Bull Terrier vs Pharaoh Hound

Bull Terrier vs Pharaoh Hound: full comparison

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.

Related guides