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Norwich 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

Norwich Terrier vs Redbone Coonhound

People compare Norwich Terriers and Redbone Coonhounds because both are energetic, affectionate, and surprisingly family-friendly in their own ways. But that’s where the similarities end. One is a pint-sized dynamo built to dive into fox dens, the other a lean, red-coated hunter bred to track raccoons through the night. Choosing between them isn’t about preference for energy or barking. it’s about the life you actually live. A Norwich Terrier is a 10-inch, 12-pound tornado of curiosity. You’ll find them barking at squirrels from your apartment window, thriving on puzzle toys, and curling up on your lap like they’ve always belonged there. They’re fearless, stubborn, and don’t need a yard. but they do need your time. Training takes patience, and their bark is frequent. If you’re in a condo, love dog sports, and want a dog that’s always with you, this is your guy. The Redbone is a different beast. At 45 to 70 pounds, this dog needs space and a secure fence. They’re calm indoors but come alive when there’s a scent to follow. Their baying is deep, loud, and will carry across a neighborhood. great in the woods, less so in the suburbs. They’re eager to please but will ignore you the second a raccoon crosses their path. Not a dog for off-leash freedom. Here’s the real difference: the Norwich will challenge your patience daily but reward it with unmatched loyalty in a tiny package. The Redbone asks for space and purpose. give it to him, and he’s a gentle giant. Pick the Norwich if you want a bold little companion who fits in your life. Pick the Redbone if your life happens outside, and you don’t mind a little noise with your nature.

Norwich Terrier
Redbone Coonhound
9–10 in
Height
21–27 in
11–12 lb
Weight
45–70 lb
12–15 yr
Lifespan
12–15 yr
$2.0–4.5k
Puppy price
$0.8–2.5k
#108
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.
Norwich Terrier Redbone Coonhound
Overlay

Where they diverge

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

Choose the Norwich Terrier if…

  • Active families
  • Apartment or small home living
  • Families with older children
  • You value good with strangersNorwich 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.
Norwich Terrier Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Norwich 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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