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Bloodhound vs Pharaoh Hound

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

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The bottom line

Bloodhound vs Pharaoh Hound

You’re not really comparing these two breeds unless you’ve already got a long fence and a healthy respect for a dog’s obsession. People line them up because both are hounds with deep histories and serious jobs, but that’s where the story splits. The Bloodhound is your nose-to-the-ground detective, built for trailing a scent over miles with single-minded focus. The Pharaoh Hound? That’s the elegant sprinter from Malta, all lean muscle and pricked ears, chasing rabbits at dusk like it’s 1000 BC. If you want a dog that will track a missing person through the woods, the Bloodhound’s your partner. But be ready: this 100-pound droopy-eared companion barks like a foghorn, slobbers on your laptop, and won’t come when called if a squirrel’s trail goes cold. They’re sweet and affectionate, but not exactly nimble in a small yard or apartment. And yes, those ears need weekly cleaning. ear infections are no joke. The Pharaoh Hound is lighter, quieter, and somehow always looks regal, even mid-sprint. They bond fiercely with their people and will actually smile when happy. seriously, their lips curl up. But they’re not for novice owners who expect recall on the first try. Sighthounds have a switch, and once it flips, they’re gone. And while they handle heat well, you’ll need a sweater for them in winter. Here’s the real talk: Bloodhounds need a job or they’ll invent one, like howling at 3 a.m. Pharaoh Hounds need emotional connection. they’ll follow you from room to room like a velvety shadow. Pick the Bloodhound if you want a working partner with heart. Pick the Pharaoh Hound if you want a noble, agile companion who feels like a living artifact. Just don’t expect either to ignore a scent. That’s not in the job description.

Bloodhound
Pharaoh Hound
23–27 in
Height
21–25 in
80–110 lb
Weight
45–55 lb
10–12 yr
Lifespan
12–14 yr
$1.0–2.5k
Puppy price
$1.8–4.0k
#49
AKC popularity
#172

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
Bloodhound Pharaoh Hound
Overlay

Where they diverge

Drooling Level
Pharaoh Hound drools less (4-point difference)
Pharaoh
Good with Other Dogs
Pharaoh Hound is better with other dogs (2-point difference)
Pharaoh
Barking Level
Pharaoh Hound barks less (2-point difference)
Pharaoh
Affectionate w/ Family
Pharaoh Hound is more affectionate (1-point difference)
Pharaoh
Watchdog / Protective
Pharaoh Hound is more protective (1-point difference)
Pharaoh
The verdict

Choose the Bloodhound if…

  • Active people
  • Rural homes
  • Hunters
  • You value drooling levelBloodhound scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Pharaoh Hound if…

  • Active families
  • Experienced sighthound owners
  • Warm climate dwellers
  • You value good with other dogsPharaoh Hound scores higher here.
Bloodhound Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Bloodhound home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Pharaoh Hound Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Pharaoh Hound home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

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