PuppyBase

Australian Terrier vs Redbone Coonhound

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

Perfect Puppy Quiz · 5 questions · 90 seconds

Not sure which breed fits your life?

Answer five questions about your home, your schedule, and your tolerance for shedding. We’ll match you to your top three breeds from over 200.

The bottom line

Australian Terrier vs Redbone Coonhound

You don’t see an Australian Terrier and a Redbone Coonhound in the same conversation much. unless you’re deep in the dog world, torn between a pocket-sized guardian and a big-hearted hunter. People compare them when they want loyalty and spirit but haven’t decided whether their dog should fit in a tote bag or lead a trail through the woods. The Aussie Terrier is a firecracker in a wiry coat. At just 15 to 20 pounds, this little guy was built to dive into snake-riddled mines and come out barking. And he still does. figuratively. He’s loud, feisty, and thrives on mental puzzles and routines. He bonds fiercely with his people and is great with kids, but don’t expect him to ignore the squirrel. His prey drive isn’t a quirk, it’s his resume. And if you live in an apartment with a cat? Good luck. The Redbone is another animal entirely. Lean, rich mahogany, and built for moonlit chases, this hound lives to follow a scent. He’s calm indoors, deeply affectionate, and surprisingly gentle with older kids. But he needs space and a secure yard. because once he catches a whiff, he’s gone. You can’t call him back, and that’s not disobedience, it’s biology. He sheds a bit, drools a little, and bays like it’s his job. because it was. Pick the Aussie if you want a bold, compact dog who’ll sound the alarm at every delivery truck and still curl up on your lap at night. Go for the Redbone if you’re outdoorsy, patient, and okay with a dog who listens. right up until he doesn’t. Here’s the real talk: the Aussie will boss around a household twice his size, while the Redbone will break your heart by choosing a raccoon trail over dinner with you. Know which story you’re signing up for.

Australian Terrier
Redbone Coonhound
10–11 in
Height
21–27 in
15–20 lb
Weight
45–70 lb
11–15 yr
Lifespan
12–15 yr
$1.2–2.5k
Puppy price
$0.8–2.5k
#140
AKC popularity
#142

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
Australian Terrier Redbone Coonhound
Overlay

Where they diverge

Affectionate w/ Family
Redbone Coonhound is more affectionate (2-point difference)
Redbone
Good with Other Dogs
Redbone Coonhound is better with other dogs (2-point difference)
Redbone
Shedding Level
Australian Terrier sheds less (2-point difference)
Australian
Drooling Level
Australian Terrier drools less (2-point difference)
Australian
Playfulness
Australian Terrier is more playful (1-point difference)
Australian
The verdict

Choose the Australian Terrier if…

  • Apartments
  • Families
  • Seniors
  • You value playfulnessAustralian Terrier scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Redbone Coonhound if…

  • Active outdoor owners
  • Hunters and tracking enthusiasts
  • Rural or suburban households
  • You value affectionate w/ familyRedbone Coonhound scores higher here.
Australian Terrier Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Australian Terrier home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Redbone Coonhound Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Redbone Coonhound home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

Other comparisons people run