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The powerful, quick Pharaoh Hound is a striking, versatile dog originally bred to hunt rabbit by sight and scent. He is distinguished by a chiseled, wedge-shaped head with large, erect ears on a well-muscled body. Friendly and affectionate with his human companions, the Pharaoh Hound retains his playfulness throughout his life. Daily fenced or leashed exercise is vital for this active, athletic breed.
DID YOU KNOW? One of the oldest-known domesticated dogs, the Pharaoh Hound originated in Egypt in 3000 B.C. The Phoenicians brought the breed with them when they settled on the Mediterranean island of Malta, where the breed is recognised as the national dog. When the Pharaoh Hound is happy or excited, he blushes, turning a glowing, rosy color in the nose and ears, a trait unique to the breed.
ALSO KNOWN AS: Kelb tal-Fenek
| Lifespan: | 11 – 14 years |
| Weight: | 20 – 25kg |
| Height: | 53 – 63cm |
| Colours: | The Pharaoh Hound comes in shades of tan, sometimes with white markings to the tail, chest, toes and face |
| Size: | Medium |
| UK Kennel Club Groups: | Hound |
| Family-friendly: | 5/5 |
| Exercise needs: | 4/5 |
| Easy to train: | 3/5 |
| Tolerates being alone: | 2/5 |
| Likes other pets: | 4/5 |
| Energy level: | 2/5 |
| Grooming needs: | 3/5 |
| Shedding: | 2/5 |
This is a sighthound, which means a degree of independent thought is to be expected, but also strong loyalty to family and close friends. The desire to hunt is strong, and the Pharaoh Hound has the staying power and stamina of the long-distance runner as well as the short-term speed of the sprinter. Care must be taken around cats, other small furry animals and livestock.
Unlike many sighthounds, the Pharaoh Hound is quite vocal at times and is also very sociable, enjoying the company of other humans and dogs.
Country of Origin: Malta
Well known in Malta and Gozo for centuries as a farmer’s dog, the Pharaoh Hound was originally known as the Maltese Rabbit Dog. In an attempt to give this dog a more noble title, the enthusiasts of the breed in the 1960s renamed the dog, noting that the Pharaoh Hound closely resembled depictions of houndlike dogs in the wall paintings and carvings of ancient Egypt.
Whilst there is no hard evidence that there is a genetic link, it is likely that Phoenician traders visited the Maltese Islands in ancient times, and there are a number of similar, true breeding types known in the Mediterranean region. Unusual and beautiful dogs have often been traded and gifted between nations and those that perform a useful function such as hunting would be highly prized, making this link quite possible.
