Bluetick Coonhound 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.
Not sure which breed fits your life?
Answer five questions about your home, your schedule, and your tolerance for shedding. We’ll match you to your top three breeds from over 200.
Bluetick Coonhound vs Pharaoh Hound
You’re probably comparing a Bluetick Coonhound and a Pharaoh Hound because both are striking hounds with lean builds and high energy, but that’s where the similarities fade. One’s a Southern bay dog built for tracking through swamps, the other’s a desert sprinter with ancient roots and a smile that lights up a room. If you want a dog that bonds deeply and shows off a quirky, almost catlike affection, the Pharaoh Hound wins hands down. These dogs aren’t just smart, they’re emotionally intuitive, leaning into you when you’re sad and grinning with their whole body when happy. But they’re escape artists with a rabbit fixation. your backyard fence better be six feet and buried. The Bluetick? This dog lives to hunt. You’ll get devotion and smarts, yes, but wrapped in relentless drive and a voice that carries for miles. They’re not lap dogs, even if they sometimes think they are. Their baying isn’t occasional. it’s part of their job description. If you’re on 10 acres and love hunting or long trail hikes, they’re brilliant companions. But in a suburban yard? You’ll annoy neighbors and exhaust yourself. The real difference isn’t just energy or noise. It’s purpose. The Pharaoh Hound works by sight and speed, reacting in flashes. The Bluetick works by scent and stamina, locking in for hours. That shapes everything. how they train, how they focus, how they live with you. One thing the data won’t tell you: Blueticks can be stubbornly independent in training despite their intelligence, while Pharaohs are eager but easily distracted. Both need patient, consistent handlers, but for different reasons. If you want a partner in adventure who’ll curl up like a purring cat afterward, go Pharaoh. If you want a tough, tireless tracker with a deep bay and a loyal streak, the Bluetick’s your hound.
Trait-by-trait
Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.Where they diverge
Choose the Bluetick Coonhound if…
- Active people
- Hunters
- Rural homes
- You value drooling level — Bluetick Coonhound scores noticeably higher.
Choose the Pharaoh Hound if…
- Active families
- Experienced sighthound owners
- Warm climate dwellers
- You value affectionate w/ family — Pharaoh Hound scores higher here.

