Italian Greyhound vs Redbone Coonhound
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Italian Greyhound
Toy Group
Redbone Coonhound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Italian Greyhound Overview
Italian Greyhounds embody elegance with their slender build, fine-boned structure, and graceful gait. Standing 13-15 inches tall, these refined canines feature a sleek coat, long legs, and distinctive arched back. Their large, expressive eyes and small, folded ears contribute to their alert, aristocratic appearance. Despite their delicate frame, they possess remarkable agility and speed.
Redbone Coonhound Overview
Redbone Coonhounds possess a striking solid red coat and muscular build, with long ears and soulful brown eyes. Their athletic frame supports their renowned hunting abilities, while their expressive face reveals their gentle, even-tempered nature. Standing proudly with a deep chest and strong legs, these hounds combine power with agility, displaying the classic traits of a skilled trailing dog.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Italian Greyhounds are less energetic than Redbone Coonhounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Italian Greyhounds require less grooming attention compared to Redbone Coonhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Italian Greyhounds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Redbone Coonhounds.
- Trainability: Redbone Coonhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Redbone Coonhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Italian Greyhounds adapt better to apartment living, while Redbone Coonhounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Italian Greyhound and Redbone Coonhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Italian Greyhound | Redbone Coonhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 14-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Italian Greyhound | Redbone Coonhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 13-15 inches 33-38 cm | 21-27 inches 53-69 cm |
| Weight | 7-14 lbs 3-6 kg | 45-70 lbs 20-32 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Italian Greyhound | Redbone Coonhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful, Alert, Sensitive | Even-Tempered, Amiable, Eager to Please |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Italian Greyhound | Redbone Coonhound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Italian Greyhound Temperament
The Italian Greyhound is known for being playful, alert, sensitive, making them better suited for homes without young children. 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.
Redbone Coonhound Temperament
The Redbone Coonhound is characterized by being even-tempered, amiable, eager to please, which makes them great companions for families. 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 moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Italian Greyhound and Redbone 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
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 3/5
Redbone Coonhound
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 5/5
Redbone Coonhound
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 3/5
Redbone Coonhound
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 2/5
Redbone Coonhound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 2/5
Redbone Coonhound
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Italian Greyhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Italian Greyhounds 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, Italian Greyhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Redbone Coonhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Redbone Coonhounds need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Redbone Coonhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Italian Greyhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Dental Disease
- Leg Fractures
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
Redbone Coonhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Bloat
- Obesity
Pros & Cons
Italian Greyhound
Pros
- Gentle and affectionate
- Low grooming needs
- Excellent apartment dog
- Minimal shedding
Cons
- Fragile bone structure
- Cold sensitivity
- Challenging to housebreak
- Separation anxiety prone
Redbone Coonhound
Pros
- Excellent tracking abilities
- Friendly temperament
- Good with families
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise requirements
- Strong prey drive
- Can be vocal
- Needs space to roam
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Italian Greyhound and Redbone Coonhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.