Pharaoh Hound Colors & Coat Guide

All recognized Pharaoh Hound colors, coat types, genetics, and how color can impact pricing and health.

Pharaoh Hound Colors Overview

The Pharaoh Hound comes in several recognized coat colors. Only comes in shades of tan to chestnut with white markings; a white tail tip is strongly desired as it was traditionally used to spot the dog at night..

Coat color is determined by genetics, with some colors being dominant and others recessive. Understanding color genetics can help predict puppy colors and identify responsible breeding practices.

Recognized Colors

Rich Tan Standard
Chestnut Standard
Tan Standard

Color & Price Impact

Standard colorsNormal pricing ($1500–$3000)
Rare/unusual colorsPremium pricing (+$900–$1500)

Coat Genetics

Pharaoh Hound coat color is controlled by several genes that determine pigment production and distribution. The primary genes include the E (extension) locus, A (agouti) locus, K (dominant black) locus, and B (brown) locus.

DNA color testing is available and can help breeders predict puppy colors and identify carriers of recessive genes. Only comes in shades of tan to chestnut with white markings; a white tail tip is strongly desired as it was traditionally used to spot the dog at night..

Rare vs Standard Colors

Among Pharaoh Hounds, the standard colors (Rich Tan, Chestnut, Tan) are most common. With 3 recognized colors, variety exists even within the standard palette. Buyers should be cautious—extremely rare colors can sometimes be associated with health issues or may indicate crossbreeding.

Only comes in shades of tan to chestnut with white markings; a white tail tip is strongly desired as it was traditionally used to spot the dog at night..

Do Pharaoh Hound Colors Change with Age?

Many Pharaoh Hound puppies experience some degree of color change as they mature. Puppies may be born darker or lighter than their adult coat. Standard colors (Rich Tan, Chestnut, Tan) typically stabilize as the puppy coat transitions to the adult coat between 4 and 12 months of age.

Controversial Colors

Be cautious of Pharaoh Hound breeders who promote non-standard colors at prices above the typical $1500–$3000 range. These 'rare' colors may not be recognized by kennel clubs and can occasionally carry genetic health risks. A responsible Pharaoh Hound breeder from the Hound group focuses on health testing for Anesthesia Sensitivity and temperament first.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Pharaoh Hound comes in Rich Tan, Chestnut, Tan. Only comes in shades of tan to chestnut with white markings; a white tail tip is strongly desired as it was traditionally used to spot the dog at night..
Rarity depends on genetics. Non-standard colors may be less common but should not be prioritized over health and temperament. Only comes in shades of tan to chestnut with white markings; a white tail tip is strongly desired as it was traditionally used to spot the dog at night..
As a Pharaoh Hound puppy matures from puppyhood to adulthood (4–12 months), coat color can shift. Only comes in shades of tan to chestnut with white markings; a white tail tip is strongly desired as it was traditionally used to spot the dog at night.. Since the Pharaoh Hound comes in 3 recognized color varieties, the extent of change depends on the specific color genetics involved.
For the Pharaoh Hound, standard colors have no known health associations. Some non-standard colors in certain breeds can be linked to deafness, eye problems, or skin sensitivity. Only comes in shades of tan to chestnut with white markings; a white tail tip is strongly desired as it was traditionally used to spot the dog at night..
Among Pharaoh Hounds, the most commonly seen colors are Rich Tan, Chestnut, Tan. The breed has a relatively limited color palette. Only comes in shades of tan to chestnut with white markings; a white tail tip is strongly desired as it was traditionally used to spot the dog at night..