Pharaoh's Dog

Video: Pharaoh's Dog

History of the Pharaoh Dog breed

Based on the exotic name of the breed, it is logical to assume that its ancestors were from the banks of the Nile. In fact, the external similarity of the representatives of this family with the hero of ancient Egyptian mythology Anubis is absolutely accidental. Moreover, Malta is the birthplace of dogs. According to legend, the Phoenicians brought the animals to these lands, where they lived in relative isolation for thousands of years without the possibility of interbreeding with other breeds. At the same time, on the island greyhounds were called "kelb tal-fenek", which translated meant "rabbit dog".

Pharaoh dogs penetrated into European countries at the beginning of the XX century, and by the 30s the first individuals were received by English breeders. It took almost thirty years for the animals to gain the trust of the dog breeders of the Old World. Moreover, the British General Blok and his wife Pauline especially contributed to the awakening of interest in the "pharaohs". The couple was professionally engaged in breeding rabbit greyhounds and founded their own kennel, from which 90% of the British livestock of "Anubis dogs" subsequently came out.

In 1977, FCI breeding specialists became interested in the breed and even decided to bring its representatives to a single standard. However, it soon became clear that the name "Pharaoh's dog" in the breeding books was occupied by another four-legged family originating from the island of Ibiza. In order to avoid interbreed confusion in the future, the dogs from Malta were still assigned the "Pharaoh status", and the dogs from Ibiza were urgently renamed the Ibiza greyhounds.

The standard of the Pharaoh dog breed

The physique of the "pharaohs" subtly looks like podenko ibitsenko (the very Ibis greyhounds), which gave rise to a number of misconceptions about both breeds. In reality, dogs from Malta are not relatives of dogs from Ibiza, although both the first and the second are considered to belong to the greyhound clan. As for appearance, in this regard, Pharaoh dogs have all the trumps. An elegantly taut silhouette with clearly drawn muscles, an elegant elongated head that gives the animal a resemblance to the Egyptian guardian of the afterlife, and a fiery iridescent coat color - all together this creates a unique image of a semi–mythical creature that survived the heyday and decline of ancient empires.

Sexual dimorphism in the breed is quite pronounced. So, for example, the correct, from the point of view of experts, male Maltese "Pharaoh" should be no lower than 53 cm and no higher than 63.5 cm. For a bitch , the height limits are 53-61 cm . Separately, it is worth mentioning the running qualities of animals. Pharaoh's dogs are moving in a rapid career, and in order to gain maximum speed, they do not need acceleration. In addition, the breed is distinguished by phenomenal maneuverability, which has helped its representatives successfully hunt small game for thousands of years.

Head

The skull of the Pharaoh dog has a characteristic elongated shape with a moderately pronounced transition from head to muzzle.

Jaws and teeth

"Pharaohs" are distinguished by strong teeth and developed jaws, which in a closed state demonstrate a reference scissor bite.

Nose

The skin on the nose is painted in a pinkish-flesh shade, in harmony with the hair of a greyhound.

Eyes

A real Pharaoh dog should have oval, deep-set eyes with a shiny amber colored iris.

Ears

Large, moderately high-set animal ears are part of the breed "recognition". In an alert state, the ear cloth assumes an upright position, giving the dog an even greater resemblance to the Egyptian god Anubis.

Neck

Slightly curved, graceful necks of Pharaoh dogs are distinguished by good length and muscularity.

Housing

The Pharaoh dog has an elongated, flexible body with a straight upper line, a barely noticeable slope of the croup, a deep chest and a harmoniously taut stomach.

Limbs

The legs are straight and parallel to each other. The shoulders are long, strongly laid back, the elbows touch the body. The angles of the hocks are moderate, while the hips are well developed. The paws of Pharaoh dogs are characterized by a flattened shape, tightly pressed fingers and elastic large pads. The animal moves smoothly, with its head held high, without excessively raising its legs in height and throwing its paws to the sides.

Tail

The tail of the breed has a whip-like shape and is not set too high, but at the same time not low. In motion, it rises and bends upwards. Undesirable transformations: a twisted tail or clamped between the hind legs.

Wool

The coat of Pharaoh dogs has a thin but harsh structure. The hair itself is very short, shiny, of sufficient density. The presence of any foci is excluded.

Color

Pharaoh's dog can have the whole palette of colors from wheat-golden to chestnut-red with small white spots. White markings on the tip of the tail, fingers, chest (star) are desirable. A miniature white groove on the muzzle is allowed by the standard, unlike the speckles and white marks on the rest of the body.

