Have you ever watched the movie entitled “Clifford the Big Red Dog”? If so, you sure enjoyed watching it and thought of having a red-coated pup as your first dog.
Across different cultures, red symbolizes love and courage. It also means health as well as vigor. So when it comes to a dog’s fur, nothing compares to having one of those red-coated dog breeds.
Are there any real red dogs?
Genes are one of the many factors that determine a dog’s coat color, and their skin is the determining factor as to what shade their coat will have. Dogs typically are double-coated, but the darkness of their fur is determined by the thickness of their undercoat as well as how much hair they shed.
Dogs whose fur color falls within the tan, brown, and orange range are considered red dogs. Other dogs with fur shades similar to rudy, red-gold, and cinnamon fall under the same category.
What makes a dog’s red coat attractive and gorgeous is that the shade is uncommon. You get a deviation from the usual white, brown, or black dog breeds.
What dog breed is red?
There is no single dog breed with a red coat, though other dog breeds are associated with red fur. Do you know what all these red dogs have in common? It is pheomelanin, a special pigment that makes them red.
The choice of red dog breeds is vast, and their red fur can vary in shade, thickness, appearance, texture, and length. Some have a smooth and straight red coat, while other dogs have coarse, wiry hair.
What are the popularly-known red dog breeds?
Let us know the various red dog breeds and be stunned by their gorgeous appearance.
1. Irish Terrier
Originally bred in Ireland to kill vermin, the Irish Terrier is a medium-sized dog and comes in three shades of red: red wheaten, golden red, and bright or ginger red. Weighing approximately 25-27 pounds and having an average height of 18-20 inches, Irish terrier dogs are affectionate, loyal, have a strong disposition, and are good-tempered.
Due to their playful and loving spirit, they can be great family dogs, especially with kids. Training should not be a problem as these dogs are very intelligent. If you have an active lifestyle, this breed will fit you as they love having lots of exercise and games.
Irish Terrier dogs are distinguishable from other dog breeds by their bearded look. In maintaining their double coat, regular brushing is necessary to keep it clean and tangle-free.
These dogs are relatively healthy, so you do not have to worry much about hereditary diseases so long as you take care of your dog well. That being said, expect to have your Irish terrier as a companion for 13-15 years.
2. Australian Cattle Dog
Another red dog breed is the Australian Cattle Dog, also known as the red heeler. This breed was developed in 1840 by George Elliot. This breed is a cross-between native Dingoes and Collies, including other herding dog breeds.
The Australian Cattle Dog has an average weight of 35-50 pounds, while its height is approximately 17-20 inches. This smart and sturdy dog needs a lot of space to run around and get enough exercise. As they need a lot of space, they are not suitable for apartment living.
Their coat is low maintenance and requires only weekly brushing. Some of the common health issues of this breed are elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, deafness, and eye problems. If properly cared for, they can live for 12-16 years.
3. Shiba Inu
Originating from Japan, the Shiba Inu is a hunting dog. The most popular and preferred color for the Shiba Inu breed is the iconic fox red, although they also come in cream, sesame, tan and black coats.
This red dog is often mistaken for a fox and is one of the most favorite red-coated dogs. The Shiba Inu is easily recognizable for its prick ears and curled tail.
Shiba Inu dogs are Akita’s smaller cousins. Weighing at an average of 17-23 pounds, dogs of this breed have an average height of 15.5-16.5 inches.
You are sure one proud mom if you have a red Shiba Inu because this bold and vibrant color enhances its body’s fine structure and detail.
They are high-spirited and playful, like a Burmese cat. They can be friendly with kids and can adapt well to apartment living. When it comes to other smaller pets, this breed may play well with them, considering their prey instincts.
Despite shedding heavily twice yearly, their grooming is minimal. Despite shedding heavily twice yearly, their grooming is minimal. These dogs are generally healthy, with an average lifespan between 13-16 years.
4. Golden Retriever
One of the most popular dog breeds, especially in the United States, the Golden Retriever is found in almost every home. This medium-sized dog weighs approximately 55-75 pounds and has an average height of 21.5-24 inches.
