Finnish Lapphund vs Pharaoh Hound
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Finnish Lapphund
Herding Group
Pharaoh Hound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Finnish Lapphund Overview
Finnish Lapphunds are medium-sized herding dogs with thick double coats in various colors, featuring distinctive spitz-like characteristics including a bushy tail and pointed ears. Their expressive faces showcase alert, dark eyes and a gentle, friendly expression. Muscular yet agile, they move with effortless grace, displaying the stamina that made them excellent reindeer herders.
Pharaoh Hound Overview
Noble and graceful, Pharaoh Hounds possess a distinctive copper-colored coat and expressive amber eyes. Their athletic build features long, clean lines and a streamlined silhouette characteristic of ancient sighthounds. Standing proudly with erect ears and an alert expression, these dogs combine elegance with surprising strength. Their muscular frame supports effortless movement, while their intelligent gaze reflects their keen hunting heritage.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Finnish Lapphunds are less energetic than Pharaoh Hounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Finnish Lapphunds require less grooming attention compared to Pharaoh Hounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Finnish Lapphunds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Pharaoh Hounds.
- Trainability: Pharaoh Hounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Pharaoh Hound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Pharaoh Hounds adapt better to apartment living, while Finnish Lapphunds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Finnish Lapphund and Pharaoh Hound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Finnish Lapphund | Pharaoh Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Finnish Lapphund | Pharaoh Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-21 inches 41-53 cm | 21-25 inches 53-64 cm |
| Weight | 33-53 lbs 15-24 kg | 45-55 lbs 20-25 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Finnish Lapphund | Pharaoh Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Alert, Agile | Friendly, Smart, Noble |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Finnish Lapphund | Pharaoh Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Finnish Lapphund Temperament
The Finnish Lapphund is known for being friendly, alert, agile, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Pharaoh Hound Temperament
The Pharaoh Hound is characterized by being friendly, smart, noble, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Finnish Lapphund and Pharaoh Hound, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 4/5
Pharaoh Hound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Pharaoh Hound
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Pharaoh Hound
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 1/5
Pharaoh Hound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Finnish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Pharaoh Hound
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Finnish Lapphund Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Finnish Lapphunds require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Finnish Lapphunds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Pharaoh Hound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Pharaoh Hounds need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Pharaoh Hounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Finnish Lapphund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRCD-PRA
- Elbow Dysplasia
- GCL
- PHTVL/PHPV
Pharaoh Hound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Allergies
- Eye Problems
- Cardiac Issues
- Thyroid Problems
Pros & Cons
Finnish Lapphund
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Highly trainable
- Weather resistant
- Adaptable
Cons
- Heavy seasonal shedding
- Can be vocal
- Needs regular exercise
- Strong herding instinct
Pharaoh Hound
Pros
- Elegant and graceful
- Low grooming needs
- Athletic and agile
- Gentle with family
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Independent nature
- Needs secure fencing
- Can be aloof
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Finnish Lapphund and Pharaoh Hound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.