Redbone Coonhound vs Shetland Sheepdog
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
Shetland Sheepdog
Herding 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.
Shetland Sheepdog Overview
Shetland Sheepdogs showcase a luxurious double coat in sable, black, and blue merle colors. Their almond-shaped eyes and small, high-set ears create an alert, intelligent expression. Standing 13-16 inches at the shoulder, these compact herders possess graceful movement and refined bone structure. Their gentle temperament combines with keen intelligence and unwavering loyalty, making them exceptional family companions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Redbone Coonhounds are less energetic than Shetland Sheepdogs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Redbone Coonhounds require less grooming attention compared to Shetland Sheepdogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Redbone Coonhounds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Shetland Sheepdogs.
- Trainability: Redbone Coonhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Redbone Coonhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Shetland 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 Redbone Coonhound and Shetland Sheepdog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Redbone Coonhound | Shetland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Redbone Coonhound | Shetland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 21-27 inches 53-69 cm | 13-16 inches 33-41 cm |
| Weight | 45-70 lbs 20-32 kg | 15-25 lbs 7-11 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Redbone Coonhound | Shetland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Even-Tempered, Amiable, Eager to Please | Playful, Energetic, Bright |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Redbone Coonhound | Shetland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Shetland Sheepdog Temperament
The Shetland Sheepdog is characterized by being playful, energetic, bright, 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 Redbone Coonhound and Shetland Sheepdog, 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
Shetland Sheepdog
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Redbone Coonhound
Rating: 5/5
Shetland Sheepdog
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Redbone Coonhound
Rating: 3/5
Shetland Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Redbone Coonhound
Rating: 2/5
Shetland Sheepdog
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Redbone Coonhound
Rating: 3/5
Shetland Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
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.
Shetland Sheepdog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Shetland Sheepdogs 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, Shetland Sheepdogs require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Redbone Coonhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Bloat
- Obesity
Shetland Sheepdog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Von Willebrand's Disease
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Thyroid Issues
- MDR1 Gene
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
Shetland Sheepdog
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent family dog
- Low maintenance cost
- Good with children
Cons
- Excessive barking tendency
- Heavy shedding
- Can be shy with strangers
- Requires extensive grooming
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Redbone Coonhound and Shetland Sheepdog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.