Dog breed

Pharaoh Hound

The Pharaoh Hound is a slender, tan hunting dog from Malta, where it has hunted rabbits for centuries under the name kelb tal-fenek. Despite its name, it isn't descended from the dogs of Egyptian tombs; that's a legend DNA research doesn't support. The Pharaoh Hound is fast, intelligent and friendly, and when happy it "blushes" with its ears and nose.

FCI Group V · Spitz and primitive · standard no. 248

Weight: 20.5–25 kg
Height: 53–63.5 cm
Lifespan: 11–14 years
Origin: Malta, UK patronage

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Photo: user:Pleple 2000, corrected by user:Lilly M, CC BY-SA 2.5, Wikimedia Commons

Temperament

The FCI standard describes the Pharaoh Hound as alert, intelligent, friendly, affectionate and playful. At home it is calm and clean, without the typical doggy smell, and very warm toward its family; when greeting its people it may "smile" and wriggle with joy. It is politely reserved with strangers, but it is no guard dog. It usually gets along very well with other dogs. Outdoors, the hunter wakes up, working by both sight and scent: the AKC warns that no amount of training will guarantee it comes back once it spots game, so it should never run loose in open country. It is intelligent and can learn, but repetition bores it and it reacts badly to harshness. With household cats, results vary.

Energy: calmvery energetic
Affection: independentvelcro pet
With children: not idealgreat
With other pets: difficultgreat
Trainability: stubborneager to learn
For first-time owners: for experienced ownersyes
With strangers: waryoutgoing
Playfulness: dignifiedeternal puppy
Shedding: minimalheavy
Grooming: easydemanding
Being left alone: strugglescopes well
Apartment living: needs a house and yardgreat in a flat
Barking: quietvocal
With other dogs: difficultgreat
Protectiveness: lowhigh
Drooling: hardly anya lot
Cold tolerance: feels the coldexcellent
Heat tolerance: strugglescopes well

Scores of 1–5 compare the breed with other breeds of the same species, based on the sources at the bottom of the page. Every animal is different. How we score traits

Who is the Pharaoh Hound for?

The Pharaoh Hound suits an active person or family with a fenced yard who enjoy exercise and value a calm, clean dog indoors. It does well with a second dog. Don't choose one if you have rabbits, guinea pigs or unfamiliar cats nearby, dream of a dog that runs loose in the woods, or have no fenced area for it to run.

Pros

clean, with no doggy smell
friendly with people and dogs
easy grooming
calm at home

Challenges

very strong prey drive
can't be let off leash in open country
gets cold in winter
rare breed

Size and looks

Size and looks: Pharaoh Hound
Height at the withers	males 56–63.5 cm, females 53–61 cm
Weight	males 20.5–25 kg, females 20.5–25 kg
Lifespan	11–14 years
Coat	short
Colors	tan, dark tan, chestnut
Country of origin	Malta, UK patronage
Classification	Group V: Spitz and primitive types
Also known as	Kelb tal-Fenek, Maltese Rabbit Dog

Care and exercise

45–90minof exercise a day

2/5grooming needs

3/5shedding

The Pharaoh Hound needs regular exercise. The AKC advises that a dog that likes to run on its own get 15–20 minutes of running twice a day inside a fence about 1.8 m high, and if that isn't possible, at least two 20-minute walks a day, always on leash outside fenced areas. Lure coursing is a great outlet. The short, glossy coat needs a light daily brushing or a thorough weekly one, with baths only when needed. Keep the nails short enough that they don't click on the floor. Clean the ears regularly. With little body fat and a short coat, a Pharaoh Hound needs a jacket and a warm bed in Polish winters.

How much should the Pharaoh Hound eat?The calculator starts from this breed’s typical weight: calories and grams a day.

Health and breed-related conditions

The Pharaoh Hound is considered a healthy breed. The chair of the American breed club's health committee stresses that the breed "does not struggle with any serious conditions," and most hip, elbow, patella and eye results in the CHIC program are normal. The most common cancers are hemangiosarcoma, mast cell tumors and mammary tumors, partly simply linked to age. The AKC gives a lifespan of 12–14 years and Wisdom Panel 10–14 years; a 2024 UK study calculated a median of 10 years, but from a very small sample of 36 dogs. The Kennel Club recommends attention to genetic diversity in the small population.

cancer (hemangiosarcoma, mast cell tumors, mammary tumors)According to the breed club's health committee, the most common cancers in Pharaoh Hounds, partly linked to age.
hip and elbow dysplasiaCovered by the CHIC screening program; most results are normal.
luxating patellaScreened in breeding dogs as part of CHIC.
eye diseaseEye exams are part of CHIC certification.

Health tests to ask the breeder about

hip and elbow X-rays (HD/ED)
patella exam
eye exam (ECVO)

This is general breed information, not a diagnosis. If something worries you, talk to your veterinarian.

Breed history

For centuries the Pharaoh Hound hunted rabbits among Malta's rocky terraces, and its Maltese name, kelb tal-fenek, means "rabbit dog." A popular legend traces it to the dogs depicted on Egyptian tombs, brought to Malta by the Phoenicians, which explains the English name. Genetic research, including a 2004 study by Parker and colleagues, indicates, however, that it is a relatively recent breed, not an ancient one. Pharaoh Hounds reached Britain in the 1970s. The FCI recognizes Malta as the country of origin, while Britain holds patronage over the standard.

Fun facts

When a Pharaoh Hound gets excited, its ears and nose turn pink, which is called "blushing."
The Maltese name kelb tal-fenek means "rabbit dog."
The FCI standard especially prizes a white tail tip and allows a white "star" on the chest.
Despite the name, DNA research doesn't support an ancient Egyptian ancestry for the breed.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Pharaoh Hound really from Egypt?

Most likely not. Legend links it to the dogs on Egyptian tombs, but genetic research indicates it is a relatively recent breed, developed on Malta as a rabbit-hunting dog. The FCI recognizes Malta as the breed's country of origin.

Can Pharaoh Hounds be off leash?

Only in a securely fenced area. The AKC clearly warns that no training will overcome this breed's hunting instinct. A dog that spots a hare or cat can vanish in seconds, and it is very fast.

How long do Pharaoh Hounds live?

Usually 11–14 years. The AKC gives 12–14 years and Wisdom Panel 10–14 years. A 2024 UK study calculated a median of 10 years, but it was based on just 36 dogs, so treat that figure with caution.

Do Pharaoh Hounds shed?

Moderately. They have a short, fine coat that sheds in small amounts all year. A weekly brushing is enough. Pharaoh Hounds also usually lack the typical doggy smell.

How much does a Pharaoh Hound weigh?

Adult dogs of this breed usually weigh: males 20.5–25 kg, females 20.5–25 kg. Height at the withers: 53–63.5 cm. That range is for healthy adults in good condition.