Disqualifying vices

Any defects in appearance and behavior of a strong degree of severity lead to mandatory disqualification of the animal at competitions. In addition to standard vices like cowardice, aggression and anatomical anomalies of development, Pharaoh dogs may also have specific breed "irregularities". In particular, individuals with a large white spot on the nape of the neck are not allowed to participate in exhibitions. Another important point: when taking the dog to the exhibition ring, be prepared for incompetent judging. Such incidents occur from time to time, usually due to the fact that there are very few genuine experts who thoroughly understand the intricacies of the exterior of the "pharaohs".

The character of the Pharaoh dog

Despite the somewhat pretentious name of the breed, its representatives are completely devoid of arrogance and the desire to suppress everyone and everything. The right Pharaoh dog is an affectionate, intelligent and understanding creature with whom it is easy to establish relationships, even without having cynological experience behind them. One of the main features of Maltese rabbit greyhounds is a phenomenal peacefulness. Hyperactive children with their constant running around, narcissistic cats walking around the apartment, crowds of guests – such vicissitudes of fate "Pharaoh" perceives with incredible calmness.

Nevertheless, it is clearly not worth considering a pet as a timid and insecure creature. If necessary, this elegant "model" will bark at an outsider, and restrain the crows on the street, and protect their own good from childish encroachments. Sociability and curiosity are qualities that every representative of the breed must possess. At the same time, obsession is absolutely alien to Pharaoh dogs. Having made sure that the owner does not seek to make contact, the "pharaoh" will not humiliate himself and beg for affection, but will take a break and go about his business.

Innate aristocratic behavior is what distinguishes Maltese greyhounds favorably. A real Pharaoh dog builds behavior depending on the environment and does not allow himself too much. For example, developing insane speeds on dog races and chasing a mechanical hare with primitive excitement, the "pharaoh" will never turn upside down the apartment in which he lives. Moreover, at home, this fit runner will prefer to play the role of a sofa pet and quietly take a nap in an armchair while the owner prepares another portion of goodies for him.

As for living together with other dogs, as well as their own relatives, here the "Maltese" are surprisingly loyal – the innate conflict-free nature affects. By the way, do not expect that Pharaoh's dog will be devoted to someone alone. Representatives of this breed are distinguished by an even attitude to all family members, and if someone is singled out, they do it very delicately. Graceful "anubis" are not peculiar to such a bad habit as empty-mindedness. Usually, owners who do not like to walk four-legged wards, as well as those who have a habit of locking the animal in an empty apartment, complain about the excessive passion of the breed for barking and howling.

Education and training

It's easy to make friends with a Pharaoh dog, but you won't be able to instill the necessary norms of etiquette in your pet right away, no matter how great friends you are. On the other hand, rabbit greyhounds have a phenomenal memory, and once they have learned commands or artistic numbers, they never forget.

It is important to understand that the proud "anubis" cannot stand rigid discipline and study, so if you intend to do training, get ready to spend from several months to several years on this matter. The same OKD breed will comprehend many times longer than some German Shepherd, so sometimes it is wiser to abandon complex programs in favor of more simplified options. After all, Pharaoh's dogs were not bred for service and protection.

To control a pet in a city or hunting environment, a set of elementary commands like "To me!", "Place!", "Stop!" and others is enough. If the animal belongs to the number of show animals that are regularly exhibited in the ring, it is worth adding several specific commands to this set that help to present the dog to the commission in a favorable light: "Work!", "Teeth!", "Run!".

The style of teaching all skills should be extremely soft – do not be afraid, the "pharaoh" will not interpret kindness as weakness and will not turn on the alpha male. But it's better not to get carried away with repetitions of exercises – the breed will not stand such a bore and next time it will try to sneak out of the lesson. An important nuance: "Pharaoh" must be weaned from an early age to give voice to trifles. Despite the fact that the "Maltese" are hysterical, their barking is loud and annoying, so the less often the dog will strain the vocal cords at home, the more convenient it is for you.

Animals learn to meet toilet needs correctly quickly: Pharaoh dogs are naturally very neat, so they relieve themselves on newspapers and diapers without problems in childhood, and when they grow up, they do the same, but outside the apartment, during walking.

