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Pharaoh Hound vs Plott 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

Pharaoh Hound vs Plott Hound

People often compare the Pharaoh Hound and Plott Hound because they’re both lean, athletic hounds with a wild look and a hunting past, but that’s where the similarity ends. You’re not just choosing between two dog types. you’re picking between a desert poet and a mountain tactician. The Pharaoh Hound is a sprinter with ancient roots, bred to chase rabbits in the Maltese heat. He’s affectionate to a fault, will smile at you with that famous pink tongue, and bond deeply with one or two people. But he’s not always listening. Sighthound in body and soul, he’ll bolt after movement before you can shout his name. You need a fenced yard, dog sports to channel his brain and body, and patience with his stubborn streak. He hates cold weather and won’t wear a sweater without protest. The Plott Hound, descended from German stock but forged in the Appalachians, was built to track bear and boar. He’s tougher, more resilient, and thrives in rugged outdoor life. His bark is louder and more frequent. a tool, not a nuisance, when you’re miles in the woods. He’s loyal to his family and surprisingly sweet with kids, but he needs consistent training and early socialization to keep his strong will in check. Unlike the Pharaoh, he adapts better to variable climates and living situations, as long as he’s working or hiking daily. Here’s the real difference: the Pharaoh Hound wants to impress you but might ignore you. The Plott Hound respects you. and expects you to lead. If you hunt or live remotely and want a fearless partner, go Plott. If you want a dramatic, affectionate athlete for dog agility and sunrise jogs in warm weather, the Pharaoh might be your match. Just don’t expect either to come when called in an open field. That’s not failure. That’s just what happens when you live with hunters.

Pharaoh Hound
Plott Hound
21–25 in
Height
20–25 in
45–55 lb
Weight
40–60 lb
12–14 yr
Lifespan
12–14 yr
$1.8–4.0k
Puppy price
$0.8–2.0k
#172
AKC popularity
#171

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.
Pharaoh Hound Plott Hound
Overlay

Where they diverge

Shedding Level
Plott Hound sheds less (1-point difference)
Plott
Coat Grooming
Plott Hound needs less grooming (1-point difference)
Plott
Drooling Level
Pharaoh Hound drools less (1-point difference)
Pharaoh
Good with Strangers
Plott Hound is friendlier with strangers (1-point difference)
Plott
Watchdog / Protective
Plott Hound is more protective (1-point difference)
Plott
The verdict

Choose the Pharaoh Hound if…

  • Active families
  • Experienced sighthound owners
  • Warm climate dwellers
  • You value shedding levelPharaoh Hound scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Plott Hound if…

  • Hunters
  • Active outdoor owners
  • Rural settings
  • You value drooling levelPlott Hound scores higher here.
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
Plott Hound Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Plott 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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