Australian Kelpie vs American English Coonhound
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Australian Kelpie
Foundation Stock Service
American English Coonhound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Australian Kelpie Overview
Australian Kelpies are medium-sized herding dogs with distinctive athletic builds and remarkable agility. Their double coat features a short, dense undercoat and weather-resistant outer coat, typically in black, red, or chocolate colors. Alert ears, keen eyes, and muscular bodies reflect their working heritage, while their intelligent expression and nimble movement showcase their herding instincts.
American English Coonhound Overview
American English Coonhounds possess a lean, muscular build with long, pendant ears and a sleek coat that can show various patterns. Standing proudly at 24-26 inches, these athletic hounds display remarkable endurance and agility. Their expressive eyes and noble carriage reflect their heritage as skilled hunting companions, while their balanced proportions and graceful movement exemplify the breed's athletic capabilities.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Australian Kelpies are less energetic than American English Coonhounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Australian Kelpies require more grooming attention compared to American English Coonhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Australian Kelpies tend to be more reserved with strangers than American English Coonhounds.
- Trainability: American English Coonhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their American English Coonhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Australian Kelpies adapt better to apartment living, while American English Coonhounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Australian Kelpie and American English Coonhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Australian Kelpie | American English Coonhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-13 years | 11-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Australian Kelpie | American English Coonhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 17-20 inches 43-51 cm | 23-26 inches 58-66 cm |
| Weight | Unknown Unknown | 45-65 lbs 20-29 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Regularly | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Australian Kelpie | American English Coonhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Alert, Intelligent | Sweet, Mellow, Sociable |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Australian Kelpie | American English Coonhound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Australian Kelpie Temperament
The Australian Kelpie is known for being loyal, alert, intelligent, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
American English Coonhound Temperament
The American English Coonhound is characterized by being sweet, mellow, sociable, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Australian Kelpie and American English Coonhound, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Australian Kelpie
Rating: 3/5
American English Coonhound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Australian Kelpie
Rating: 3/5
American English Coonhound
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Australian Kelpie
Rating: 4/5
American English Coonhound
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Australian Kelpie
Rating: 1/5
American English Coonhound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Australian Kelpie
Rating: 3/5
American English Coonhound
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Australian Kelpie Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Australian Kelpies require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Australian Kelpies require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
American English Coonhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
American English Coonhounds need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, American English Coonhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Australian Kelpie Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- CEA
- Cryptorchidism
- Cerebellar Abiotrophy
American English Coonhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Ear Infections
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Elbow Dysplasia
Pros & Cons
Australian Kelpie
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent work ethic
- Low maintenance coat
- Exceptional agility
- Strong herding instincts
Cons
- Requires extensive exercise
- Can be too intense for novice owners
- May herd children and pets
- Needs constant mental stimulation
- Can be stubborn if not properly trained
American English Coonhound
Pros
- Excellent hunting companion
- Friendly and sociable
- Good with other dogs
- Athletic and enduring
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise requirements
- Strong prey drive
- Can be vocal
- Needs large space
- Independent nature
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Australian Kelpie and American English Coonhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.