The Peruvian Inca Orchid comes in 3 sizes and two coat types – the most well known “coat type” being the hairless variety. It is one of only a small handful of breeds that has the hairless gene. Coated dogs, on the other hand, have a number of different appearances – from short and smooth to fairly long or even fluffy! A faithful and loving companion with a dignified temperament, all varieties make great pets in the right home.

The PIO is intelligent and can be a quick learner. The breed has been known to compete in dog events such as rally, lure coursing, agility, and obedience competitions. This said, they have short attention spans and are extremely sensitive, which means they are not the easiest breed to train. This is one of several reasons why the PIO should be owned only by experienced owners.

Hairless Peruvian Inca Orchids almost always lack some of their teeth, although dental care is still very important and should be a top priority. Another consideration for the hairless variety – they must have sunscreen when outside to keep from getting burned, just like humans (as well as a sweater or coat when it’s cold outside). Both varieties need regular nail care, baths (yes, the hairless requires weekly baths), and ear cleanings. Overall, they are fairly low maintenance when it comes to grooming compared to other breeds, although their special needs must be met. It should be noted that coated individuals do shed.

The PIO has a protective disposition and makes a great watchdog – his natural distrust of strangers lends itself well to his discriminating nature towards new people. This tends to work well for people who prefer their dog be stand-offish at first. With his owners, however, he is affectionate and loyal although he doesn’t always like being around very small (especially loud or obnoxious) children. He needs plenty of time with new people in order to accept them as friends.

The Peruvian Inca Orchid does need regular exercise in the form of several small walks a day. Owners who have fenced backyards can let their dogs burn off steam racing around as well, which is a healthy activity for these dogs that need to run. While they don’t require as much exercise as other breeds, all of them greatly benefit from free-running on a very regular basis. The breed is considered moderately active in the house (in spurts between their couch potato tendencies) and will curiously find things to do if not given outlets. Like all sighthounds, the elegant Peruvian is agile and extremely fast when running. When he sees something he wants to chase, he will be off in a split second, often even before his owner has realized what has happened! This makes him a great hunter but a poor candidate for off-leash romps unless he has had plenty of training.

As one might imagine because of their lack of coat, PIOs do not make good outdoor-only dogs. They do adapt well to many other indoor situations, however, including apartments. Their fairly quiet nature is also a plus when it comes to apartment-dwellers. With other animals, they tend to be fairly social and get along very well with other dogs but may be prone to chase cats unless raised with them from puppy-hood.

While all dogs need socialization while they are puppies, this is doubly true for Peruvian Inca Orchids. As a primitive breed, some can be  unnaturally shy and almost feral if not socialized enough. In addition, as with other primitive breeds, they can become aggressive if treated harshly. No dog should be treated harshly but these guys have a lower tolerance for it and are more prone to fight back. With fair leadership, however, the breed is docile and sweet.

The Portuguese Podengo, national dog of Portugal, comes in two sizes – the grande is the large size and was used for hunting deer and boar while the medio is medium-sized and was used for hunting rabbits. The third size, pequeno, is considered a separate breed here in the United States while other countries consider it a size variation of the same breed. For this article, we will be talking only about the grande and medio sizes.

There is a large range of life expectancy for the Podengo, anywhere from 10-15 years. Whatever their lifespan, however, they tend to be lively and active up until old age, with medios in particular being more active. This is a durable, healthy and agile breed that is quite athletic and unquestionably speedy when running. Both sizes need a fair bit of exercise in order to be happy, including receiving space to really stretch out and run! Thirty minutes of walking a day in addition to free running in a fenced yard is recommended.

Prospective owners of Podengos should definitely plan on having a fenced yard with a tall fence. These dogs can jump extremely high and clear sub-par fences with ease! While the breed can be kept in an apartment, they should still only ever be let off-leash in a fenced area due to their high prey drive. Outdoor cats, squirrels and rabbits are all fair game in this breed’s opinion. One other fact worth mentioning – these Portuguese sighthounds do like to dig craters to lay in and are prone to creating “dirt beds” all over the yard!

The Pod is watchful, alert and often suspicious of strangers. A breed that takes a while to warm up to people, once he has accepted a person he will open up and show them loving affection but it takes the right person to win him over. With his family, although he is independent and fairly self-sufficient, he can be also be affectionate and playful even with children. He is particularly playful with other dogs (especially his own breed or other breeds with similar play styles) and can entertain himself for hours if need be. Because he was used to hunt in packs he naturally prefers company although many prefer canine companionship over human.

