At a glance the quick version
FCI standard gives no weight; DogTime gives 45-55 lb.
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
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
When excited or happy its nose and ears flush a rosy pink, earning it the nickname the blushing dog.2
- 2
It is the national dog of Malta.4
- 3
It is the only Maltese breed with international recognition.2
- 4
A white tip on the tail is strongly wanted in the breed standard.5
- 5
Many owners teach their Pharaoh Hounds to grin on cue.4
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 Malta6
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Pharaoh Hound. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI nomenclature: Pharaoh Hound (248) fci.beused for recognition, origin
- Wikipedia: Pharaoh Hound en.wikipedia.orgused for history, lifespan, facts
- Royal Kennel Club: Pharaoh Hound royalkennelclub.comused for exercise, grooming, habitat, history
- DogTime: Pharaoh Hound dogtime.comused for weight, lifespan, care, facts
- FCI standard No. 248 fci.beused for height, coat, colour, temperament
- AKC: Pharaoh Hound akc.orgused for AKC recognition
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.