French Spaniel 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.
French Spaniel
Foundation Stock Service
Pharaoh Hound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
French Spaniel Overview
French Spaniels are elegant sporting dogs with a distinctive white coat marked by brown patches. Their medium-sized, athletic build features a noble head carriage, pendulous ears, and expressive eyes reflecting their gentle nature. Standing 21.5 to 24 inches at the shoulder, these dogs possess a balanced structure ideal for both field work and companionship, complemented by their intelligent expression and graceful movement.
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: French Spaniels are less energetic than Pharaoh Hounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: French Spaniels require less grooming attention compared to Pharaoh Hounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, French Spaniels 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: French Spaniels adapt better to apartment living, while Pharaoh Hounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the French Spaniel and Pharaoh Hound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | French Spaniel | Pharaoh Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | French Spaniel | Pharaoh Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-24 inches 55-61 cm | 21-25 inches 53-64 cm |
| Weight | 50-60 lbs 23-27 kg | 45-55 lbs 20-25 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Unknown | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | French Spaniel | Pharaoh Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Gentle, Sociable, Intelligent | Friendly, Smart, Noble |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | French Spaniel | Pharaoh Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
French Spaniel Temperament
The French Spaniel is known for being gentle, sociable, intelligent, 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 French Spaniel 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
French Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
Pharaoh Hound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
French Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
Pharaoh Hound
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
French Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Pharaoh Hound
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
French Spaniel
Rating: 1/5
Pharaoh Hound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
French Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Pharaoh Hound
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
French Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
French Spaniels 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, French Spaniels 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
French Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Bloat
- Epilepsy
Pharaoh Hound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Allergies
- Eye Problems
- Cardiac Issues
- Thyroid Problems
Pros & Cons
French Spaniel
Pros
- Excellent hunting companion
- Good with families
- Intelligent
- Gentle temperament
Cons
- Needs extensive exercise
- Regular grooming required
- Can be stubborn
- Not suited for apartment living
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 French Spaniel and Pharaoh Hound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.