Pharaoh Hounds allow us to experience antiquity.  The exact history of the Pharaoh Hound is the subject of debate.  Many say that they originated in ancient Egypt and the Phoenicians exported them to the islands of Malta and Gozo where they remained pure for millennia. Others argue vehemently that the breed originated in Malta and the similarity to the artwork of ancient Egypt is coincidence.

My personal belief, based on museum tours, lots of reading, and some educated guesswork is that the prick-eared Mediterranean Sighthounds (Pharaoh Hound, Ibizan Hounds, Cirneco del'Etna, Basenji, and others) originated from the same ancestral breed, which came from Egypt.  From there, the local populations tinkered to make the breed better fit its new locale and duties.  Whichever side of the debate you're on, all agree the Pharaoh Hound has one of the most ancient of all origins and is still very similar to its ancestors.  Their job throughout the millennia has been to hunt using their wonderful eyesight, speed, agility, and wits.  Their specialty on Malta was the rabbit.  Kelb-Tal-Fenek, their Maltese breed name, means "dog of the rabbit."  This hunting focus has molded a dog that is athletic, intelligent, and self confident.  The breed enthusiasts take great pride in maintaining this wonderful breed as close to its roots as possible.  We breed to preserve the breed. We prove our hounds in the conformation ring, lure coursing, open field coursing, and many other athletic venues.

This page was last updated on May, 2008.