Pharaoh Hound vs German Shepherd
Discover the differences between Pharaoh Hound and German Shepherd to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Pharaoh Hound
Elegant, athletic, and affectionate, the Pharaoh Hound thrives on companionship and active play. Known for keen intelligence and a striking reddish-gold coat, this breed enjoys family life.
German Shepherd
Confident, loyal, and highly intelligent, this breed thrives as both a devoted family companion and a reliable working partner. Always alert and eager to learn, it adapts to many roles with ease.
Quick comparison
Medium
20–25 kg
Short, fine
12–14 years
18–23 kg
High energy
Large
30–40 kg
Double coat, dense undercoat
9–13 years
22–32 kg
High energy
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
Pharaoh Hound
Affectionate with family and familiar people
Learns quickly but can be independent-minded
Highly energetic and needs regular exercise
Enjoys games and interactive activities
May struggle with sudden changes in routine
German Shepherd
Warm with family, reserved with strangers
Quick learner, highly trainable and alert
Needs regular activity and vigorous exercise
Enjoys games, interactive and engaging
Adjusts well to new situations and environments
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Pharaoh Hound
Patellar luxation, allergies
German Shepherd
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Pharaoh Hound
Challenging for novices
Needs experienced handling and consistent training
Not ideal
Needs space and frequent exercise, may become restless in small apartments
Excellent match
Thrives in homes with plenty of activity and outdoor opportunities
Supervised recommended
Can be gentle but may be too energetic for very young children
Cautious introduction
Prey drive can make living with small animals difficult
Not recommended
Dislikes being left alone and can develop separation anxiety
German Shepherd
Challenging for beginners
Needs experienced, consistent training and socialization
Not ideal
Needs space and frequent exercise to prevent boredom
Perfect fit
Thrives with active owners who can provide daily physical and mental challenges
Highly suitable
Loyal and protective, can be gentle and patient with proper socialization
Usually compatible
Can get along with other pets if raised together and well socialized
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for long periods and may develop behavioral issues
Breed strengths
What each breed excels at and their best qualities
Pharaoh Hound
- Athletic and agile runner
- Loyal and affectionate with family
- Minimal doggy odor and clean coat
- Generally healthy with few genetic issues
- Highly alert and intelligent
German Shepherd
- Highly intelligent and quick to learn tasks
- Strong loyalty to family members
- Excellent working and service dog abilities
- Protective instincts make them good guardians
- Adaptable to various training activities
Challenges & considerations
Potential challenges and considerations for each breed
Pharaoh Hound
- Prone to chasing small animals outdoors
- Sensitive to cold and temperature changes
- Can be independent and stubborn
- Needs significant daily exercise
- Tends to be reserved with strangers
German Shepherd
- Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia
- High exercise needs require daily activity
- Can develop separation anxiety if left alone
- May be wary of strangers without socialization
- Heavy seasonal shedding requires frequent grooming
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