Bull Terrier vs Pharaoh Hound: full comparison
| Trait | Bull Terrier | Pharaoh Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Energy level | Very High | Very High |
| Trainability | Low | Medium |
| Friendliness | High | High |
| Good with children | High | High |
| Grooming needs | Very Low | Very Low |
| Shedding | Medium | Low |
| Barking | Medium | Medium |
| Protectiveness | Medium | Medium |
| Adaptability | Medium | Medium |
| Typical lifespan | 12 years | 13 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
Key differences at a glance
- The Pharaoh Hound is a larger dog than the Bull Terrier, which affects space, food and exercise needs.
Size and living space
The Bull Terrier is a medium-sized dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. By comparison, the Pharaoh Hound is a large dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. If space, transport or budget are tight, the smaller of the two is the more practical choice.
Exercise and energy needs
The Bull Terrier is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. The Pharaoh Hound is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.
Grooming and shedding
The Bull Terrier takes almost no grooming, since the odd brush keeps it tidy and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Pharaoh Hound takes almost no grooming, since the odd brush keeps it tidy and drops very little hair. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.
Temperament, training and family life
The Bull Terrier takes a little persistence to train but responds to consistency, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and suits families with children particularly well. The Pharaoh Hound is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and suits families with children particularly well. On guarding instinct, Bull Terrier 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, Bull Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
- For families with young children, Bull Terrier and Pharaoh Hound are an even match — either can work well.
- For first-time dog owners, Pharaoh Hound has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
- For being left alone during the workday, Bull Terrier 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 Bull Terrier if you want a smaller, more apartment-friendly dog.
Choose the Pharaoh Hound if you want an easier dog to train, you want less shedding around the home, or you want a bigger, more substantial dog.
Which dog do you look like?
Take one photo and an AI model tells you which of our 321 breeds you most resemble, and which features gave it away. Free, no account, and your photo is never stored. It is a game rather than advice — but every match links straight into that breed's real guide.
See which dog you look likeFrequently asked questions
- Is the Bull Terrier or the Pharaoh Hound better for families with children?
- Both the Bull Terrier and the Pharaoh Hound are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
- Which sheds more, the Bull Terrier or the Pharaoh Hound?
- The Bull Terrier 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 Bull Terrier or the Pharaoh Hound?
- The Pharaoh Hound is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
- Is Bull Terrier or Pharaoh Hound bigger?
- Pharaoh Hound is the larger breed; Bull Terrier is smaller and more compact.
- Which barks more, Bull Terrier or Pharaoh Hound?
- Both bark a similar amount (medium).
- Which is better for apartment living, Bull Terrier or Pharaoh Hound?
- For apartment or apartment living, Bull Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.