The Pharaoh Hound is one of the oldest domesticated dog breeds in the world
(estimated to have originated around 4000 to 3000 B.C.) As the name
implies, the origin of the Pharaoh Hound began in Ancient Egypt. They were
used to hunt and 
chase
down small game using their keen eyesight, sense of smell, and acute hearing.
Through numerous Egyptian artifacts and writings, we have learned that this
unique dog was treasured not only as an adept and able hunter, but also as a
loyal and intelligent companion to the royal pharaohs of Ancient Egypt.
Additionally, one the Ancient Egyptians' main gods, Anubis, God of the Dead and
Embalming, was believed to have been a Pharaoh Hound.
During
the time of the demise of the reign of the Pharaohs, Phoenician traders carried
this sacred hound to the Mediterranean islands of Malta and Gozo. Once on
the islands, the breed was isolated from the rest of the world for nearly
2000 years. During this time, the Maltese worked hard to develop the breed
into the keen hunter he is today while preserving a true breed type.
Not surprisingly, the breed was declared the national dog of Malta, where it
was, and still is known as the "Kelb tal-Fenek," which means ‘rabbit
dog.' Had it not been for the devoted efforts of the Maltese, the breed
probably would not have survived in the form in which it is seen today.
So, though the breed's original ancestors came from Egypt, it is the Maltese who
deserve credit for the modern breed's origin.
Pharaoh hounds were first imported to Europe in the 1930's. It wasn't until 1967 that they arrived in the U.S., however. They were accepted into the AKC's Miscellaneous Class in 1973 and into the Hound Group in 1984. The breed is still considered to be one of the best kept secrets in dogdom, but they are slowly but surely gaining popularity. We as breeders sincerely hope that they do not EVER become a "popular" breed, however. The Pharaoh Hound is almost unchanged from the times of the Ancient Egyptians, and it is the goal of modern fanciers to keep it that way.
Ancient Egyptian art featuring Pharaoh Hounds:
Pictures of Malta, showing the terrain that the breed was bred to hunt on:
