Pharaoh Hound Breed Magazine - Showsight

PHARAOH HOUND ‘QUICK HIT’ JUDGING CONSIDERATIONS

Skull: Correct Pharaoh Hound head shape should resemble a “ blunt wedge ” when viewed both head-on and in profile. This requires a strong underjaw extending all the way to the end of the nose. This differs from some related Mediterranean breeds. For example, the Ibizan Hound Standard specifically calls for the nose to be “...prominent, extending beyond the lower jaw.” Also neces- sary for the blunt wedge shape of the Pharaoh Hound are parallel head planes and a slight, but readily apparent, stop. A lack of under- jaw (giving the muzzle a far too “pointy” look), as well as exhib- its that are down-faced and/or Roman-nosed with both too little AND too pronounced a stop, all detract from the desired blunt wedge head shape and required “ alert... keen intelligent ” expression. Eyes: Pharaoh eyes are distinctive in that they are oval in shape and amber in color. The exact shade of amber permitted depends on the coat color, but should always blend. A round and/or light- colored eye (except in a puppy where eyes typically start out light gold and gradually darken into maturity) significantly changes the required keen, alert, intelligent expression. Ears: Our Standard calls for a “ medium high ” ear-set, wherein the outer edge of the ear continues the lines of the blunt wedge formed by the muzzle/cheeks when viewed head-on. High-set, almost parallel, ears, though correct for the Cirneco dell’Etna (the Cirneco Dell’Etna Standard states: “Set very high and close together, erect and rigid, parallel or almost parallel when alert.”), are a definite fault in a Pharaoh Hound—but a fault we are seeing with increasing frequency in exhibits. Keeping these points at the fore when judging a broad entry of Pharaoh Hounds will not only help to separate the good from the great, it will also help to identify the most excellent examples of the breed; the ones that adhere to a Breed Standard which was devel- oped based on a deep understanding that the Pharaoh Hound's structure is inextricably tied to its functional role as a tirelessly efficient hunter, active among the rocky terrain of Malta.

Correct Pharaoh Hound movement is a direct result and cul- mination of correct proportions and balance, and should be con- sidered one of the highest priorities in judging. Though capable of intense speed when in double suspension, the breed spends much more time functioning as an endurance trotter as it hunts. The efficiency of gait is therefore paramount. A correctly balanced Pha- raoh Hound will be so efficient, smooth, and effortless in its gait that nothing will appear “flashy” or otherwise draw one’s eye in any overt manner (such as any lifting or hackney action in front, overreaching, or upwards kicking motion in the rear). This is not a breed meant to be raced around the show ring or one that should be rewarded for TRAD (tremendous reach and drive), since it comes at the expense of effortless, sound movement. When mov- ing about the ring, the Pharaoh Hound's topline should remain level in motion, with minimal bounce; imagine a full cup of water resting on the Pharaoh's back without spilling. When coming and going, both front and back legs should move in-line with the body. Ideally, you should see only one set of legs, and the legs should remain close to parallel (save a slight natural convergence at higher rates of speed). This is a breed that should never single-track, crab, throw elbows, or flip pasterns—all actions which indicate a lack of working balance between the front and rear angulation. Though not as important from a functional standpoint as the aforementioned proportion, balance, and movement, the Pha- raoh Hound head is certainly a key element of correct, aestheti- cally pleasing breed type and should not be overlooked. While our Breed Standard provides very specific guidelines for how to judge the Pharaoh Hound head, there is some room for subjectivity, since differing heads may be marginally different yet equally correct. However, we are seeing an increasing number of Pharaoh Hounds being shown with objective head faults that significantly detract from the unique breed type. Look for the following:

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Emily Kerridge Emily Kerridge is from Washington State, and operates under the kennel prefix Nefer-Temu. Emily has been actively involved with Pharaoh Hounds since 1993, starting when she was 11 years old as a Junior Handler. As it frequently happens in the dog world, one thing naturally led to another to bring her to the point she’s at now, 30 years later, maintaining a preservation breeding program. Emily has very much enjoyed being a breeder/owner- handler of many top-ranked, Group-winning Pharaohs over the years. At present, Nefer-Temu has produced over 50 AKC Champions and dozens of dual, triple, and quadruple-titled versatile Pharaohs that have been top-ranked in various venues of competition (Conformation, Lure Coursing, and other Performance sports). She is currently serving on the Board of Directors of the Pharaoh Hound Club of America and is active as a breed-mentor in the Judges’ Education Committee. Outside of the dog world, Emily is a professional trombone and euphonium player, Army Reservist, and mom. Sheila Hoffman Sheila Hoffman got her first Pharaoh Hound in 1983 and quickly realized that it was the breed for her. Sheila was completely taken with the breed’s looks and versatility. She’s been actively competing in Conformation, Lure Coursing, Obedience, and Agility, and also as a breeder. Sheila has owned and bred many Champions, Group-placing dogs, a National Specialty winner (breeder/owner-handled), several Field Champions and Best in Field dogs, four CDs, three CDXs, and three MACH and Triple Champions as well as other multiple Agility and Rally titles with her dogs. She encourages all owners to experience these aspects of the breed along with their charming personalities in day-to-day life. Sheila became a PHCA member in 1984. She started on the Board of Directors in 1990 and served as President from 1997 to 2006 and Recording Secretary from 2007 to 2017. She also served as the Awards, Rescue, and Education Coordinator. Sheila’s passion for all aspects of the Pharaoh Hound runs strong and deep, and she feels it is the responsibility of all to preserve what those preceding us have given. Sheila believes our common bond in the love of dogs can make the sports of purebred dogs stronger across the country and enable all to enjoy the delights of sharing our lives with them.

320 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, DECEMBER 2022

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