23 Gorgeous Red Dog Breeds with Fiery Coats and Personalities
Red dog breeds have a striking appearance that naturally attracts attention. (Think of Clifford, the Big Red Dog!) From the popular poodle to the rare Finnish spitz, many captivating red-headed dogs come from different backgrounds and vary in size, temperament, and activity level. Here are 23 red dog breeds to consider adding to your family.
Here are 23 red dog breeds worth considering adding to your family.
01 of 23
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever, or “toller” for short, has a stunning golden to coppery red medium-length coat with white markings. “Their signature red coat and white markings are matched by a unique hunting tactic: playful shoreline antics that lure curious waterfowl within range,” Sabrina Kong, DVM, staff veterinary writer at We Love Doodles says. Formerly known as Little River Duck Dogs, tollers have a waterproof double coat and naturally, an affinity for water and dog sports. These smaller-sized retrievers have big personalities and are incredibly smart and sporty, thriving with lots of exercise and enrichment.
Breed Overview
02 of 23
Irish Setter (Red Setter)
The Irish setter, also known as the red setter, is a medium-to-large sporting dog beloved for their vibrant chestnut-colored coat and companionable personality. Their striking coats are glossy, flowing, and feathered and require regular brushing. Irish setters are energetic, friendly, and adaptable and make a great fit for active households.
Breed Overview
4 Types of Setter Dog Breeds
03 of 23
Dachshund
Dachshunds, also known as wiener dogs or doxies, are little dogs with huge personalities. Not only do they have three different coat types, but they also come in many colors, with one of the most common being red. A doxie’s grooming needs will depend on whether they’re smooth-coated, long-haired, or wire-haired; smooth-coated dogs will require less frequent brushing, whereas long-haired dogs will need to be brushed regularly.
Breed Overview
04 of 23
Redbone Coonhound
“Red” is literally in the redbone coonhound’s name! This athletic hunting dog is known for their short, sleek red coat, insatiable taste for adventure, and melodious bay. Their short coat won’t require much maintenance beyond using a deshedding tool once a week. However, they will need ample physical and mental stimulation, making the perfect canine companion for active families. “Beyond their striking color, their endurance, determination in pursuit, and an unwavering work ethic define this breed’s essence,” Kong says.
Breed Overview
05 of 23
Irish Terrier
The Irish terrier is a fiery breed both in appearance and personality. These ever-so playful and loving dogs can instantly be recognized for their red or wheaten coat, long legs, and signature beard. The Irish terrier’s stunning coat is dense and wiry and fairly easy to maintain, requiring brushing just a few times a week with the occasional trip to the groomer for a haircut and bath. Expect to brush your pooch more frequently when they blow coat in the spring and fall.
Breed Overview
9 Irish Dog Breeds from the Emerald Isle: Characteristics & History
06 of 23
Vizsla
The Vizsla has a beautiful, golden-rust coat. “The Hungarian breed’s lean, muscular build and short, smooth coat reflect their athleticism as versatile hunters,” Kong says.
Because they don’t have an undercoat, they only require occasional brushing to maintain a healthy, glossy coat. Vizslas are affectionately known as “Velcro dogs,” as they love being around their person. Ample attention, physical activity, and mental stimulation make for one happy pup.
Breed Overview
07 of 23
Australian Shepherd
Australian shepherds, affectionately known as Aussies, are athletic and brilliant herding dogs with stunning coats in various colors and patterns—including red and red merle. Their medium-length double coat should be brushed at least once a week and more frequently during fall and spring. This breed is ideal for an active pet parent or family who can provide them with plenty of daily exercise and enrichment to keep them happy and healthy.
Breed Overview
08 of 23
Shiba Inu
The shiba inu is a small-to-medium dog with a fox-like appearance, usually seen in red, as well as black and tan, cream, or sesame with white markings. “Beyond their striking red fur, these dogs exhibit a bold, confident personality with a stubborn streak, often described as ‘opinionated,’” Kong says. While shiba inus are considered to be fastidious groomers, they have a plush double coat that does require frequent brushing to keep shedding at bay, especially in spring and fall.
Breed Overview
09 of 23
Golden Retriever
The golden retriever’s iconic gold-colored coat can also appear as a dark chestnut red. This outdoorsy breed has a thick, waterproof double coat that sheds a moderate to heavy amount throughout the year, and even more during the fall and spring. It’s essential to brush your golden retriever regularly to reduce the amount of hair in your home (and on your clothes).
Breed Overview
10 of 23
Cocker Spaniel
The cocker spaniel has a long, luxurious coat that can appear in various colors, including red, black, brown, tan, and white. Brushing this breed’s coat daily can prevent mats and tangles and keep their silky locks looking their best. If you’d like to keep their fur long, they’ll need to visit a professional groomer more often. Otherwise, a shorter puppy cut can be easier to maintain. Cocker spaniels are sweet, loving companions who make wonderful family dogs.
