Is the Gordon Setter Better than the Redbone Coonhound as a Pet? Answer…

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Gordon Setter Versus Redbone Coonhound: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Gordon Setter and the Redbone Coonhound? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Gordon Setter and the Redbone Coonhound better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Gordon Setter and the Redbone Coonhound.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Gordon Setter and the Redbone Coonhound is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Gordon Setter and for the Redbone Coonhound. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Gordon Setter and the Redbone Coonhound.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Gordon Setter or the Redbone Coonhound.

Gordon Setter versus Redbone Coonhound: Overview

Both the Gordon Setter and the Redbone Coonhound are similar in size. The Gordon Setter and the Redbone Coonhound are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Gordon Setter belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

On the other hand, the Redbone Coonhound belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

Gordon Setter versus Redbone Coonhound: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Gordon Setter to the Redbone Coonhound based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Gordon Setter and the Redbone Coonhound

Factor Gordon Setter Redbone Coonhound
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Height 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the 21 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 12 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
Weight 45 to 80 pounds 45 to 70 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1360 $530
Price Range $1250 – $1500 $300 – $600
Temperament Score 83.6 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • approved laboratory
  • DNA Repository (new requirement effective 7/1/13)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • rcd4 PRA (new requirement effective 7/1/13)
  • No Data
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 106 141

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Gordon Setter in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Redbone Coonhound. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Gordon Setter is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Redbone Coonhound is 72 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Redbone Coonhound is a better pet than the Gordon Setter. So, you should get the Redbone Coonhound!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Gordon Setter and the Redbone Coonhound so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Gordon Setter and the Redbone Coonhound

    Below is a list of where the Gordon Setter and the Redbone Coonhound are most different:

  • Gordon Setters require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Redbone Coonhounds are very easy to groom.
  • Gordon Setters shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Redbone Coonhounds do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • The Similarities Between the Gordon Setter and the Redbone Coonhound

    The Gordon Setter and the Redbone Coonhound are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Gordon Setter and the Redbone Coonhound are most similar:

  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Redbone Coonhound do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Redbone Coonhound are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Redbone Coonhound can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Redbone Coonhound are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Redbone Coonhound have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Redbone Coonhound have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Redbone Coonhound are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Redbone Coonhound are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Redbone Coonhound are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Redbone Coonhound have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Redbone Coonhound require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Redbone Coonhound are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Gordon Setter versus Redbone Coonhound

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Gordon Setter and the Redbone Coonhound.

    Gordon Setters weigh 45 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Gordon Setters are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Redbone Coonhounds weigh 45 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Redbone Coonhounds are 21 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Gordon Setter versus Redbone Coonhound

    The lifespan of Gordon Setters is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Gordon Setters is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of Redbone Coonhounds is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Redbone Coonhounds is 11.0 years.

    Temperament of the Gordon Setter Versus the Redbone Coonhound

    The Redbone Coonhound has a better temperament than the Gordon Setter.

    This is because the temperament score for the Redbone Coonhound is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Gordon Setter is 83.6 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 83.6 percent, the Gordon Setter has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 100.0 percent, the Redbone Coonhound has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Gordon Setter and the Redbone Coonhound by measuring the temperaments of 67 Gordon Setters and 5 Redbone Coonhounds.

    Price of Gordon Setter versus Price of Redbone Coonhound

    The average price of the Gordon Setter puppy is $1360. The price of the Gordon Setter typically ranges from $1250 – $1500. However, the price of a Gordon Setter can be as low as $600 and as high as $1500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 17 Gordon Setter puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Redbone Coonhound puppy is $530. The price of the Redbone Coonhound typically ranges from $300 – $600. However, the price of the Redbone Coonhound can be as low as $200 and as high as $1500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 102 Redbone Coonhound puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Gordon Setter is more expensive than the Redbone Coonhound.

    Gordon Setter Redbone Coonhound
    Average Price $1360 $530
    Price Range $1250 to $1500 $300 to $600

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Gordon Setter and Redbone Coonhound. For different price points, the charts show how many Gordon Setter puppies or how many Redbone Coonhound puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Gordon Setters. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Gordon Setters. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Redbone Coonhounds

    A breakdown of the prices of Redbone Coonhounds

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Gordon Setter puppy or the Redbone Coonhound puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Adopting the Gordon Setter versus Adopting the Redbone Coonhound

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Gordon Setters and many Redbone Coonhounds are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Gordon Setter named Bocce that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Gordon Setters like Bocce on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Gordon Setters, Redbone Coonhounds are also available for adoption. For example, Lake is a Male Redbone Coonhound that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Redbone Coonhounds like Lake that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Gordon Setter and the Redbone Coonhound can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Also, Sea is an adorable Male Redbone Coonhound on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    You can find more Gordon Setters and Redbone Coonhounds that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    The Popularity of Gordon Setter versus Popularity of Redbone Coonhound

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Gordon Setter and the Redbone Coonhound over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Gordon Setter is more popular with dog owners than the Redbone Coonhound. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Gordon Setter is 106 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Redbone Coonhound is 141 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Gordon Setter

    Popularity of Gordon Setter

    Popularity of Redbone Coonhound

    Popularity of Redbone Coonhound

    Year Gordon Setter Popularity Rank Redbone Coonhound Popularity Rank
    2013 105 133
    2014 100 148
    2015 105 139
    2016 104 143
    2017 104 139
    2018 115 142
    2019 113 143
    2020 107 146

    Tolerates Being Alone: Gordon Setter versus Redbone Coonhound

    Gordon Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Redbone Coonhounds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Gordon Setters shed more than Redbone Coonhounds?

