Arja Pharaoh Hounds, formed in 2003, represents, in every way, a commitment to the conscientious stewardship of this elegant breed and breeding practices.  We were fortunate to acquire our first Pharaoh Hound, Air Amie’, as a puppy from Kay and Marshall Durr, K’Azar Pharaohs, in 1999.  In 2000, Air Amie’s “aunt”, Nefer, came to us, and then, in 2002, we were honored to make room for Air Amie’s littermate, Icey.  All three of these female Pharaoh Hounds are K’Azar Pharaoh Hounds, and co-owned with Kay Durr of College Station, Texas.  The three females have performed splendidly both in the show ring and on the field, and are all AKC Dual Champions.  Consistent with many K’Azar Pharaoh Hounds, our three females are characterized by sound structure, loving temperaments, and excellent health.

In the spring of 2004, after two years of research and planning, we conducted our first breeding, between DC K’Azar Eyeam Air Amie’, SC, F.Ch., GRC, SORC  (Air Amie’) and Multi BIS Ch. JEWL’S Kismet of Forest Hill, JC (Kismet). Kismet, owned by Howard Foster and Joe Prater in Ohio, is a top winning Pharaoh Hound in the show ring,  earning two Best In Shows in 2004 [expertly handled by Pam Lambie], and in February, 2005, he won Best of Breed at the Eukanuba National Dog Show in Tampa, Florida [handler: Pam Lambie].  These two outstanding Pharaoh Hounds produced a wonderful litter of pups, born on June 2, 2004, all of whom are now in loving homes, where they are growing quickly, enthusiastically endearing themselves to their owners, and no doubt devouring household property <grin>!   From this litter, we have one male, Armani, and one female, Kisamie’.

Our plans include future breedings only when such breedings will be a function of equally developed planning and placements.  Our unyielding priority, like many breeders’ goal, is to produce pups that will contribute positively to this breed and are consistent with the attributes of our breed standard.   We want to ensure that owners of our pups receive puppies that are, indeed, highly representative of the best that our fine breed has to offer.

Arja Pharaoh Hounds Mission Statement
Through continuing education, collaboration, and adherence to the ethical guidelines developed by the AKC and the Pharaoh Hound Club of America, we strive to conscientiously oversee breedings that will produce Pharaoh Hounds of top quality, as well as provide outstanding homes and experiences to the Pharaoh Hounds that we own and breed.

Air Amie’

DC K’Azar Eyeam Air Amie’, SC, F.Ch., SORC, GRC

Born on 4/17/99
Dam:  DC K’Azar Twyla’s I-Ketcher, SC (Butterfly)
Sire:  DC K’Azar Ikan of Distinction, SC  (Khan)
Breeders:  MC and Kay Durr
Owners:   Rebecca Stephens and Margaret Luck and Kay Durr

Air Amie’ made her mark on the lure coursing fields early, finishing her AKC lure coursing Field Championship at a young age.  She also finished her bench championship easily, including a Best of Opposite Sex sweepstakes win at the Western Specialty as a youngster (2000).  The following year, Air Amie’ won BOW in a very competitive ring at the well respected Santa Barbara Kennel Club show, followed just a few months later by a major win at the Travis County K.C. shows, the site of both her first dog show and the completion of her championship.   Air Amie’ is proudly owner-handled by Rebecca Stephens, although two of her wins were under the helpful handling of fellow Pharaoh Hound enthusiast, Lorna Harper, who helped mentor us in both lure coursing and the show ring.  Air Amie’ has also demonstrated skill in the ring when exhibited in a brace (a two-dog team), and she and her counterparts have earned multiple wins in brace events at specialty shows. In her first show since having her puppies, Air Amie’ won BOS at the Ft.Worth Kennel Club.  Air Amie’ earned her AKC Field Championship in lure coursing before her second birthday, and subsequently earned her ASFA Field Championship (lure coursing) and the title of LGRA Gazehound Racing Champion (straight track racing). Then, in February, 2003, Air Amie’ became the first Pharaoh Hound in history to earn the title of NOTRA Supreme Oval Racing Champion (oval track racing), a crowning achievement for a Pharaoh Hound that was quite literally “born to run”!

Icey

BIF DC K’Azar Eyeam Too Kool Ra-She, SC, AOM, JOR

Born on 4/17/99
Dam:  DC K’Azar Twyla’s I-Ketcher, SC (Butterfly)
Sire:  DC K’Azar Ikan of Distinction, SC  (Khan)
Breeders:  MC and Kay Durr
Owners:   Rebecca Stephens and Margaret Luck and Kay Durr

Icey is affectionately referred to by those who know and love her as the “Pharaoh Hound Ambassador”!   Icey has never met a stranger, and whether it’s her family, new acquaintances (canine and/or human), a veterinarian, or a professional handler, she is likely to receive compliments for her mild and sweet disposition.  Icey is a lovely girl, and has been rewarded for both her grace and conformation in the ring, and her athleticism and focus on the field.  Icey finished her bench championship easily, mainly under the handling of “other mom” Sherry Brisco, and continues to be shown occasionally as a “special”.  In the ring, she earned an Award of Merit at the 2003 PHCA National Specialty, and in the field, Icey went Best in Field in AKC lure coursing.  Icey’s sound qualities, structure, temperament, beauty, and excellent health all coalesce to make her an outstanding Pharaoh Hound.