Like other sighthounds, the Pod has a very high prey drive and will chase cats, small dogs, and any other small moving object or animal. Because most of the Portuguese Podengos in the world are still used in hunting packs (mostly in Portugal), this drive might even be stronger than in other sighthounds. They should not be aggressive towards people although they do make excellent watch (alert) dogs, barking only when necessary to let their owners know that someone is on the property.

Despite being quite clever, the independent Portuguese Podengo is not always easy to train. This has to do with the fact that it’s a primitive breed that wasn’t bred to follow orders or work with people other than coursing game (a task he would do around people but not under command of people). Because he’s smart and attentive, he will pick up on all sorts of things… but direct obedience will take a bit of work. Make sure to use lots of treats and praise but do not relax the rules – this breed is capable of learning but requires a patient owner. Once trained, the Pod is capable of working and competing in dog sports such as agility, barn hunt, conformation, coursing, nosework, rally and tracking. Pods who don’t receive any training are more likely to develop bad behaviors such as destructiveness or excessive barking.

There are two coat variations for the Podengo – smooth (that contains a double coat) and wirehaired (single coat with a wiry texture). Wires will shed out their coats in different parts of their bodies at different times and will require regular brushing, although unlike many other wirehaired dogs they do not need to be stripped. Smooths also require brushing although much less frequently. Nail trimming, teeth cleaning and ear cleaning should also be part of the grooming routine as well as occasional baths when needed.

The Azawakh is the newest sighthound breed recognized by the AKC. These large yet lean, elegant hounds make great companions for those who understand the special responsibilities required to care for high prey-driven hounds. Owners that are up for that challenge will be gifted for the next 12-15 years with a gentle and loyal friend that will form an almost unbreakable bond.

Some Azawakhs can be protective of their people and will take it upon themselves to guard them against threats. Other members of the breed make better watch dogs than guard dogs (barking at intruders but taking it no further). Still others couldn’t care less about a stranger breaking into the house. The protectiveness of the dog varies by the line and the individual, although a prospective owner should be prepared for a higher-than average territorial nature.

Although the Azawakh can run up to 35 miles an hour, in the house the breed is extremely laid-back and easygoing. They utilize their energy in spurts – either they are racing across the yard or they are sleeping on the couch! They do need regular exercise, however, and make great jogging and hiking companions. Although they should also have regular access to fenced yards in which to run, this will not fully satisfy their exercise requirements as they won’t run for long periods without encouragement from another dog or their owner.

Although not overly demonstrative of his affection (he prefers a quiet, subtle demonstration of his love), the Azawakh still needs plenty of human contact and does not make a good kennel dog. This breed must live in the house with his owner or family. Furthermore, he is not fond of being locked in a crate for very long stretches of time. Most Azawakhs appreciate the company of other dogs and do better with canine company when their owner has to leave for work.

Many Azawakhs are naturally dominant and more apt to vie for the top position in the pack. This is not normally a problem unless there is another dog in the household who wants this position as well. Overall, however, they tend to do very well in multi-dog households. The breed also does well in families with children as long as the kids don’t physically hurt the dog. As with all breeds, supervision around kids is always recommended.

A trait not often seen by sighthounds – many Azawakhs can be trusted off-leash! Of course, this does mean that the owner must take the time to train a strong recall. As with all sighthounds, their prey drive is strong and many will not be able to resist the urge to chase a small, furry animal – even despite training. While many Azawakhs are able to live peacefully with cats indoors, that same family cat running around outside may still trigger his chase drive.

The Azawakh is an incredibly intelligent dog and very capable of being trained – as long as the owner or trainer knows what they are doing. They do not respond to harsh methods, nor do they respond to someone whom they don’t respect. The dog needs to see the person as a partner. Furthermore, this ancient breed is very independent so while they possess a strong desire to please their owner, they also have a proclivity for wanting to do things their own way.

When it comes to strangers, the Azawakh needs to meet a person before he decides whether or not he likes him. As such, he is quite reserved with strangers. If the person passes the test… the Azawakh will open up and begin to show his true personality. He can be quite affectionate and even playful with those whom he really loves – but it takes time to establish that bond. Once the bond is there, it is there for good.

