Harrier 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.
Harrier
Hound Group
Pharaoh Hound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Harrier Overview
Harriers are medium-sized hounds with a muscular build and classic hunting dog appearance. Their short, dense coat comes in a variety of colors including tricolor and red and white. Distinguished by their long, dropped ears, broad muzzle, and powerful legs, Harriers possess remarkable stamina and agility. Their friendly expression and well-proportioned frame reflect their dual heritage as both pack hunters and family companions.
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: Harriers are more energetic than Pharaoh Hounds, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Harriers require less grooming attention compared to Pharaoh Hounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Harriers 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 Harriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Harrier and Pharaoh Hound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Harrier | Pharaoh Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Harrier | Pharaoh Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 19-21 inches 48-53 cm | 21-25 inches 53-64 cm |
| Weight | 45-60 lbs 20-27 kg | 45-55 lbs 20-25 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Harrier | Pharaoh Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Outgoing, People-Oriented | Friendly, Smart, Noble |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Harrier | Pharaoh Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Harrier Temperament
The Harrier is known for being friendly, outgoing, people-oriented, 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. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
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 Harrier 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
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
Pharaoh Hound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
Pharaoh Hound
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
Pharaoh Hound
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Harrier
Rating: 2/5
Pharaoh Hound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Harrier
Rating: 3/5
Pharaoh Hound
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Harrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Harriers require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Harriers 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
Harrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Bloat
Pharaoh Hound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Allergies
- Eye Problems
- Cardiac Issues
- Thyroid Problems
Pros & Cons
Harrier
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Athletic and energetic
- Social and friendly
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise requirements
- Strong hunting instincts
- Can be vocal
- Needs secure fencing
- Not apartment suitable
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 Harrier and Pharaoh Hound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.