Nefer

DC K’Azar Nefer of Distinction

Born on 5/26/97
Dam:  Ch K’Azar TCO Jo of Distinction (JoJo)
Sire:  Ch K’Azar DBL Khanfederate  (Rebel)
Breeders:  John E. O’Malley and MC and Kay Durr
Owners:   Rebecca Stephens and Margaret Luck and Kay Durr

Nefer is the clown of our household, along with being a beautiful and loving veteran.  Nefer quickly finished her bench championship, and then, at the age of three, started lure coursing, and easily completed her AKC Field Championship.  While her favorite pursuits include chasing the squirrels in the back yard, Nefer also demonstrates her versatility by absolutely ‘coming alive’ whenever she enters the grounds of a dog show!  Perhaps her favorite event of all is pairing up with niece Air Amie’ in brace, and she never fails to inspire grins and admiration as she glides around the ring.  Despite being the eldest of our pharaoh hounds, Nefer is the most energetic, and can often be found prodding her younger counterparts into a game of chase or back yard hunting.

Armani

CH Arja K’Azar Kisair Armani

Born on 6/2/04
Dam:  DC K’Azar Eyeam Air Amie’, SC, F.Ch., SORC, GRC (Air Amie’)
Sire:  Multi BIS Ch JEWL’S Kismet of Forest Hill, JC (Kismet)
Breeders:  Rebecca Stephens, Margaret Luck, and Kay Durr
Owners:  Rebecca Stephens, Margaret Luck, and Kay Durr

Armani enjoys the distinction of being our first male Pharaoh Hound, as well as, without question, a “momma’s boy”!   Armani and his dam, Air Amie’, are frequently seen moving, step for step, side by side, around the back yard.   Armani already shows some of the best qualities of both his sire and his dam, and is currently experiencing his entrance into the world of show rings, exhibitors, dogs, and razzle dazzle.  Mainly though, Armani is experiencing the daily pleasures of being 100% puppy, which manages to keep us all entertained.

Kisamie’

K’Azar Arja Kisair Kisamie’

Born on 6/2/04
Dam:  DC K’Azar Eyeam Air Amie’, SC, F.Ch., SORC, GRC (Air Amie’)
Sire:  Multi BIS Ch JEWL’S Kismet of Forest Hill, JC (Kismet)
Breeders:  Rebecca Stephens, Margaret Luck, and Kay Durr
Owners:  Rebecca Stephens, Margaret Luck, and Kay Durr

Kisamie’ is a bullet and a pistol, and we aren’t talking the NRA!  She is wildly smart, fast, and built for beauty and action.  Serious in her play, she can be found surfing the closest countertop, climbing the nearest coffee table, or leaping over the tallest sofa.  She eagerly lives up to her name when she affectionately offers kisses, but just as quickly delights in a fast game of ‘catch me if you can’, eyes flashing as she most certainly always wins.  Even at an early age, she is catching our eye with beautiful movement and presence, and she, too, is now entering the show ring, where she will undoubtedly discover a way to make that, too, into adventure for us all.

Artemis

The oldest and wisest of the Arja ranks is shep/lab mix, Artemis, who was on the scene for the arrival of the first Pharaoh Hound, and has been generous in her patience in welcoming each subsequent addition.  Artemis often accompanies the pharaoh hounds to area events, and is never too embarrassed to be surrounded by the sea of red dawgs.

Litter Kisair

Born June 2, 2004

Dam:   DC K’Azar Eyeam Air Amie’, SC, F.Ch., SORC, GRC  (Air Amie’)
Sire:  Multi BIS Ch. JEWL’S Kismet of Forest Hill (Kismet)

Two of the Litter Kisair pups are with us, and the other six are now in their homes in California (2), Louisiana (1), North Carolina (1), Oregon (1),and Texas (1). 

Litter Re-Cey

Born June 4, 2005

Dam:   BIF DC K'Azar Eyeam Too Kool Ra-She, SC, F.Ch., ORC, GRC  (Icey)
Sire:  Multi BIS Ch. K'Azar DBL Khanfederate (Rebel)

Two of the Litter Re-Cey pups are with us, and the other two are now in their homes in Kentucky (1), and Illinois (1).

Upcoming Breedings/Litters
In the Summer, 2007, we are anticipating that we will be overseeing our third breeding.  If you are interested in submitting an application for acquiring a puppy or dog from Arja Pharaoh Hounds, please contact us first by email, introducing yourself.   Then, return to this website and please click on the following link to get the application form (PDF form), print it out and complete the application, and mail the application and deposit to us.  You will also need to arrange to have two letters of recommendation mailed directly to us.  These instructions are outlined in more detail on the application form.

Download and Print an Application for a Puppy

Have we answered most of your questions about Pharaoh Hounds? If not,  contact Arja Pharaoh Hounds for additional information concerning these beautiful animals. To reach us by phone, email us at RStephens4@aol.com. We look forward to talking to you and helping you get a better understanding about these wonderful dogs.