Redbone Coonhound vs Whippet

You don’t see people lining up to choose between a Redbone Coonhound and a Whippet every day, but when they do, it’s usually because they want a sleek, affectionate hound that’s good with kids and doesn’t shed too much. Both fit that mold on paper. Both are gentle, loyal, and thrive in families. But that’s where the similarity ends—because these dogs live entirely different lives. The Redbone is your back-porch companion in the countryside, the dog that’ll follow you through the woods at dusk, nose to the ground, baying loud enough to scare off raccoons—and your neighbors. He’s built for stamina, not speed, and he’s happiest when he’s got miles to cover and a trail to follow. You’ll love his even temper and deep loyalty, but don’t expect quiet. He barks. A lot. And if you live in an apartment or hate noise, you’ll regret it by week two. The Whippet, on the other hand, is the quiet ghost of the dog world—slender, silent, and surprisingly couch-bound. Yes, he’ll explode into a 30 mph sprint in the backyard, but afterward, he’s curling up under a blanket on your lap. He’s ideal for city living, so long as you can give him a daily run in a secure space. Just don’t house him with a pet rabbit. His prey drive is lightning-fast and unforgiving. Pick the Redbone if you’re outdoorsy, patient with noise, and want a dog that works as hard as he loves. Choose the Whippet if you want a velvety sprinter who’s calm indoors and fits urban life—but can’t be trusted off-leash. Here’s the real talk: neither is truly easy to train. Both are hounds, and hounds make decisions based on scent, not your voice. You’ll need patience, consistency, and a sense of humor when they ignore you mid-recall. That’s not stubbornness. That’s biology.