Are you looking for a gorgeous, fiery red dog breed to welcome into your family? You’ve come to the right place! There are lots of different choices out there, so it may be confusing to pick just one. If you aren’t careful, you’ll end up with 2 or 3 of them, which is why narrowing down your needs in a canine companion is very important!
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There’s a lot more that goes into owning a dog than just coat color, after all, so it’s good to do your research beforehand. Genetics play a role in coat color, just like they do in the personality traits of every dog breed. Each of our favorite red-coated dogs offers something different to a potential dog owner, so it’s good to know what to expect!
In this article, we will look into a quick overview of each breed, examining their temperament, and what types of lifestyles they best fit into. You’ll learn about their living requirements, and also what their grooming needs are like. Let’s jump and take a look at the most popular red, furry canine companions around the world!
Irish Setter
Irish Setters are probably the most popular of all red dog breeds. They are very sweet and affectionate family dogs, eager to bond with the members of their pack. This also extends to new people and animals they may meet; it’s very easy for an Irish Setter to make friends! They can get along well with children, though they may be a bit too overeager for younger ones.
Being protective of their family, this breed can make a good watchdog as they bark to let you know if someone new is around. However, Irish Setters are prone to separation anxiety if left alone for too long, so always allow them to spend time with someone if you aren’t there with them.
Irish Setters will need at least 90 minutes of exercise per day. This will keep them mentally stimulated, and out of trouble. These outgoing dogs will enjoy walking around with you and meeting new friends along the way. As for training, they are very intelligent but will need shorter training sessions to accommodate for their high energy.
Irish Setters have long, gorgeous coats that need a fair bit of maintenance. They will need to be brushed a few times a week to prevent mats and tangles from forming. Burrs can attach easily to the longer parts of their fur, such as on the tail and ears. They will only need baths occasionally, and can be wiped down with a wet wipe between baths.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a fantastic dog who can come in a very regal shade of red. They are dignified, loyal, and affectionate with family. Ridgebacks have a good temper and are content to be quiet with the other members of their pack versus doing anything too rowdy. They love children, but will need to be supervised around smaller kids because of their powerful size.
They may have trouble adjusting to other pets in the house. Ridgebacks can see other dogs as competition for territory, while they can see cats as quarry. Early socialization will help this dog get used to other pets sharing the home, though this isn’t always guaranteed.
This dog is a capable guard dog and will valiantly protect its family. Because they have such muscular frames, they will need a good amount of exercise daily. At least an hour of exercise should do them well, though do not be surprised if they want more! Running together is a great way to keep them occupied, as are more leisurely walks. Ridgebacks need to be trained from an early age so as not to allow them to become too mischievous.
Your Rhodesian Ridgeback will not need a moderate amount of grooming. Brushing them a few times a week with a good, firm bristle brush will help rid them of excess fur. They do blow out their coats a few times a year, so you will need to brush them daily when this happens. Baths are done occasionally, only when they are really needed.
Labrador Retriever
Did you know that Labrador Retrievers can have a red coat? That’s right, the most popular dog in the United States can have a red coat, and is known as the Fox Red Labrador. Sometimes known as a Ruby Lab, the Fox Red Lab cannot be registered with the AKC as “red” in color. They are considered a variant of the yellow coat color, and are registered as such.
This striking red coat color is controversial. Many breed purists argue that the Fox Red Labrador is a crossbreed, and isn’t a Labrador at all. But many breeders have started to accept this color as an official color of the Labrador Retriever.
Labs are one of the most family-friendly dog breeds, which is why they are consistently ranked as the most popular dog in the United States. Originally bred for hunting, this breed has become one of the most favored dog breeds in the world due to their high obedience levels, and family-friendly temperament.
Labs have double coats, and shed frequently. So be prepared to groom them, especially during the winter and summer when they blow their coats. This means their beautiful red coats will end up on your furniture and in your home, especially twice a year during shedding season.
Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever, despite their name, can come in an incredible deeper red color as well. These dogs have winning personalities and are famed for their wonderful temperaments. They are happy, playful dogs who will enjoy being a part of most different families. They take very well to children and get along great with other pets too, especially if they have grown up together, or if they were socialized early.
