Pharaoh Hound
The blushing hound of Malta — amber-eyed, rose-eared, and faster than gossip.
Vital stats
| Size | Medium-large · 53–63 cm |
| Weight | 20–25 kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–14 years |
| Energy | High — 60 min/day with sprints |
| Shedding | Light |
| Coat | Short, fine coat · rich tan with white touches |
| Group | Hound · FCI №248 / AKC |
| Origin | Malta |
| FCI group | 5 — Spitz and primitive types · FCI 248 |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
The Pharaoh Hound by the numbers
The Pharaoh Hound facts owners search for most — price, lifespan, weight, shedding and colours, in one place.
Less common, so expect a waitlist and some travel to a reputable breeder — which pushes the price up. Plan for steady ongoing costs — mid-range food, routine vet care and insurance.
We don't quote a single figure: the real price swings with breeder, region, bloodline and health testing — and a rescue costs a fraction of a breeder's litter. Adopting is almost always the cheapest route.
Temperament
Malta's Kelb tal-Fenek hunted rabbits by moonlight using sight, scent and hearing at once — so the Pharaoh Hound is alert, quick-firing and independent outdoors, then calm, clean and affectionate at home. Reserved with strangers, silly with its family, and always keeping one eye on the horizon.
Habits & quirks
The famous blush
Praise it, feed it or bring out the lead, and the nose and ears glow pink — a built-in mood ring.
Sun worship
A thin coat and a Mediterranean soul — it claims every sunbeam and files complaints about drizzle.
Standing take-off
It can clear astonishing heights from a standstill; garden fences should assume ambition.
Chase first, think later
Anything small and fast flips an ancient switch — squirrels are not consulted.
Care
| Exercise | Daily walks plus regular flat-out runs in a securely fenced space; a tired Pharaoh is a serene one. |
| Containment | Fencing needs real height — this is an agile jumper that should never be off-lead near roads. |
| Grooming | Practically nil — a weekly rub-down with a hound glove, and a coat for cold, wet weather. |
| Health | A sound, long-lived breed; like other lean sight-hunters it appreciates soft bedding and a vet aware of sighthound sensitivities. |
Life expectancy
This breed has a typical life expectancy of 12–14 years.
Similar breeds
Breeds with a similar build and background — worth a look if this one isn't quite the fit.
Breeds that look like this
Common questions
Is the Pharaoh Hound really from ancient Egypt?
The name is romance, not archaeology — genetic studies place it among Mediterranean breeds developed in Malta, where it has hunted rabbits for centuries. The pharaonic backstory made better marketing than history.
Can a Pharaoh Hound be let off the lead?
Only in securely fenced areas. Its chase instinct outruns its recall, and once locked onto quarry it is functionally deaf to you.
Do Pharaoh Hounds cope with cold weather?
Not naturally — the fine, short coat offers little insulation. A well-fitted winter coat and a warm bed indoors solve it.
Does the Pharaoh Hound shed a lot?
Not much. The Pharaoh Hound is a low-shedding breed, so loose hair around the home stays minimal. It still needs regular grooming, but you won't be fighting drifts of fur.
Is the Pharaoh Hound hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but the Pharaoh Hound comes closer than most: its low-shedding coat releases less of the dander that triggers allergies. Many allergy sufferers manage well with this breed, but spend time around one before committing.
Is the Pharaoh Hound good with children?
They can be. The Pharaoh Hound is reasonably sociable and can be good with children in the right home, especially when socialised early. Supervise around young kids and teach dog and child to respect each other.
Is the Pharaoh Hound easy to train?
Reasonably. The Pharaoh Hound is trainable with consistency and rewards, though it isn't the quickest study. Keep sessions short and positive, and be patient with the basics like recall.
Stories featuring this breed
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Dog breeds named after the wrong country
The Great Dane is German. The Australian Shepherd is American. Breed names are charming, and they are terrible geography.
Who invented dog breeds, and when
Most 'ancient' breeds are younger than the bicycle. The breed as we know it was invented by Victorians with a stud book, in about 1873.