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Drever 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

Drever vs Pharaoh Hound

You’re probably comparing a Drever and a Pharaoh Hound because both are rare hounds with big personalities and a hunter’s instinct. but that’s where the trail splits. One was built for the snow-choked forests of Sweden, the other for the sunbaked cliffs of Malta. They’re both loud in their own ways, yes, but the kind of noise they make. and when. matters. The Drever is your cold-weather workhorse. At 12 to 15 inches tall, it’s built low and tough, like a Nordic snowmobile with ears. It’s not flashy, but it’s relentless. If you’re hiking in upstate New York or raising kids who need a dog that’ll play hard in the mud and come back for more, this is your guy. It’s eager to please, scores high on trainability, and bonds tightly with families. But don’t try keeping it in an apartment or behind a short fence. This dog will follow a deer scent through your neighbor’s yard without a second thought. And yes, it’ll bark. often and loud. because that’s how it worked in the woods. The Pharaoh Hound? Think ancient statue come to life. Slender, elegant, with eyes that look like they’ve seen the future. It’s affectionate in a regal way, like it’s choosing to love you. Great for active owners who enjoy dog sports and don’t mind a bit of independent thinking. But here’s the real talk: despite its short coat, this dog runs hot. literally. In colder climates, you’ll be buying sweaters, and even then, it won’t love winter. And while it’s less barky, it’s more likely to bolt if a rabbit darts across the field. Not out of disobedience. just instinct. Pick the Drever if you want a trainable, family-friendly scent hound built for endurance. Choose the Pharaoh Hound if you’re experienced with sighthounds and live where the sun shines. And remember. both will outsmart you if you’re not paying attention. Hounds don’t work for free. You’ll need to earn it.

Drever
Pharaoh Hound
12–15 in
Height
21–25 in
35–40 lb
Weight
45–55 lb
15–15 yr
Lifespan
12–14 yr
$1.0–2.5k
Puppy price
$1.8–4.0k
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.
Drever Pharaoh Hound
Overlay

Where they diverge

Good with Young Children
Drever is better with kids (2-point difference)
Drever
Affectionate w/ Family
Pharaoh Hound is more affectionate (1-point difference)
Pharaoh
Coat Grooming
Drever needs less grooming (1-point difference)
Drever
Drooling Level
Pharaoh Hound drools less (1-point difference)
Pharaoh
Good with Strangers
Drever is friendlier with strangers (1-point difference)
Drever
The verdict

Choose the Drever if…

  • hunters
  • active families in cold climates
  • outdoor adventurers
  • You value good with young childrenDrever scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Pharaoh Hound if…

  • Active families
  • Experienced sighthound owners
  • Warm climate dwellers
  • You value affectionate w/ familyPharaoh Hound scores higher here.
Drever Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Drever 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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