They come in a variety of golden shades for their coat color. Some of them have a deep mahogany shade, referred to as the Red Golden Retriever.
Pet lovers will surely fall in love with the Golden Retriever’s personality, making them great dogs for the family. They are intelligent, fun-loving, and active dogs.
Goldies are very friendly and affectionate family dogs towards adults, seniors, children, other dogs, and even other pets in the same household. Because of their friendliness, Golden retrievers are not suitable as guard dogs.
If you are looking for a snuggle buddy, the Golden Retriever is the best dog for you. They are, however, known shedders. That is why their soft, flowing coat needs more frequent brushing.
Owners should be aware that this type of breed is prone to cancer. Their average lifespan is 10-12 years.
5. Irish Setter
Originally bred in Ireland as a hunting dog for upland wild birds, the Irish Setter has gained popularity among owners engaged in dog sports. This medium-large dog breed weighs around 60-70 pounds and stands 25-27 inches in height.
The Irish Setter is definitely a head-turner and is admired not just for its work ethic but for its intelligence, friendliness, and overall beauty. These dogs fit well in any home and owners of all ages, and their friendly nature can even extend to strangers. So just like the Goldies, the Irish setter is not much of a guard dog.
These athletic dogs have solid bodies, strong and muscular legs, and small feet to allow speed and agility. As to its appearance, this dog breed sports a smooth and glossy deep, rich, red coat known as chestnut or deep mahogany.
Despite its overflowing appearance, caring for this red-coated dog breed is relatively low-maintenance. Irish Setters are moderate shedders. Regular brushing is required to maintain its coat color and shiny appearance.
Irish Setters are generally healthy dogs. The life expectancy for this dog breed is between 12-15 years.
6. Australian Shepherd
Another popular red dog breed is the Australian Shepherd. You might think that due to its name, this herding dog breed was originally bred in Australia, but according to the American Kennel Club, this breed came from Basques, Spain. Immigrants brought them to Australia, and other dogs were also brought to other parts of the world, including the United States.
In the United States, in California in particular, this large dog became popular in the ranches for its working ability. As the local ranchers believed this dog breed came from Australia, they named it as Australian shepherd.
Australian Shepherds are long-haired dogs. Their luxurious coats come in a wide range of color patterns. The four colors include red merle, blue merle, red (also called liver) Aussie, and black Aussie. Out of the four colors, the red merle is strikingly beautiful and less common.
Interestingly, an Australian Shepherd can have various eye colors. The red and black Aussies typically have blue, amber, or brown eyes. The red merle and blue merle Aussies, on the other hand, have marbled eye patterns, and at times, they can have heterochromia, where each eye may have a completely different color pattern or color.
The standard size for Australian Shepherds is 18-23 inches in height and weighs somewhere between 40-65 pounds. They are active, energetic, intelligent, and loyal to their family members.
To strangers, they may not be very friendly including other canines. If you have other smaller animals at home, like cats, for example, they may not be recommended, unless you think your cat needs constant herding.
Because of their clingy nature, they are prone to suffer from separation anxiety whenever their owners leave them at home for longer periods. See to it you have someone to leave your dog with.
Owners should make sure that they are able to keep up with their dog’s activeness. These high-energy dogs need both physical and mental stimulation. It is, therefore, safe to say they will not fit for apartment living.
As to grooming, their fur needs to be brushed weekly to keep it mat and tangle-free. When the shedding season comes, owners must ensure that the dead hair from their double coat is removed using an undercoat rake.
Generally, Aussies are healthy. If properly cared for, they can live up to 13-15 years.
7. Cocker Spaniel
Another favorite on the list of the red dog breeds is the Cocker Spaniel. Their flowing, long coats sport beautiful solid or marked colors, including white, tan, brown, black, and coppery red.
Having an average weight of 20-30 pounds and standing about 13-15 inches, this dog breed with big, dreamy eyes is well-loved by many. Originally bred as a hunting dog, Cocker Spaniels have been embraced by many dog lovers as an all-around companion.
