Like many dog lovers in Malta and abroad, I was shocked about the news that three klieb tal-fenek were barbarically killed on a farm in Xewkija. I do sincerely hope that the perpetrators will soon be caught and will have to face an adequate sentence.

On the positive side, it gives a feeling of consolation that so many Maltese have voiced their contempt and anger about this cowardly act. It is also good to note that many commentators mentioned the fact that the kelb tal-fenek is a part of the Maltese heritage and needs protection.

If there is some good that might come out of this dreadful incident, then it could be the fact that the Maltese public and the authorities will pay more attention to this rare, indigenous breed.

I was pleased to note that the Department of Information has recently issued a statement, saying that “everything possible should be made to protect what is, after all, the national dog. Tal-fenek dogs have been part and parcel of Maltese life for centuries, and it would be a real pity if we lose this heritage.”

Let us hope that these words will soon be followed by deeds, and will not remain another lip service to the breed.

It is important to know that the kelb tal-fenek has never “officially” been renamed into “Pharaoh Hound”. This name has been given to the breed in the late 1960s by the British Kennel Club, and later it was adopted by other organisations like the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) and the AKC (American Kennel Club). Those bodies, however, have neither an official nor a scientific background; they are nothing more than umbrella organisations of hobby fanciers, whose main task is the organisation of dog shows. So how could they prescribe the Maltese how to call their very own national breed?

In a scientific context, it is a custom that breeds of domestic animals are either called by the colloquial name that is used in the language of the country of origin, or in a proper translation. Therefore nobody in Malta (and abroad) should hesitate to continue calling the breed kelb tal-fenek, since this is the name which has been used for it for centuries. On the contrary – the international canine organisations should adjust their list of breed names to the scientifically correct names. At least the FCI is well on the way – it is not long ago since the former “Tibetan Mastiff” regained its ancient Tibetan name Do-Khyi. So if we can accept a Tibetan name, why not a Maltese one?

Jan Scotland

Member of the breeding commission of the German Sighthound Club (DWZRV), Bremen, Germany