Redbone Coonhound vs Silky 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
Silky Terrier
Toy 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.
Silky Terrier Overview
Silky Terriers possess a striking silky blue and tan coat that flows gracefully to the ground. Their refined appearance belies their tenacious terrier spirit, featuring a wedge-shaped head, almond eyes, and small V-shaped ears. Standing 9-10 inches tall, these compact dogs combine elegant looks with alert, spirited personalities, making them both beautiful companions and capable watchdogs.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Redbone Coonhounds are less energetic than Silky Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Redbone Coonhounds require less grooming attention compared to Silky Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Redbone Coonhounds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Silky Terriers.
- Trainability: Silky Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Silky Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Silky 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 Silky Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Redbone Coonhound | Silky Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 13-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Redbone Coonhound | Silky Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 21-27 inches 53-69 cm | 9-10 inches 23-25 cm |
| Weight | 45-70 lbs 20-32 kg | 10-10 lbs 5-5 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Redbone Coonhound | Silky Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Even-Tempered, Amiable, Eager to Please | Friendly, Quick, Keenly Alert |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Redbone Coonhound | Silky 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.
Silky Terrier Temperament
The Silky Terrier is characterized by being friendly, quick, keenly alert, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. 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 Silky 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
Silky Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Redbone Coonhound
Rating: 5/5
Silky Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Redbone Coonhound
Rating: 3/5
Silky Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Redbone Coonhound
Rating: 2/5
Silky Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Redbone Coonhound
Rating: 3/5
Silky Terrier
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.
Silky Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Silky 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, Silky Terriers 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
Silky Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Dental Issues
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
Silky Terrier
Pros
- Low shedding coat
- Excellent watchdog
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Intelligent and trainable
Cons
- Regular grooming required
- Can be vocal
- May chase small animals
- Stubborn streak
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Redbone Coonhound and Silky Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.