English Setter vs Redbone Coonhound

Which dog breed is right for you?

English Setter

Size
45–80 lbs, 23–27 in
Lifespan
12 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Gentle Friendly Mellow Graceful

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 English Setter

The English Setter is one of the oldest gun dog breeds — developed in England over 400 years ago to locate game birds by crouching or "setting" to indicate their position. Standing 23–27 inches tall and weighing 45–80 pounds, these graceful dogs are renowned for their beautiful feathered coat in distinctive "belton" patterns — blue belton, orange belton, tricolor, lemon belton, and liver belton. Their elegant appearance, with long, silky ears and a gently flowing coat, has earned them the title of the most beautiful sporting breed.

Temperament & Personality

English Setters are gentle, sweet-natured dogs with a calm indoor demeanor that belies their energetic field abilities. They are exceptionally good with children — patient and tolerant even with rough toddler play — and generally accepting of other dogs and household pets. Their affectionate, people-oriented nature makes them poor kennel dogs; they need to live as part of the family to thrive emotionally.

Pros

  • One of the gentlest sporting breeds — excellent with children of all ages and other pets
  • Calm and quiet indoors when given adequate outdoor exercise
  • Friendly toward strangers — makes a welcoming family dog without guarding tendencies
  • Versatile field dog that transitions beautifully from hunting companion to couch cuddler

Cons

  • Feathered coat requires regular grooming — brushing 3–4 times weekly to prevent tangles
  • Prone to elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and congenital deafness
  • Strong hunting instincts — will bolt after birds and small animals if not in a secure area
  • Can be slow to mature mentally — puppy-like behavior often persists until age 3 or beyond

Discover the beauty and gentleness of the English Setter — find one waiting for a home 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.

Available for Adoption

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a English Setter and a Redbone Coonhound?
The English Setter is 45–80 lbs, 23–27 in sized while the Redbone Coonhound is 45–70 lbs, 21–27 in sized. They differ in size (45–80 lbs, 23–27 in vs 45–70 lbs, 21–27 in), lifespan (12 years vs 12–15 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, English Setter or Redbone Coonhound?
English Setter is generally good with kids. Redbone Coonhound is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, English Setter or Redbone Coonhound?
The English Setter has a lifespan of 12 years while the Redbone Coonhound has a lifespan of 12–15 years.

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