Xerxes
Posted : 5/17/2006 1:24:07 PM
I wanted to start a bit of a thread to encourage people NOT to get Pharaoh Hounds, I know it sounds counter-intuitive but here goes....
Do not get a PH because you think they look statuesque, regal and handsome. Get a porcelain lion statue for your front porch instead.
Don't get a PH if you don't want a dog that will second guess every decision you've ever made.
Don't get a PH if you want a dog that obeys all the time, without question. Like most hounds these guys/girls would rather be on a trail, run, or play than listen to a slow human.
Don't get a PH if you want a dog that that knows that you're the absolute smartest being in the world. These hounds will try to outthink you, second guess you, out smart you and figure out what you're going to do all the time. It's almost like playing chess 24 hours a day.
Don't get a PH if you want a dog that will ignore squirrels, blowing leaves, cats, birds and other small animals. These dogs have a prey drive that makes them alert on anything that moves, no matter how far away.
Don't get a PH if you want a dog that will accept everyone into your home with a warm welcome. They are reserved in manners and will gradually accept your friends and anyone that treats them with respect. They will also remember anyone that ever snubbed them, teased them, or treated them harshly.
Don't get a PH if you are scared of a dog that shows it's teeth and smiles. These dogs have huge choppers and love to show them in a great big smile.
Don't get a PH if you don't like to be talked back at, or if you don't like to listen to barking, as they love their voices and are never afraid to express themselves.
Do not get a PH if you want a submissive dog. Despite their slender and smallish build, they are very dominant. They use their wiles, body language and a thousand other subtle cues to obtain dominance and maintain order in their pack. They will gain and maintain leadership of a dog-park pack in short order and will subvert and overtake an alpha in the home pack usually in a non-violent way.
Do not get a PH if you want a cuddle partner. Some are, most aren't. Every dog is different but as a rule these guys want to be in the same room but not on top of you.
Don't get a PH if you want your life to stay boring and monotonous.
Don't get a PH if you don't want your dog to make you look silly.
Don't get a PH if you don't want to laugh at yourself and at your dog from time to time.
And don't get a PH if coprophagia (stool eating) is absolutely intolerable. This is inherent in this breed, some grow out of it, some never do. It's a filthy habit but it's a survival mechanism for the breed. If it disgusts you...don't get a PH.
I really love these dogs, at least all the ones that I've met. But I can see people trying to get them for all the wrong reasons. Everybody talks about the good points of the breed and I've always wanted to find a place to list some of the less desirable aspects of the breed to provide a good counterpoint.
