Pharaoh Hound

Despite its name and striking resemblance to dogs depicted in ancient Egyptian art, genetic studies have shown the Pharaoh Hound developed relatively recently in Malta rather than descending directly from Egyptian antiquity, likely from hounds brought to the island by Phoenician traders centuries ago. Maltese hunters used the breed, known locally as the Kelb tal-Fenek or "rabbit dog," in a traditional hunting method combining sight, scent and hearing to flush rabbits from rocky burrows called rubble walls, often working at night with the aid of ferrets.

Living with a Pharaoh Hound means living with an athletic, independent, sight-driven dog that retains a very strong prey drive. It is affectionate and often playful with its family, notably prone to a distinctive blush of pink across its nose and ears when excited or happy, but it needs secure fencing and reliable recall training before being trusted off lead, since its instinct to chase small, fast-moving animals is deeply ingrained. It can be reserved with strangers though rarely aggressive.

The short, smooth coat is easy to maintain, needing just an occasional brush, but the breed's lean build and thin coat mean it feels the cold and benefits from a coat in winter. Exercise needs are considerable, reflecting its hunting stamina, and it enjoys lure coursing and other activities that let it run at speed.

Today the Pharaoh Hound remains relatively rare outside Malta, where it continues to be used for rabbit hunting, while elsewhere it is kept as a companion and occasional lure coursing competitor, prized for its grace and gentle, affectionate nature at home.