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22 Red Haired (and Red and White) Dog Breeds

Looking for a red head? Look no further. We’ve put together a list of all the red colored dogs along with a bit about their personality.

We’ll start with breeds that are entirely red, then get into some red and white dog breeds.

You may be surprised by some of the dogs on our list. Certain breeds that commonly come in black, tan, or white will sometimes have a standout red-colored relative to show off. It all comes down to color genetics.

Red colored dogs can be described as everything from Rust, Deep Brown-red, Dark Crimson, or even a Dark Orange. Overall, the general interpretation falls under the category of Red.

And when you’re done – check out our list of Blue Colored Dog Breeds

All Red Dog Breeds

1. Bordeaux (French) Mastiff

Bordeaux French Mastiff

As the name would suggest, the French Mastiff originated in areas of France (before it was even called France).

In true Mastiff style; these are powerful dogs with a gentle soul. They typically spend their days napping or following their owner around like a shadow. Despite their chilled out temperament they can be quite agile and up for a short run.

Just make sure you keep a few drool towels close by, you’ll need them.

The Bordeaux Mastiff is calm, loyal, and overall a low maintenance dog.

2. Cocker Spaniel

​Cocker Spaniel

Lovable, entertaining, and considered one of the most loyal dog breeds – the Cocker Spaniel is a popular choice among families with children.

The Cocker Spaniel is known for their calm demeanor, but also for being a sensitive soul. They are especially reactive to scolding or a negative environment, so they need gentle and positive leadership.

They are sometimes known to bark excessively (especially when left alone), and be timid around strangers. Early socialization and training can work wonders to curb these behaviors.

3. Dachshund

Two red colored dachshunds

Dachshunds (or sometimes called “Doxies”) are little balls of joy that spend their time napping, playing, or looking for trouble.

Did you know they come in two sizes? Miniature, and their much larger sibling; the Standard.

The typical Dachshund spends their time lounging in the sun or being a perfect little lap warmer. They adapt well to family lifestyle, but suffer from separation anxiety. You may find a mess in your home upon your return as an act of rebellion.

Potty training and barking are often the two biggest complaints of Dachshund owners. And their somewhat stubborn nature makes this challenging to overcome.

They don’t just come in red, there is a huge variety of dachshund colors, patterns, and coat types to choose from.

4. Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever

Don’t let the “Golden” throw you off – Golden Retrievers come in everything from nearly all white, to deep red. