Pharaoh Hound

Pharaoh Hound dog

Athletic Maltese hunting dog known for its speed, large ears, and graceful build.

Size Weight Height Lifespan
Large 45 - 55 lbs 21 - 25 inches 12 - 14 years
(These are estimates and may vary.)

Origin: Malta



Own a Pharaoh Hound? Share what activities they enjoy to help other dog owners.

Running Digging Swimming Exploring Playing with Toys Obedience Training Tracking Herding Fetch Hiking Socializing Tug Of War Frisbee Chewing Agility Training Cuddling Guarding Hunting

Know a Pharaoh Hound? Share their personality traits to help other dog owners.

Clever Protective Affectionate Stubborn Confident Fearless Friendly Docile Energetic Calm Patient Aggressive Gentle Sociable Adaptable Playful Independent Clever Agile Loyal

May be a good fit if you:

  • Want a dog that is generally responsive to consistent, positive training.
  • Are looking for a breed that generally does well with children.
  • Want a dog that generally gets along well with other dogs.

Things to consider:

  • This breed may not do well when left alone for long periods.

The Pharaoh Hound is closely associated with Malta, where dogs of this type have long been used to hunt rabbits across rocky terrain. Its elegant outline and large upright ears resemble dogs shown in ancient Egyptian art, which inspired the modern breed name and claims of direct descent from the dogs of the pharaohs. Genetic and historical evidence, however, does not establish an uninterrupted Egyptian lineage, and the recognizable modern breed is better understood through its Maltese history. In Malta it is known as the Kelb tal-Fenek, meaning rabbit dog. Hunters traditionally worked the dogs at night, relying on their sharp hearing, sight, scent, and remarkable agility to locate rabbits among stone walls and uneven ground. The breed remained relatively isolated on the islands before examples began reaching Britain during the 20th century. British breeders adopted the Pharaoh Hound name, and the breed later spread internationally. Malta declared it the national dog in 1974. One of its more unusual physical traits is its tendency to visibly flush pink around the nose and ears when excited, something owners often describe as the dog blushing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pharaoh Hound

The Pharaoh Hound is not generally considered hypoallergenic. Individual allergy reactions can vary.

The Pharaoh Hound tends to shed relatively little, although coat care is still important.

The Pharaoh Hound generally has relatively manageable grooming needs.

The Pharaoh Hound generally has a lower energy level and may prefer a calmer routine.

The Pharaoh Hound generally benefits from a moderate amount of daily exercise.

The Pharaoh Hound is generally highly trainable and tends to respond well to consistent, positive training.

The Pharaoh Hound generally tends to do well with children when properly socialized and supervised.

The Pharaoh Hound generally tends to get along well with other dogs when properly socialized.

The Pharaoh Hound is generally considered relatively approachable for first-time dog owners.

The Pharaoh Hound may live in an apartment if its exercise, space, and enrichment needs are met.