Breed Overview
Explore 14 Spaniel Breeds: Athletic, Loyal & Lovable Companions
11 of 23
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Developed in South Africa, the Rhodesian ridgeback is a large dog breed whose coat can appear in a rich red wheaten. You’ll be able to spot a ridgeback by their iconic ridge of fur that runs down the middle of their back and grows in the opposite direction. Thanks to their smooth, short coats, they’re low maintenance when it comes to grooming. However, the time that you save tidying up their coats will likely be spent exercising and training with them so they can be at their best.
Breed Overview
12 of 23
Akita
Reserved, confident, and willful, the Akita is a suitable choice for experienced pet parents without young children or other pets. They bear a resemblance to the shiba inu but are much larger in size. Akitas come in red, as well as fawn, white, black, and brindle. Their thick double coat should be brushed frequently, if not daily, to decrease shedding and keep their coat healthy.
Breed Overview
13 of 23
Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is beloved for two traits in particular: their larger-than-life personalities and fluffy coats. These toy dogs—who quite literally look like stuffed animal toys—come in a variety of colors, including red. To help keep their long, double-layered coats looking fabulous, their hair should be brushed regularly to keep it free from tangles.
Breed Overview
14 of 23
Poodle
Poodles are commonly seen in colors like black and white, but they also come in many shades, including red. Their curly coats can appear solid-colored or parti-colored. Regardless of whether you have a standard, miniature, or toy poodle, all poodles require frequent grooming to maintain healthy, mat-free coats. Their hypoallergenic coat makes poodles an excellent choice for people with allergies.
Breed Overview
15 of 23
Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian cattle dog is a hardworking herding dog known for its unique red or blue speckled coat. Depending on the color, it may also be called a “red heeler” or “blue heeler.” This breed has a low-maintenance double coat that primarily requires weekly brushing, with additional brushing needed during spring and fall shedding periods.
Breed Overview
16 of 23
Labrador Retriever
The lovable Labrador retriever commonly appears in three solid coat colors including yellow, black, or chocolate. However, they can also be red in some instances. Since Labradors have a water-resistant coat that sheds a moderate amount, they’ll likely need to be brushed at least once a week and more often in the spring and fall.
Breed Overview
6 Types of Retriever Dogs: Discover Goldens, Labs, and More
17 of 23
Welsh Springer Spaniel
The Welsh springer spaniel, a relative of the English springer spaniel, is a happy, hard-working dog breed. You’ll know a Welsh springer spaniel when you see one by their distinctive red and white coat, floppy ears, and dark brown eyes. Since they shed a moderate amount, brushing at least weekly is recommended.
Breed Overview
18 of 23
Pharaoh Hound
The Pharaoh hound boasts a glossy, russet-red coat, large triangular ears, and lean, athletic build. Not to mention, these silly sweethearts actually blush! This ancient Maltese breed has a short, low-shedding coat that requires minimal brushing and occasional bathing. It’s important to note that the Pharaoh hound’s thin, short coat makes them sensitive to cold weather. As a result, they’ll need warm winter gear if they spend any time outside and may also need clothing or extra blankets to keep them warm indoors.
Breed Overview
19 of 23
Miniature Pinscher
The miniature pinscher, also known as a “min pin” or “the king of toys,” is a toy dog breed with a short, shiny coat in either solid red, black-and-rust, or chocolate-and-rust—and not to mention, a big personality. Although they strike a resemblance to the much larger Doberman pinscher, there is no relation. Because the miniature pinscher’s coat is both very short and low-shedding, they don’t require much grooming past a weekly brushing.
Breed Overview
20 of 23
Australian Kelpie
The Australian kelpie, or kelpie, is a high-energy herding dog who’s as devoted to their family as they are their job. Their name is no misnomer—these pooches are actually from the Land Down Under and were developed to herd sheep! This medium-sized dog is highly trainable, affectionate, and loyal, making them an excellent family dog—though they might need to be trained not to herd small children or other pets.
Kelpies’ coats come in a variety of colors, including red and red and tan. Their short coat requires brushing at least once a week and bathing when necessary.
Breed Overview
21 of 23
Finnish Spitz
Much like the shiba inu, the Finnish spitz can also easily be mistaken for a fox with their fiery red fur and pointed, triangular ears. Also called “Finkies,” this rare dog breed can appear in colors, including gold, red, or red gold. Their double coat requires regular brushing but is generally low-maintenance when it comes to baths and haircuts.
Breed Overview
22 of 23
Norfolk Terrier
Energetic and vocal, the small but mighty Norfolk terrier was developed in the United Kingdom to hunt and exterminate rodents in the late 1800s. This short-haired dog breed appears in shades of red, red wheaten, brown, black and tan, wheaten, and grizzle. The Norfolk terrier’s textured coat requires brushing weekly and hand-stripping at least twice a year.
Breed Overview
Top 99 British Dog Names and Tips for Naming Your Royal Pup
23 of 23
Chow Chow
If you see what appears to be a life-sized teddy bear, you’re likely looking at none other than the chow chow. Chow chows can have a rough or smooth coat and appear in a variety of colors, including red, blue, black, cinnamon, or cream. These fluffy, reserved dogs have a regal, lion-like mane and adorable blue-black tongue. It’s best to brush your chow chow at least two to three times per week, if not more, depending on whether they have a rough coat or smooth coat.
