
10/07/2025
The Tesem: Egypt’s Elegant Sighthound of the Ancient World
Sleek, swift, and noble—the Tesem was the prized hunting dog of ancient Egypt, renowned for its agility and regal presence. With its lean frame, upright ears, and signature curled tail, the Tesem closely resembled modern breeds like the Pharaoh Hound and Saluki. Favored by pharaohs and aristocrats alike, these graceful canines were frequently immortalized in tomb art, hieroglyphs, and statues, often portrayed mid-hunt or standing guard beside their human companions.
But the Tesem’s role went beyond the hunt. In Egyptian culture, dogs were held in high esteem, and the Tesem was no exception. Some were even mummified and buried alongside their owners, underscoring a deep spiritual and emotional bond. Their presence in the afterlife was seen as both protective and loyal.
As time passed and foreign influences brought more powerful mastiff-type breeds into Egypt—better suited for warfare and guarding—the elegant Tesem gradually vanished from the landscape. Still, its image endures as a symbol of speed, loyalty, and the enduring partnership between humans and dogs.
Though lost to history, the Tesem remains an icon of canine grace and devotion in the ancient world.