In its native Malta where the breed has been the traditional hunting companion of Maltese farmers, the Pharaoh Hound is known as Kelb tal-Fenek, which translates to “rabbit dog.” The plural form of Kelb tal-Fenek, by the way, is Klieb tal-Fenek. We found a group of people, however, who take issue with the name, Pharaoh Hound, because they don’t happen to think there is scientifically based proof that the breed is Egyptian.
Others disagree. Most believe that the Pharaoh Hound did indeed have its earliest origin in ancient Egypt, and that the dogs were brought to Mediterranean islands of Malta and Gozoby by Phoenicians who settled there. The antiquity and origin of these hounds has been suggested by the many sculptured delineations and decorative friezes of Egyptian temples dating back to 4400 B.C.
Recent genetic evaluations done not that long ago hint that the breed was created more recently, perhaps in the 17th century on the island of Malta. The jury is still out, and we’re eager to learn what science will discover. Whatever it’s origins, we’re just glad the Pharaoh Hound exists!
Photo of “Zeke” by Cindy Rice Shelton and shared by his owner, Martin L Del Prince
Recently, a settlement was excavated on an island in the eastern Mediterranean that is known to be of Phoenician origin. In the settlement, skeletal remains were found that are said to have a suspicious likeness to the modern Pharaoh Hound. The settlement was dated to be roughly 3,000 years old.
Good to know, Martin, thank you for this! Such an interesting breed!!
A link to the article mentioned above.
https://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/1.825589
Believing in something without proof can not justify that the breed is of Egyptian origin. On the other hand a Roman ostracon found in Egypt proves otherwise. It depicts a man holding two dogs with a descriptive inscription in demotic. Below the lower dog is written “wa mlithin”, meaning “a Maltese”. One could therefore argue that even in those early days the Kelb tal-fennel was considered in Egypt itself as being of Maltese origin. More details can be found on our web page http://www.kelb-tal-fennel.com/ostrakonen.htm
Thanks for the additional information, Peter! Fascinating stuff!
the translation Kelb tal Fenek should be translated from the Maltese into Dogs of the Rabbit not really Rabbit Dogs. I have also heard that they were called Maltese Dog as well… a translation from a roman centurion in Malta
Lovely dog, Michael, and great information that is so appreciated! The more info we can “load” into the comments section, the better knowledge base we all have. Thanks for sharing this bit with us!