Maintenance and care

Pharaoh dogs are undemanding to space if they lead an active sporting life outside the house. Modern breeders claim that keeping an anubis in an apartment is no more difficult than in a country mansion if you set the correct daily routine for the animal. Keep in mind that the breed is sensitive to low temperatures (people from hot Malta after all), so on frosty days take the dog for a walk in insulated overalls or make him spend time actively: run races, play with objects, jump. In general, do everything that helps to keep warm.

Pay due attention to the choice of a collar. Because of the elongated neck, not all models are suitable for Pharaoh dogs, but only the so–called "herring" - a design with a wide center and narrowed edges. And please, no harnesses and chains, if you don't want to strangle a pet that has rushed after a stray cat. But you can not look for a suitable sunbed at all – rabbit greyhounds still prefer to lie on chairs and sofas at home, stubbornly ignoring the mattresses bought for them.

Hygiene

In terms of accuracy, Pharaoh dogs have no equal. Representatives of this clan always find an opportunity to bypass a dirty puddle and even in the most inclement weather manage to return from a walk in a neat way. Moreover, the Pharaoh dog is one of those rare image breeds whose representatives do not need to be combed, trimmed and cut. The maximum that is required to maintain the coat in a healthy, presentable form is to walk over it once a week with a rubber mitten.

It makes no sense to wash the "pharaohs" too often, but if the animal gets dirty (which is rather nonsense for the breed), you can't do without taking a bath. The main thing is to carefully monitor that the pet does not have the opportunity to lick the shampoo, which will negatively affect its digestion. By the way, the "Maltese" themselves are positive about water and willingly bathe under the supervision of the owner. The eyes of the breed representatives do not require special care either: it is enough to remove dust lumps in the morning and carry out preventive weekly wiping of the eyelid mucosa with an ophthalmic solution.

The ears of Pharaoh dogs are large and open, so they are well ventilated and do not cause problems to the owners. Of course, it is necessary to inspect the inside of the organ, but usually the care of the ears of a greyhound is reduced to removing sulfur from them with a cotton swab or a wet bandage wrapped on tweezers. By the way, due to the excessively steep bend of the ear canal, it is undesirable for "pharaohs" to bury liquid preparations and phytolotions inside, since the animal will not be able to get rid of the liquid on its own. Alternatively, you can use drops in tandem with a special veterinary powder. After the liquid has entered the ear and dissolved the sulfur deposits, it is necessary to drain the inside of the organ by pouring a small amount of powder. The powder will absorb excess moisture, and the greyhound will be able to remove it from the ear canal by shaking its head.

Once a month, the Pharaoh dog is recommended to shorten the claw plate so that it does not interfere with running, and twice a week – brush your teeth with veterinary paste and a brush with soft bristles or a bandage wrapped around your finger. If you live in the city and in the cold season you walk with your pet on the sidewalks covered with reagents, take care of the paws of the Maltese rabbit greyhound. In particular, upon returning home, rinse them with warm water and lubricate them with a nourishing cream.

Walking and coursing

Ideally, the "pharaoh" should spend about three hours a day outside the home walls. All this time, he has the right to give free rein to his instincts – how to run, jump and play enough. In case of time pressure, the duration of walks can be reduced to two hours a day, but you will have to go out with a greyhound in the morning and evening. The optimal alternative to hunting, which few people practice with Maltese "anubis", will be coursing. Running after a mechanical hare can both exhaust the animal and reveal its innate talents as a getter.

To arouse interest in the pursuit of mechanical bait, the puppy is teased at an early age with game tied to a rope. As for the full-fledged preparation for the coursing competitions, it is recommended to start it from the age of 7 months. By this time, the Pharaoh dog puppy was relatively stronger and had gained the necessary muscle mass. The easiest way to teach proper running is with a bicycle: the owner controls the bike, and the four-legged ward, strapped to the frame, runs next to it. The pace of the ride should constantly alternate from slow to fast. At the same time, it is important to stop in time – the dog should come from training slightly tired, and not fall from exhaustion.

A good replacement for cycling – catching up on snow drifts, sand dunes and beaches. For such training, it is better to take the animal outside the settlements, since greyhounds consider car rides as a pleasant entertainment. Keep in mind that novice pets are not allowed on adult tracks right away. At first, the younger athletes are engaged in coursing at short distances, since at the dawn of their sports career, Pharaoh dogs should run no more than 100-200 m. In addition, in order to avoid excessive loads, the immature pasterns of young individuals, just beginning to comprehend the basics of coursing, are bandaged.