These dogs make poor guard dogs, because while they are large, they are too friendly for their own good! Despite all this, you must train them to behave as early as possible, as their playful antics can become obnoxious if not reined in properly.
Golden Retrievers need a lot of exercise and playtime to stay happy. This active breed requires at least 60 minutes of exercise every day. Daily walks are always a good energy outlet, but this breed absolutely loves swimming! If you are lucky enough to have a pool or live near a pond or a lake, then they will definitely enjoy going in for a swim. Just be sure that any time spent alone outdoors is in a yard with a well-secured fence, in case the wanderlust hits and they try to run away.
It’s a bit of an event to groom your Golden Retriever. It requires a lot of effort to brush and bathe them, given the glorious length of their locks. Brushing them a few times a week is necessary, switching to daily when their coats blow out at the change of the seasons. Bathing should be done whenever necessary– these dogs will love taking baths, so be prepared to get soaked along with them!
Poodle
Poodles of any size can come in a beautiful red color, making them one of the more common red dog breeds. These delightful dogs are incredibly smart and happy to learn new things– provided you give them lots of praise! They are happy to be a part of your family, and will take well to new people and animals. Poodles are social butterflies, and will always want to be the center of attention.
Being very smart, your Poodle will need a lot of physical and mental stimulation. You should bring them out for no less than 45 minutes of activity each day, though larger Poodles will require more exercise. They will be happy to prance around the neighborhood or spend time with their friends at the dog park.
Allow them to play games and use their toys as necessary, as this will keep them occupied, and thus very behaved. Since they are easily trainable, you can teach them to do just about anything; with enough positive reinforcement, the Poodle is unstoppable!
Given the Poodle’s impeccable curly coat, you will need to brush them daily in order to keep matting away. Thankfully, Poodles do not shed, and are thus hypoallergenic. You will need to give this dog a good bath every 3 weeks or so to keep them looking their best. For special haircuts, you can opt to see a groomer.
Dachshund
The Dachshund is a world-favorite Weiner dog that can come in an array of colors, including red. They are surprisingly bold for their size, with a lot of courage and liveliness to go around. They are very loving and outgoing dogs and want nothing more than to spend time with their human family.
It’s important to socialize them as soon as you can so they can grow up to be well-adjusted adults. This will also help them get used to children, as they’re not often fond of them unless they were raised alongside them. They get along well with other pets, though.
Doxies are very playful and active dogs, and will need a good amount of exercise each day. Around 45 minutes should suffice. Be sure to give them a good walk around your neighborhood, or play games with them at the dog park. This will keep them happy, since they will be mentally and physically stimulated. Given their short legs, they may benefit from a ramp to help them go up and down couches or the car. This will also prevent injury.
Your Dachshund will not need a lot of grooming, though they will still shed. Give them a good run through with a brush at least once a week. You won’t need to bathe this dog too often, either, unless they have rolled around in the dirt. Simply give them a wash as necessary with warm water and mild dog shampoo, and they’ll be nice and clean.
Vizsla
The Vizsla is a very pretty dog that can come in either golden shades of fawn or a bold red. They are very attached to their human family and will follow them around everywhere if they have bonded to them sufficiently. As puppies, they should be socialized early on to make for a friendlier dog in adulthood.
They do better with older children simply because of how energetic they can be; older children can handle this better than younger ones can. This breed is very sweet, with plenty of intelligence to go around. They will be easily trained as long as it is done early enough in their life.
Vizslas are highly active dogs who will need at least 90 minutes of exercise each day. Their high energy needs can make them difficult to handle for novice dog owners. Be sure to get them their daily exercise and play with them sufficiently. When training them, be sure to treat them with kindness, as this breed can be more sensitive than most.
Vizslas do not shed very much, though they are still not hypoallergenic. You will need to give them a good brushing every week or so to help rid them of their dead fur. They are very good at keeping themselves clean and will only need a bath when they are visibly dirty.
