Redbone Coonhound vs West Highland White Terrier

Which dog breed is right for you?

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

West Highland White Terrier

Size
15–20 lbs, 10–11 in
Lifespan
13–15 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Confident Entertaining Hardy Friendly

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.

About the West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier — universally known as the "Westie" — was developed in Scotland's western highlands during the 19th century, selectively bred from Cairn Terrier stock for its white coat to be more visible against the dark highland terrain while hunting foxes, badgers, and rats. These sturdy little dogs stand 10 to 11 inches tall and weigh 15 to 20 pounds, with a compact, balanced build and surprisingly strong legs for their size. Their double coat features a hard, straight white outer layer and a soft, dense undercoat — always pure white without exception.

Temperament & Personality

Westies are confident, entertaining, and surprisingly tough — carrying the classic terrier self-assurance in a friendly, less aggressive package than many of their terrier relatives. They are affectionate with their families, generally good with older children, and possess an independent, adventurous spirit that keeps life interesting. Westies are social dogs that enjoy meeting people, though they can be assertive with other dogs and retain a strong instinct to chase anything that moves.

Pros

  • Sturdy and adaptable — thrives in apartments, suburbs, and country settings
  • Friendly and sociable without the extreme aggression of some terrier breeds
  • Portable size with a big, confident personality
  • Alert watchdog that will reliably announce visitors

Cons

  • Prone to atopic dermatitis and skin allergies — one of the most affected breeds
  • Coat requires regular professional grooming or hand-stripping every 6 to 8 weeks
  • Can be stubborn and willful during training — responds best to positive methods
  • Tendency to dig and bark, especially when bored or left in the yard

Westies bring Scottish charm and terrier spirit into every home — find your white-coated companion on Puplister.

Available for Adoption

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Redbone Coonhound and a West Highland White Terrier?
The Redbone Coonhound is 45–70 lbs, 21–27 in sized while the West Highland White Terrier is 15–20 lbs, 10–11 in sized. They differ in size (45–70 lbs, 21–27 in vs 15–20 lbs, 10–11 in), lifespan (12–15 years vs 13–15 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Redbone Coonhound or West Highland White Terrier?
Redbone Coonhound is generally good with kids. West Highland White Terrier is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Redbone Coonhound or West Highland White Terrier?
The Redbone Coonhound has a lifespan of 12–15 years while the West Highland White Terrier has a lifespan of 13–15 years.

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