Redbone Coonhound vs Whippet

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

Whippet

Size
25–40 lbs, 18–22 in
Lifespan
12–15 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Gentle Quiet Affectionate Athletic

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 Whippet

The Whippet was developed in Victorian England by coal miners and mill workers who bred small Greyhounds with terriers to create an affordable racing and rabbit-coursing dog — earning the nickname "the poor man's racehorse." These elegant sighthounds stand 18 to 22 inches tall and weigh 25 to 40 pounds, with a streamlined, aerodynamic build capable of reaching speeds up to 35 miles per hour. Their short, smooth coat comes in virtually any color or pattern and lies close to the body, accentuating their graceful, muscular contours.

Temperament & Personality

Whippets are gentle, quiet, and remarkably calm indoors — often spending hours draped elegantly across furniture in poses that would make a greyhound proud. They are affectionate and sensitive with their families, good with children (though their slender build makes them vulnerable to rough play), and generally friendly with other dogs. Despite their sprinting ability, Whippets are surprisingly low-energy at home and are often described as the ideal apartment dog for owners who enjoy outdoor exercise.

Pros

  • Extremely calm and quiet indoors — one of the most unobtrusive housemates
  • Short, low-maintenance coat with minimal shedding and no doggy odor
  • Gentle, affectionate nature — rarely aggressive toward people or other dogs
  • Healthy breed with a long lifespan of 12 to 15 years

Cons

  • Intense prey drive — will chase and potentially catch small animals including cats
  • Thin skin and low body fat make them sensitive to cold and prone to scrapes
  • Cannot be trusted off-leash in unfenced areas — once they run, they cannot hear you
  • Susceptible to anesthesia sensitivity and cardiac arrhythmias

Whippets are the perfect blend of couch companion and outdoor athlete — find one looking for a home on Puplister.

Available for Adoption

5

Redbone Coonhounds

Browse

0

Whippets

Related Articles

All Articles →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Redbone Coonhound and a Whippet?
The Redbone Coonhound is 45–70 lbs, 21–27 in sized while the Whippet is 25–40 lbs, 18–22 in sized. They differ in size (45–70 lbs, 21–27 in vs 25–40 lbs, 18–22 in), lifespan (12–15 years vs 12–15 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Redbone Coonhound or Whippet?
Redbone Coonhound is generally good with kids. Whippet is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Redbone Coonhound or Whippet?
The Redbone Coonhound has a lifespan of 12–15 years while the Whippet has a lifespan of 12–15 years.

Find Your Perfect Pet

Browse thousands of adoptable pets from shelters near you.

Browse Dogs