Australian Kelpie
The Australian Kelpie comes in an array of colors, including a beautiful red. This dog is highly alert and will need a family who can keep up with them! They are happy to play alongside other dogs and children, though they will need to be socialized early to help them be on their best behavior.
You will need to devote some time to training this dog, since they are very intelligent and need a lot of structure to be satisfied. Thankfully, this is done quite easily, as they are eager to please. They will make a good guard dog for the home and will be happy to assist you in your day-to-day life together.
Since this dog is highly active, you may find yourself having trouble attending to their energy needs. Novice dog owners beware! Kelpies need at least 90 minutes of exercise every day, though they will probably be better occupied with a high intensity activity like running or playing fetch instead of a leisurely walk. Be sure to give them plenty of toys and games to play when they are at home, since they very much need the physical and mental stimulation.
Your Kelpie will need a good brush down at least once a week to help remove the extra fur and dirt. Seasonal shedding should be dealt with using more frequent brushing– daily if necessary. Thankfully, they only need a bath around two to three times a year, though you may need to bathe them more often if they are working on a farm where things can get smelly!
Akita
The Akita is a gorgeous, Japanese dog breed with a coat that can come in a gorgeous, autumn red. These dogs are highly alert and protective of their families. They can be territorial, which is why early socialization is important in making them well-rounded dogs.
Akitas can be wary around new people and animals, and do not fare well with smaller pets in the home, given their prey drive and hunting instincts. Beyond this, they are extremely loyal and loving to their humans. They have a lot of affection to give, although it is more of a quiet love than what we’re normally used to from other dogs.
Your Akita will need a lot of fresh air and exercise, since they have high energy needs. Being a very active dog, you will need to take them out for at least 60 minutes of exercise each day. You can split this into multiple sessions if necessary. They may be better off taking a walk with you around the neighborhood versus having fun with other dogs at the dog park. Letting them play games in a well fenced in yard will help keep them physically and mentally stimulated, and thus better behaved.
Your Akita will be a clean dog that grooms themselves pretty regularly, not unlike a cat. However, given that they shed a good amount, you should brush them a few times a week to get rid of the excess fur. The good news is they only need bathing once every few months, or when they get exceptionally dirty.
Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is the Akita’s smaller cousin, also capable of coming in a striking, red coat color. These dogs are brave and bold, with exceptionally keen senses. They can be very kind and loving dogs, and are eager to listen to a firm and confident owner who can train them well.
Since they are playful dogs, they get along well with children and even other dogs in the home. However, they do not play well with smaller pets, given their high prey drive. They also aren’t particularly fond of strangers, but if taught to behave well, will be polite enough around them.
It’s important to give this active dog at least 45 to 60 minutes of activity every day. However, it’s essential that, when taking them out on walks, you keep them on a leash, as they’re prone to chasing cars and small animals. Give them a lot of toys to play with in their downtime, as this helps them to be better-behaved dogs.
Shiba Inus need a lot of engagement to stay behaved, so don’t be stingy with the playtime! Everyone in the home should take part in playing with the dog, so that they can really feel like part of the pack.
You can use a firm brush to remove your Shiba Inu’s excess fur a few times a week, though during low-shedding times, you can get away with doing it weekly! They have naturally waterproof coats that allow them to hunt in all manners of weather. Bathing them will not be a frequent necessity, as this can remove the coat’s natural waterproofing.
Pomeranian
Pomeranians are adorably tiny dogs who can come in a wide range of colors, including red. They are spunky, smart, and full of attitude despite their little frame! Pomeranians should never be underestimated, as they have incredibly alert senses and can be a great watchdog.
However, you should train them to bark only when appropriate; they can be very vocal dogs! This breed is more than happy to be at the center of attention and will be an affectionate lap dog to anyone who cares for them. They are great with children, but are easily injured, so be sure to supervise all interactions the kids have with the dog!
Since Pomeranians are so little, they will have no trouble adjusting to life in a smaller home, such as an apartment. For this same reason, they are also very easy to exercise. They will not need to spend too much time exercising vigorously, as this can injure them. A nice, gentle walk around the neighborhood is enough. Training them comes easily as long as it’s done early enough and done with lots of positive reinforcement.
