Redbone Coonhound vs Cairn Terrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Redbone Coonhound
Hound Group
Cairn Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
Cairn Terrier Overview
Cairn Terriers are compact, well-muscled dogs with a shaggy, weather-resistant double coat. Their distinctive features include a broad head, pointed ears, and alert, dark-colored eyes that reflect their intelligent nature. Standing 10 inches at the shoulder, these sturdy terriers possess a bold, confident stance and move with agile determination.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Redbone Coonhounds are less energetic than Cairn Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Redbone Coonhounds require less grooming attention compared to Cairn Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Redbone Coonhounds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Cairn Terriers.
- Trainability: Cairn Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Cairn Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Cairn Terriers 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 Redbone Coonhound and Cairn Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Redbone Coonhound | Cairn Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 13-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Redbone Coonhound | Cairn Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 21-27 inches 53-69 cm | 10-10 inches 24-25 cm |
| Weight | 45-70 lbs 20-32 kg | 13-14 lbs 6-6 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Redbone Coonhound | Cairn Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Even-Tempered, Amiable, Eager to Please | Alert, Cheerful, Busy |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Redbone Coonhound | Cairn Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Redbone Coonhound Temperament
The Redbone Coonhound is known for being even-tempered, amiable, eager to please, 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.
Cairn Terrier Temperament
The Cairn Terrier is characterized by being alert, cheerful, busy, 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 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 Redbone Coonhound and Cairn Terrier, 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
Redbone Coonhound
Rating: 5/5
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Redbone Coonhound
Rating: 5/5
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Redbone Coonhound
Rating: 3/5
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Redbone Coonhound
Rating: 2/5
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Redbone Coonhound
Rating: 3/5
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Redbone Coonhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Redbone Coonhounds 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, Redbone Coonhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Cairn Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Cairn Terriers 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, Cairn Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Redbone Coonhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Bloat
- Obesity
Cairn Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Craniomandibular Osteopathy
- Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
- Ocular Melanosis
- Portosystemic Shunt
- Von Willebrand's Disease
Pros & Cons
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
Cairn Terrier
Pros
- Excellent vermin hunter
- Adaptable to various homes
- Affectionate with family
- Low maintenance grooming
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- May chase small animals
- Tends to bark
- Can be independent
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Redbone Coonhound and Cairn Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.