Despite their frail appearance, the Azawakh is anything but! In fact, they are structurally quite hardy and able to handle all sorts of weather and terrain (although they hate cold, wet weather). This said, emotionally they are sensitive and do not do well with chaotic owners or lifestyles. They need owners with stable personalities who will socialize them to the outside world while they are puppies. Otherwise they could turn into extremely skittish animals that may be prone to snap.

The Basenji is an African sighthound with a very distinctive (and entertaining) personality. They have been referred to as extremely cat-like – a trait that either makes them very easy or very difficult to live with, depending upon the person. A prospective owner should make sure this breed is compatible with their lifestyle before making the final decision as to whether or not they would make a good pet for them. It is essential to realize that these dogs are very primitive and independent, which separates them from breeds that were developed to work with people. In fact, Basenjis are so primitive they are one of only a small handful of breeds that comes into season once a year, like wild canids.

The good points: the small size of the Basenji makes them easy to house and transport, without them being too tiny or delicate. Their smooth, low-shedding coat is a breeze to take care of, and they even groom themselves much like cats. They are very easy to housebreak. They are a fairly healthy breed that often lives into the teen years. And most importantly – they don’t bark! Although they are capable of yodeling, howling, growling, and even screaming when they feel like it, this is generally a quiet breed. 

The bad points: Basenjis can be extremely destructive and “inventive”, especially when they’re puppies. If they aren’t given things to do they will invent their own games (and not the sort of games most owners are happy about). As mentioned before, they are extremely independent – which can be either a pro or a con, depending upon the owner. They don’t fawn and gush on their owner at all times like some breeds, and may even seem disinterested at times, but they are affectionate… in their own unobtrusive way. And finally, they can prove to be a challenge to train despite being very intelligent – many end up training their owners instead!

Although Basenjis don’t take to training in the same way that other breeds might, they are still trainable as long as the person knows what they are doing. For example, they do best with lots and lots of positive reinforcement. Although rules and boundaries should be upheld, these dogs are extra sensitive and can balk at unnecessarily harsh corrections. Their reputation for being hard to train has nothing to do with them learning slowly or being dumb, in fact the breed tends to learn very quickly! But they will decide whether or not they feel like responding to commands, and act accordingly. Either way, as some Basenjis have tendencies to become dominant and most have tendencies to become stubborn, obedience training is definitely required.

The Basenji is an active breed who needs plenty of regular exercise, although they aren’t the type of dog that will play fetch for hours on end (or often… at all). Instead, they need plenty of time to run in a fenced area, as well as be provided with regular walks. Like all sighthounds, they have a very high prey drive and will chase cats or small woodland animals – which is why they must be kept on leash or behind a secure fence at all times. Take note of the word secure – these dogs are expert escape artists! The younger the dog, the more active he will be although Basenjis of all ages frequently have less of an “off-button” than many other breeds. 

Basenjis do well in all sorts of housing situations including apartments as long as they are exercised frequently, regardless of the weather. They are quite capable of taking a walk in cold weather if given a coat even though they ultimately prefer heat and warmth. Rain is considered the enemy for many Basenjis (most hate getting wet) but if it comes down to a walk in the rain or no exercise at all… an owner should choose the rainy exercise. In whatever type of home they live in, however, they do best in uncluttered living spaces… they can and will get into everything and love to grab objects off the floor!

Because they are fairly quiet, the Basenji does not make a good watchdog. If someone were to break into the house, most of these small sighthounds would just stay out of the way. The breed is naturally wary of strangers, and may or may not even get used to the owner’s friends. They ultimately prefer people who are un-imposing and calm, which means that children may be too much for a Basenji unless the child is perfectly behaved.

When it comes to other animals, small pets such as birds or hamsters are seen as things to be hunted and therefore must be kept in their cages when the Basenji is around. Cats are hit or miss, depending upon the dog and the cat. Basenjis will chase cats who run away from them, but will often befriend self-assured cats with good dog-sense. When it comes to other dogs, these African hounds can be good as long as they had been socialized from a young age to the other family dogs. If no socialization had happened, they can tend toward being territorial, dominant and sometimes even aggressive toward other canines.

The Basenji has a pack mentality and prefers not to be alone for long periods of time, so owners who work all day might need to obtain a second dog – keeping in mind the socialization aspect above. Doggie daycare is an option for some, however this breed can be iffy with strange dogs who aren’t a part of their immediate household. Overall they do best with owners who spend a lot of time at home.

