Pharaoh Hound
Also known as Pharaoh Hound, Kelb tal-Fenek
- Height at the withers
- 53 to 63.5 cm
- Weight
- 20 to 25 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 14 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- Malta
- FCI group
- 5 · Spitz and primitive types
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
Less suited to
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- a home with cats
- off-leash walks: strong prey drive and unreliable recall
Overview
An elegant, medium-sized primitive-type dog with a short fawn coat and a lively expression, able to “blush” on its nose and ears when excited. Graceful, powerful and fast, it hunts by sight as much as by scent and hearing.
History and origins
The national dog of Malta, where it is called “Kelb tal-Fenek” (rabbit dog) and traditionally hunts rabbits. Its name suggests Egyptian ancestors brought over by the Phoenicians, but genetic studies do not confirm this direct descent.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is very hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Patellar luxation
- Hip dysplasia (uncommon)
- Sensitivity to anesthetics (barbiturates)
- Skin allergies
- Hypothyroidism
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Low shedding, minimal coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Very high, 5 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Minimal, 1 out of 5
- Shedding
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Very low, 1 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
In our lists
Pharaoh Hound FAQ
How big does the Pharaoh Hound get?
The Pharaoh Hound stands 53 to 63.5 cm at the withers and weighs 20 to 25 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Pharaoh Hound shed a lot?
It sheds little and its coat needs minimal care.
Can the Pharaoh Hound live in an apartment?
It can, as long as it gets real outings every day; a yard is still a plus.
How much exercise does the Pharaoh Hound need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Pharaoh Hound good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Pharaoh Hound live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is very hardy. The main health problems to watch for are patellar luxation and hip dysplasia.
