Pharaoh Hound — Breed Profile
"Elegant, friendly, affectionate, tenacious, quick-witted, spirited"
Blushing beauty with bite
At a Glance
Weight
45–55 lbs
Height
21–25"
Lifespan
12–14 years
Coat
Short
Group
Hound
Origin
Malta
Breed Traits
Best For
Active families, experienced dog owners, those with secure fenced yards, rabbit hunters, athletes seeking a companion for running
Not Ideal For
Apartment dwellers without yard access, first-time dog owners seeking low-maintenance breeds, households with small pets, sedentary owners
Health Considerations
Generally healthy breed, hip dysplasia possible, ear infections
Estimated annual vet cost: $500-$1,000
Breed History
Ancient Maltese hound breed refined over centuries for hunting small game in rocky Mediterranean terrain, known as Kelb tal-Fenek (rabbit dog) in Maltese
Fun Facts
- Ears flush red when excited or on alert, giving rise to the 'Blushing Dog' nickname
- One of few dog breeds that blush
- Bred to hunt in punishing rocky terrain with extreme agility
- Ancient breed predating many modern dog registries
Famous Pharaoh Hounds
Not widely documented in popular culture