Alert, intelligent, compassionate, and athletic, Cocker Spaniels make great family pets, especially with children. During training, Cocker Spaniels love to be praised. It is always recommended to train them at an early age. Early socialization is likewise recommended.
As Cocker Spaniels are long-haired, frequent brushing is necessary to keep their coats healthy and avoid tangles and mats. Their long coats need thorough bathing, and owners should always check their skin for any possible bumps and irritation. Should any of these be present in your dog’s skin, you should take your Cocker spaniel to seek veterinary advice and be given immediate treatment if necessary.
Cocker Spaniels are known to have good longevity. This breed has a recorded life expectancy of 10-12 years.
8. Labrador Retriever
Another popular dog breed in the United States is the Labrador Retriever. Known for their sweet, friendly, and outgoing personality, they are every family’s favorite breed.
This physically robust (medium-large) dog weighs around 55-70 pounds for females while males weigh between 65-8o pounds. Their average height is about 21-24 inches.
Labs have retained their ancestors’ general appearance over the years though you can find them with wide, otter-like tails, short coats, and floppy ears. They come in different colors, and the most common shades are yellow, chocolate, and black.
Do you know that Labrador Retrievers can also have a red coat? Yes, you read that right, and that is called the Ruby Lab or Fox Red Lab. It is considered the darker red shade of the yellow Lab. While this looks stunning, the red coat color is not an advantage in the show ring.
As Labs were bred originally as hunting buddies, their drive for prey is high. These intelligent and energetic dogs respond well to positive reinforcement training. Add to that their unmatched loyalty to their beloved owners. That is why they are also the best choice for service dogs.
This active breed needs lots of socialization and both physical and mental exercise. Give them lots of attention, play, and more pampering to get a happy Labrador Retriever. The word “retriever” itself, means they love to retrieve, so fetch can be a good game for them as they love to race back and forth.
These double-coated Labs are great shedders. Owners should be ready to groom and maintain their coats regularly.
Labs are prone to suffer from elbow and hip dysplasia. Obesity can also be a problem as they can be voracious eaters. This breed’s life expectancy is around 10-12 years.
9. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Bred for dog sports, specifically duck hunting in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia, Canada, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is the smallest among the AKC retrievers. It stands 17-20 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 35-50 pounds.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever’s trademark is its medium-length coat in crimson that varies from light or golden red to coppery red to deep amber. It comes with white markings. This dog breed always has a red coat.
Just like Labs and Goldies, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever shares the same wonderful temperament these retriever breeds. They are outgoing, smart, compost, affectionate, and attentive.
Trollies are very active dogs with endless energy like that of a Springer Spaniel or Border Collie. They are ideal for owners who have an active lifestyle and have the time and energy to keep this red dog breed usefully occupied.
To keep their medium-length fur look its best, Tollers require weekly brushing. Of course, just like the Labs and Goldies, brushing has to be frequent come shedding season.
They are relatively a healthy breed. Tollers have a life expectancy of 10-14 years.
Unlike other dogs, the risk of having hip dysplasia is low, but they are prone to suffer from thyroid disease and auto-immune diseases. Regular trips to the vet are recommended as these practitioners can accurately provide veterinary advice regarding your beloved canine’s health condition.
10. Redbone Coonhound
In addition to the list of the stunning red dog breeds is the Redbone Coonhound. This is an all-American dog breed also bred for hunting. It got its name “Redbone” after the breed’s founder, Peter Redbone of Tennessee.
A medium-large breed with a height of 20-27 inches and weighing 45-70 pounds, the Redbone Coonhound has a chiseled muscular structure underneath its stunningly smooth and sleek red coat. It also has white markings.
Coonhounds are intelligent, loving, loyal, and love spending their time with their beloved family. But since they are very active, they may not do well around younger children. Smaller kids should not be left with them unsupervised.
While they may be good with other dogs, small animals may be in danger with this hunting breed. Canine education should start at an early age. This dog’s friendliness should be backed by training and socialization.
