Australian Cattle Dog vs Redbone Coonhound

Which dog breed is right for you?

Australian Cattle Dog

Size
35–50 lbs, 17–20 in
Lifespan
12–16 years
Exercise
Very High
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
No
Intelligent Energetic Loyal Alert

Redbone Coonhound

Size
45–70 lbs, 21–27 in
Lifespan
12–15 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Gentle Even-tempered Mellow Friendly

About the Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog — also known as the Blue Heeler or Red Heeler — was developed in 19th-century Australia by crossing native Dingoes with Collies and Dalmatians to create the ultimate cattle-herding dog. Compact and muscular, they stand 17–20 inches tall and weigh 35–50 pounds, with a sturdy build designed for all-day work in harsh outback conditions. Their distinctive short double coat comes in two color patterns — blue or blue-mottled and red speckled — and sheds moderately year-round.

Temperament & Personality

Australian Cattle Dogs are intensely loyal, highly intelligent, and tireless workers — they need a job to do or they will invent one, often to their owner's dismay. They bond deeply with one person and can be velcro dogs, following their favorite human everywhere. They are naturally cautious with strangers and may nip at heels — a herding instinct that needs to be redirected — but they are fiercely devoted companions for active owners.

Pros

  • Exceptionally intelligent and trainable — they excel in agility, herding trials, and obedience
  • Hardy and healthy with a long lifespan averaging 12–16 years
  • Compact size makes them manageable while still being robust enough for outdoor work
  • Low grooming requirements with their short, weather-resistant coat

Cons

  • Extremely high energy — requires 1–2 hours of vigorous exercise daily
  • Tendency to nip and herd children, other pets, and even adults
  • Can become destructive, anxious, or obsessive without adequate mental stimulation
  • Prone to progressive retinal atrophy, deafness, and hip dysplasia

Think you can keep up with an Australian Cattle Dog? Find your energetic companion on Puplister.

About the Redbone Coonhound

The Redbone Coonhound was developed in the southern United States during the late 18th century from red foxhounds brought by Scottish immigrants, refined over generations into a sleek, powerful trailing hound. These athletic dogs stand 21 to 27 inches tall and weigh 45 to 70 pounds, with a lean yet muscular build designed for stamina over rough terrain. Their rich, deep red coat — the breed's most distinctive feature — is short, smooth, and glossy, giving them a strikingly handsome appearance.

Temperament & Personality

Redbone Coonhounds are easygoing, affectionate, and remarkably gentle for a hunting breed — they love being around their people and are known for their mellow, agreeable disposition at home. They are excellent with children, typically friendly with other dogs, and possess a happy-go-lucky attitude that makes them wonderful family companions. On the trail, however, they become focused and driven, with a deep, melodious bay that carries for miles.

Pros

  • Gentle, laid-back temperament that makes them great family dogs
  • Strikingly beautiful red coat with minimal grooming requirements
  • Excellent hiking and outdoor companion with tireless stamina
  • Good with children, other dogs, and typically non-aggressive

Cons

  • Extremely vocal — deep baying and howling can disturb neighbors
  • Very strong scent drive makes off-leash reliability nearly impossible
  • Can be slow to housetrain compared to many other breeds
  • Prone to hip dysplasia, ear infections due to long ears, and obesity

The Redbone Coonhound's gentle soul and gorgeous coat are hard to resist — discover available Redbones on Puplister.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Australian Cattle Dog and a Redbone Coonhound?
The Australian Cattle Dog is 35–50 lbs, 17–20 in sized while the Redbone Coonhound is 45–70 lbs, 21–27 in sized. They differ in size (35–50 lbs, 17–20 in vs 45–70 lbs, 21–27 in), lifespan (12–16 years vs 12–15 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Australian Cattle Dog or Redbone Coonhound?
Australian Cattle Dog is generally good with kids. Redbone Coonhound is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Australian Cattle Dog or Redbone Coonhound?
The Australian Cattle Dog has a lifespan of 12–16 years while the Redbone Coonhound has a lifespan of 12–15 years.

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