Feeding

The breed is modest in its food habits. In addition, its representatives have sensitive liver and pancreas, which automatically excludes the use of fatty foods. Accordingly, if you prefer to feed your pet with a "straight woman", bet on lean meat, tripe and offal. By the way, the common myth that Pharaoh dogs respect plant food more than animal food remains a myth. Of course, the diet should include "vegetarian" products, but the basis of the menu of a greyhound, like any dog, is meat and its waste.

An important point: the portion size of a Pharaoh dog is a variable value. Individuals participating in coursing and other sporting events should have the largest plate. The smallest is among the elderly and the "Maltese" who lead a passive lifestyle.

So that the dog's nutrition does not fly into astronomical amounts, it is more expedient to mix meat into porridges, for example, buckwheat or rice. In summer, it is useful to feed the animal with fruit and vegetable salads in butter or low-fat sour cream. In winter, the lack of vitamins and fiber will have to be replenished with veterinary complexes, as well as dried algae (kelp, fucus). Low–fat cottage cheese, chicken egg (no more than once a week), boiled fish fillet - products necessary for a full-fledged greyhound diet.

Many foreign and domestic breeders of Pharaoh dogs have made a choice in favor of industrial feed. At the same time, it is important to understand that there will be no special savings when switching from a "straight woman" to a high-quality "drying". In order for the animal to feel normal and enjoy its energy in the future, you will have to spend money on super premium and holistic varieties with a high content of animal proteins. It is desirable that the composition of the "drying" includes meat, and not by-products of its processing. For example, some manufacturers recycle leather, feathers and connective tissues that help increase the amount of protein in dry food. However, such a protein will not be absorbed by the body of the "pharaohs", which means it will not be useful.

Health and diseases of Pharaoh dogs

Pharaoh dogs can be considered long–lived: 15-17 years for the breed is quite an achievable age limit. Moreover, even elderly and much-seen individuals are in no hurry to go into circulation, maintaining a presentable appearance, participating in various exhibitions and acquiring diplomas.

Of hereditary diseases in Pharaoh dogs, hip dysplasia and dislocation of the kneecap usually make themselves felt. Pets often suffer from bloating. In this regard, it is important not to overfeed the dog, ensuring an extremely calm environment in the room where he eats, because in a hurry and worrying, the greyhound swallows air with food, which provokes bloating.

But the breed does not suffer from allergies at all and can freely absorb all the products allowed to dogs. The only thing that slightly spoils the "Maltese" life is an increased sensitivity to chemicals, therefore, when treating the four-legged "anubis" with flea and tick remedies, apply the drug to the most inaccessible places for the dog's tongue.

How to choose a puppy

• Find out from the seller how often he knits his bitch. For real pros interested in the development of the breed, Pharaoh dogs bring offspring no more than once a year.
• An indicator of the normal condition of a small "pharaoh" – folds on the body. If there are none, and the baby's ribs are clearly visible, most likely, the animals are underfed.
• In serious nurseries, all manufacturers have been tested for dysplasia. If the results of veterinary examinations are not presented when getting acquainted with the litter, it is better not to take risks and choose another breeder.
• Pharaoh dog puppies that are under 2.5 months old have a bluish tinge of the iris. With age, the eyes will change color to standard amber.
• If you buy a puppy up to three months old, get ready for hanging ears. In Pharaoh dogs, the ear cloth assumes an upright position only in the fourth month of life, and sometimes the process needs to be accelerated by gluing the cartilage with a plaster.
• Slight thickening in the joints of the Pharaoh babies is a normal phenomenon that will disappear as they grow up. But a limp, an uncertain gait and slightly twisted limbs are a reason to refuse the deal.
• A mentally healthy Maltese rabbit greyhound puppy must respond adequately to touch. If, taking an animal in your arms, you feel it trying to break free and run away, this is a bad sign.

The price of a Pharaoh dog

Despite the fact that there are few kennels in Russia engaged in breeding Pharaoh dogs and registered RKF, it is better to buy puppies in them. Only in this case there is a chance to get a healthy baby with an impeccable pedigree. The standard price tag for small "anubis" – $450 – $500. A little less often there are "exclusive offers" – offspring from parents with interchampion diplomas and grown-up individuals who have passed primary training in coursing. The cost of such animals is at least $700 – $1100, which is due to both the costs of the breeders for the pet, and the impeccable exterior of the dog. And here are tempting ads from unknown sellers who are ready to part with a greyhound for symbolic $100 – $150, it is better to dismiss immediately. There is a high probability of spending money on plembrak, or even on a mongrel creature, diligently disguised as a Pharaoh's dog.