Malta

What is the National Animal of Malta?

malta national animal

Malta national animal – Pharaoh Hound

The National animal of Malta is Pharaoh Hound. The Pharaoh Hound is a breed of medium-sized dog from the Maltese Islands. It is a very old breed, possibly related to the ancient Egyptian hunting dogs depicted in wall paintings of the period.

The Pharaoh Hound is described as intelligent, dignified and loyal. It also gets on well with strangers and children, although it does tend to chase smaller animals that it considers as prey such as cats. The dog is a symbol of nobility and royal power in ancient Egypt, where they were often depicted in hieroglyphic art.

What Pharaoh Hound Eats?

Malta’s national animal is the Pharaoh Hound (Canis Familiaris). The Pharaoh Hound is a hunting dog that has been used to hunt rabbits and hares in Malta for over many years. It was bred to be able to catch up with its prey very quickly and easily, as well as being able to follow the scent of wounded prey.

Scientific Classification of Pharaoh Hound

Scientific Name Canis lupus familiaris Population Size Unknown
Kingdom Animalia Life Span 11 – 14 years
Phylum Chordata Weight 18–27 kg
Class Mammalia Height  55–63 cm
Order Carnivora Length 23 to 25 inches
Family Canidae Top Speed  56 km/h.

Pharaoh Hound Physical Characteristics

It has a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, these include fawn, tan and red.

The Pharaoh Hound is a graceful, medium-sized hunting hound dog. The rectangular shaped body is slightly longer than it is tall. It has long legs and cat feet which contribute to the ability to make sharp turns when hunting in the rocky terrain of its native island. The Pharaoh Hound is a medium-sized, muscular, elegant hound dog with a long, straight tail.

Facts About Pharaoh Hound – Malta national animal

  • Pharaoh Hound is the official and native animal of Malta country.
  • The Pharaoh Hound is a member of the sighthound group. This means these dogs have exceptional eyesight and can hunt by sight. They were bred to hunt rabbits, birds, and other animals in the desert terrain of their homeland.
  • Females may weigh as much as 44 pounds, but males average 50 pounds on average. They stand from 21 to 25 inches at the shoulder.
  • The dogs have a very distinctive bark that sounds like a jackal’s yelp.
  • Pharaoh Hounds are natural hunters who can run at speeds of 44 miles per hour (mph).
  • Pharaoh hound is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world.
  • It is also known as Kelb tal-Fenek in Malta, where it is the national hound and also a rabbit hunting breed.
  • It has an amazing running ability and due to this quality, it was used for hunting rabbits in ancient Egypt.
  • This breed of dog is found in different colors like red, white and fawn.
  • They have a sleek and muscular body which makes them look very attractive.
  • These dogs have an excellent sense of smell and they can track anything easily.
  • They have a playful temperament and they love to play around in the yard.
  • They are extremely loyal to their owners and remain highly protective of them at all times.
  • They are very friendly with the children.
  • They are very intelligent and easy to train.

Why is Pharaoh Hound the National Animal of Malta?

There are many reasons why Pharaoh Hound is the national animal of Malta. It was declared as national animal of Malta because of several factors. The local people have always considered the Pharaoh Hound to be the protector of their country. The Pharaoh Hound is believed to have been the first dog that was domesticated by humans and has been used as a hunting dog for centuries.

The Pharaoh Hound is the national dog of Malta. It is traditionally used for hunting rabbit in the Maltese Islands. The breed has existed on the island for thousands of years, where it has been held in high regard, particularly by royalty.

Because of its beauty and loyalty. Pharaoh Hound is one of the most beautiful dogs in the world. Its name is also unique. The word “Pharaoh” means “king” in Maltese. Thus, this dog has a very strong connection to the kings of Malta.

Besides that, it is also a very loyal and faithful animal. It will never betray its owner or his family. This is why it is so loved by the people of Malta. Due to all these facts, the governent declared it as national animal of Malta.