Dogs with red hair are less common than other dog coat colors, but they are beautiful. There are dozens of dogs that carry the gene for red hair, so if you’re looking for a new dog with red hair, you’re in luck.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at a few of the breeds that are available to you. Some are large and likely to be outdoor companions. Others are small, and more willing to cuddle with you than spend time outside. Whichever personality appeals most to you, you’ll find a dog fitting the description on our list.
Ready to find your new dog with red hair? Here are the top red dog breeds to look out for as you search local breeders and rescues.
Before you scroll down this list of the dogs with red hair, you can check out these other dog breeds covered by our team at We Love Doodles: Best Mop Dog Breeds and Skinny Dog Breeds.
1. Irish Terrier
The Irish Terrier comes in two colors: red and wheaten. In some cases, you may get a mix of the two, but if you’re considering an Irish Terrier you’re guaranteed to get a dog with red hair. That said, Irish Terriers will be born with black hair, the color will fade to red over time.
The American Kennel Club recognizes Irish Terriers with a small white patch on the chest as acceptable, but coloration on any other part of the body disqualifies a dog from the show.
Know what you’re getting into before you adopt a dog of this breed. The Irish Terrier is willful and stubborn but is also smart and eager to please. These puppies are best for those who have experience in training a dog. Once the pack leadership is established, you should have very little trouble with your puppy’s behavior.
Wondering how to tame your Irish Terrier’s red hair? First, you’ll need to brush your puppy’s hair a few times each week. This will keep tangles under control, of course, but will also help loosen and remove dead hair.
Additionally, your Irish Terrier has a wiry coat and should be bathed every other month, but you can feel free to give your dog a bath more frequently. Bring your dog to the groomer on a regular basis. He’ll need his ears cleaned and his nails trimmed, and a professional groomer is usually the best option.
2. Red Haired Dachshund
Everyone knows the Dachshund for their adorable stature, but did you know that this dog comes in many colors? Your Dachshund could be red, black, tan, black and tan, chocolate and tan, blue, cream, and more.
Dachshunds are small but mighty dogs. They don’t understand their own size, and may be prone to pick fights with dogs that are twice their weight. Start your training when your Daschund is a puppy to help make outdoor adventures and visits from guests easier. Dachshunds are loyal, and while they’re not particularly likely to bite, they will be vocal when they think others are threatening you.
Use a curry brush and a slicker brush to keep your dog’s coat looking healthy and sleek. Depending on how often your dog is outdoors, you may want to consider bathing him monthly. If your dog stays primarily indoors, you can commit to bathing him every other month or so.
3. Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dogs in the United States. In fact, the American Kennel Club ranked the Golden Retriever as the third most popular breed among American families in 2021, holding its position in the top four since at least 2013. In other words, you’re not alone if you’re in love with this dog with long red hair.
Golden Retrievers are fiercely loyal, intelligent, and good with children. They make superb family pets, even for families with young children. Seniors, too, will enjoy the companionship of a Golden Retriever, and the breed is well-known as an able service dog. If you’re interested in a working animal, please contact a breeder who specializes in breeding and training service animals.
Golden Retrievers will absolutely shed, and they can also tend to become a little stinky if not properly and regularly groomed. For the best results, bring your dog to a groomer. Golden Retrievers have natural oils on thieir skin that can be stripped if you bathe them too frequently or if you use the wrong shampoo. Unfortunately, this oil can often also be the source of the “dog smell” your friend emits, so finding a balance is crucial.
Golden Retrievers are known for, well, retrieving. If you have livestock or chickens, or if you let your dog roam, don’t be surprised if your dog “hunts” your animals. Train Golden Retrievers to “leave it” from an early age.
4. Redbone Coonhound
The Redbone Coonhound is an AKC-recognized dog with short, red hair. These dogs are typically even-tempered and kind, but make no mistake about it. The dogs were bred to assist in the hunt, and their tracking nature comes out when you’re on a hike or a hunt. Keep your dog on a leash if you want them to remain at your side.
Redbone Coonhounds aren’t known to be predisposed to any major medical conditions. They require, at minimum, an hour of exercise each day. Whether you choose to provide your dog with ample time in the yard or a swim in the lake is up to you. Speak to your vet about the appropriate nutrition for your dog based on his lifestyle and activity level.
Your dog’s red hair will be easy to maintain. You’ll need to give your buddy a bath every four to six weeks to keep his hair shiny. A slicker brush will help keep his coat looking healthy, too; be sure to only use this brush when your dog’s hair is fully dried. Of course, you’ll want to trim your dog’s nails and clean his ears on a regular basis, as well.
5. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are sweet, smart, and sassy. Your dog is highly intelligent, and many cockers also have a great sense of humor. The combination of these characteristics makes these dogs fun to be around. Whether you’re playing in the dog park or just lounging around the house, your little dog is guaranteed to be more “friend” than “pet.”
