American English Coonhound vs Pharaoh Hound

Choosing between American English Coonhound and Pharaoh Hound? These two are closely matched on size and energy, so your decision comes down to the finer points — grooming, shedding, trainability and how each fits your household. Below we break down exactly how the two breeds compare on the things that shape daily life with a dog, so you can see which one is the better fit for your home, family and routine.

American English Coonhound vs Pharaoh Hound: full comparison

TraitAmerican English CoonhoundPharaoh Hound
SizeLargeLarge
Energy levelVery HighVery High
TrainabilityMediumMedium
FriendlinessHighHigh
Good with childrenHighHigh
Grooming needsLowVery Low
SheddingMediumLow
BarkingVery HighMedium
ProtectivenessMediumMedium
AdaptabilityMediumMedium
Typical lifespan12 years13 years
HypoallergenicNoNo

Key differences at a glance

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…

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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Frequently 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.

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