Sighthound Medium size 18-25 kg

Pharaoh Hound

A sleek, ancient sighthound that blushes when excited; affectionate and clean but needs secure space to run.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Medium
Size
18-25 kg, 53-63 cm at the shoulder
High
Activity
High; needs regular chances to sprint
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Handles moderate alone time
Moderate
Trainability
Intelligent but independent and sensitive
Minimal
Coat care
Short coat is wash-and-go
Good
Fit with kids
Good with children
Moderate
Other pets
Strong prey drive; supervise small pets
Light
Health burden
Generally sound; few breed-specific problems

The Pharaoh Hound typically weighs 18-25 kg, stands 53-63 cm, and lives 12-14 years.

Consider this breed if…

you can give daily off-leash sprinting in a securely fenced space,
you want a clean, low-odor, minimal-grooming dog,
you like an affectionate but somewhat independent companion,
you can keep patient, positive training - harsh methods backfire.

Do not consider this breed if…

you have cats, rabbits, or small pets it may chase and catch,
you rely on reliable off-leash recall in open, unfenced areas,
you live somewhere cold with no way to keep a thin-coated dog warm,
you want a biddable dog that obeys without thinking it over.

A typical day with a Pharaoh Hound

  1. 7:00 · Morning
    Fenced sprint or a brisk long walk
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Sunbathing or a warm nap indoors
  3. 12:30 · Noon
    Short leashed walk and sniffing
  4. 16:00 · Afternoon
    Play or a lure-chase session
  5. 18:30 · Evening
    Free run in a secure yard
  6. 21:00 · Night
    Curls up warm, often under a blanket

Temperament and training

Prey drive Very high
Sensitivity High
Independence High
Sociability High
Trainability Moderate
Guarding tendency Low
Common owner mistakes
Trusting off-leash recall near a fleeing squirrel or cat · Using harsh corrections on a soft, sensitive dog · Leaving it cold or damp - the thin coat gives no protection

Family and environment

Kids Good
Gentle and playful; supervise so it is not startled.
Dogs Good
Usually sociable, especially with other sighthounds.
Cats Cautious
Strong prey drive; risky with cats and small pets.
Apartment Conditional
Quiet indoors, but needs daily hard running elsewhere.
House with a yard Ideal
A tall, secure fence is essential for this jumper.
City Manages
Fine with access to safe off-leash running space.
Countryside Suitable
Loves open room to run, if fenced against chasing.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Light

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Anesthesia sensitivity Lean sighthounds need careful anesthetic protocols
Patellar luxation Kneecap slips out of its groove; may need surgery
Hypothyroidism Manageable with daily medication once diagnosed
Cold intolerance Thin coat and low body fat; needs warmth in winter

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Closely related Mediterranean sighthound
Ibizan Hound
An athletic, agile sighthound that can clear tall fences - affectionate and clean, but with high prey drive and a need for secure exercise.
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Another lean, aloof, high-drive sighthound
Azawakh
An elegant, aloof West African sighthound that bonds deeply but stays reserved, needing warmth, sprint room, and gentle handling.
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Sensitive short-coated hound with strong chase drive
Sloughi
A reserved North African sighthound that is calm indoors but built to sprint - devoted to its family and aloof with strangers.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Pharaoh Hound cost in the US?
This is a rare breed with few US litters, so expect waitlists and prices commonly around $1,800-$3,500 from reputable breeders. Across a 12-14 year life, food, routine vet care, and supplies typically add $15,000-$22,000 or more, and any major illness or surgery can add thousands on top.
Can a Pharaoh Hound be let off-leash?
Only in a securely fenced area. Like other sighthounds it is hardwired to chase anything that runs, and once locked onto a target its recall disappears. In open, unfenced spaces it can be gone in seconds, so a long line or a fenced field is the safe way to let it run.
Do Pharaoh Hounds really blush?
Yes, in a way - when excited or happy, the ears and nose flush a deep rose color and the eyes can glow amber. It is a genuine and endearing breed trait, not a myth, and it is one reason owners describe them as unusually expressive dogs.
Are Pharaoh Hounds good apartment dogs?
They can be, because indoors they are calm, quiet, and clean. The catch is exercise: they need daily hard running in a safe space, so apartment life only works if you can reliably provide that off-site. Without it, a bored sighthound gets restless.