Pharaoh Hound
AffectionateIntelligentActive
Malta · 12–14 years
About the Pharaoh Hound
The Pharaoh Hound is the national dog of Malta, where they are called 'Kelb tal-Fenek' (rabbit dog). Despite their Egyptian-sounding name and resemblance to ancient Egyptian dog art, DNA studies show they actually developed in Malta rather than Egypt. Pharaoh Hounds are elegant, athletic sighthounds with a unique ability — they blush. When excited or happy, their nose and ears turn a deep rose color, visible through their short, tan coat. They are graceful, playful, and affectionate dogs with a regal bearing that softens into clownish playfulness at home.
Breed stats
- Height
- 21–25 in
- Weight
- 45–55 lbs
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
- Group
- Hound
- Coat
- Short, glossy, fine
- Origin
- Malta
Coat colors
- Tan
- Rich Tan
- Chestnut
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
30–60 min
per day recommended
Daily food
1.5–2 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Anesthesia sensitivity
- Allergies
- Hypothyroidism
- Patellar luxation
- Eye problems
Not every Pharaoh Hound will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Pharaoh Hounds eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Yes, Pharaoh Hounds genuinely blush — it is one of the breed's most unique and charming traits. When a Pharaoh Hound is excited, happy, or stimulated, blood flow increases to their nose and ears, turning them a noticeable deep rose or rosy-pink color. This is visible because their coat is short and their skin is lightly pigmented in these areas. The blush is most obvious on the nose leather and inside the ears. Many owners can gauge their Pharaoh Hound's emotional state by the intensity of the blush. It is a breed-specific physiological response not seen in other dogs.
- Despite their name and resemblance to dogs depicted in ancient Egyptian art, modern DNA analysis indicates that Pharaoh Hounds are not direct descendants of ancient Egyptian dogs. The breed developed on the island of Malta, where they have been used for rabbit hunting for centuries. The Egyptian-sounding name was given by English-speaking breeders in the 20th century based on the visual similarity to ancient art. In Malta, they are called 'Kelb tal-Fenek,' simply meaning rabbit dog. The resemblance to Egyptian art likely reflects convergent development of similar sighthound types rather than direct descent.
- Pharaoh Hounds can adapt to apartment living better than many sighthounds. They are clean, relatively quiet, and calm indoors. Their moderate exercise needs (30-60 minutes daily) are manageable with walks and occasional sprinting opportunities. However, they do need regular access to a securely fenced area for running, and they can be vocal — they may bark at unusual sounds. Their thin coat and lean build mean they are sensitive to cold and may need sweaters in winter. Overall, they are one of the more adaptable sighthound breeds for apartment dwellers.
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