Is the American English Coonhound or the Redbone Coonhound better for families with children?

The Redbone Coonhound tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

Which sheds more, the American English Coonhound or the Redbone Coonhound?

The American English Coonhound and Redbone Coonhound shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the American English Coonhound or the Redbone Coonhound?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is American English Coonhound or Redbone Coonhound bigger?

American English Coonhound and Redbone Coonhound are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, American English Coonhound or Redbone Coonhound?

Both bark a similar amount (very high).

Which is better for apartment living, American English Coonhound or Redbone Coonhound?

For apartment or apartment living, American English Coonhound and Redbone Coonhound are an even match — either can work well.

American English Coonhound vs Redbone Coonhound

American English Coonhound vs Redbone Coonhound: full comparison

Trait	American English Coonhound	Redbone Coonhound
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	High	Very High
Good with children	High	Very High
Grooming needs	Low	Low
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Very High	Very High
Protectiveness	Medium	Low
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	12 years	12 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The American English Coonhound is a large and powerful breed that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a yard. By comparison, the Redbone Coonhound is a large and powerful breed that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a yard. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The American English Coonhound is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. The Redbone Coonhound is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The American English Coonhound needs minimal coat care, just a weekly once-over and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The Redbone Coonhound needs minimal coat care, just a weekly once-over and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The American English Coonhound picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, is very vocal and barks readily — something to weigh if you have close neighbors and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. The Redbone Coonhound picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, is very vocal and barks readily — something to weigh if you have close neighbors and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. On guarding instinct, American English Coonhound will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas Redbone Coonhound is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, American English Coonhound and Redbone Coonhound are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Redbone Coonhound has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Redbone Coonhound has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, American English Coonhound has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, American English Coonhound and Redbone Coonhound are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the American English Coonhound if you want a more protective, watchful guardian.

Choose the Redbone Coonhound if you want the more child-friendly companion or you want a more outgoing, sociable dog.

Not sure which breed is right for you?

Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.

Find your perfect match

Frequently asked questions

Is the American English Coonhound or the Redbone Coonhound better for families with children?: The Redbone Coonhound tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the American English Coonhound or the Redbone Coonhound?: The American English Coonhound and Redbone Coonhound shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the American English Coonhound or the Redbone Coonhound?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is American English Coonhound or Redbone Coonhound bigger?: American English Coonhound and Redbone Coonhound are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, American English Coonhound or Redbone Coonhound?: Both bark a similar amount (very high).
Which is better for apartment living, American English Coonhound or Redbone Coonhound?: For apartment or apartment living, American English Coonhound and Redbone Coonhound are an even match — either can work well.