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Pharaoh Hound vs Golden Retriever

Discover the differences between Pharaoh Hound and Golden Retriever to make the best choice for your situation.

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Pharaoh Hound
Malta

Pharaoh Hound

Hound Group
Medium

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.

Golden Retriever
Scotland

Golden Retriever

Sporting Group
Large

A loving, intelligent breed with an easygoing nature and playful spirit. Known for loyalty and adaptability, making them exceptional companions for families of all kinds.

Quick comparison

Size:

Medium

Male:

20–25 kg

Coat:

Short, fine

Lifespan:

12–14 years

Female:

18–23 kg

Energy:

High energy

Size:

Large

Male:

29–34 kg

Coat:

Double coat, water-repellent

Lifespan:

10–12 years

Female:

25–29 kg

Energy:

High energy

Personality & behavior

Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.

Pharaoh Hound

Friendliness
4/5

Affectionate with family and familiar people

Intelligence
4/5

Learns quickly but can be independent-minded

Energy Level
5/5

Highly energetic and needs regular exercise

Playfulness
4/5

Enjoys games and interactive activities

Adaptability
3/5

May struggle with sudden changes in routine

Golden Retriever

Friendliness
5/5

Very sociable, enjoys people and other dogs

Intelligence
5/5

Quick to learn commands and routines

Energy Level
4/5

Needs regular activity and mental stimulation

Playfulness
5/5

Loves games and interactive activities

Adaptability
4/5

Adjusts well to various living environments

Care needs

Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements

Pharaoh Hound

Grooming:
Minimal grooming needed (weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Light shedding
Trainability:
Learns with consistency
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in warm climates
Health concerns:

Patellar luxation, allergies

Golden Retriever

Grooming:
Average grooming needed (2–3 times weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Heavy shedding
Trainability:
Highly trainable
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in temperate climates, tolerates cold well
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia

Suitability

How well each breed fits different living situations and families

Pharaoh Hound

First-time Owner
2/5

Challenging for novices

Needs experienced handling and consistent training

Apartment Living
2/5

Not ideal

Needs space and frequent exercise, may become restless in small apartments

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Excellent match

Thrives in homes with plenty of activity and outdoor opportunities

Kids
3/5

Supervised recommended

Can be gentle but may be too energetic for very young children

Multiple Pets
2/5

Cautious introduction

Prey drive can make living with small animals difficult

Being Left Alone
1/5

Not recommended

Dislikes being left alone and can develop separation anxiety

Golden Retriever

First-time Owner
5/5

Great choice

Friendly, trainable nature makes them easy for new owners to manage

Apartment Living
2/5

Needs space

Large size and high energy can be challenging in small apartments

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Highly suitable

Enjoys regular exercise and outdoor activities with active people

Kids
5/5

Perfect fit

Gentle temperament and patience make them excellent with young children

Multiple Pets
5/5

Very friendly

Generally sociable and gets along well with other pets

Being Left Alone
2/5

Prone to anxiety

Dislikes being left alone for extended periods and may develop separation 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

Golden Retriever

  • Friendly with children and other pets
  • Highly trainable and eager to please
  • Consistent, gentle temperament in most settings
  • Reliable as therapy and assistance dogs
  • Strong retrieving and swimming abilities

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

Golden Retriever

  • Prone to obesity without portion control
  • High shedding year-round requires regular grooming
  • Needs ample daily exercise to prevent boredom
  • Can develop separation anxiety when left alone
  • Susceptible to certain genetic health conditions

Ready to choose your perfect breed?

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