Pharaoh Hound vs Skye Terrier
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
Skye Terrier
Terrier Group
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.
Skye Terrier Overview
Skye Terriers possess a distinctive long, low-set body draped in a flowing double coat that gracefully sweeps the ground. Their elegant silhouette features a proud head carriage, expressive eyes, and characteristically large, upright ears. Known for their dignified bearing and regal appearance, these terriers combine strength with refinement, displaying the perfect balance of robustness and elegance in their movement.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Pharaoh Hounds are more energetic than Skye Terriers, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Pharaoh Hounds require less grooming attention compared to Skye Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Pharaoh Hounds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Skye Terriers.
- Trainability: Skye Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Skye Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Skye Terriers 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 Skye Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Pharaoh Hound | Skye Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Pharaoh Hound | Skye Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 21-25 inches 53-64 cm | 10-10 inches 24-25 cm |
| Weight | 45-55 lbs 20-25 kg | 35-45 lbs 16-20 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Pharaoh Hound | Skye Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Smart, Noble | Courageous, Good-Tempered, Canny |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Pharaoh Hound | Skye Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Skye Terrier Temperament
The Skye Terrier is characterized by being courageous, good-tempered, canny, 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 moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Pharaoh Hound and Skye Terrier, 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
Skye Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Pharaoh Hound
Rating: 5/5
Skye Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Pharaoh Hound
Rating: 4/5
Skye Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Pharaoh Hound
Rating: 2/5
Skye Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Pharaoh Hound
Rating: 3/5
Skye Terrier
Rating: 5/5
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.
Skye Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Skye Terriers need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Skye Terriers require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Pharaoh Hound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Allergies
- Eye Problems
- Cardiac Issues
- Thyroid Problems
Skye Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Renal Dysplasia
- Mammary Cancer
- Autoimmune Issues
- Premature Closure
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
Skye Terrier
Pros
- Loyal and devoted to family
- Good watchdog capabilities
- Adaptable to different living spaces
- Low exercise requirements
Cons
- Requires extensive grooming
- Can be stubborn during training
- Reserved with strangers
- Moderate shedding
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Pharaoh Hound and Skye Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.