Bearded Collie 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.
Bearded Collie
Herding Group
American English Coonhound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Bearded Collie Overview
Bearded Collies captivate with their shaggy, flowing coats and bright, inquisitive expressions. Their medium-sized, lean bodies carry them with agile grace, while their distinctive beard and long eyebrows frame expressive eyes. Known for their bouncy, charismatic personalities, these herding dogs combine intelligence with a playful spirit, making them both capable workers and affectionate companions.
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: Bearded Collies are less energetic than American English Coonhounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bearded Collies require more grooming attention compared to American English Coonhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bearded Collies tend to be more outgoing 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: American English Coonhounds adapt better to apartment living, while Bearded Collies typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Bearded Collie and American English Coonhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bearded Collie | American English Coonhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 11-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bearded Collie | American English Coonhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 20-22 inches 51-56 cm | 23-26 inches 58-66 cm |
| Weight | 45-55 lbs 20-25 kg | 45-65 lbs 20-29 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bearded Collie | American English Coonhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Smart, Bouncy, Charismatic | Sweet, Mellow, Sociable |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bearded Collie | American English Coonhound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Bearded Collie Temperament
The Bearded Collie is known for being smart, bouncy, charismatic, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
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 Bearded Collie 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
Bearded Collie
Rating: 5/5
American English Coonhound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bearded Collie
Rating: 5/5
American English Coonhound
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bearded Collie
Rating: 3/5
American English Coonhound
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bearded Collie
Rating: 2/5
American English Coonhound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bearded Collie
Rating: 5/5
American English Coonhound
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Bearded Collie Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bearded Collies require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Bearded Collies require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
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
Bearded Collie Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Hypothyroidism
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Allergies
American English Coonhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Ear Infections
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Elbow Dysplasia
Pros & Cons
Bearded Collie
Pros
- Intelligent and trainable
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Weather-resistant coat
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Requires extensive exercise
- Can be stubborn
- Frequent barking
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 Bearded Collie and American English Coonhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.