When it comes to eye-catching coats, few colors rival the fiery beauty of red hound dog breeds. These dogs wear their rich, reddish fur like a badge of honor—bold, vibrant, and full of life.
Known for their keen noses and graceful hunting skills, red hound breeds combine breathtaking beauty with a heritage of endurance and intelligence. Their striking color isn’t just for show; it reflects a passionate spirit and energetic nature that makes them fantastic companions for active families or hunting enthusiasts.
As the American Kennel Club says, hounds are a diverse group of dogs, but they all share one key characteristic—the ability to produce a distinctive sound called baying..
But these dogs aren’t all about speed and stamina—many red hounds have gentle, affectionate personalities that shine at home. They’re loyal, loving, and eager to form strong bonds with their humans, making them as much family members as hunters.
If you’re fascinated by dogs that blend elegance, energy, and a splash of fiery color, red hound breeds offer a perfect mix of all three. Let’s explore these vibrant pups and what makes them such treasured companions.
Red Hound Dog Breeds
1. Redbone Coonhound
Imagine a dog who looks like it stepped out of a glossy dog magazine, then trotted off into the woods to hunt raccoons. That’s the Redbone Coonhound—equal parts beauty and brains with a splash of southern charm.
They are a medium-to-large breed, typically weighing between 45 and 70 pounds and standing about 21 to 27 inches tall. Their shiny, short red coat isn’t just for looks—it’s low-maintenance! Think of it like buffing a fancy car… except this one has four legs and might bark at squirrels.
And yes, “Red” is literally in their name, so there’s no denying they belong on this list. These pups are athletic, affectionate, and outdoorsy—ideal for active families or anyone looking for a loyal companion that won’t mind a little mud on their paws.
Why You’ll Love a Redbone Coonhound
✔ Glossy red coat: That shiny, sleek fur will make your neighbors jealous.
✔ Hunting instincts: Perfect for adventure lovers who want a dog with a nose for the wild.
✔ Easy upkeep: Minimal grooming means more time to cuddle.
According to PetMD, these dogs were originally bred for hunting, which explains their sharp intelligence and strong curiosity. Without enough physical activity, though, they may resort to barking and digging to burn off excess energy.
Fun Fact: They were once used for hunting raccoons at night—hence the “coonhound” part—and they’re still chasing those scents today.
2. Pharaoh Hound
Meet the Pharaoh Hound, the pup that looks like it walked straight out of an ancient Egyptian painting. Similar to other sight hounds with a lean physique, the Pharaoh Hound is a medium-sized dog, measuring 21 to 25 inches in height and weighing between 45 and 55 pounds.
They possess a striking and elegant appearance, featuring prominent ears, a narrow muzzle, and long legs that give them a distinguished look.
Their short, low-maintenance coat means they’re all about style and convenience. But don’t let that regal vibe fool you—they love to share their opinions (you’ve been warned!).
Pharaoh Hounds adore socializing, whether it’s with their human family or fellow furry friends. Just remember, their sleek, thin coats mean they’re not fans of cold weather—think of them as the sun-loving aristocrats of the dog world.
The Pharaoh Hound has a friendly and sociable temperament, making it an excellent choice for a family pet. They are playful and energetic, requiring regular exercise to stay healthy and content.
Why You’ll Love a Pharaoh Hound
✔ Ancient elegance: Those ears and graceful moves are pure history in motion.
✔ Social butterflies: They thrive on people and doggie company alike.
✔ Low-maintenance coat: Minimal brushing, maximum wow factor.
Purina says that, unlike many other sighthounds, Pharaoh Hounds can be quite vocal at times. They are also well-known for their sociability, enjoying the company of both people and other dogs.
Fun Fact: Pharaoh Hounds sometimes “blush” when they’re excited or happy—their noses and ears actually turn a rosy pink!
3. Afghan Hound
If dogs had a royal runway, the Afghan Hound would own it with its flowing, silky red coat and graceful stride.
These beauties look like they belong on a magazine cover, but don’t let that glamorous fur fool you—they were bred to be fierce hunters in the rugged mountains of Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan. Their long coats weren’t just for show; they protected these pups from harsh weather as they chased prey.
