Pharaoh Hound

The Pharaoh Hound is a breed of dog, classed as a member of the sighthound/pariah family. It has a decent balance between the primitive features and manners of the pariah family and the grace and racy lines of the sighthounds. more...

Appearance

Two other breeds that are similar to the Pharaoh Hound and that apparently descended from the same anscestral lines have developed in other Mediterranean islands. One is the striking Ibizan Hound, which has a form much like that of the Pharaoh hound, but is colored differently. The Ibizan Hound may be white, with shades of brown or tawn, whereas the Pharaoh hound is always a solid reddish-ruddy color. The other similar breed is the Sicilian Greyhound (not the Italian Greyhound), which is essentially a miniature of the Pharaoh with a wholly different personality.

History

For many years, this breed was considered one of the oldest dog breeds. Recent DNA analysis reveals, however, that this breed is actually a recent construction, bred to resemble an older form. This DNA data now puts to rest the "Egytian Myth" and proves the breed did not originate from Egypt.

Miscellaneous

The Pharaoh Hound is the national dog of Malta, and its Maltese name, Kelb-tal Fenek. A literally translation is "Dog of the Rabbit", a better translation is "Rabbit Hound" (translations are generally not literal).

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