Breed History

The Pharaoh Hound is one of the oldest domesticated dogs in recorded history and their lineage can be traced back 5000 years. They have graced the sands of time since the Sphinx and the Great Pyramids. King Tutankhaman found great pleasure running and hunting with his hounds. A striking likeness, a painting with erect ears and high tail still bright and colorful, can still be seen at the entrance of this Egyptian kings tomb.

Before the time of Christ, traders were thought to have brought the hound to the island of Malta. The hound called Kelb Tal-Fenek (rabbit hunting dog) has been carefully preserved and bred for small game hunting. The Kelb Tal-Fenek is greatly prized by the Maltese people. The hound has been declared the national dog of Malta and it's likeness can be seen on a coin minted in 1977. The breed has also been shown on stamps from several countries.

The Maltese were reluctant to part with their hounds, but in 1963 the first Pharaoh Hound was exported to England. Several litters were bred there and from these litters the breed was brought to the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The breed can now be found thoughout the world.

In the US the Pharaoh Hound was admitted to the Miscellaneous Class in 1979. In 1984 the Pharaoh Hound was fully recognized by the American Kennel Club and wa placed in the Hound Group.