The Pharaoh Hound is one of the oldest known domesticated dogs, his predecessor being the dog-like animal called the "Canis Familaris Leineri."  The antiquity of these Egyptian hounds is proven by the many sculptured delineations and decorative friezes (many in color) of Egyptian temples dating back to 4400 B.C.

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.  

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.