Pharaoh Hound

Overview

The Pharaoh Hound is Malta's national dog, a rabbit-hunting sight-and-scent hound with the elegant lines of an ancient breed. Its short russet coat, upright ears, and slim athletic build recall the hunting dogs painted on Egyptian tomb walls, and while DNA analysis has ruled out a direct ancient Egyptian ancestry, the visual resemblance made the breed famous and gave it its name.

A Pharaoh Hound blushes when happy. Ears, nose, and inner ears turn pink with excitement, one of the few dogs whose emotional state is visible on the skin. Beyond that unusual party trick, the breed is intelligent, athletic, and independent, bred to hunt rabbits at speed through Maltese scrub and to check in with the hunter between chases. Owners get a beautiful, sensitive, sometimes reserved companion who thinks for itself.

History & origin

The Pharaoh Hound was long believed to descend directly from ancient Egyptian hunting dogs shown in tomb paintings from the third millennium BCE. Recent DNA studies have shown that the breed is actually a relatively modern Mediterranean creation, sharing ancestry with other pariah and sight-hound types but not directly descended from ancient Egyptian dogs. The Egyptian connection is visual rather than genetic.

The breed's true home is Malta, where it has served as the primary rabbit-hunting dog for at least several centuries and possibly longer. Maltese hunters call the dog Kelb tal-Fenek, meaning rabbit dog. The breed works at night in the Maltese scrub, using sight, scent, and sound to locate and pursue wild rabbits through the rocky terrain. Ferrets are sometimes used alongside to flush rabbits from cover.

British and American enthusiasts imported dogs from Malta in the 1960s and 1970s, and formal recognition followed. The FCI recognized the breed in 1963. The Kennel Club recognized it in 1974 and the AKC in 1983. The Maltese government declared the Pharaoh Hound the national dog of Malta in 1974, and a commemorative coin was issued in honor of the breed. Populations remain small worldwide, with the strongest concentrations in Malta, Britain, Scandinavia, and North America.

Appearance

A Pharaoh Hound stands 21 to 25 inches at the shoulder and weighs 45 to 55 pounds. Build is elegant and athletic, moderately sight-hound in silhouette, with a long neck, deep chest, tucked flank, and long legs. The topline is level with a slight rise over the loin. The tail is medium length and carried up when the dog is alert.

The head is long, chiseled, and wedge-shaped, with a moderate stop and a strong muzzle. Ears are large, upright, mobile, and rich in blood supply, which contributes to the trademark blush when the dog is excited. Eyes are amber, oval, and set obliquely, giving an alert intelligent expression. Coat is short, fine, and glossy, with color ranging from rich tan to deep chestnut. Small white markings are permitted on the chest, toes, tail tip, and as a blaze on the face.

Temperament

A Pharaoh Hound is intelligent, sensitive, and independent. It bonds hard with its household and shows an affectionate playful side at home, though with strangers it can be reserved until introduced. The breed is not typically aggressive but takes its time to accept new people. Expression is thoughtful and communication is subtle.

Prey drive is very high. The breed was bred to hunt rabbits at speed, and small animals including cats not raised with the dog, squirrels, and small livestock are frequent targets. Same-sex dog issues are uncommon. The breed generally lives well with other dogs, though its sensitive temperament means it prefers calm companions to boisterous ones.

Living with one

Pharaoh Hounds suit houses and rural properties better than small apartments. The breed is calm indoors when its exercise needs are met but requires secure fencing at least six feet tall because the athletic build allows for impressive jumps. Off-lead exercise in unfenced areas is a poor idea because of prey drive and the breed's tendency to run first and think second when a rabbit appears.

Exercise needs are moderate to high. Plan on an hour to ninety minutes of activity daily, ideally including a chance to run at speed in a secure area. Long walks are appreciated but not sufficient by themselves. Lure coursing, sight-hound-specific sports, and free running in secure fields all satisfy the breed. Fetch is possible but many individuals find it beneath them after the first three throws.

Climate tolerance leans warm. The short coat with no undercoat handles Mediterranean heat well but offers little protection from cold rain or winter walks. A coat or sweater for temperatures below fifty degrees is a reasonable habit. Pharaoh Hounds are indoor dogs entirely and cannot be kenneled outside in any climate.

Alone-time tolerance is moderate. Adult Pharaoh Hounds, exercised properly and provided with a comfortable indoor space, handle a full workday reasonably well. Puppies and adolescents left long hours often develop destructive or vocal habits. The breed is quiet by hound standards but will bark to alert. Housetraining is straightforward, and the breed is generally clean by nature.

Training & exercise

Pharaoh Hounds are smart and quick to learn but famously independent. They learn commands rapidly and then decide, moment to moment, whether to comply. The classic sight hound training pattern applies: excellent when the dog wants to work, questionable when other options look more interesting.

Positive reinforcement with clear boundaries produces the best results. Food rewards, praise, and access to running or hunting as reinforcers all work. Harsh corrections produce shutdown or anxious behavior since the breed is sensitive to disapproval and displays. Puppy classes with a trainer familiar with sight hounds help establish foundation manners.

Socialization through the first year matters, especially with strangers, other dogs, and novel environments. Well-socialized Pharaoh Hounds become confident and affectionate adults. Under-socialized ones can become nervous or fear-reactive. Enrollment in lure coursing, agility (for those with good conformation), or scent work after basic obedience keeps the mind engaged and channels the natural drive.

Grooming & care

Grooming is refreshingly simple. Weekly brushing with a hound glove or rubber curry pulls loose hair and spreads skin oils. Baths every four to eight weeks are enough. Shedding is minimal to moderate and year-round. The breed produces little odor and stays clean by nature.

Weekly ear checks, monthly nail trims, and routine dental care round out the schedule. The short coat and thin skin mean the breed sunburns and abrades easily in rough terrain, so protection during outdoor activity is a reasonable consideration. Skin care during dry winters may need occasional attention with a gentle moisturizing shampoo.

Health & lifespan

Typical lifespan is 12 to 14 years. Pharaoh Hounds are among the healthier hound breeds and often remain active into their thirteenth year.

The breed carries an unusual sensitivity to anesthesia and to some medications common in other breeds. Owners must inform veterinarians of this trait before any procedure requiring anesthesia. Sight-hound-specific anesthetic protocols exist and every veterinary practice should be familiar with them.

Other conditions of note include hip dysplasia at low rates, patellar luxation, and occasional cardiac issues. Progressive retinal atrophy has been reported. Responsible breeders screen hips through OFA or PennHIP, patellas, eyes through a certified veterinary ophthalmologist, and cardiac function. Ask for written proof of testing on both parents. The breed's small population makes careful health management important for long-term breed sustainability.

With kids & pets

Pharaoh Hounds raised with children usually enjoy their company and tolerate reasonable handling well. The sensitive temperament means rough or noisy children can overwhelm the dog, and the breed prefers calm respectful handling. Best matched with families whose children are old enough to interact gently.

First-time owner note

A Pharaoh Hound can work for a committed first-time owner who understands sight hound temperament and provides secure fencing. It's less intense than some primitive breeds and generally friendlier than the average sight hound. Best matched with owners who appreciate an athletic sensitive dog and have space for off-lead running in a secure area.

Fun facts

• Pharaoh Hounds blush when excited, with ears and nose turning pink from increased blood flow.
• The breed is the national dog of Malta, declared in 1974 and honored on a commemorative coin.
• Despite the ancient Egyptian appearance, DNA testing has shown the breed is a modern Mediterranean creation.
• Maltese hunters traditionally work Pharaoh Hounds alongside ferrets to flush rabbits from Maltese scrub.

Famous & in culture

• Merymose, the Pharaoh Hound who won Best in Show at the Crufts dog show in Britain in 1968.
• Kelb tal-Fenek is the Maltese language name still used on the island and now featured on tourist promotion materials.