1]
- The AKC lists Malta as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 4 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 4/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 4/5)
- ✅ Multi-dog homes (AKC good-with-other-dogs 5/5)
Common questions
How long do Pharaoh Hounds live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12-14 years.
How big does a Pharaoh Hound get?
AKC breed information lists height 23-25 inches (male), 21-24 inches (female) and weight 45-55 pounds.
How much are vet bills for a Pharaoh Hound?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs like the Pharaoh Hound, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.