Pharaoh Hound

Known in Malta as the Kelb tal-Fenek, or rabbit dog, the Pharaoh hound is a medium-sized, smooth-coated hunting dog with a lean sighthound outline. Despite its ancient Egyptian-looking profile and modern name, the breed is tied most securely to Maltese rural hunting, where dogs worked over rocky ground using sight, scent, and hearing. It has large upright ears, amber eyes, a flesh-colored nose, and a tan to chestnut coat with limited white markings. Many Pharaoh hounds show the breed's well-known blush, with the nose and ears turning rosier when the dog is excited.

In homes, Pharaoh hounds tend to be clean, playful dogs that bond closely while keeping some independence. They need regular running or long active walks, plus secure fencing because a rabbit or cat can trigger immediate pursuit. Training works best when it is clear and reward-based; harsh repetition can make them shut down or clown around. The short coat needs little grooming, but thin skin and low body fat mean many need warmth in cold climates. Buyers should expect a rare breed and look for health-tested, temperamentally stable lines rather than choosing by the exotic name alone.

Colors: Apricot, Bicolor, Black, Black and Tan, Black and White, Black Mask, Blue, Blue and Tan, Blue Merle, Blue Roan, Blue Tick, Brindle, Brown, Brown and Tan, Brown and White, Chocolate, Cream, Dapple, Domino, Fawn, Fawn and White, Gold, Gray, Harlequin, Irish Marked, Liver, Liver Mask, Mantle, Mask, Merle, Mottled, Parti-Color, Piebald, Red, Red and White, Red Merle, Red Roan, Red Tan, Red Tick, Reverse Brindle, Roan, Sable, Saddle, Silver, Speckled, Spotted, Tan, Ticked, Tricolor, Tuxedo, White, White and Tan, Yellow