Pharaoh Hound

Maybe this breed doesn't have direct ties to Egypt, as their name might suggest, but Tut certainly looks like he could have! Because of that, and his name, I get a lot of questions about him from admirers. First it's, "What kind of dog is he?" then it's, "Is he from Egypt?" Well, it makes for good conversation and it's nice to meet so many interested people. I enjoy seeing folks' expression when they learn that he is from the Island of Malta and and that he is truly a rabbit hound.

I don't use Tut to hunt; I live in the suburbs and the supermarket here is just fine with me. In spite of that, he's been my boon companion for the last four years. He looks as if he belongs in front of a pyramid! His acute eyesight keeps him on the lookout for small prey to chase down, and there are plenty of field mice and rabbits crossing my backyard to keep him entertained.

His love for the chase is the ongoing battle between us. I keep hoping my training will sink in, but no luck so far. I love taking him to the park, but I can never trust him enough to let him run free. When it comes to meeting and connecting with a fellow dog lover, nothing ends the connection faster than Tut chasing their little Yorkie or Pom through every brush and bush in the park and putting the fear of death into the little dogs. Chase instinct aside, Tut responds well to training and he's great company. I just have to find a way to teach him that Yorkies and miniature poodles are not rabbits and are not to be chased. Otherwise, it's all good.