Pharaoh Hounds originated in ancient Egypt almost 5,000 years ago.  It is thought that the Pharaoh Hound was brought from Egypt by the Phoenicians when they settled on the Maltese islands in the Mediterranean.   The preservation of the breed can be credited to the islands of Malta and Gozo where the breed is known to have existed for over 2,000 years.  The breed survived here in its purest form as these hounds are treasured and revered by the Maltese farmers who guard and preserve the breed with jealous pride.  In Malta they are bred specifically for rabbit hunting and are known to the Maltese as “Kelb-tal-Fenek” (Rabbit dog).   Only the best hunting dogs were selected to breed and only then to replace an aged hunter and in this manner, the Pharaoh Hound breed was carefully preserved for centuries. The Pharaoh Hound is among the world's finest hunters and has an instinctive prey drive second to none. The dogs were also used to herd goats and sheep and to retrieve birds. One of the most remarkable facts about the Pharaoh Hounds today is that they have remained virtually unchanged from those hounds depicted in the tombs.  Reliefs of them hunting can be found in the tomb chapel of Mereruwka and in the tomb chapel of Senbi for example.   In 1935, a burial tomb of a dog was found in the great cemetery west of the Pyramid of Cheops at Giza with the following inscription recording the ritual burial ceremony "The dog which was the guard of  His Majesty, Abuwtiyuw is his name."   This was a "Pharaoh Hound" type dog. His Majesty did this in order that the dog might be honoured before the great God Anubis.  Both the Pharaoh Hound Club of England and the Pharaoh Hound Club of America use as their emblem the dog depicted on the tomb of Entefa II, XI Dynasty, about 2,300 BC.   The dogs are described in the translation of a letter of the XIX Dynasty  “The red long-tailed dog goes out into the hills.  He makes no delay in hunting.  His face glows like a god who delights in his work.” Pharaoh Hounds were first recorded into Australia in 1974.  The first recorded litter in Australia was in 1975. The Pharaoh Hound is medium sized, extremely intelligent, alert, fun-loving and affectionate.  They are excellent watchdogs and will bark at the approach of strangers, but are friendly when properly introduced.    They are wonderful with children and their energy and sense of fun makes them ideal playmates.  They become deeply attached to their owners. One bitch is known to have actually produced milk when her owner gave birth to twins!