
The Pharaoh Hound's blushing habit is a unique and fascinating trait that sets it apart from other breeds. The Pharaoh Hound's blushing is a result of its genetic makeup, specifically the production of a pigment called phaeomelanin, which is responsible for the red coloration of its coat.
Pharaoh Hounds typically blush when they are excited or eager to please, often accompanied by a raised tail and a soft, relaxed expression. This physical response is an inherited trait that can be observed in Pharaoh Hounds from an early age.
The blushing of a Pharaoh Hound is not a sign of nervousness or anxiety, but rather a natural expression of its friendly and outgoing personality.
What is Pharaoh Hound Blushing?
Pharaoh Hound blushing is a unique characteristic of this breed. They can blush when excited or pleased, which is a result of their bloodhound ancestry.
Their blushing is caused by the dilation of blood vessels near the surface of their skin. This is a natural response to emotional stimuli.
You might notice their ears and chest turn a deep red color when they're feeling happy or enthusiastic. This is a clear sign of their blushing.
This blushing is not a sign of anxiety or stress, but rather a sign of joy and contentment.
Why Do Pharaoh Hounds Blush?

Pharaoh Hounds blush due to their unique coat coloration, which is caused by a lack of the pigment pheomelanin, resulting in a red or tan color.
Their skin is actually a deeper red than their coat, which can make it appear as though they're blushing when they get excited or anxious.
This phenomenon is often accompanied by a raised skin temperature, making it look even more like a blush.
What Causes Pharaoh Hound Blushing
Pharaoh Hound blushing is a unique characteristic of this breed. Their blushing is caused by the relaxation of the blood vessels close to the surface of their skin.
As they get excited or anxious, their heart rate increases, leading to a surge in blood flow to the skin. This increased blood flow causes the skin to become flushed, resulting in the characteristic blushing of Pharaoh Hounds.
Their blushing is often accompanied by a slight increase in body temperature. This is because the increased blood flow to the skin causes the body to release more heat.
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Pharaoh Hounds often blush when they're excited or eager to please. This is because their blushing is a sign of their enthusiasm and affection.
Their blushing can also be triggered by changes in their environment or social situations. For example, they may blush when meeting new people or in new surroundings.
How to Recognize Pharaoh Hound Blushing
Pharaoh Hounds blush due to a unique trait called "blushing", which is characterized by a sudden change in their coat color, typically from a brownish-red to a lighter, pinkish hue.
This blushing is usually triggered by excitement, happiness, or playfulness.
As Pharaoh Hounds age, their blushing becomes less frequent, and may even disappear altogether.
A Pharaoh Hound's blushing is often accompanied by a relaxed, open-mouthed expression.
Their blushing is most noticeable when they're feeling happy and carefree, such as during playtime or when receiving treats.
In fact, Pharaoh Hounds are known to blush more frequently in the summer months when they're more likely to be active and playful.
Emotional Expression and Social Bonding

Pharaoh Hounds blush for a reason, and it's not just because they're feeling a little embarrassed. They're actually expressing their emotions, which is a vital part of social bonding.
Their blushing is a sign of excitement and enthusiasm, which is a natural response to new experiences and interactions with their human family. This emotional expression helps them build stronger connections with their pack.
Their blushing is also a way of communicating with their human family, conveying their emotions and needs. For example, a Pharaoh Hound that's feeling anxious or stressed may blush to signal to their owner that they need some extra attention or comfort.
Their facial structure, with its thin skin and prominent blood vessels, makes their blushing more visible than other breeds. This visible expression of emotions helps them bond with their humans on a deeper level.
Their blushing is a natural response to social interactions, and it's a key part of their social bonding process.
Similarities with Human Blushing

Pharaoh Hounds do blush, and it's not just a cute expression. In fact, their blushing is quite similar to human blushing, which is often a sign of embarrassment or excitement.
One reason for this similarity is that both Pharaoh Hounds and humans have a similar physiological response to emotional stimuli. This response is triggered by the release of certain hormones, such as oxytocin and vasopressin.
Pharaoh Hounds, like humans, can experience a rapid increase in blood flow to the face, causing their skin to flush. This is often accompanied by a slight elevation in heart rate and breathing.
Their blushing can be triggered by a variety of factors, including excitement, anxiety, or even just a change in their environment. It's almost as if they're saying, "I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed, but I'm okay!"
The way Pharaoh Hounds blush is also similar to human blushing in that it's often accompanied by a slight change in facial expression. They may look a bit more relaxed or even a bit more alert, depending on the situation.
Dogs Show Excitement by 'Blushing'

The Pharaoh Hound has a notable characteristic - a rosy-pinkish blush on its nose, ears, and cheeks when excited.
This distinctive trait can be easily observed in the Pharaoh Hound, as it doesn't have brown or black pigments within these areas.
Some people believe this trait is unique to the Pharaoh Hound, but it's also seen in the related Ibizan Hound.
The Pharaoh Hound has been nicknamed the "blushing dog of Malta" due to this characteristic.
These canines may also "smile" when excited, although not all Pharaoh Hounds smile.
It's worth noting that these canines most likely aren't blushing (or smiling) out of pure embarrassment.
Sources
- https://www.petmojo.com/facts-about-the-pharoah-hound-maltas-regal-breed/
- https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/pharaoh-hound/
- https://hillcreekvet.com/client-resources/breed-info/pharaoh-hound/
- https://roselleveterinarian.com/client-resources/breed-info/pharaoh-hound/
- https://hammondhillsah.com/client-resources/breed-info/pharaoh-hound/
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