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Norfolk 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.

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The bottom line

Norfolk Terrier vs Redbone Coonhound

You don’t see many people torn between a Norfolk Terrier and a Redbone Coonhound. But if you’re active, love dogs with personality, and want a loyal sidekick, both make sense. on paper. The real difference? One fits in your carry-on; the other needs its own zip code. The Norfolk Terrier is that feisty little guy who thinks he’s ten times his size. He’s fearless, affectionate, and will bark at a falling leaf. You’ll love his spunk, but don’t expect quiet evenings. he’s got opinions and isn’t shy about sharing them. He’s great in apartments, loves kids who aren’t toddlers, and thrives on puzzle toys and agility courses. He’s not lazy, though. This dog wants to do something, even if it’s just bossing around the backyard. The Redbone? He’s the deep-voiced, red-coated hound who’ll follow a scent for miles. Built for tracking raccoons through swamps and woods, he’s calm inside but bursts into full throttle when the nose hits the trail. You can’t trust him off-leash in open areas. his instincts are too strong. He’s gentle with older kids, loves lounging after a long hike, and will melt into your side on the couch. But if you live in an apartment or hate baying at 2 a.m., he’ll drive you nuts. Pick the Norfolk if you want a tiny, tenacious companion who adapts to city life but still needs mental fire. Choose the Redbone if you’ve got land, love the woods, and want a loyal, big-hearted hound with serious nose power. Here’s the thing no one says: both are stubborn in their own way. The Norfolk’s small but thinks he’s the boss. The Redbone’s sweet but will ignore you completely if he catches a whiff of something interesting. Neither is truly “easy.” But if you want character over convenience, they’re both gold.

Norfolk Terrier
Redbone Coonhound
9–10 in
Height
21–27 in
11–12 lb
Weight
45–70 lb
12–16 yr
Lifespan
12–15 yr
$2.0–4.5k
Puppy price
$0.8–2.5k
#126
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.
Norfolk Terrier Redbone Coonhound
Overlay

Where they diverge

Good with Other Dogs
Redbone Coonhound is better with other dogs (2-point difference)
Redbone
Drooling Level
Norfolk Terrier drools less (2-point difference)
Norfolk
Good with Strangers
Norfolk Terrier is friendlier with strangers (2-point difference)
Norfolk
Playfulness
Norfolk Terrier is more playful (1-point difference)
Norfolk
Watchdog / Protective
Norfolk Terrier is more protective (1-point difference)
Norfolk
The verdict

Choose the Norfolk Terrier if…

  • Active families
  • Apartment or small home living
  • Families with older children
  • You value good with strangersNorfolk Terrier scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Redbone Coonhound if…

  • Active outdoor owners
  • Hunters and tracking enthusiasts
  • Rural or suburban households
  • You value good with other dogsRedbone Coonhound scores higher here.
Norfolk Terrier Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Norfolk 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

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