Pomeranians have a high maintenance coat that will need to be brushed daily. It’s a good thing they are small dogs! Brushing the coat must be done from the root to the outer coat in order to distribute oils and promote a healthy shine. They do not need to be bathed very often, so you can opt to give them a bath only when necessary.
Miniature Pinscher
The Miniature Pinscher is a feisty little dog that can come in a red coat. These dogs, despite their size, can be very dominant. You will need to establish your role as their leader from early on to ensure good behavior as they grow up. They are happy to spend time with their family, as they are highly affectionate dogs.
However, you should supervise all interactions between them and younger children, in case of injury to either party. This breed loves humans, but will be shy around other pets. Socialization is important to ensure that they become more confident and outgoing despite initial timidity.
You will need to spend a good amount of time training your Mini Pinscher. They can be stubborn, and will be much more inclined to play than follow your commands. Patience is key here, as well as doing things early enough in time. Since they have high energy needs for their breed size, you will need to give them a lot of time outdoors to help them be on their best behavior. A fenced-in yard is a good place for them to run around in, though they should be allowed a daily walk as well.
The Mini Pinscher’s short coat makes for easy grooming. They only need to be brushed once a week to help keep the excess fur at bay. This helps them look their best, too! Bathing is a more delicate issue, as your dog may have skin irritations from shampoo. It’s best not to bathe them unless extremely necessary, instead wiping them down with a wet wipe or washcloth to keep them clean.
Norfolk Terrier
The Norfolk Terrier is one of the smallest Terriers, able to come in a pretty red coat. These dogs are typically bold and courageous despite their size, which can be very entertaining to watch! They are good with children and can be very friendly with other humans. They are never aggressive and have great confidence.
Keeping them around smaller pets may be a difficult endeavor, since they have a high prey drive and are prone to chasing small animals. You will need to spend a lot of time training this dog. They are intelligent, but this can be to their detriment. Norfolk Terriers can be willful dogs who prefer to do anything else than listen to their owners, so you will need to be firm and patient in their instruction.
It’s important that the Norfolk Terrier have a well-secured yard they can run around in. They are prone to bouts of wanderlust, especially if it means chasing a small animal into the distance! Beyond this, since they are smaller dogs, they will not need too much exercise. Around 30 to 40 minutes a day should suffice. What’s important is that they always be occupied with a toy or a game so that they feel entertained. Otherwise, they can turn to destructive behavior to get their fun!
Norfolk Terriers are thankfully hypoallergenic. They do not shed a lot and will be a great choice for allergy sufferers. Brushing their coat a few times a week should keep them looking sharp. Bathing should be done only as necessary.
Redbone Coonhound
Redbone Coonhounds are spectacular American hunting dogs that only come in a magnificent red color. These dogs are intelligent, loyal, and loving. They enjoy spending time with their family, though they aren’t overly clingy dogs. However, being an energetic breed, they will not do well with smaller children, as they can easily injure them if not supervised properly.
Redbones have a good rapport with other dogs, but may see smaller animals like cats and birds as quarry for the hunt. Socialization is important to help them become well-rounded dogs. This is easily done, given their friendly nature. They will be welcoming towards people whom they know their family trusts.
Redbone Coonhounds are athletic dogs and will need a lot of exercise. They need around 60 to 90 minutes of daily activity, which should be split up into short bursts to keep them occupied throughout the day.
Redbones need to be let outside to play in a very well-secured yard, as they shouldn’t be allowed to roam freely. This is due to their genetic tendencies to chase after small animals and interesting scents. Instead, keep their interest by playing games with them, like fetch and tug-o-war. Toys are instrumental in keeping this breed well behaved, too.
Being a hound, Redbone Coonhounds are known to have a distinct “houndy” odor. This can be kept under control with regular bathing. Shedding isn’t too much of a problem for this breed, though you will still need to brush them at least once a week. This helps them look fantastic and keeps them free of dead hairs and debris.
Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel is a breed that is nothing short of beautiful– and so is the red coat that they sometimes come in! These dogs are happy, bright, and cheerful, always willing to spread their good mood around the different members of their family. Socialization comes easy to this dog provided that it is done early enough. This helps them get along well with children and other pets.
They are pretty good at being watchdogs, given their keen senses. Cocker Spaniels are wonderfully affectionate and love nothing more than a good cuddle, but will be happy to explore the great, big world by your side as well.
Cocker Spaniels have high energy needs and will require you to attend to those needs daily. At least 60 minutes of exercise is necessary for this breed, though they will probably want more if they aren’t sufficiently tired out. Giving them a few walks a day should help keep them behaved. However, ensure that they are always on a leash when you are out and about, as they can quickly run after interesting scents that may catch their fancy.
Cocker Spaniels have gorgeous coats that need a lot of maintenance in order to keep them silky. The feathering on the edges of the fur also has a tendency to collect debris. Be sure to give them a good brushing a few times a week, if not daily, especially during shedding season. Bathing should be done every month or so to keep bad odors at bay.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Ever heard of the Novia Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever? Surprisingly, not too many people have! This pup ranks 90th on the breed popularity list that’s released each year by the AKC. They are well-known hunting dogs, specifically used for hunting waterfowl.
These pups are very active, and should only be placed with an active family. They have longer, furry and fluffy red coats that distinguish them from many other breeds. These adorably fluffy canines make great family pets, and get a long well with families and are great in multi-pet households.
However, the Toller is most commonly used as a hunting companion and is well known for its soft mouth when it comes to hunting waterfowl. They are easily trainable, and not stubborn. They are extremely high energy and can become destructive without a proper energy outlet.
This breed requires consistent grooming and has a red double coat. They shed quite frequently and will blow their coat twice per year. Expect to stay on top of their grooming regimen, and you’ll need to consistently keep up with their long red fur laying around your home or on your furniture.
Australian Shepherd
The final dog on our list is the energetic Australian Shepherd, who also comes in a stunning red coat. These dogs are highly dominant if not trained to know their place in the hierarchy, but this is because they were bred to handle livestock. Provided you can teach them to behave early on in their puppyhood, there won’t be much trouble in living a harmonious home life together.
They are exceptionally loving towards their family, though they will need socialization to be friendly around strangers and other dogs. This comes easily enough as long as it is done at an early point in their life.
Australian Shepherds need a lot of structure to maintain their happiness. They are very highly active and will sometimes need upwards of 90 minutes of exercise per day to be satisfied. There are plenty of things that they can do, not limited to running, swimming, and herding.
They are easily trained as long as you are firm and confident about being their leader. Give them a lot of time to play with toys in their downtime, as they need something to do at all times in order to keep themselves behaved. They should be let out and free to run around in the yard, as long as it is well fenced-in. Otherwise, they will run after cars in an attempt to herd them, which can be very dangerous!
This dog sheds an average amount, so be sure to brush them a few times a week to keep shedding in check. Be sure to check their coats for debris that may have gotten stuck there during their time outdoors. Bathe them only as necessary, as too much bathing can damage their skin and coat, causing fur loss in the process.
Final Thoughts
By now you should have plenty of information about these striking red-coated dog breeds. While there are a few additional red-coated breeds out there, this list has the most popular dogs that you’ll find readily available at both rescue centers and local animal shelters.
Just to reiterate, adopting a dog shouldn’t be done just on the basis of coat color. Make sure to do your research and become knowledgeable about each breed before deciding which is the best fit for your lifestyle. If you are looking for a red-coated pup, each of these dog breeds brings something different to the table!
Great wide variety of dogs but also Australian cattle dogs can be red or called red heelerss
Australian cattle dogs come in red also.
Another missing – Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will come in a ruby red color sometimes, along with blenheim, black and tan, or black and white. 15-20 lbs and really, really well tempered. They have only one period a year where they shed -unfortunately that lasts for 365 days. Maybe needs an hour tops of exercise a day, great companion dogs, but can occasionally be susceptible to anxiety, so maybe best for those with someone always home. Less exercise needs than cocker spaniels.
You forgot the Irish terrier! Beautiful red coat