Persian jackal hound

The Persian Jackal Hound, also called a Persian Jackal or Jackal Hound, is a dog originating from the Middle Eastern countries of Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Syria. The breed developed as a cross between domesticated hounds and wild golden jackals indigenous to the region.

The PJH is not an AKC-certified breed, and so is not eligible to show within the continental United States. However, they are sometimes seen in international competitions as well as agility contests.

History

Persian Jackal Hounds are distantly related to the Saluki, Afghan Hound, and Greyhound. The dogs, though not well-portrayed in ancient Greek art like their cousins, have a long history of working with and for Middle Eastern peoples. They were primarily used by nomads and migratory tribal groups to keep pests away from food stores, as well as to hunt small prey and guard livestock.

Even today, the Jackal Hound has a great attention to any unusual noises or movements. Many, but not all, PJHs are pointers and make excellent, if not particularly hardy, gun dogs. They will freeze and point to small prey, even to a distance of 10 meters. The PJH has a particular affinity for birds and fowl and will pursue them whenever possible.

The PJH is relatively rare in the United States, but is easily found in Turkey, Greece, Syria, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, and elsewhere across the Middle East where they still work catching rodents in warehouses and food stores, and are occasionally used as hunting dogs.

Physical Appearance

Height at withers 13 to 17 inches, males are not significantly larger than females. Weight not to exceed 15 lbs.

Head

The head is one of the Jackal Hound’s most appealing features. The rather delicate head is marked by a long, narrow snout with a pronounced stop between the eyes. Skull is small and domed, with a slight indentation in the back. Eyes face forward and eyes are generally light-colored (not blue). Ears should be larger relative to head than in the greyhound, but should still retain a “rose” appearance when down and extend to a half-prick when alert. Ears are large in proportion to the head and, when up, should give the head a pronounced “V” shape similar to that seen in foxes and jackals.

Body

Generally, body should be long and streamlined with a pronounced “greyhoundish” silhouette. The waist should be dramatically nipped and the backbone slightly curved. PJHs, like their cousin the Saluki and other sight hounds, are very thin and one should be able to feel both their ribs and vertebrae clearly. This is not a sign of malnourishment but a characteristic of the breed.

Chest should be deep. Forelegs should be straight and strong, yet fine-boned, placed directly under shoulder joint. Hindquarters should be trim and well-muscled and give sense of forward thrust when dog is standing at attention. The PJH’s long, leggy physique is often called “deer-like” or “delicate” despite the obvious muscling of the hindquarters.

Paws/Tail/Coat

The paws are small and oval-shaped. All four paws and the tip of tail should be white, while body ranges in color from a golden blond to ginger red to dark chocolate. The coat should be two-tiered, with a silky, short coat close to the skin covered by a longer, rougher coat. The rougher coat should have a contrasting, “flame-like” color pattern covering the shoulder blades and the hips. These fringes are not merely decorative: they help to keep the joints warm and protected. Feathering of the long, thin, tail is also essential. Although it seems to serve no practical purpose, the dramatic, feathered tail (similar to those seen in some Spaniel breeds) is a key criteria for show judging.

Temperament

The PJH is an extremely loyal and affectionate dog. They are quiet, intelligent, and like greyhounds enjoy sporadic bursts of activity followed by long bouts of sleeping. They are wary of strangers, but rarely bite or attack humans or other dogs unless provoked. They do, however, have a strong prey drive and should be kept away from hamsters, birds, and other small animals.

Persian Jackal Hounds as Pets

For owners, it is important to know that the PJH, like its ancestors in Egypt and Syria, is a sight hound and to that extent should always be leashed unless in a confined, well-fenced area. Unlike larger, “family” dogs such as the Labrador Retriever, PJHs are not inclined to eat large amounts, although they do enjoy a varied diet which, in their native habitat, may include insects, rice and grains, fruits, small fowl, and small game. In a home environment, they do well on a standard diet of dry, high-protein kibble mixed with the occasional treat of meat or rice.

Because of their thin coat, the dogs enjoy sleeping in the sun and require protection in cold weather. They love children and are very protective of family members. They rarely bark and are easily house trained.

Current Status

The PJH is still very rare in the United States and North America. The dogs are beginning to become popular in New York City, San Francisco, and a few other major metropolitan areas because of their small size, pleasing appearance, and easy-going personalities. However, due to stringent post-9/11 animal quarantine regulations, Persian Jackal Hounds will most likely never reach a significant population in the United States.

Trivia

*Russia has bred and used dog-jackal hybrids for bomb-sniffing at airports. [http://english.mn.ru/english/issue.php?2002-21-17]
*Persian Jackal Hounds are just one of many types of canid hybrids, fertile off-spring produced by different members of the canine family (e.g. wolves, jackals, coyotes).