PuppyBase

Pointer 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

Pointer vs Redbone Coonhound

People compare Pointers and Redbone Coonhounds because they’re both lean, athletic hunting dogs with short coats and a love for the outdoors. At first glance, they seem like two sides of the same coin. energetic, loyal, and built for action. But if you’re choosing between them, you’re really deciding what kind of energy you can handle, and what kind of dog fits your life. The Pointer isn’t just active, they’re driven. Bred to cover miles of open field at full speed, they need serious daily exercise. think long runs, dog sports, or field work. They’re highly trainable, eager to please, and form intense bonds. But they’re not as naturally kid-friendly as they look. Their high energy can knock over younger children, and without enough mental stimulation, they’ll burn it off by tearing up your couch. They thrive with active adults who hunt, run, or compete. The Redbone, on the other hand, moves with purpose but not panic. They’re calm inside the house, affectionate with older kids, and deeply loyal. But don’t be fooled by their quiet moments. let them catch a scent and they’ll follow it for hours, baying loudly the whole time. That voice is the real dealbreaker. If your neighbors complain about noise now, a Redbone will push that to the limit. They’re not as easy to train as Pointers, and off-leash freedom is a fantasy unless you’ve got a fully fenced wilderness. Here’s what the data won’t tell you: Pointers bond to one person and want to work for them. Redbones bond to the whole household and want to sleep at everyone’s feet. If you want a partner in motion, go Pointer. If you want a devoted, musical shadow who loves the deep woods and your back porch equally, the Redbone’s your dog.

Pointer
Redbone Coonhound
23–28 in
Height
21–27 in
45–75 lb
Weight
45–70 lb
12–17 yr
Lifespan
12–15 yr
$1.2–3.0k
Puppy price
$0.8–2.5k
#114
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.
Pointer Redbone Coonhound
Overlay

Where they diverge

Good with Young Children
Redbone Coonhound is better with kids (2-point difference)
Redbone
Trainability
Pointer is easier to train (2-point difference)
Pointer
Drooling Level
Pointer drools less (1-point difference)
Pointer
Good with Strangers
Pointer is friendlier with strangers (1-point difference)
Pointer
Playfulness
Pointer is more playful (1-point difference)
Pointer
The verdict

Choose the Pointer if…

  • Active families
  • Hunters and field sport enthusiasts
  • Outdoor and running enthusiasts
  • You value trainabilityPointer scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Redbone Coonhound if…

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