Afghan Hounds carry themselves with an aloof dignity—think “cool but not cold.” They might not be your typical tail-wagging greeters, but once you’re in their inner circle, you’re family for life.
These hunting dogs need plenty of daily exercise (long walks or jogs are perfect) to keep their athletic bodies happy and healthy. Oh, and if you’re thinking of letting them roam, be warned: these dogs can leap like superheroes, so a tall, secure fence is a must.
Why You’ll Love an Afghan Hound
✔ Graceful and striking: Their elegant appearance turns heads wherever they go.
✔ Loyal companions: Not clingy, but deeply devoted to their chosen humans.
✔ Athletic and active: Perfect for owners who love an outdoor buddy with some serious speed.
✔ Unique personality: Aloof and dignified, but with a hidden playful side once they trust you.
Fun Fact: Afghan Hounds have a “snooty” reputation, but many owners say they’re just independent thinkers with a flair for the dramatic!
4. Azawakh
Meet the Azawakh, a sleek and slender sighthound with roots tracing back thousands of years in West Africa. These dogs are the ultimate sprint champions—they live for the thrill of the chase and love to show off their lightning-fast speed. If there’s an open field nearby, you can bet an Azawakh will be the first to bolt, leaving others in the dust.
But don’t mistake them for just a speed demon! According to the AKC, the Azawakh is much more than a runner—they’re loyal companions, watchful guardians, and top-notch lure coursers. Their elegant, graceful build perfectly suits their role as both protector and athlete.
Azawakhs are generally known to get along well with other dogs, but as a sight-hound breed, they may have a tendency to chase smaller household pets, such as cats. To ensure a smooth relationship, it’s important to introduce your cat to your dog gradually and properly.
The Azawakh is generally regarded as a healthy dog breed, with only a few occasional health issues that typically arise later in life. Most Azawakhs live between 12 and 14 years.
Due to their high intelligence, Azawakhs thrive when their relationship with human companions is based on trust and consistency.
Why You’ll Love an Azawakh
✔ Ancient elegance: A dog with a history as rich as their smooth, lean frame.
✔ Speedster alert: If you love watching a sprinter in action, this breed delivers!
✔ Loyal protector: Fierce guardians with a calm, devoted heart.
✔ Versatile athlete: From sprinting fields to cuddling on the couch, they can do it all.
Azawakhs are typically quiet dogs, so barking is rare. Although they are energetic and fast sprinters, they tend to be calm and relaxed when indoors.
Fun Fact: Azawakhs are often described as “wind on legs” because of their incredible speed and effortless grace during a sprint. Just don’t blink or you’ll miss it!
5. Bloodhound
If there’s one dog breed that takes “follow your nose” to a whole new level, it’s the Bloodhound.
With those long, droopy ears and a wrinkly, soulful face, these pups look like they’re permanently pondering something deep, usually where the scent trail leads next!
Famous for their incredible tracking abilities, Bloodhounds have been used for centuries to track lost people and animals thanks to their unbelievably sensitive noses.
Despite their serious detective skills, Bloodhounds are total sweethearts. They’re gentle, affectionate, and surprisingly stubborn (because even the best detectives have their off days!). These dogs love hanging out with their humans and have a playful, goofy side that’s impossible not to adore.
Why You’ll Love a Bloodhound
✔ Super sniffers: Their noses can pick up scents days old, like your very own furry detective.
✔ Gentle giants: Big hearts and big paws make them lovable family members.
✔ Lovable goofballs: They’re serious trackers but also have a goofy, playful side.
✔ Stubborn charmers: Training requires patience, but the payoff is worth it!
The Bloodhound’s howling, known as “baying,” serves as an important way to communicate with their pack when separated or feeling lonely. However, this vocal behavior can be challenging in urban settings, as Bloodhounds are among the most vocal dog breeds.
Purina notes that the Bloodhound is generally a healthy breed, but like many large, deep-chested dogs, they can be prone to bloat. Driven by their strong sense of smell, Bloodhounds are known to eat just about anything they come across, so owners must be vigilant in keeping harmful items out of their reach.
A Bloodhound’s strong independent streak can make training challenging, as they often think for themselves and may show little interest in traditional training techniques.
