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Pharaoh Hound vs Transylvanian 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 Transylvanian Hound

People compare Pharaoh Hounds and Transylvanian Hounds because both are rare, ancient-looking hunting dogs with an elegant, athletic build and a loyal temperament. But that’s where the similarity ends. If you’re torn between them, you’re really asking: do you want a sleek, sun-loving companion with sighthound drama, or a rugged, determined worker built for tough terrain and big game? The Pharaoh Hound is like that fit, expressive friend who thrives in warm weather and craves connection. He’s affectionate to a fault. ranked 5/5. and will follow you from room to room, ears turning red when excited. He’s smart and trainable, great for dog sports, but his sighthound instincts run deep. If a rabbit darts across the field, he’ll bolt. He’s not ideal off-leash in open areas, and he struggles in cold climates without a coat. Families with kids? Possible, but supervision is key. he’s not the most kid-tolerant at 3/5. The Transylvanian Hound, on the other hand, was bred to track boar and bear through mountain forests. He’s tougher, louder (barking 4/5), and built for endurance. He’s excellent with kids, scores 5/5 there, and while he’s affectionate, he’s less clingy. He needs serious daily exercise and mental challenges. this isn’t a dog you can tire out with a walk around the block. Apartment living? Forget it. But in a rural or suburban home with space and purpose, he’s a loyal, courageous partner. Here’s the real insight: the Pharaoh Hound bonds with one person deeply; the Transylvanian Hound commits to the whole family. If you want a shadow, go Pharaoh. If you want a team player for an active outdoor life, choose Transylvanian.

Pharaoh Hound
Transylvanian Hound
21–25 in
Height
22–26 in
45–55 lb
Weight
45–55 lb
12–14 yr
Lifespan
10–14 yr
$1.8–4.0k
Puppy price
$1.2–3.0k
#172
AKC popularity

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 Transylvanian Hound
Overlay

Where they diverge

Good with Young Children
Transylvanian Hound is better with kids (2-point difference)
Transylvanian
Drooling Level
Pharaoh Hound drools less (2-point difference)
Pharaoh
Playfulness
Transylvanian Hound is more playful (2-point difference)
Transylvanian
Watchdog / Protective
Transylvanian Hound is more protective (2-point difference)
Transylvanian
Affectionate w/ Family
Pharaoh Hound is more affectionate (1-point difference)
Pharaoh
The verdict

Choose the Pharaoh Hound if…

  • Active families
  • Experienced sighthound owners
  • Warm climate dwellers
  • You value affectionate w/ familyPharaoh Hound scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Transylvanian Hound if…

  • Active families
  • Experienced dog owners
  • Rural or suburban living
  • You value good with young childrenTransylvanian 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
Transylvanian Hound Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Transylvanian 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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