PuppyBase

Chihuahua 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.

Perfect Puppy Quiz · 5 questions · 90 seconds

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.

The bottom line

Chihuahua vs Pharaoh Hound

People compare Chihuahuas and Pharaoh Hounds because both have ancient roots and regal bearing, but that’s where the similarity ends. One fits in your purse, the other looks like it stepped off an Egyptian tomb carving and started sprinting. Choosing between them isn’t about history. it’s about lifestyle compatibility down to the bone. The Chihuahua is a pocket-sized firecracker. At six pounds, it’s built for apartment life, thriving on lap time and your undivided attention. It’s sassy, alert, and will bark at the toaster if it thinks it’s a threat. If you live in the city, work from home, or are retired and want a constant shadow, this little guy delivers. But don’t be fooled by the cuteness. this isn’t the dog for families with toddlers. They’re fragile, prone to hypoglycemia, and can be snappy around clumsy hands. They also hate the cold, so if you're in a snowy area, you’ll be dressing them like a fashion icon. every single day. The Pharaoh Hound? That’s a whole different animal. At 50 pounds with rocket-powered legs, it was bred to chase rabbits across rocky Maltese hills. They’re affectionate, but not clingy. They’ll greet you like you’ve been gone for years, then go back to scanning the horizon for squirrels. They need space, exercise, and mental challenges. And they’re escape artists. fences must be high, and recall training is non-negotiable. They’re healthier in warmer climates, both physically and temperamentally. Here’s the real talk: the Chihuahua bonds with one person and rides that loyalty hard. The Pharaoh Hound loves the whole family but won’t panic if you leave the room. If you want a personal attendant, go small. If you want a noble, athletic partner who still curls up at your feet, go for the Pharaoh. Your life, not your Instagram feed, should decide this.

Chihuahua
Pharaoh Hound
5–8 in
Height
21–25 in
3–6 lb
Weight
45–55 lb
14–16 yr
Lifespan
12–14 yr
$1.0–3.5k
Puppy price
$1.8–4.0k
#33
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.
Chihuahua Pharaoh Hound
Overlay

Where they diverge

Good with Young Children
Pharaoh Hound is better with kids (2-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
Shedding Level
Chihuahua sheds less (1-point difference)
Chihuahua
The verdict

Choose the Chihuahua if…

  • Apartment living
  • Singles and couples
  • Retirees
  • You value barking levelChihuahua scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Pharaoh Hound if…

  • Active families
  • Experienced sighthound owners
  • Warm climate dwellers
  • You value good with young childrenPharaoh Hound scores higher here.
Chihuahua Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Chihuahua 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

Other comparisons people run