The Xoloitzcuintli is one of the oldest breeds known to man. Although they have a coated variety, they are most known for the hairless variety – at one time they were called the Mexican Hairless because of this trait. The breed also comes in three separate sizes (toy, miniature and standard) which makes them suitable for a wide variety of situations and tasks. The tiny toys make great lap-dogs, the small miniatures are a good mid-sized companions and the medium-sized standards are well suited to guarding the house and family. Originally, the breed was used not only to guard the house from intruders, but were said to also guard against evil spirits!

Xolos can be reserved with strangers and take a while to warm up to new people, but they should never be fearful or aggressive. Standards, in particular, make excellent watch dogs with their alert natures and powerful barks. While they aren’t known for being very outgoing in general, they do form strong bonds with their owners but in a quiet, independent-type way. Many will pick one family member in particular to whom they bond the most to (sticking by their side whenever possible) although they will still show affection and loyalty to the whole family, including kids if they were raised with them (calm older children are preferred). This breed must live inside with their “social group”. Xolos also get along well with other pets in the household, and in fact, tend to do better when living with at least one other dog.

Xolos (pronounced Show-lows) are a healthy, robust breed that are generally easy to care for. They aren’t known for having a whole host of health problems, and the average age of the breed is 15-17 years old.  Their thick skin is surprisingly tough and hardy – so they don’t tend to get scratched or nicked easily, and it contains an oil that protects them from both insects as well as the sun. The skin can be dark or light, and coated dogs are allowed to be any color (although dark, solid colors are preferred in the show ring). Don’t be surprised if your hairless Xolo doesn’t have all of his teeth either… this trait is seen in hairless dogs but doesn’t usually interfere with their normally ravenous appetites!

Both varieties of Xoloitzcuintli can work well for people who have allergies, provided the person is allergic to dog dander and not saliva. They prefer being clean, and in fact like to clean themselves like cats which means that someone allergic to saliva will probably run into problems. Allergic or not, most owners find this breed particularly easy to keep groomed, even if the dog is coated. Grooming time is minimal, with most of the work being devoted to tooth and nail care. It should be noted that during the first year of a Xolo’s life, they may get adolescent acne just like a human, which may give them a temporary musty smell and will need special care. Hairless Xolos of all ages still need regular baths followed by application of a moisturizer, but the time in which it takes to do this is quite minimal (as might be imagined).

Xoloitzcuintlis are easy to housebreak, easy to train and quite intelligent, with many individuals learning commands quickly. This said, the breed needs obedience training in order to become a well-mannered companion. Like many other primitive breeds, these Mexican dogs can be sensitive and don’t do well with harsh training. Some also have a stubborn streak. With regular training, however, they can become quite adaptable to many different type of lifestyles including living in an apartment. Socialization is highly recommend as well, in order to get them used to people, places and new things.

Like many other breeds, puppy Xoloitzcuintlis can be destructive and will get into everything. Even as the puppy grows up, he will retain a very active energy level which will need to be channeled through exercise. This even holds true for the toy variety, who possesses an endless curiosity and often can be found perching upon couches or even countertops! All three sizes like to climb, and because of their high prey drive need a very secure fence when they are outside to keep these Houdinis from getting out of the yard and chasing small animals. As the Xolo grows older, he won’t require the same amount of exercise as he did when he was in his first couple of years. Mature Xolos (over the age of 2) are more mellow around the house as long as they are still given regular walks or other forms of exercise.

Photo by Shmigget

The Cirneco dell’Etna is an ancient breed, native to Sicily and used for hunting rabbits. For the most part, the breed has remained relatively unchanged – most of these little hounds were bred for hunting ability and hardiness to their surroundings rather than just strict appearance. The breed has very few health issues and is known for staying in great health throughout their lives. A lifespan of 13-15 years is considered average with many members reaching even older ages. As they have only recently been recognized by the AKC, there are not yet very many in the United States.

Cirnechi (the plural of Cirneco) are curious and intelligent, and they thrive on both mental and physical exercise. In fact, these dogs require having some sort of job to do in order to stay fit and sane. Competing in a dog sport such as coursing or agility are two possible jobs that can fulfill this need. Hunting rabbits is perhaps the most satisfying task for the dog, and this is a possible option as long as the owner knows what he/she is doing. However, even family pets can be given obedience training and interactive games, which are easier ways of enriching the dogs’ life and providing great mental/physical challenges.

