The first pharaoh hounds in Malta
For almost 2000 years, the original dogs bred true on the island of Malta, without the introduction of any other type. 
Today the Pharaoh is the national dog of Malta and a piece of living history, showing us what dogs looked like thousands of years ago


In 1974 the Pharaoh hound, or Kelb-Tal-Fenek, became the National dog of Malta


In 1977 the Central Bank of Malta has minted this coin, honouring the importance of the Kelb tal-Fenek in Malta's history and culture.   The dog which has served as a model for the coin was Ra of Attard, owned by Leigh Tose, Malta
The photo does not do the coin nor Ra justice - the coin is made in gold and Ra was a very handsome pharaoh hound 

Ra was also in a movie The DETOUR from 1978 - at the moment I cannot find any info, but am looking

In 1978 the first Pharaoh hound Festival was held on the island of Malta and all participants were given a coin as above. 
I still have mine and will treasure it forever




On 20 October 2001, the Maltese Post has issued this stamp, showing the Kelb tal-Fenek, Malta's National Hound. The 
dog on this stamp is  Ram Ahmar Tal-Wardija, owned by Peter Gatt, Malta

Several pharoah hounds were aquired in Malta and  went home with Servicemen during and after WW II, as this short story says about a pharaoh hound that came to Italy in 1944 - read more here 

New pharaoh hound litters 2008 & 2009