Because they were bred for hunting, lots of exercises (both mental and physical) are needed for this breed. Never leave your Coonhound alone in an unfenced yard as they have the tendency to wander, especially when it sees a small animal. That would mean their hunting instinct is activated.
You should note that this breed can be very vocal. As a responsible owner, you should train your dog to bark appropriately, only when necessary.
These active canine companions are fit for owners with an active lifestyle. If you are into hiking, biking, or running, this breed is the right one for you!
Their short hair is as soft as velvet and requires only minimal care. Use a grooming mitt or shedding tool weekly to keep your Coonhound’s coat healthy, shiny, and free from any dead hair and debris.
Generally, Coonhounds are healthy. With proper care, exercise, and nutrition, they can live more happy years with their loving families. Their life expectancy is 10-12 years.
11. Rhodesian Ridgeback
In addition to the list of red dog breeds belonging to the hunting breed, is the Rhodesian Ridgeback. This dog was so-named after its unique trademark ridge. It appears as a stripe of hair that grows in the opposite direction on its back.
Its origins trace back to the African Tracking Dogs. These dogs guarded homes and chased after lions, even killing them. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a big, muscular dog weighing 70-85 pounds and stands around 24-27 inches.
Compassionate, smart, faithful to their friends and family, cheeky, independent, and strong-willed are some of the characteristics of the Rhodesian Ridgeback. They love children. But, as they are big dogs, children should not be left alone with them.
When it comes to other pets within the household, these dogs may find it difficult to adjust to them, especially with other canines. Rhodesians see them as their competitors within the territory. Early socialization can help them adjust to other pets, but it is not always a guarantee that they would not do anything that can harm your other pets.
A Rhodesian’s coat color is only wheaten, but its shades vary from golden (light) to brown (dark). The many tones in-between look like deep burnt red.
This athletic breed needs lots of physical activities to keep them happy and healthy. They also love to engage in mentally stimulating activities.
Rhodesians have minimal grooming needs. Regular weekly brushing can help their coats maintain their tip-top shape. Owners should give their dogs an occasional bath to keep their fur clean and look their best.
Generally, this breed is healthy, but still, owners must be updated on their dog’s health. This breed’s life expectancy is 10-12 years.
12. Norfolk Terrier
If you are looking for a brave and fearless canine friend but affectionate and friendly at the same time, then a Norfolk Terrier is what you need. Small yet acts like a big dog, the Norfolk Terrier weighs around 11-12 pounds and stands about 9-10 inches. In fact, it is one of the smallest among the terrier breeds. Thus, they won’t take much space in your home and are suitable for apartment living.
Norfolk Terriers are great entertainers. You will never get bored if you decide to own one because of their feisty character and they love new adventures. They are sure to knock you off with their charm, and one thing is for sure: they are not couch potatoes. They are fit for owners with active lifestyles.
Their wired coats come in all shades of red and can also have black markings. They have short legs and what adds to their charming looks are their small folded-over ears.
Norfolk Terriers love swimming that they can even get attracted to a puddle of mud and would think twice of taking a plunge. They have also been hailed as great companions because they can be adaptable, portable, and always up for anything.
Owners should be aware that this breed loves to dig. Thus, never leave them alone in the yard as they might get tempted to dig their way out. Also, because they are independent and have a strong prey drive, they should never be walked unleashed. They will always have that tendency to chase small animals.
A “special grooming method” is required to maintain their double coats. This method is known as hand-stripping. This is usually done at least twice yearly.
Hand-stripping involves the careful removal of excess hair to allow the growth of new hairs. You can learn this yourself or take your dog to the groomers who specialize in this kind of grooming. Regular brushing should be once or twice weekly.
They are generally healthy dogs and have an average life expectancy of 12-16 years if well-cared. Just like other dog breeds, they can also be susceptible to health issues like slipping kneecaps, heart diseases, and the most common hip dysplasia.
13. American English Coonhound (Virginia Hound)
Also bred for hunting, the American English Coonhound, which used to be called the Virginia Hound, has many names. It is also called the English Coonhound or the Redtick Coonhound. But the AKC officially calls this breed the American English Coonhound.