Because the Cirneco was bred for hunting he has a very strong prey drive. Dogs which aren’t actively hunting must be kept on leash in order to stop them from chasing cats, squirrels and other moving objects. Once they start running, they are incredibly fast and difficult to catch. This means they can easily end up being hit by a car or simply lost. When not on a leash, they must be kept in a secure fenced area. This is important because the breed is active and therefore does need regular exercise – whether through walks on leash or lots of free running in a fenced yard.

When not running, the Cirneco dell’Etna is a lover of comfort and can often be found curled up under a blanket, or atop the softest couch in the house. Ideally, they prefer that their comfortable spot is right next to their owner! Some have velcro-like attachments to their people, whom they will follow from room to room if they are able. Although they have a playful side, they are also quite independent and may alternate between periods of affection and periods of aloof-ness. They should never be aggressive, however. A sweet and gentle temperament is considered a trademark of the breed.

Willing to please, Cirnechi are often easier to train than other sighthounds. Many fall on the submissive side and don’t usually require a lot of corrections. Obedience training is important, but socialization from puppyhood is even more important for this breed. They should be taken out and introduced to as many new people, places, animals and things when they are young in order to develop confident personalities. The Cirneco dell’Etna should be raised with cats from puppyhood if he is expected to live with them. Some adults can be introduced successfully but the dog’s individual prey drive will play a big part in how well he responds. Because he’s a rabbit-hunting “specialist”, it may be even harder to introduce a pet bunny!

The Cirneco’s smooth coat requires very little care although those giant ears do need to be cleaned every other week or so – a quick and easy task. Nail trimming and tooth brushing is also important, and will be made easier with repetition and praise. With a coat that requires only weekly brushing (easily taking under 5 minutes) and occasional bathing, he is an extremely low-mainenance breed to take care of.

Photo By de:Benutzer:Jan Eduard, contrast Pleple2000

The Scottish Deerhound has a regal appearance hiding underneath a coarse, wiry coat. Like other sighthounds, they are gentle and polite – good thing, because they are giant in size! Deerhounds are passive in nature and tend to be lovers, not fighters. They don’t tend to bark when people come to the door and are definitely not fit to be guard dogs. Their size might be a deterrent for a burglar, but they aren’t apt to react much to an actual break-in. They tend to be reserved around strangers and many won’t even bother to even get up when a friend or stranger comes to do the door. They get along fine with children as long as the kids aren’t rough.

Sighthounds in general can be more cat-like in nature and the Deerhound is no exception. One shouldn’t buy a Deerhound and expect it to play fetch in the yard, for example. When fully grown, they are prone to taking long naps throughout the day (although puppies have a bit more energy). They are quiet and generally unassuming. This is not a clumsy beast prone to knocking nick-nacks off the coffee table. Unlike other sighthounds, however – they tend to be a bit more affectionate and more likely to follow their owners around the house. It is for this reason that they make terrible choices for kennel dogs or outside-only dogs. They adore their people and must be near them often.

It is important to keep this breeds’ size in mind before committing to buy one. Scottish Deerhounds, with their long legs and stretching necks, are able to reach food on counters that other breeds are not. It’s easy for one to take a bite out of an eye-level batch of chicken set on the counter to cool! Training is helpful for this problem, although common sense is also good to have. Furthermore, their giant size means that they might not be able to fit in a compact car. Deerhound owners have been known to upgrade their vehicles in order to accommodate their dogs! Once one has done this, however, the owner will be able to have the company of the dog at any dog-friendly establishment. Deerhounds are great travelers.

Deerhounds need to have daily exercise – at least 30 minutes twice a day. A walk isn’t good enough as these hounds must be able to do some trotting. Therefore jogging or biking with the dog might be a better alternative. Furthermore, because this is a sprinting breed, they should also be given access to a safely fenced area to really gallop. If the Deerhound is able to free-run with another dog on a daily basis, the forced exercise might be able to be cut back to once a day. When sprinting in a yard, the fence must be at least 6 feet high because this breed has a very strong prey drive and will go after moving objects. Electric fences do not work for Deerhounds. One final note – as with all giant breeds, puppies should be gradually worked up to longer and longer distances when exercising on-leash to ensure the joints aren’t overstressed.