Cocker Spaniels have long red hair, but they also come in a rainbow of other colors. Your Spaniel could be blue, black, brown, white, or a combination of any of them. Regardless of your dog’s color, you’ll need to make sure you’re washing, conditioning, and combing her hair regularly.
Keep the tangles to a minimum throughout the week, and you’ll find that your dog is much less likely to be matted when it’s time to visit the groomer.
Cocker Spaniels will require about an hour of exercise each day. Thankfully, they love to play outside, and swimming is one of a Cocker Spaniel’s favorite activities. Take your dog to the beach with you, or even out on the pontoon. You’ll all enjoy the bonding experience, and your dog can show off her agility and strength in the meantime.
6. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
If you’re only familiar with the most common dog breeds, there’s a chance you’ve never heard of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. It’s an American Kennel Club-recognized breed, however, and as you’d imagine, the dogs originated in Nova Scotia. These puppies are alert and energetic, two qualities that make them ideal for their intended purpose: luring waterfowl.
If you’re not a hunter, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever still may be a wonderful companion for you. The dogs are agile and athletic and are sometimes mistaken for Golden Retrievers due to their appearance and their personality.
Your tolling retriever will need plenty of mental stimulation as well as physical exercise, though. Choose this breed only if you have the time and energy to commit to training her.
Grooming your dog includes brushing him every day or two to remove mats, knots, and “gifts” from the outdoors. You should plan to bathe your dog once each month or two and to use a conditioning shampoo that’s designed to protect your dog’s natural oils. A groomer can assist you in choosing the right products, as well as help you trim your dog’s paw pads, ears, and nails.
7. Shiba Inu
Before Shiba Inu was a cryptocurrency, it was a dog. The dogs obviously are still in existence, and they’re next on our list of dogs with red hair. Other colors do exist within the breed, but red is the most acceptable coloration for Shibas that are shown. Dog show judges want to see your Shiba display fox-like coloring, with a red coat and lighter fur at the belly.
A Shiba Inu will have a very strong hunting instinct. It’s going to be critical to everyone’s safety to begin training at an early age. These are certainly not “bad” dogs, but they’re territorial and protective. This, in combination with their alertness and active nature, makes them more likely to snap at strangers or young children.
Despite the territorial nature of these dogs, they’re excellent pets. They’ll get along with older children who handle them politely, and their intelligence means they’ll be easily trained by a firm pack leader. Stubborn and loyal personality traits make for a watchful, loyal companion.
Grooming your Shiba Inu will be a frequent task. Your dog has a thick, full coat and will definitely shed. Brush your dog daily, and blow him out every fall and spring. Bathe your dog on a regular basis, too, to keep his fur from tangling.
8. Akita
The Akita has hair similar to that of the Shiba Inu. Its long, red hair is thick and will shed, so you’ll need to regularly maintain it. As with the Shiba, you’ll want to invest in a good brush, as you’ll be combing your dog out daily. Bathe your dog in a shampoo that contains a conditioner and is formulated for the breed. A leave-in conditioner spray may make grooming even easier.
The Akita is a quiet dog, but she’s very protective. If you have frequent visitors, it’ll be important to teach your puppy manners from an early age. Young kids aren’t always the best match for this breed, as their handling of your dog can be unpredictable. Older children should have no problem, though, and you may find that your Akita has attached to one of your children in particular.
Note that, while Akitas are good with most children, they are not good with other dogs. If you have existing pets, it’s best to speak with a professional trainer about how to incorporate your new dog into your family.
As with some other breeds, the Akita is sometimes thought to be an aggressive dog. For that reason, your dog may not be permitted to reside within certain communities. Check with your landlord, city, or Homeowners Association to verify that the breed is allowed. For instance, certain communities in Iowa, Tennessee, Michigan, Washington, and Louisiana have a ban placed on Akitas.
FAQs
Many dog breeds have red hair. A few dog breeds with red hair are Daschund, Golden Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, and Shiba Inu.
Red dogs may have a reputation for being mischevious, but ultimately, the color of their coat does not affect their tempermant. However, there are many breeds known for both their red coat and for being high energy, such as a Redbone Coonhound.
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Henna
Carmine
Fiona
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Phoenix
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Conclusion For “Dogs with Red Hair – Top Breeds”
Red headed humans have a reputation for being unpredictable, fiery, and quick-tempered. Does this translate to behavior and personality in dogs with red hair? Adopt one of these breeds to find out for yourself. With the right training, we promise that you won’t regret your decision.
The breeds listed within our guide are only a small selection of dogs with red hair that are available in the United States. You can choose a small companion dog or a large guard dog from this list. No matter where you adopt your dog, however, you’ll want to ensure he or she is coming from a safe and healthy place. Thoroughly review your breeder or dog shelter before electing to bring a dog home with you.
You can check out these other lists of dog breeds from our team at We Love Doodles:
You can learn more about dog hair by watching “🔥Tips and Complete Guide “Dogs Hair Loss and Itching Medicine ” 👍” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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