Apartment fit
A Pharaoh Hound can live in an apartment only with committed daily exercise, quiet training, and safe fenced running options. Lack of space is less important than lack of routine.
HoundMedium
Malta
MaltaPharaoh Hound
Weight
45-55 lb
Height
21-25 in
Lifespan
12-14 yrs
Coat
Smooth Short
The Pharaoh Hound is a medium-sized Maltese rabbit-hunting hound with a short tan-to-chestnut coat, erect ears, strong prey drive, and a playful, affectionate temperament.
Maltese rabbit-hunting hound also called Kelb tal-FenekShort tan-to-chestnut coat with limited white markingsFast, playful, and affectionate but chase-driven outdoorsLow grooming needs with high exercise and secure-fencing needs
Breed Names
Official, native, and commonly used variants
Kelb tal-Fenek
IntelligentFriendlyAffectionatePlayfulAlertActive
Weight
45-55 lb
Height
21-25 in
Lifespan
12-14 yrs
Coat
Smooth Short
At A Glance
Daily living snapshot
A quick read on energy, upkeep, and what day-to-day life with this breed usually feels like.
Energy
High
Barking
Moderate to High
Drooling
Low
Shedding
Low to Moderate
Grooming
1/5
First-time owner
No
Overview
The Pharaoh Hound is the internationally recognized name for Malta's Kelb tal-Fenek, a rabbit-hunting hound that works by sight and scent. It is built for speed and agility rather than bulk: lean, clean-lined, and athletic, with large mobile ears and an alert expression.
This breed is friendly and affectionate at home, but it remains a serious hunting hound outdoors. Secure fencing, leash discipline, and safe running opportunities matter because fast movement from wildlife can trigger a chase. A bored Pharaoh Hound can become noisy, inventive, or difficult to settle.
The coat is short and glossy, ranging from tan through rich tan and chestnut, sometimes with limited white markings. Grooming is easy, but the breed still needs routine nail, ear, dental, and skin care. It is usually a better match for active owners who understand sighthound independence and can provide both exercise and calm house manners.
Temperament & Personality
IntelligentFriendlyAffectionatePlayfulAlertActive
This breed tends to suit homes looking for a intelligent, friendly, affectionate companion, with daily rhythms shaped by high energy, moderate to high barking, and low drooling.
Coat type
Smooth
Coat length
Short
Shedding
Low to Moderate
Colors
Tan, Rich Tan, Chestnut, Tan with White Markings
Lifestyle Compatibility
Family Friendly4/5
Good with Kids4/5
Good with Dogs3/5
Good with Strangers4/5
Apartment Friendly2/5
Exercise Needs4/5
Grooming Needs1/5
Trainability3/5
Good fit if you want
- A family-friendly companion
- Room for routine exercise
- Confidence handling structure and training
Plan ahead for
- 4/5 exercise needs
- low to moderate shedding and coat upkeep
- moderate to high barking in daily life
Owner Fit & Everyday Behavior
Best for
- active homes with secure fenced exercise space
- owners who understand sighthound prey drive
- families wanting an affectionate but athletic hound
- people who enjoy training with variety and games
Not ideal for
- homes expecting reliable off-leash freedom in open areas
- owners wanting a low-exercise companion
- households with small pets unless carefully managed
- cold climates without a plan for coat protection
Common challenges
- chasing wildlife or cats
- vocal excitement
- boredom when under-exercised
- cold sensitivity in thin-coated dogs
Barking & behavior
Expect alert and excitement vocalizing. Reward calm check-ins, avoid long periods watching triggers through windows, and provide enough exercise before asking the dog to settle.
Training style
Keep training upbeat and practical. Focus on recall, loose-leash walking, settling on cue, and impulse control around motion.
Grooming & shedding
The smooth coat is easy, but thin skin and short hair mean the dog may need cold-weather protection and regular skin checks.
Care Guide
Exercise
Most Pharaoh Hounds need 60 to 90 minutes of daily activity, including brisk walks, training games, and safe fenced running. Off-leash freedom should only happen in secure areas because the breed is very fast and has strong hunting instincts.
Grooming
The short glossy coat is low maintenance. Brush with a soft mitt or hound glove, keep nails short, check ears, and protect thin-coated skin from cold weather, rough brush, and too much direct sun.
Training
Use reward-based training with variety and clear boundaries. Pharaoh Hounds are intelligent but can be independent, so recall, leash skills, impulse control around wildlife, and calm settling should be practiced early.
Nutrition
Feed a measured diet that supports lean muscle without extra weight. Deep-chested active dogs should avoid heavy exercise immediately before and after large meals; ask your veterinarian for a feeding plan if bloat risk, allergies, or weight changes are concerns.
Behavior & Environment
Energy level
High
Barking level
Moderate to High
Drooling level
Low
Watchdog ability
3/5
Guard dog ability
1/5
Climate tolerance
Cold weather2/5
Heat tolerance4/5
Health Considerations
Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.
Hip dysplasiaPatellar luxationEye diseaseThyroid diseaseSensitivity to cold
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Pharaoh Hound from Egypt?
The modern recognized breed is Maltese and is also known as the Kelb tal-Fenek. The name Pharaoh Hound reflects its ancient-looking outline, but the breed standard places its origin in Malta.
Is the Pharaoh Hound good off leash?
Only in securely fenced areas. Pharaoh Hounds are fast and keen hunters, so wildlife, cats, or sudden movement can override recall even in a trained dog.
Does the Pharaoh Hound bark a lot?
Many Pharaoh Hounds are vocal when excited, alert, or frustrated. Exercise, enrichment, and training quiet responses around triggers help prevent nuisance barking.
Is the Pharaoh Hound good with children?
It can be affectionate and playful with respectful children. Because the breed is athletic and quick, interactions with small children should be supervised and calm.
Does the Pharaoh Hound shed?
Yes, but the short coat is easy to maintain and usually sheds lightly to moderately. A weekly rubdown and routine nail and ear care are usually enough.
How much exercise does a Pharaoh Hound need?
Most adults need 60 to 90 minutes daily, plus chances to sprint safely in a fenced area. Mental work and calm settling practice are important too.
What is the biggest challenge of owning a Pharaoh Hound?
The biggest challenge is managing speed, prey drive, and excitement. Secure fencing, leash habits, recall practice, and enough daily exercise are essential.
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