PuppyBase

Pharaoh Hound vs Sussex Spaniel

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

Pharaoh Hound vs Sussex Spaniel

You’re not really comparing these two breeds unless you’ve spent time in both the Mediterranean sun and the damp English countryside, because that’s exactly what they were built for. The Pharaoh Hound isn’t just sleek and noble-looking, it’s a rocket with ears. bred to chase rabbits over rocky hills in Malta, all while turning bright red in the cheeks when excited. It’s that intense. They bond deeply, need mental puzzles and space to stretch out, and won’t do cold winters without a coat. If you’re into agility, lure coursing, or just want a dog that’s always with you in spirit, this could be it. But they’re not the kind of dog you let off-leash at the park unless perfectly trained. The Sussex Spaniel is its earthbound counterpart. low, sturdy, golden-coated, and built like a tank for pushing through thick underbrush. They’re calm for a sporting dog, happy to amble through the woods with a hunter or settle into suburban life with a family. They’re affectionate and patient, but slower to move and think than the Pharaoh Hound. Their bark is surprisingly loud, and their ears need regular checking, but they adapt better to smaller homes or variable climates. The real difference? Pace and purpose. The Pharaoh Hound thrives on speed and visual hunting; the Sussex on stamina and scent. If you’re active, experienced with sighthounds, and live warm, go Pharaoh. If you want a mellow, loyal companion who still has hunting grit but fits easier into daily family life, Sussex is your match. Here’s the thing no one says: the Pharaoh Hound looks regal, but it’s the Sussex that’s got the deep, resonant bark that can shake a room. unexpected from such a calm dog, and utterly unforgettable once you’ve heard it.

Pharaoh Hound
Sussex Spaniel
21–25 in
Height
13–15 in
45–55 lb
Weight
35–45 lb
12–14 yr
Lifespan
13–15 yr
$1.8–4.0k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.5k
#172
AKC popularity
#180

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 Sussex Spaniel
Overlay

Where they diverge

Good with Other Dogs
Pharaoh Hound is better with other dogs (2-point difference)
Pharaoh
Drooling Level
Pharaoh Hound drools less (2-point difference)
Pharaoh
Coat Grooming
Pharaoh Hound needs less grooming (1-point difference)
Pharaoh
Playfulness
Sussex Spaniel is more playful (1-point difference)
Sussex
Adaptability
Sussex Spaniel is more adaptable (1-point difference)
Sussex
The verdict

Choose the Pharaoh Hound if…

  • Active families
  • Experienced sighthound owners
  • Warm climate dwellers
  • You value good with other dogsPharaoh Hound scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Sussex Spaniel if…

  • Moderately active owners
  • Hunters in dense cover
  • Families with children
  • You value drooling levelSussex Spaniel 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
Sussex Spaniel Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Sussex Spaniel 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