Pharaoh Hound
Trait scores
Health risk profile
Conditions below are ranked by documented prevalence and severity in the Pharaoh Hound. Risk level drives both veterinary costs and insurance pricing.
| Condition | Risk | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Allergies and skin sensitivity | moderate | The fine coat and thin skin are prone to irritant and food sensitivities. |
| Anesthesia sensitivity | moderate | Low body fat requires sighthound-aware anesthetic protocols. |
| Hip dysplasia | low | Occasionally seen; OFA screening recommended. |
| Eye disease (PRA) | low | Inherited retinal degeneration reported; DNA testing available. |
| Patellar luxation | low | Occasional kneecap slippage in some lines. |
Pet insurance for a Pharaoh Hound
Insurers price a Pharaoh Hound from the breed's documented claims profile — here, a clean bill of health with no dominant high-risk hereditary condition. Enrolling early matters more than shopping hard: no carrier covers a condition once it is diagnosed.
Annual cost of ownership
Excluding insurance, the recurring cost of a Pharaoh Hound is driven by how much it eats — which scales with body weight — and how much grooming it needs. At 45–55 lbs and a grooming score of 1/5, the Pharaoh Hound sits below the average dog on grooming spend. Chronic conditions from the risk table above can add substantially to the medical side of the budget — one reason breed-matched insurance matters. For the component-by-component breakdown, see the average cost of owning a dog, and model your own numbers with thecost of ownership calculator.
About the Pharaoh Hound
The Pharaoh Hound is Malta's national dog, an elegant red sighthound famous for blushing — its nose and ears flush pink when excited. Despite the name and ancient look, the modern breed was standardized in Britain from Maltese rabbit-hunting stock. Pharaohs are affectionate, playful, and unusually sociable for sighthounds, but they are built for explosive speed: secure fencing, leashed exercise, and small-pet caution are essential. The wash-and-wear coat and general hardiness keep care simple. Suits active owners wanting an exotic but easygoing sighthound.
Origin: Malta
Temperament
Related reading for Pharaoh Hound owners
Pharaoh Hound FAQ
How long do Pharaoh Hounds live?
The typical Pharaoh Hound lifespan is 12–14 years. Diet, weight management, and screening for the breed's known hereditary conditions have the largest measurable effect on longevity.
How much does pet insurance cost for a Pharaoh Hound?
There is no published breed-level price for pet insurance, so we do not quote one. NAPHIA's 2026 industry report puts the US average at $836 a year — about $70 a month — for accident-and-illness coverage on a dog, and insurers price above or below that line based on your dog's age, your ZIP code, and the plan you configure. The Pharaoh Hound carries no dominant high-risk hereditary condition, which keeps it near or below that average. For real numbers, request quotes for your dog's exact age and ZIP code.
Is the Pharaoh Hound a good apartment dog?
Conditionally. The Pharaoh Hound can live in an apartment, but its 5/5 energy level means you'll need a consistent daily exercise routine.
What health problems are Pharaoh Hounds prone to?
The most significant documented risks are Allergies and skin sensitivity, Anesthesia sensitivity. Ask breeders for the relevant health clearances and budget for insurance early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.