Fun Fact: Bloodhounds have roughly 300 million scent receptors—about 40 times more than humans! So if you lose your keys, you might want to call in a Bloodhound detective.
6. Irish Wolfhound
If you think giants don’t have a soft side, meet the Irish Wolfhound. Standing tall as one of the tallest dog breeds (think a towering 30-35 inches at the shoulder!), these majestic pups look like they just stepped out of a medieval legend. Originally bred in Ireland to hunt wolves and deer, they’ve traded the wild chase for a much calmer life as devoted, gentle companions.
Despite their imposing size—these dogs can weigh anywhere from 105 to 120 pounds—they’re absolute teddy bears at heart. Irish Wolfhounds are famously patient, friendly, and great with kids, making them perfect for families who have plenty of space and a big dose of love to give.
They possess a double coat consisting of a soft undercoat and a coarser, wiry overcoat. Their fur has a rough texture, often growing longer around the eyes and beneath the chin. These dogs are generally muscular and lean in build.
WebMD says that although the Irish Wolfhound’s personality doesn’t lend itself to being a strong guard dog, their impressive size often serves as a natural deterrent to strangers.
Why You’ll Love an Irish Wolfhound
✔ Towering yet tender: They look like giants but are sweet, calm, and affectionate.
✔ Laid-back pals: Not the hyperactive type—these hounds enjoy their chill time.
✔ Loyal protectors: While gentle, they’re always ready to keep an eye on their loved ones.
✔ Living legends: Their ancient hunting roots give them an impressive and noble aura.
Keep them exercising through old age, or they’ll become lazy blokes—one of the reasons they’re considered one of the most low-maintenance dog breeds.
Fun Fact: Despite their giant size, Irish Wolfhounds are surprisingly fast runners and can sprint up to 35 miles per hour—ready to chase down a wolf, or maybe just your neighbor’s cat!
7. Dachshund
With a body built like a hot dog on legs—standing about 5–9 inches tall and weighing in at 16–32 pounds—the Dachshund is proof that good things come in long, low packages. Originally bred in Germany to burrow after badgers (hence the name “badger dog”), these pint-sized adventurers are fearless, energetic, and endlessly curious.
Don’t let the short legs fool you: Dachshunds pack plenty of stamina and love both sniffing out new scents and curling up in your lap for a cozy nap afterward. Their playful spunk makes them excellent for first-time pet parents, especially when you channel their brains into puzzle toys or scent-tracking games.
Doxies do best in smaller homes or apartments, as long as they get daily walks and playtime. Fair warning: they tend to bark at anything that moves, so consistent training to redirect their chatterbox tendencies will keep your neighbors smiling.
Why You’ll Love a Dachshund
✔ Pocket-sized courage: They’ll chase squirrels, bunnies, or even shadows without a second thought.
✔ Endearing burrowers: Blankets? Pillows? No hiding spot is safe from their tunneling talents.
✔ Loyal companions: Once they pick you as their person, they’re your devoted shadow, especially at mealtimes.
According to Britannica, they particularly enjoy sports that challenge their hunting skills, like barn hunt events. Additionally, many of them take pleasure in racing competitions, such as “wiener dog” races.
This breed is independent and thrives on challenges. They are energetic and quite playful. With enough exercise, Dachshunds can be calm indoor pets and affectionate sofa companions.
Fun Fact: Dachshunds have more vertebrae than most dogs—about 30 instead of the usual 26, giving them that signature long back and legendary digging prowess!
Conclusion
Red hound dog breeds are vibrant, energetic, and highly skilled hunters known for their distinctive solid red and black and tan coats. Other breeds, such as the American English Coonhound and the Bluetick Coonhound, are known for their high energy levels and strong hunting instincts, especially their skill in treeing raccoons. These breeds often display striking coat colors, ranging from solid red to the distinctive black and tan patterns, combining beauty with functionality.
Their short, smooth coats keep shedding to a minimum, making them relatively low maintenance compared to other hunting breeds. When given enough exercise and mental stimulation, red hounds remain happy and healthy, showcasing their endurance and enthusiasm for outdoor activities. Ideal for active owners who appreciate a loyal and hardworking companion, red hound breeds balance natural instincts with affectionate temperaments, making them excellent both in the field and at home.
