Old English Sheepdog 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.
Old English Sheepdog
Herding Group
Redbone Coonhound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Old English Sheepdog Overview
Majestic and shaggy, the Old English Sheepdog boasts a distinctive bear-like appearance with a thick, weather-resistant double coat. Their muscular build and agile movement reflect their herding heritage. Standing 22-24 inches at the shoulder, these gentle giants combine strength with remarkable agility. Their most striking feature is the abundant coat that flows over their eyes, giving them their characteristic peaked appearance.
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: Old English Sheepdogs are less energetic than Redbone Coonhounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Old English Sheepdogs require more grooming attention compared to Redbone Coonhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Old English Sheepdogs tend to be more reserved 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: Old English Sheepdogs 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 Old English Sheepdog and Redbone Coonhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Old English Sheepdog | Redbone Coonhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Old English Sheepdog | Redbone Coonhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 21-22 inches 53-56 cm | 21-27 inches 53-69 cm |
| Weight | 60-100 lbs 27-45 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 | Old English Sheepdog | Redbone Coonhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Adaptable, Gentle, Smart | Even-Tempered, Amiable, Eager to Please |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Old English Sheepdog | Redbone Coonhound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Old English Sheepdog Temperament
The Old English Sheepdog is known for being adaptable, gentle, smart, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. 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 Old English Sheepdog 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
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 5/5
Redbone Coonhound
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
Redbone Coonhound
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
Redbone Coonhound
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 2/5
Redbone Coonhound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
Redbone Coonhound
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Old English Sheepdog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Old English Sheepdogs 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, Old English Sheepdogs require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
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
Old English Sheepdog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Deafness
- Thyroid Issues
Redbone Coonhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Bloat
- Obesity
Pros & Cons
Old English Sheepdog
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Intelligent and trainable
- Adaptable to different living situations
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- High grooming requirements
- Can be stubborn
- Requires significant exercise
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 Old English Sheepdog and Redbone Coonhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.