Pharaoh Hound vs Redbone Coonhound
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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Pharaoh Hound vs Redbone Coonhound
People compare Pharaoh Hounds and Redbone Coonhounds because they look vaguely similar at a glance. sleek, red-coated, lean dogs with that classic hound silhouette. But spend five minutes with each and you’ll realize they’re built for entirely different worlds. The Pharaoh Hound is a Maltese rabbit hunter, all speed and precision, with a sprinter’s burst of energy and a quiet dignity that borders on aloof. The Redbone is a Southern U.S. treeing hound, bred to bay through the night, tracking raccoons for hours with relentless drive and a voice you can’t ignore. If you’re choosing between them, think about sound and space. The Redbone barks and bays. loudly, proudly, and often. You can’t leave one unattended in the backyard if you value your neighbors’ sanity. The Pharaoh Hound is quieter, more contained, but make no mistake: it’s a sighthound with a one-track mind. Let it off-leash in an open area without perfect recall and you’re not getting it back. Both need activity, but the Pharaoh thrives on fast, focused play. lure coursing, agility, sprints in a secure field. The Redbone wants long hikes, trails, and outdoor adventures where it can follow a scent for miles. Families with kids? Redbones win hands down. They’re patient, tuned-in, and gentle with older children. Pharaoh Hounds are affectionate but more reserved, less tolerant of chaos. And don’t be fooled by that glossy coat. neither sheds much, but the Pharaoh hates cold weather and needs a jacket below 50 degrees. Here’s the real talk: both are escape artists, but for different reasons. The Pharaoh bolts after movement; the Redbone follows a scent trail like it’s its life’s mission. Neither is truly off-leash reliable. If you want a dog that comes when called in the wild, look elsewhere. But if you want passion, loyalty, and a hound with soulful eyes that somehow still makes you laugh. these two deliver, in very different dialects.
Trait-by-trait
Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.Where they diverge
Choose the Pharaoh Hound if…
- Active families
- Experienced sighthound owners
- Warm climate dwellers
- You value trainability — Pharaoh Hound scores noticeably higher.
Choose the Redbone Coonhound if…
- Active outdoor owners
- Hunters and tracking enthusiasts
- Rural or suburban households
- You value good with young children — Redbone Coonhound scores higher here.

