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Hound Handbook
Insurance guide
Breed profile

Pharaoh Hound

Malta's sleek tan rabbit hound, with amber eyes and big upright ears. Its ears and nose flush pink when it is excited.

Tan Pharaoh Hound with large upright ears lying on a stone pavement in Malta, nose to the ground
A Pharaoh Hound in Mellieħa, MaltaPhoto: Frank Vincentz / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Weight
18–27 kg40–60 lb
Height
53–64 cm21–25 in
Lifespan
11–14 yrs
Group
Hound
Origin
Malta
Popularity
#180 US#195 UK · 2025

Known for: Running partnersLow grooming

Energy
Shedding
Trainability
Barking
Good with kids
Flat-friendly

Temperament

Playful, Independent, Affectionate, Alert.

Health problems to know about

  • Hypothyroidism
  • Skin and food allergies
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Patellar luxation

Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.

Daily care

Daily running in a securely fenced area, as the prey drive is strong. A coat and indoor living in cold weather, because the coat is thin. Weekly brush.

A good fit for

Active owners with a large, well-fenced garden who enjoy a hound with a goofy sense of humour.

Probably not ideal for

Homes with cats or small pets, cold outdoor living, owners who want reliable off-lead recall, or households with toddlers.

Sources

  1. Royal Kennel Club: Pharaoh Hound
  2. Vetstreet: Pharaoh Hound
  3. PetMD: Pharaoh Hound
  4. Wikipedia: Pharaoh Hound

Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.

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