The Pharaoh Hound is a Maltese breed of hunting dog. In Maltese it is called Kelb tal-Fenek, which means 'rabbit dog'; it is traditionally used for hunting rabbit in the rocky terrain of the Maltese Islands. It is the only Maltese dog breed with international recognition. The coat is fine and short with no feathering. The texture varies from silky to somewhat hard and it must never be so profuse as to stand away from the dog's skin. The coat can also be glossy and short in most cases. The Kelb tal-Fenek is usually taken out to hunt at night when there are fewer distractions. When a rabbit is found the hounds will give chase, the small and more agile female in the lead with the male keeping the rabbit from darting too far to the sides.