Pet Wiki

Pharaoh Hound

Also called Kelb tal-Fenek

Recognised breedFCI group 5Short profile

From Malta (the name nods to ancient Egypt, but the breed was developed in Malta)123

At a glance the quick version

Weight20 to 25 kg4
Height, male53 to 63.5 cm524
Height, female53 to 61 cm524
Lifespan11 to 14 years24
Sizelarge

FCI standard gives no weight; DogTime gives 45-55 lb.

friendly and playful
very fast and agile
blushes when happy
542

Coat and looks how to spot one

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.5

Colourstanrich tanwhite tail tipsmall white chest starwhite on toesslim white blaze52

Personality what they are like

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.543

Daily activity how busy a day looks

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.34

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Easy care: a weekly rub with a hound glove removes loose hair, and baths are rarely needed.34

Home where they are happiest

Suits country living or a home with a large, well-fenced garden where it can stretch its legs.3

Company who they like around

Bonds closely with its family and generally enjoys other dogs; needs company and activity rather than long hours alone.45

The story where it all began

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 1963.23

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    When excited or happy its nose and ears flush a rosy pink, earning it the nickname the blushing dog.2

  2. 2

    It is the national dog of Malta.4

  3. 3

    It is the only Maltese breed with international recognition.2

  4. 4

    A white tip on the tail is strongly wanted in the breed standard.5

  5. 5

    Many owners teach their Pharaoh Hounds to grin on cue.4

Where the name comes from the story behind it

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.6

Name ideas for your new friend

AnubisBastetCleoHorusIsisKaitoMaltiNefertitiOsirisPharaohRajaSphinx

A day in the life told by a Pharaoh Hound

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.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard No. 248, Group 5 (Spitz and primitive types), primitive type; definitive acceptance 8 Sep 1963; patronage Great Britain1
The Royal Kennel Club
Recognised in the Hound Group; UK breed standard approved 19742
AKC
Recognised; described by the AKC as the ancient blushing dog of Malta7

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Pharaoh Hound. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

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

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Pharaoh Hound, and at what times?

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.8

What should a Pharaoh Hound eat, and which foods are dangerous?

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.9

How often should I bathe a Pharaoh Hound?

Baths are rarely needed for this short-coated breed. Furry Diary'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.3410 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Pharaoh Hound need brushing?

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.34 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Pharaoh Hound's nails, and how often?

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.10 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Pharaoh Hound need?

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.34 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Pharaoh Hound's teeth and ears?

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.10 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Pharaoh Hound live?

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.24

Is a Pharaoh Hound good with children and other pets?

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.543

Can a Pharaoh Hound be left alone?

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.45

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.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI nomenclature: Pharaoh Hound (248) fci.beused for recognition, origin
  2. Wikipedia: Pharaoh Hound en.wikipedia.orgused for history, lifespan, facts
  3. Royal Kennel Club: Pharaoh Hound royalkennelclub.comused for exercise, grooming, habitat, history
  4. DogTime: Pharaoh Hound dogtime.comused for weight, lifespan, care, facts
  5. FCI standard No. 248 fci.beused for height, coat, colour, temperament
  6. akc.org akc.org
  7. AKC: Pharaoh Hound akc.orgused for AKC recognition
  8. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  9. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  10. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.