Pharaoh Hound vs Belgian Laekenois
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Pharaoh Hound
Hound Group
Belgian Laekenois
Miscellaneous Class
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
Belgian Laekenois Overview
Belgian Laekenois dogs showcase a distinctive rough-coated appearance with a tousled, wiry coat that gives them a rugged charm. Their muscular, well-proportioned frame combines elegance with power, standing 22-26 inches at the shoulder. Alert expression and proud carriage reflect their heritage as vigilant herding dogs, while their intelligent eyes and upright ears demonstrate constant awareness of their surroundings.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Pharaoh Hounds are less energetic than Belgian Laekenoiss, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Pharaoh Hounds require less grooming attention compared to Belgian Laekenoiss.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Pharaoh Hounds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Belgian Laekenoiss.
- Trainability: Pharaoh Hounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Pharaoh Hound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Belgian Laekenoiss 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 Pharaoh Hound and Belgian Laekenois, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Pharaoh Hound | Belgian Laekenois |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Miscellaneous Class |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Pharaoh Hound | Belgian Laekenois |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 21-25 inches 53-64 cm | 22-26 inches 56-66 cm |
| Weight | 45-55 lbs 20-25 kg | 55-65 lbs 25-29 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Regularly |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Pharaoh Hound | Belgian Laekenois |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Smart, Noble | Affectionate, Alert, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Pharaoh Hound | Belgian Laekenois |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Pharaoh Hound Temperament
The Pharaoh Hound is known for being friendly, smart, noble, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Belgian Laekenois Temperament
The Belgian Laekenois is characterized by being affectionate, alert, intelligent, 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 Pharaoh Hound and Belgian Laekenois, 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
Pharaoh Hound
Rating: 3/5
Belgian Laekenois
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Pharaoh Hound
Rating: 5/5
Belgian Laekenois
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Pharaoh Hound
Rating: 4/5
Belgian Laekenois
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Pharaoh Hound
Rating: 2/5
Belgian Laekenois
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Pharaoh Hound
Rating: 3/5
Belgian Laekenois
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Pharaoh Hound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Pharaoh Hounds 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, Pharaoh Hounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Belgian Laekenois Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Belgian Laekenoiss 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, Belgian Laekenoiss require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Pharaoh Hound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Allergies
- Eye Problems
- Cardiac Issues
- Thyroid Problems
Belgian Laekenois Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Thyroid Issues
- Epilepsy
- Allergies
Pros & Cons
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
Belgian Laekenois
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent watchdog
- Devoted to family
- Athletic and agile
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Strong herding instinct
- Requires experienced owner
- Regular grooming needed
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Pharaoh Hound and Belgian Laekenois, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.