Pharaoh Hound characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | 32% of breeds |
| Energy level | Very High | — |
| Trainability | Medium | 48% of breeds |
| Friendliness | High | 35% of breeds |
| Good with children | High | — |
| Grooming needs | Very Low | 12% of breeds |
| Shedding | Low | 26% of breeds |
| Barking | Medium | 41% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Medium | 38% of breeds |
| Adaptability | Medium | 41% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 13 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Pharaoh Hound right for you?
The Pharaoh Hound is a big, substantial dog that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a yard. In terms of temperament, it is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog and will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive. Day to day, the Pharaoh Hound is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Pharaoh Hound is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. With very high energy and very high athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Pharaoh Hound to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Pharaoh Hound is very easy to groom — an occasional brush is all it takes and sheds very little. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The Pharaoh Hound trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions and barks a fair amount, usually for a reason. It copes with a standard working day alone once it has been eased into it, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Pharaoh Hound
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Pharaoh Hound genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Grooming needs: Very low — the Pharaoh Hound needs unusually little coat maintenance. Only 12% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Prey drive: Very high — the Pharaoh Hound has one of the strongest prey drives in the catalogue, which shapes recall and life with cats. Only 25% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Pharaoh Hound actually costs you
| Exercise | Two or more hours of real exercise a day, most days, plus something that occupies its mind. This is the single commitment that decides whether the match works. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Minimal coat work — an occasional wipe-down and little else. |
| Time alone | Manages a normal working day if it is properly exercised and left something to do. |
| Noise | Average for a dog — it will bark at the door and at things it dislikes. |
Where the Pharaoh Hound fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Depends | Size alone rules out small flats, though the temperament can suit one. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | High child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Depends | Manageable for a committed beginner who takes training seriously from week one. |
| Homes with cats | Poor fit | Very high prey drive. Introductions need managing, and a bolting cat triggers exactly the instinct this breed was selected for. |
| Long working days | Depends | Medium independence, so time alone is less of a problem than for many breeds. |
| Allergy households | Depends | No low-allergen coat recorded, though shedding is not extreme. |
Perfect for
- Experienced owners
- Active families
- Hot climates
- Unique breed seekers
Things to consider
- Extremely rare and expensive
- High exercise needs
- Strong prey drive
Not sure which breed is right for you?
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Pharaoh Hound good with children?
- Yes — the Pharaoh Hound is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Pharaoh Hound shed a lot?
- The Pharaoh Hound has low shedding.
- How much exercise does the Pharaoh Hound need?
- With very high energy, the Pharaoh Hound needs plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation — long walks, runs or active play.
- How long does the Pharaoh Hound live?
- The Pharaoh Hound typically lives around 13 years.
- Can the Pharaoh Hound live in an apartment?
- The Pharaoh Hound is a larger breed and does better in a home with more space, though it can adapt with enough daily exercise.
- Is the Pharaoh Hound easy to train?
- The Pharaoh Hound trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Pharaoh Hound be left alone during the day?
- The Pharaoh Hound copes with a standard working day alone once it has been eased into it. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.