The Pharaoh Hound is a breed of dog, a hound which has been classed variously as a member of the sighthound and pariah groups. It is the national dog of Malta, where it is called the Kelb-tal Fenek (plural: Klieb-tal Fenek), meaning "rabbit hound". It is rare outside of Malta.
Appearance
The Pharaoh is an elegant breed. Its build should be one of strength without bulkiness or excessive musculature. Its skull is long and chiseled with only a slight stop. Its muzzle is slightly longer than the skull and is wedge-shaped and finely built, but strong and without snipyness. Its eyes are oval, it has a keen, noble, and intelligent expression. It has a long, lean, and muscular neck that is slightly arched. Its body is slightly longer than, or the same length as, its height at the withers. It has a deep chest that extends down to the elbows and a moderate tuck up. Its shoulders are long and well laid back. Its front legs are long and straight. The back legs are moderately angulated, parallel to each other, and must be in balance with the forelegs. It has a long, fine tail that should reach down to a bit below the hocks, and is carried down normally but must not curl between the back legs as in the greyhound. When the dog is excited, the tail is carried level with, or loosely curled above, the back. Its dewclaws may be removed.
Temperament
The Pharaoh Hound is a friendly, calm, intelligent, trainable, playful and active breed. It is reserved with strangers, but affectionate with its family. It has a strong hunting instinct, and caution should be observed when it is around small pets such as cats, birds, and rodents. It is not a demonstrative breed and is quietly affectionate. They are a vocal breed without being yappy or barking just for the sake of barking. They make good watch dogs, however, they are not well suited as guard dogs as they are rarely aggressive with people. They bond deeply with their people, and should not be kept outside in a kennel.