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Although
the Pharaoh Hound had its origin in ancient Egypt, it is thought that
the Pharaoh Hound was brought from Egypt by the Phoenicians when they
settled on the Mediterranean islands of Malta and Gozo. The preservation
of the breed can be credited to Malta (and Gozo) where it is known to
have existed for over 2,000 years, having survived in its purest form.
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 Photographer: Pepper Nix
In 1935, in the tomb of Antefa II near the Pyramid of Cheops at Giza, Dr George Reisner found an inscription recording the burial of Abuwtiyuw, a hound given full burial honours by the order of the Pharaoh "that he (the hound) may be honoured before the great God, Anubis". Within the inscribed text was a drawing of the hound Abuwtiyuw, which has since been adopted as the badge of the Pharaoh Hound Club. These are just two examples, which demonstrate the high regard with which the people of ancient Egypt held the Egyptian Hound. One of the remarkable facts about the Pharaoh Hounds today is that they have remained unchanged from those hounds depicted in ancient Egyptian tombs. Reliefs of them hunting can be found in the tomb chapel of Mereruwka and in the tomb chapel of Senbi, for example.
In January 1979, the American Kennel Club admitted the Pharaoh Hounds into the Miscellaneous Class. Effective August 1, 1983, the breed was recognized for registration in AKC's Stud Book and by January 1, 1984 became eligible to compete in the Hound Group at AKC licensed events.
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Although the Pharaoh Hound had its origin in ancient Egypt, it is thought that the Pharaoh Hound was brought from Egypt by the Phoenicians when they settled on the Mediterranean islands of Malta and Gozo. The preservation of the breed can be credited to Malta (and Gozo) where it is known to have existed for over 2,000 years, having survived in its' purest form. These hounds are
treasured and revered by the Maltese farmers and sportsmen, who guard
and preserve the breed with jealous pride.
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In 1970 Birling Zahara was the first Pharaoh Hound to appear in the group at Crufts (from the AV Not Separately Classified classes). That same year Twinley King Ka'a was mated to Kilcroney Senjura. This pairing produced Ch. Kilcroney Rekhmire Merymut, the first Pharaoh Hound champion in the UK. He gained his title in 1975. Since then there have been 83 champions made up in the UK.
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The first Pharaoh Hound was brought jto the United States in 1967 by Mrs. Ruth Taft Harper. The first litter of Pharaoh Hounds was whelped in the United States in 1970. |
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The Pharaoh Hound gives a striking impression of elegance, power and grace. He is intelligent, friendly and affectionate. His great speed combined with his alertness and agility give him a marked keenness for hunting both by sight and by scent.
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