Wirehaired Vizsla 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.
Wirehaired Vizsla
Sporting Group
Pharaoh Hound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Wirehaired Vizsla Overview
Wirehaired Vizslas possess a distinctive rough coat that protects them during hunting activities. Their muscular build and amber-colored eyes reflect their sporting heritage, while their wire-textured coat ranges from sandy to russet gold. Standing proudly with an athletic frame, these dogs combine strength with elegance, featuring a noble head carriage and alert expression.
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: Wirehaired Vizslas are less energetic than Pharaoh Hounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Wirehaired Vizslas require less grooming attention compared to Pharaoh Hounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Wirehaired Vizslas 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 Wirehaired Vizslas typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Wirehaired Vizsla and Pharaoh Hound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Wirehaired Vizsla | Pharaoh Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Hungary | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Wirehaired Vizsla | Pharaoh Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-25 inches 55-64 cm | 21-25 inches 53-64 cm |
| Weight | 45-65 lbs 20-29 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 | Wirehaired Vizsla | Pharaoh Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Gentle, Loyal, Trainable | Friendly, Smart, Noble |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Wirehaired Vizsla | Pharaoh Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Wirehaired Vizsla Temperament
The Wirehaired Vizsla is known for being gentle, loyal, trainable, 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 Wirehaired Vizsla 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
Wirehaired Vizsla
Rating: 5/5
Pharaoh Hound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Wirehaired Vizsla
Rating: 3/5
Pharaoh Hound
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Wirehaired Vizsla
Rating: 4/5
Pharaoh Hound
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Wirehaired Vizsla
Rating: 2/5
Pharaoh Hound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Wirehaired Vizsla
Rating: 2/5
Pharaoh Hound
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Wirehaired Vizsla Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Wirehaired Vizslas 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, Wirehaired Vizslas 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
Wirehaired Vizsla Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Thyroid Issues
- Von Willebrand's
- Epilepsy
Pharaoh Hound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Allergies
- Eye Problems
- Cardiac Issues
- Thyroid Problems
Pros & Cons
Wirehaired Vizsla
Pros
- Excellent hunting companion
- Loyal family dog
- Good with children
- Highly trainable
- Athletic and versatile
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Regular grooming required
- Can be stubborn
- Needs constant companionship
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 Wirehaired Vizsla and Pharaoh Hound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.