It has been said that Scottish Deerhounds have a different playing style than other breeds, which means that some dogs won’t be comfortable playing with them. Always supervise interactions with other dogs to make sure everyone is happy. Furthermore, know that Deerhounds can accidentally hurt a small or tiny dog because of the size difference or if their prey drive gets triggered. While they might live happily in the house with a Chihuahua or similar breed, it is safest not to let them outside in the yard together.

Originally coming from a cold country, Deerhounds don’t always fare well in hot weather. While they can live in Texas, they shouldn’t be forced to exercise in the hottest part of the day. Use common sense and don’t keep the dog outside for long hours when it’s 100 degrees outside. Deerhounds do best in air conditioning when they live in hotter areas of the country, preferably with plenty of access to soft dog beds.

Many adult Scottish Deerhounds don’t require formal obedience in order to be well-behaved in the house, although obedience is recommended for every dog in order to establish a bond and create a general sense of togetherness and fun! In particular, most Deerhounds don’t respond well to training which is super repetitious, nor do they respond well to force. Training should be fun and interesting. Many owners of Deerhound puppies want to start training early because… while most eventually mature enough to be great around the house, puppies can be destructive and benefit a lot from early training. Puppies tend to shred, dig and chew – all behaviors that can get better sooner with early training.

Deerhounds don’t tend to shed very much which means that the dead hair needs to be thoroughly brushed out a few times a week. In addition, they need their ears cleaned, nails trimmed and teeth brushed regularly. A bath should be given every 1-2 months. All in all, this is not a high maintenance breed. When it comes to health, the biggest health issues to look out for include blood clotting disorders, bloat and heart issues. Always buy from a reputable breeder who works to breed healthy dogs.

Photo By Hawkins/Heidenreich

The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is a tiny primitive breed originally bred to hunt rabbits and go after vermin on ships. In Europe, they are considered one of the three sizes of Portuguese Podengos – which is classified as a single breed. They are fairly new to the AKC, despite being around for hundreds of years, and have been split into their own breed in this country. They are classified as a sighthound by some organizations although they hunt by sight, sound and smell. These little dogs are alert and active, although make great pets for those who can provide them what they need to thrive. They are playful and have very big personalities stuffed inside such small frames!

The PPP can live with kids of all ages, but do best with supervision around toddlers because their small size makes them more susceptible to injury. They are hardy, agile and athletic and are hunters rather than lapdogs. Don’t let their size fool you – this is not a dog that will lay around and watch TV with you. They need homes with fenced yards and owners that can exercise them regularly as they are fairly active and need ways to burn off this energy. They usually do fine in multiple-dog homes as well as they are truly pack dogs, but do best particularly with dogs that are similar in size. Because they bond strongly with their owners, some may develop problems with separation anxiety.

Podengo Pequenos make very good watchdogs as they will alert the whole household whenever anyone approaches. Some will bark only when necessary although others may become quite loud if they think that every little sound requires an alert bark from them! Although tiny, they are courageous and won’t back down if they think the family is in danger. They are wary of strangers and therefore require socialization while they are puppies so that their natural suspicion won’t turn into fear. Socialization combined with training will help them become the loyal friends they are supposed to be, without sacrificing their natural watchdog abilities.

Portuguese Podengos are intelligent and generally considered easy to train. Their speed and stamina makes them great in dog sports such as agility and lure coursing, although shouldn’t be trusted off-leash because of their high prey drive. They are capable of being off-leash trained but the owner must always be aware that a running rabbit or squirrel may “bypass” their training. Although they love to please, they tend to think independently and won’t usually respond in the same way as a Border Collie or Golden Retriever. This said, they need training and activities to keep their brains active.

PPPs come in two separate coat varieties – rough and smooth. The rough coat is wiry in texture while the smooth lies flat to the body, and neither sheds very large amounts. Both varieties require only minimal grooming and both varieties are healthy and long-lived, with records of some members living to twenty! Despite their overall great health and general hardiness, the breed’s coat is not enough to protect them from extreme weather and they therefore should never be outside-only dogs. They need to live inside with several trips to the outdoors for exercise and play.

The PPP has a silly side that he shares with his family often. Always happy, optimistic and playful, he enjoys racing around the house and launching himself off of furniture. For this reason, they can easily be too cramped in an apartment. These little guys pack a lot of energy and a big heaping of comedic antics! This is why exercise is so important – these guys are very high energy. Without enough outlets for the energy they can become destructive.

