Also called Kelb tal-Fenek · Spitz and Primitive types · Malta
Alert, clever and affectionate, the Pharaoh Hound is playful with its family and usually gentle with children and other dogs.
| Size | Large |
|---|---|
| Weight | 20 to 25 kg (44 to 55 lb)1 |
| Height | 53 to 63.5 cm (21 to 25 in)males 53 to 63.5 cm, females 53 to 61 cm231 |
| Lifespan | 11 to 14 years31 |
| Coat | Short, glossy |
| Origin | Malta (the name nods to ancient Egypt, but the breed was developed in Malta)435 |
| Group | Spitz and Primitive types (FCI group 5) |
Alert, clever and affectionate, the Pharaoh Hound is playful with its family and usually gentle with children and other dogs. With strangers it tends to stay politely distant, and it can have an independent, sensitive streak.215
short, glossy
A lean, graceful sighthound-type dog built for speed, with large upright ears and a short, shiny coat that ranges from fine to slightly harsh, with no feathering.2
A typical home-care rhythm for a Pharaoh Hound. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
High. The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day; it loves running, lure coursing and agility and should have safe off-lead space.51
Suits country living or a home with a large, well-fenced garden where it can stretch its legs.5
Bonds closely with its family and generally enjoys other dogs; needs company and activity rather than long hours alone.12
Easy care: a weekly rub with a hound glove removes loose hair, and baths are rarely needed.51
Feed your adult Pharaoh Hound at least two meals a day, ideally at the same times each morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. For exact portions, check the food label and ask your vet.6
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, never give these to your Pharaoh Hound.7
Baths are rarely needed for this short-coated breed. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, and the ASPCA recommends at least once every three months unless your dog gets very dirty.518 Pet Wiki plan
A weekly rub with a hound glove or soft brush is enough to remove loose hair and keep the coat shiny. This breed is very low-maintenance for grooming.51 Pet Wiki plan
Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demo.8 Pet Wiki plan
This active breed needs more than two hours of exercise daily, including safe off-lead running, lure coursing, or agility. A large, fenced garden is ideal for letting it stretch its legs.51 Pet Wiki plan
Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog-safe toothpaste, daily is ideal. Check ears weekly and gently dry them if needed; never push anything into the ear canal.8 Pet Wiki plan
The Pharaoh Hound typically lives between 11 and 14 years. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a healthy lifestyle, many enjoy a long, happy life.31
Yes, this breed is usually gentle with children and other dogs, and it bonds closely with its family. It can be politely reserved with strangers, so early socialisation helps.215
This sensitive, people-oriented breed does not like long hours alone and may become anxious. It needs company and activity, so it's best for homes where someone is around most of the day.12
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Running costs for a Pharaoh Hound, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
No breed-specific rule names the Pharaoh Hound in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
When excited or happy its nose and ears flush a rosy pink, earning it the nickname the blushing dog.3
It is the national dog of Malta.1
It is the only Maltese breed with international recognition.3
A white tip on the tail is strongly wanted in the breed standard.2
Many owners teach their Pharaoh Hounds to grin on cue.1
The breed's original Maltese name 'Kelb tal-Fenek' means 'dog of the rabbit'. It was renamed 'Pharaoh Hound' in England due to its resemblance to ancient Egyptian hounds depicted in art.9
I started the day with a zoomie around the garden, chasing a butterfly. Then my human took me to the park for a long run – I love to sprint! We practised some agility jumps, and I showed off my best leaps. After that, I trotted home, had a quick brush, and flopped onto the cool tiles. In the evening, I curled up next to my family, feeling content and tired.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
In Malta this hound has long been used to hunt rabbits over rocky ground, which is where its Maltese name, meaning rabbit dog, comes from. Its look recalls dogs in ancient Egyptian art, but DNA work suggests it became distinct from the related Cirneco dell'Etna only a few centuries ago. The first litter outside Malta was born in the UK in 1963.35
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
Text is written in our own words from these sources.
Ibizan Hound
Cirneco dell'Etna
Podenco Canario