whereby the hounds attain titles by doing what they were originally bred
for. At these trials, the sighthounds chase "white plastic bags," which to them
would resemble a "bunny." No live game is involved. Another site for lure
information.ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE TO PHARAOH HOUNDS:
The Pharaoh Hound is a true hunting dog. You will find that they will hunt all types of critters/varmints in their home situation. Let us not lose this instinct to do what the dogs were originally bred for. Participation in coursing events will help keep this instinct alive.
For more information about each activitiy, click on the highlighted words for details.
Lure coursing - AKC & ASFA Field Trials open to all breeds of Sighthounds (11
of them) whereby the hounds attain titles by doing what they were originally bred
for. At these trials, the sighthounds chase "white plastic bags," which to them
would resemble a "bunny." No live game is involved. Another site for lure
information.
K'AZAR Lure Coursing Pictures. Click here for some exciting shots of the dogs coursing.
Open Field Coursing - The National Open Field Coursing Association (NOFCA) is an organization of sighthound fanciers dedicated to the common goal of preserving and further developing the natural beauty, grace, speed, desire and coursing skills inherent in the sighthound. To further this endeavor, NOFCA has established a system to offer competitive hunts which allow the sighthounds to demonstrate that they can perform the functions for which they were originally bred. This is generally available to those on the West Coast only. But free coursing is available to all our hounds.
Swimming. Not all Pharaohs enjoy this, but many do
and are quite good at it.
At the right, this bitch is diving
into her swimming pool. Many Pharaohs enjoy just lying
around in a kiddy pool in the summer months.
Obedience Trials - AKC shows where your hound performs his trained obedience exercises and attains titles for doing so. Although a true hound, 'stubborn', the Pharaoh Hound does accomplish competitive obedience titles. But they are a challenge. As of this time there are several AKC titled CDX Pharaohs, but only ONE with a "UD" title as of this date.
AKC Dog Shows - Where your Pharaoh would be judged to attain his Championship.
Canine Good Citizens Program - An AKC test to demonstrate that the dog as a companion of man, can be a respected member of the community. This test is available to all dogs, including mix-breeds.
Agility - A competitive sport in which a handler directs his dog over a timed obstacle course. Dogs race against the clock, are scored on their performance and ultimately receives titles. As of this time, there is one agility titled Pharaoh in the US.
Tracking - A field trial whereby your dog shows his instinct for tracking a scented trail. AKC titles are given for different levels of competition. Additional Tracking Information
Therapy Dogs - These dogs visit various institutions or hospitals to cheer up the confined patients or elderly. The dogs usually need to be certified to become a Therapy Dog.
If you compete in other areas with your dogs, please let us know about it, so we can pass on the information. Contact me anytime. I would love to include photos of your dogs with the information.
More detailed information can be obtained from the AKC. They have pamphlets available free for the asking on most of the activities, or contact your local All Breed Kennel Club.