    Gordon Setters shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Redbone Coonhounds do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Gordon Setter or the Redbone Coonhound

    Gordon Setters drool moderately.

    Redbone Coonhounds have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Gordon Setter or the Redbone Coonhound?

    Gordon Setters require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Redbone Coonhounds are very easy to groom.

    Does the Gordon Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Redbone Coonhound?

    Gordon Setters have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Redbone Coonhounds have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Gordon Setters Bark and Howl? What about Redbone Coonhounds?

    Gordon Setters are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Redbone Coonhounds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Gordon Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Redbone Coonhounds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Gordon Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Redbone Coonhounds can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Gordon Setter vs. Redbone Coonhound

    Gordon Setters have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Redbone Coonhounds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Gordon Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Redbone Coonhounds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Gordon Setters can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Redbone Coonhounds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Gordon Setter or the Redbone Coonhound?

    Gordon Setters do not get along well with other dogs.

    Redbone Coonhounds get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Gordon Setters good family dogs? What about Redbone Coonhounds?

    Gordon Setters are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Redbone Coonhounds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Gordon Setters and Redbone Coonhounds?

    Gordon Setters get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Redbone Coonhounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Gordon Setter Easier to Train than the Redbone Coonhound?

    Gordon Setters are very easy to train.

    Redbone Coonhounds are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Gordon Setter Better for Apartment Owners than the Redbone Coonhound?

    Gordon Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Redbone Coonhounds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Gordon Setter or the Redbone Coonhound?

    Gordon Setters are OK for new dog owners.

    Redbone Coonhounds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Gordon Setter

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Gordon Setter that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Gordon Setter:

  • Belgian Tervuren (78 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the Redbone Coonhound vs Belgian Tervuren.
  • Giant Schnauzer (79 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the Redbone Coonhound vs Giant Schnauzer.
  • Mudi (75 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the Redbone Coonhound vs Mudi.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Redbone Coonhound

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Redbone Coonhound that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Redbone Coonhound:

  • Bluetick Coonhound (81 percent match with Redbone Coonhound). Here is our comparison of the Gordon Setter vs Bluetick Coonhound.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Gordon Setter and how the Redbone Coonhound compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Gordon Setter and of the Redbone Coonhound to other breeds:

    Gordon Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Gordon Setter versus Goldador     Gordon Setter versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Gordon Setter versus Yorkshire Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Lakeland Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Cocker Spaniel     Gordon Setter versus Jack Russell Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Affenhuahua     Gordon Setter versus English Toy Spaniel     Gordon Setter versus Chihuahua     Gordon Setter versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Gordon Setter versus Bloodhound     Gordon Setter versus Vizsla     Gordon Setter versus Chorkie     Gordon Setter versus Cavapoo     Gordon Setter versus Borzoi     Gordon Setter versus Puggle     Gordon Setter versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Gordon Setter versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Gordon Setter versus Labradoodle     Gordon Setter versus Leonberger     Gordon Setter versus Scottish Deerhound     Gordon Setter versus Harrier     Gordon Setter versus Greyhound     Gordon Setter versus Scottish Terrier     

    Redbone Coonhound Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Redbone Coonhound versus Mountain Cur     Redbone Coonhound versus English Setter     Redbone Coonhound versus Belgian Sheepdog     Redbone Coonhound versus Affenpinscher     Redbone Coonhound versus Belgian Tervuren     Redbone Coonhound versus Saint Bernard     Redbone Coonhound versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Redbone Coonhound versus Sussex Spaniel     Redbone Coonhound versus Kooikerhondje     Redbone Coonhound versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Redbone Coonhound versus Ibizan Hound     Redbone Coonhound versus Airedale Terrier     Redbone Coonhound versus Akbash     Redbone Coonhound versus Japanese Chin     Redbone Coonhound versus Collie     Redbone Coonhound versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Redbone Coonhound versus Sloughi     Redbone Coonhound versus Basenji     Redbone Coonhound versus Leonberger     Redbone Coonhound versus Akbash     Redbone Coonhound versus Cocker Spaniel     Redbone Coonhound versus Ibizan Hound     Redbone Coonhound versus Clumber Spaniel     Redbone Coonhound versus American Eskimo Dog     Redbone Coonhound versus Japanese Chin     

    Conclusion: Gordon Setter versus Redbone Coonhound. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Gordon Setter and the Redbone Coonhound better suits you and your family.