A descendant of the English Foxhound, they are known for their endurance and speed. Their robust bodies weigh about 45-65 pounds and stand about 24-26 inches.
Dogs of this breed are high intellect and have extra-high stamina, making this breed a super-fast dog. They are very sociable, loyal to their families, and good with children and other dog companions. They would always love to please their owners.
These dogs are very territorial and have strong hunting instincts. If you have smaller animals at home, they may not live harmoniously unless they have bonded well since they were pups.
Because they are high-energy dogs, they will need a fenced yard to run around and play to unleash their energy. You can play fetch with them, provided the area is fenced. They were bred as hunters, so their ability to pick up the smell of possible prey is strong.
Their hard protective coat is short to medium-length. The coat’s color patterns range from blue tick, red tick, and tri-colored tick, which include white, red, brown, blue, tan, and black.
To keep their coat’s texture and shine, regular grooming is necessary. Grooming these dogs at least once a week with a grooming mitt with rubber nubs or a shedding tool helps minimize shedding.
There are no reported pre-disposed ailments for this breed though they are not exempt from the most common canine ailments. American English Coonhounds have an average life expectancy of 11-12 years.
14. Irish Red and White Setter (IRWS)
Among the many red-coated dog breeds is the Irish Red and White Setter, also bred for hunting. These medium-sized, powerful dogs have an average weight of 50-75 pounds and stand 22-26 inches.
Originating from Ireland, the Irish Red and White Setter’s coat color is mainly white with glossy, red patches and noticeably tiny freckles surrounding their feet. Obviously, its name signifies its place of origin and the breed’s color.
Their exceptional alertness makes them perfect guard dogs and, at the same time, great pets for families because they are loving and devoted. They can go along with kids and other canine pets in the household.
Because they have high energy, they do well with agility training. Their exercise should last for an hour per day. It can include walking and jogging.
Their silky, medium-long fur is easy to maintain. Owners must give them weekly brushes to keep their coats look their best and tangle-free.
Although they are generally healthy, they are not exempt from genetic conditions like hip dysplasia, von Willebrand’s diseases, posterior polar cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. Their average lifespan is 10-13 years.
15. Vizsla
The last but definitely not the least among the red dog breeds in this list is the Vizsla, which also belongs to the category of hunting breeds. This medium-sized dog can grow about 21-25 inches tall and weigh around 40-65 pounds.
These energetic dogs are well-mannered, loving and affectionate, gentle, expressive, and caring. They can immediately form a strong and intimate bond with their family, including kids. They can be good with cats and other canine household members. But when it comes to smaller pets like hamsters and rabbits, never leave them alone with your Vizsla.
They are multi-talented athletes and are known achievers in various activities and sports. Sometimes, these dogs can be manipulative. Hence, a strong training foundation is important starting puppyhood. But you should note that these dogs are more sensitive than other breeds, so always show them kindness.
As these dogs are a pack full of energy, owners must have a good schedule for their daily mental and physical exercises, which can span from 30 minutes to an hour. They can be good hiking, jogging, and biking buddies.
Vizslas have smooth and sleek short coats without any undercoat that come in red, golden, and golden-rustic with white markings. Grooming is relatively easy despite being moderate shedders. To help maintain their coats’ shine and luster, brushing at least once or twice a week is encouraged.
Also a healthy breed, Vizslas are not exempt from other common canine conditions such as hip dysplasia, seasonal allergies, ear infections, and canine epilepsy. Their recorded average lifespan is 12-15 years.
Final thoughts
With all these 15 strikingly fabulous red dog breeds listed above, you now have more than a handful of information needed to choose the ideal red dog breed for you. Just as you have your unique personalities, adopt the lifestyle of your choice, and have other personal considerations, each dog breed also has its distinct temperament and personality. Choose one that perfectly matches ours.
While you can always buy one from the breeders, never forget the countless homeless dogs waiting to experience love and belong to a family who will give them a furever home. You can find these red-coated dogs at your local animal shelters and rescue centers, and these dogs give you lots of love and respect in return.
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*photo by Prystai – depositphotos