Is the Harrier or the Redbone Coonhound better for families with children?

Both the Harrier and the Redbone Coonhound are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Harrier or the Redbone Coonhound?

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

Which is easier to train, the Harrier or the Redbone Coonhound?

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

Is Harrier or Redbone Coonhound bigger?

Redbone Coonhound is the larger breed; Harrier is smaller and more compact.

Which barks more, Harrier or Redbone Coonhound?

Redbone Coonhound tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Harrier is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Harrier or Redbone Coonhound?

For apartment or apartment living, Harrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Harrier vs Redbone Coonhound: Which Is Quieter?

Harrier vs Redbone Coonhound: full comparison

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

Key differences at a glance

The Redbone Coonhound is a larger dog than the Harrier, which affects space, food and exercise needs.

Size and living space

The Harrier is a mid-sized breed that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. By comparison, the Redbone Coonhound is a big, substantial dog that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a yard. If space, transport or budget are tight, the smaller of the two is the more practical choice.

Exercise and energy needs

The Harrier requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. The Redbone Coonhound requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Harrier 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 Harrier picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, barks fairly often, especially to alert you and is famously gentle and patient with children. The Redbone Coonhound picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, is highly vocal, which matters in an apartment or a terraced house and is famously gentle and patient with children. On guarding instinct, Harrier is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors, whereas Redbone Coonhound is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Harrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Harrier and Redbone Coonhound are an even match — either can work well.
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, Harrier has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Harrier and Redbone Coonhound are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Harrier if you prefer a quieter dog or you want a smaller, more apartment-friendly dog.

Choose the Redbone Coonhound if you want a more adaptable dog or you want a bigger, more substantial dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Harrier or the Redbone Coonhound better for families with children?: Both the Harrier and the Redbone Coonhound are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Harrier or the Redbone Coonhound?: The Harrier and Redbone Coonhound shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Harrier or the Redbone Coonhound?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Harrier or Redbone Coonhound bigger?: Redbone Coonhound is the larger breed; Harrier is smaller and more compact.
Which barks more, Harrier or Redbone Coonhound?: Redbone Coonhound tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Harrier is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Harrier or Redbone Coonhound?: For apartment or apartment living, Harrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Harrier vs Redbone Coonhound