Pharaoh Hound
Also known as: Maltese : Kelb tal-Fenek
The Pharaoh Hound hails from Malta. The Pharaoh Hound comes from Malta. Individual Pharaoh Hounds vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- Malta
- Height
- Males
- Other names
- Maltese : Kelb tal-Fenek
About the Pharaoh Hound
The Pharaoh Hound hails from Malta. Pharaoh Hound is a medium-sized dog breed. It stands at approximately 20-23 inches tall at the shoulder.
Use
The Kelb tal-Fenek is usually taken out to hunt at night when there are fewer distractions. Generally, the hunters take their dogs into the countryside and release pairs of a male and a female dog in each compass direction. The dogs then search out their prey using scent. When a rabbit is found the hounds give chase, the small and more agile female in the lead with the male keeping the rabbit from darting too far to the sides. At this point the dogs giving chase emit a high pitched bark, attracting the other dogs and the hunters, all of whom come running. By the time the hunters and other dogs arrive the rabbit has almost always gone to ground. The hunters then gather and leash all but one dog, then place nets over all of the likely escape holes of the rabbit. Finally the hunter takes a ferret (with a small bell attached) from a round wicker basket, and places it into the last entrance to the rabbit''s burrow. The Kelb tal-Fenek can hear the little bell up to 3 metres down under the rocky terrain. When the ferret flushes the rabbit out a hole, one free dog swoops down upon it. The use of ferrets is mentioned by Strabo about rabbit-hunting in the Balearic Islands under Roman rule. : 489
Overview
The Pharaoh Hound or Kelb tal-Fenek is a Maltese breed of warren hound . It is traditionally used for rabbit-hunting in the rocky terrain of the islands; the Maltese name means "rabbit dog". It is classified by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in its "Spitz and primitive" group, and shows similarities to other Mediterranean breeds in that group such as the Cirneco dell''Etna , the Podenco Andaluz , the Podenco Canario , the Podenco Ibicenco and the Portuguese Podengo . It is the only Maltese dog breed with international recognition. [ a ]
History
The Kelb tal-Fenek is a traditional breed of rural Malta. As the English-language exonym suggests, it is sometimes claimed that the Pharaoh Hound descends from the dogs shown in the tomb paintings of Ancient Egypt . : 25 A study in 2023 of seven Mediterranean breeds of warren hound found the Kelb tal-Fenek to have the greatest genetic distance of the group from the street dogs of Egypt. Other DNA studies suggest that the breed is not of ancient origin, but a moderately recent development; : 23 : 1160 it apparently became genetically distinct from the Cirneco dell''Etna of Sicily no more than two hundred years ago. In 1647 Giovanni Francesco Abela , in his Della Descrittione di Malta isola nel Mare Siciliano: con le sue antichità, ed altre notizie , wrote "... we have the dogs called Cernechi, much valued for rabbit-hunting, which are often in demand as far away as France, mainly for [use in] steep and stony mountain terrain". Some have taken this to refer to the Kelb tal-Fenek. The modern Cirneco is a Sicilian breed of similar structure and appearance to the Kelb tal-Fenek, but somewhat smaller. The first litter to be born outside Malta was in the United Kingdom in 1963. The breed was accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale as the "Pharaoh Hound" in the same year, under the patronage of the UK. A breed standard was approved by the British Kennel Club in 1974.
Characteristics
The Kelb tal-Fenek is slender and graceful. The head is long and finely chiselled, with a slight stop. The coat is glossy and short. It may be chestnut or tan; white patches on the back, sides, shoulder or back of the neck are a disqualifying characteristic, but the tip of the tail may be white. The eyes are amber-coloured . The dogs have an unusual trait of "blushing" when excited or happy, with their ears and noses becoming bright pink. It has little genetic pre-disposition to disease, and may be expected to live for some 11 to 14 years.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Pharaoh Hound?
The Pharaoh Hound is a slender and agile dog with a long, finely chiselled head and a slight stop. Its coat is glossy and short, coming in chestnut or tan colours. White patches on the back, sides, or neck are a disqualifying characteristic, but a white tip on the tail is allowed. The eyes are amber-coloured.
Is the Pharaoh Hound a good family dog?
Pharaoh Hounds are generally good with children if socialized properly. However, their high energy levels and hunting instincts require regular exercise and mental stimulation. They may not be suitable for very young children due to their slender build and potential for injury. Supervision is essential when interacting with children.
What health problems do Pharaoh Hounds have?
Pharaoh Hounds are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. These include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential issues early on.
How much does a Pharaoh Hound puppy cost?
The cost of a Pharaoh Hound puppy can vary depending on location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, a Pharaoh Hound puppy can cost between $800 and $1,500. It's essential to research reputable breeders and consider the long-term costs of owning a dog, including food, vet bills, and training.
Where do Pharaoh Hounds come from?
The Pharaoh Hound comes from Malta. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Pharaoh Hound, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.