How Much Does a Pharaoh Hound Cost?

Last Updated on March 12, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

With their elegant, sleek build, loyal personalities, and reputation as one of the ancient dog breeds, Pharaoh Hounds have unique appeal for canine enthusiasts. However, these exotic pedigreed dogs also come with a higher price tag than average mixed breeds. What should you budget if you’re considering adding one of these beauties to your family? Let’s break down Pharaoh Hound costs.

The purchase price, medical care, food, supplies, and other ownership expenses quickly add up. But for devotees of this rare breed, the companionship and joy they provide are priceless. Understanding the costs involved allows you to make an informed decision in welcoming a Pharaoh Hound into your life.

How Much Does a Pharaoh Hound Cost?

Since Pharaoh Hounds are almost exclusively bred by specialized show dog enthusiasts seeking to maintain purity and improve the breed, they are obtained nearly always from experienced, reputable breeders rather than pet stores.

The typical price range to purchase a Pharaoh Hound puppy from health-tested, champion lineage parents is $1,500 to $2,500. Puppies from top show kennels on either U.S. coast with esteemed pedigrees can cost up to $5,000 and beyond.

Some factors impacting the high end of pricing include:

• Pedigree lineage — puppies from champion show dog parents or grandparents command premium pricing.
• Gender — male puppies frequently cost more than females.
• Breeder reputation — established high-volume breeders with marquee names in the dog show circuit fetch higher prices.
• AKC registration — litters that come with full breed registration papers are more desirable.

There is also regional variability, with prices trending higher in areas like California and New York where demand exceeds local supply.

PetMD mentions that the price range for a Pharaoh Hound puppy is typically between $1,500 and $2,500, reflecting their status as a more expensive breed due to their rarity.

Pretty Opinionated notes that breeders may charge between $1,500 to $2,500 for a Pharaoh Hound puppy, with some potentially charging up to $5,000 depending on various factors like lineage and breeder reputation.

According to BeChewy, the average cost for a Pharaoh Hound puppy falls within the range of $1,500 to $2,500, varying slightly depending on the breeder and the specific characteristics of the puppy.

Adoption Fees from Rescue Organizations

For those seeking an adult Pharaoh Hound rather than a puppy, adopting through a quality Pharaoh Hound-specific rescue organization or shelter can cost $500 on average, but sometimes less.

While more affordable than purchasing from a top breeder, the trade-off is often less predictability regarding the dog’s puppyhood traits and health or training background. Responsible rescues will health screen all dogs prior to adoption to match you with the right temperament.

Overview of the Pharaoh Hound Breed

To understand factors impacting their value, it’s helpful to first understand where Pharaoh Hounds come from and what makes them unique. Here’s a quick overview:

• Originate from the Mediterranean island nation of Malta, where they are the national dog breed.
• One of the most ancient dog breeds still in existence today. Date back over 5,000 years to ancient Egypt.
• Distinctive lean, athletic sighthound build enables swiftness and agility essential for chasing prey.
• Short reddish tan or chestnut coat with trademark tan ‘blaze’ between the eyes and long, elegant ears.
• Reserved yet affectionate nature – very loyal to their family yet aloof with strangers.

Their exotic elegance, rarity, unique history, and distinctive qualities make them a highly coveted status symbol among dog lovers globally. Let’s look at what that demand means for Pharaoh Hound pricing.

Healthcare Costs and Veterinary Expenses

Like any medium-large, active athletic dog breed, Pharaoh Hounds require scheduled veterinary care and attention to remain fit and healthy over their roughly 12–14-year lifespan. Healthcare costs for items like:

• Annual veterinary wellness exams, vaccinations, and bloodwork – $200 to $300
• Monthly flea, tick, and heartworm preventative medication – $50 to $100
• Professional dental cleanings and potential tooth extractions under anesthesia if periodontal disease develops – $300 to $700
• Treating injuries, illnesses, or hereditary conditions if they arise – from $500 for minor issues up to $5,000+ for surgeries or chronic conditions

As a breeder-purchased purebred dog, your Pharaoh Hound should come with certain initial health guarantees from a responsible breeder. But owners must be prepared for the financial realities of caring for a large, active pet into their senior years.