Photo By Pleple2000

The Pharaoh Hound is thought to be one of the oldest breeds of domesticated dog. His appearance has not changed much since ancient times, as most breeders want to retain their natural beauty. This sighthound also has a great sense of hearing and smell and is very versatile, with the capability to do many different activities. The outgoing breed loves to be outdoors enjoying a jog or game of fetch with their owners! This said, they are also gentle and sensitive and must always be treated fairly. One of the unique traits of this breed is that, when excited, they will smile and even blush!

Unlike some sighthounds, Pharaohs are very active and tend to have a lot of energy. One cannot just put them in the backyard and let them “run off some steam”. Instead, they need regular structured exercise and play with their owner. While free-running in a yard is important, it cannot substitute for walking or jogging. These dogs are very people-oriented and need to spend lots of quality time with the humans in the household. Very affectionate, males are more laid back while females tend to be a bit more independent. Their activity level combined with their propensity for mischief does not make them suitable for first-time dog owners.

Pharaohs love to play and to entertain their owners – so much so that they have been called the “jester of the canine world”, but a bored Pharoah can become mischievous and will invent his own games. These games might include ripping up his bedding, digging large craters in the yard or counter-surfing, so it is important to give the dog enough mental and physical stimulation to prevent these obnoxious behaviors. Obedience training is a great way to do this, although potential owners should be aware that this breed was developed to be independent, and therefore might not take as easily to training as a Border Collie or Golden Retriever. Lots of positive reinforcement and motivation will probably be required in order to hold the dog’s attention! They tend to shut down when only negative reinforcement is used.

Pharaohs are not considered quiet dogs – they do like to bark! This makes them good watchdogs, although they will not back up their bark with a bite. These are not guard dogs by any means. They will bark when they play (a pastime that they love), bark when anything looks out of the ordinary and bark whenever they hear a sound. This makes them ill-adept at living in most apartments. Another con for apartment-living is that they tend to get very excited several times a day and whisk around the house like little whirlwinds! This can be difficult when living in a small space. The older the dog gets, the less often he will go into these zoomie-fits but most of these dogs are very slow to fully mature. When not zooming around, the breed tends to plant themselves on the couch and chill until the next burst of energy.

Originally bred to hunt down rabbits, the Pharaoh has a high prey drive and will chase most things that move – even grabbing birds out of the air! This instinct is so strong that these hounds will need to be kept on-leash at all times that they are not in a safely fenced area. A fenced yard is also required by most breeders for the same reason, at least 6 feet high in order to curtail their jumping. They can live with cats although the best results are when the dog is raised with cats from puppyhood. Many recommend to never leave the two alone together – always supervising their interaction. By no means should the dog ever be allowed to chase the cat, even if it seems funny or cute at the time. Most will still go after a cat that gets outside, including neighborhood cats that make the unlucky mistake of coming into the yard with a Pharaoh…

Pharaohs get along wonderfully with children, although supervision is also recommended if the child is very young. Their sensitive nature makes this sighthound skittish around sudden movements and they will get spooked if suddenly hit or surprised by a toddler. They are a much better match for slightly older kids who will run and play with them. As far as other dogs, many Pharaohs get along famously with other dogs, usually accepting a new canine members of the family very quickly. One caveat – some tend to play rough and might accidentally hurt a much smaller dog. Tiny breeds might not make the best match.

These short-haired dogs came from desert areas and don’t always handle cold very well. They should be given coats whenever they are outside in chilly weather. Some owners even buy them pajamas to wear on cold nights, although snuggling underneath a blanket probably works just as well! Despite these minor inconveniences, their short coat means that they are very easy to groom and rarely require baths. They have little doggy odor and tend to keep themselves pretty clean. Cleaning their ears and keeping their nails trimmed short is the bulk of the grooming work, although most enjoy a rub down with a damp cloth every now and again to pull out loose hairs. Bathe when necessary. Extra bonus – they rarely shed!

These beautiful dogs are naturally very thin – and the appearance of ribs is normal in a healthy Pharaoh. Other distinguishing features include their large size, always-tan coloration (anywhere from chestnut to a rich red) and the large erect ears. The ears should never be cropped – they stand up this way naturally. While the dog can have tiny white markings on the tail, chest, feet or face, this is the extent to which the dog can be marked.

Photo By kallerna