How the Pharaoh Hound does summer: blushing, bounding, and staying cool

Owning a Pharaoh Hound in summer means managing a sun-loving, rabbit-chasing athlete whose short tan coat suits warm weather but offers little protection against sunburn or scraped skin — and whose recall, like most sighthounds', dissolves the instant something small and fast appears. Plan for secure fencing, morning athletics, generous shade, and the world's most photogenic blush, and you've planned a Pharaoh Hound summer.

We're Bocce's Bakery — small-batch treats, limited ingredients, baked in the USA — and this is our guide to the ancient hound with the built-in smile.

Where this breed stands in the heat

The Pharaoh Hound is the national dog of Malta, where it has hunted rabbits across sun-baked rocky terrain for centuries under its traditional name, Kelb tal-Fenek. Standing 21 to 25 inches and weighing roughly 45 to 55 pounds, it carries a short, glossy coat over a lean, muscular frame — about as heat-appropriate as canine engineering gets.

Still, three factors keep summer management on your to-do list. That fine single coat provides minimal sun shielding, so pink-skinned areas like the nose, ear edges, and belly can burn during extended sun exposure. Low body fat means limited energy reserves during hard exercise. And the breed's signature chase drive doesn't downshift for weather — a Pharaoh Hound will happily run itself hot pursuing a squirrel at high noon if you let it.

And yes, the blush is real: when excited or happy, a Pharaoh Hound's ears and nose flush a warm rose color. Expect to see it a lot between June and September.

Chase games inside the fence line

The kindest thing you can give this breed is a safe outlet for pursuit. Options we love:

• Lure coursing and FastCAT. Many clubs run summer events at dawn to beat the heat; a Pharaoh Hound chasing a lure is a dog living its complete truth.
• Flirt pole sessions in the yard — 90 seconds of stalking and pouncing, a rest in the shade, repeat two or three times. Keep the lure low to protect joints on landings.
• Two-toy fetch. Pharaohs often chase brilliantly and return casually; carrying a second toy to trade keeps the game moving without a tug-of-war.

What doesn't work: off-leash liberty anywhere unfenced. This is a dog that can jump surprisingly high and lock onto movement at extraordinary distances, so check that your fence is at least six feet and gate latches actually latch. The AKC's positive reinforcement training guide is a good foundation for building the cooperation this independent breed won't give for free.

Agility-flavored backyard fun

Pharaoh Hounds are nimble, springy, and clever, which makes low-key backyard agility a great summer project. A couple of jump bars set low, a tunnel, a plank on the grass — fifteen shaded minutes of learning burns real mental energy. Train in the early evening, keep sessions playful, and pay generously; this breed works for enthusiasm and snacks, never for pressure.

Indoors on scorching days, hallway recall races and stair-free "find it" games keep the motor idling without sun exposure.

Hydration and sun care for a fine-coated hound

Here's the Pharaoh-specific safety layer for hot months:

• Build drinking into the routine. Lean, driven dogs can blow past thirst cues mid-play. Offer water at every rest break, keep multiple bowls in the yard, and consider dropping ice cubes in — many Pharaohs treat them as toys first and hydration second, which works fine for us. The Cornell Riney Canine Health Center's summer safety tips put hydration at the top of the list for good reason.
• Think about sun the way you would for a short-haired horse. Shade sails, moved water bowls, and limits on midday sunbathing help; for dogs that insist on baking belly-up on the patio, ask your veterinarian about pet-safe sunscreen for exposed skin.
• Protect the undercarriage. Thin coat plus enthusiastic sprinting means scrapes happen. Walk your yard for hazards — sprinkler heads, low stakes, rough concrete edges — before the season's first zoomies.
• Know the stop signs. Excessive panting, drooling, weakness, or disorientation mean stop, shade, cool water on paws and belly, and a call to your veterinarian immediately — the AVMA's warm-weather guidance details when it becomes an emergency.
• Thin dogs need soft landings. A shaded cot or thick mat outdoors prevents pressure sores on elbows and hips during those long post-zoomie naps.

Treats on the go: paying the rabbit dog fairly

Sighthounds have a reputation as aloof training partners, but in our experience the Pharaoh Hound is simply a fair negotiator: the reward has to be worth the interruption. Our approach:

• High-frequency, tiny payments. Recall practice on a long line might mean thirty rewards in ten minutes, so the pieces need to be small and soft. That's the exact job our Soft & Chewy collection was baked for.
• A jackpot for the big wins. When your hound turns away from a live squirrel and comes to you, that's a mortgage-sized moment — pay it with several treats in a row and genuine celebration.
• Cool-down rewards. After evening training, something from our Froyo line makes the session end on a high note and helps the wind-down routine stick.
• Keep totals sensible. Treats belong at about a tenth of daily calories. For a naturally lean breed, your vet can help you judge condition by feel — ribs easily felt but not sharply visible is the usual guide, though sighthounds run leaner than the average dog.

FAQ: Pharaoh Hounds in hot weather

Do Pharaoh Hounds tolerate summer better than winter?

Generally yes — the breed evolved in a Mediterranean climate and handles warmth well, while its thin coat makes cold the harder season. That said, exertional overheating can affect any dog, so exercise timing and shade still matter. Your veterinarian can flag any individual concerns.

Why do my Pharaoh Hound's ears turn pink?

That's the famous "blush" — increased blood flow to the ears and nose when the dog is excited or happy. It's a charming breed trait, not a medical issue. Deep red, hot ears combined with heavy panting after exercise, though, deserve a cooling break.

Can I run or bike with my Pharaoh Hound in summer?

Short morning jogs suit many adults, but this is a sprinter, not a distance athlete, and hot pavement burns paws quickly. Test surfaces with your hand, start with a mile or less, and clear sustained running plans with your vet, especially for dogs under two.

Are Pharaoh Hounds good swimmers?

Some learn to enjoy a paddle, but water work isn't in their heritage and many prefer wading only. Offer a kiddie pool for cooling, introduce deeper water slowly if your dog shows interest, and use a flotation vest around pools or boats.

What's the best training treat for a distractible sighthound?

Soft, aromatic, and instantly swallowable — anything that requires chewing time lets the squirrel win. Keep a variety on rotation so the reward stays interesting, and reserve the most exciting flavor exclusively for recalls.

From our ovens to your sun-drenched patio: happy blushing, and happy summer.