Budgeting $100 per month into an emergency “pet health fund” helps cover both routine wellness costs and unexpected veterinary expenses. And consider purchasing pet insurance, which we’ll discuss shortly.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a Greyhound Dog, a Basset Hound, or a Blue Lacy.

Average Monthly Food Costs

Being athletic, energetic sighthounds bred for endurance and speed, Pharaoh Hounds tend to have hearty appetites to fuel their active lifestyles.

Expect to spend $50 to $100 per month feeding your Pharaoh Hound a high-quality kibble formulated specifically for their needs as medium-sized athletic dogs. Treats, dental chews, supplements and food puzzles or toys add additional costs.

When calculating food budgets, be sure to select premium veterinary-recommended diets to provide complete nutrition and minimize potential health issues. Budget-friendly generic food can lead to costly illnesses.

Typical Grooming and Maintenance Expenses

Luckily, thanks to their naturally short, thin coats, Pharaoh Hounds have relatively low maintenance grooming requirements compared to long-haired breeds.

However, their coats still require attentive care:

• Weekly brushing and combing to remove dead hair – $150-250 yearly
• Nail trimming every 2-3 weeks – $120-300 yearly
• Ear cleaning to prevent infections – $50 yearly
• Monthly bathing, brushing, and grooming to keep the coat lustrous – $200-400 yearly

Most owners can easily handle this basic grooming themselves with minimal professional assistance needed beyond the occasional “spa day” for a bath and trim.

Essential Supplies and Accessories Costs

When first welcoming your Pharaoh Hound puppy or adult dog home, you’ll need to budget approximately $300 to $500+ to purchase essential supplies like:

• High-quality leashes, collars, harnesses – $50 to $100+
• Crates for house training and travel – $80 to $200
• Designer dog beds and plush blankets – $75 to $150+
• Stainless steel food and water bowls – $20 to $30
• Assortment of safe, durable chew toys – $50 to $100 initially then $10 to $20 per month for replacements
• Training treats and accessories – $50 initially then $20 per month

While an initial upfront investment, these recurring supply costs are modest compared to the expenses of food, healthcare, and other care necessities.

Is Pet Insurance Worth the Cost?

Given Pharaoh Hounds’ predisposition for certain costly hereditary conditions and injuries inherent to athletic dogs, most experts recommend new owners seriously consider investing in pet insurance during their puppy’s first year.

Comprehensive accident and illness plans cost $30 to $100+ monthly on average, with various coverage caps and deductibles to balance affordability against level of protection. Read policies thoroughly to avoid surprises.

While adding a notable recurring expense, pet insurance can prove invaluable by mitigating financially devastating veterinary costs in emergency scenarios.

Final Words

In total, estimate spending around $2,500 to $5,000+ annually when you include the initial purchase price, recurring care, medical costs, supplies, food, and insurance.

While not inexpensive, the companionship and joy of owning this rare and devoted breed is incredibly rewarding for Pharaoh Hound enthusiasts committed to providing them an enriched life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much exercise does a Pharaoh Hound need?

As athletic sighthounds bred for generations to run and hunt game over vast distances, Pharaoh Hounds ideally need 1-2+ hours of vigorous daily exercise to satisfy their considerable endurance – including activities like running, hiking, playing fetch, or engaging their instincts with lure coursing. A bored Pharaoh can be destructive.

What is the purpose of a Pharaoh Hound?

Pharaoh Hounds were carefully bred as tenacious hunting companions boasting keen eyesight, speed, agility and tireless endurance – all essential attributes for spotting, chasing down and helping hunters capture fleet-footed prey on the open plains of ancient Egypt many thousands of years ago.

What kind of coat does a Pharaoh Hound have?

Pharaoh Hounds have a short, dense single layer coat rather than a double coat. Their sleek fur lies flat and close to their skin, requiring only weekly brushing and minimal specialized grooming, making care easier than many breeds. But their coats do demand gentle frequent massaging, given they crave abundant affection!