American English Coonhound vs Pharaoh Hound: full comparison
| Trait | American English Coonhound | Pharaoh Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Large |
| Energy level | Very High | Very High |
| Trainability | Medium | Medium |
| Friendliness | High | High |
| Good with children | High | High |
| Grooming needs | Low | Very Low |
| Shedding | Medium | Low |
| Barking | Very High | Medium |
| Protectiveness | Medium | Medium |
| Adaptability | Medium | Medium |
| Typical lifespan | 12 years | 13 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
Key differences at a glance
- The American English Coonhound has noticeably higher barking than the Pharaoh Hound.
Size and living space
The American English Coonhound is a big, substantial dog that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. By comparison, the Pharaoh Hound is a big, substantial dog that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.
Exercise and energy needs
The American English Coonhound requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. The Pharaoh Hound requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.
Grooming and shedding
The American English Coonhound needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The Pharaoh Hound is very easy to groom — an occasional brush is all it takes and sheds only lightly. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.
Temperament, training and family life
The American English Coonhound picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, is highly vocal, which matters in an apartment or a terraced house and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. The Pharaoh Hound picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, American English Coonhound will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive, whereas Pharaoh Hound will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive.
Which is better for…
- For apartment or apartment living, Pharaoh Hound has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
- For families with young children, American English Coonhound and Pharaoh Hound are an even match — either can work well.
- For first-time dog owners, American English Coonhound and Pharaoh Hound are an even match — either can work well.
- For being left alone during the workday, American English Coonhound and Pharaoh Hound are an even match — either can work well.
- For allergy sufferers, Pharaoh Hound has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.
Which should you choose?
Choose the American English Coonhound if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Pharaoh Hound on temperament, size and care.
Choose the Pharaoh Hound if you prefer a quieter dog, you prefer lower grooming upkeep, or you want less shedding around the home.
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the American English Coonhound or the Pharaoh Hound better for families with children?
- Both the American English Coonhound and the Pharaoh Hound are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
- Which sheds more, the American English Coonhound or the Pharaoh Hound?
- The American English Coonhound sheds more than the Pharaoh Hound. If shedding is a concern, the Pharaoh Hound is the lower-maintenance choice.
- Which is easier to train, the American English Coonhound or the Pharaoh Hound?
- Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
- Is American English Coonhound or Pharaoh Hound bigger?
- American English Coonhound and Pharaoh Hound are a similar size (Large).
- Which barks more, American English Coonhound or Pharaoh Hound?
- American English Coonhound tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Pharaoh Hound is the quieter choice.
- Which is better for apartment living, American English Coonhound or Pharaoh Hound?
- For apartment or apartment living, Pharaoh Hound has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.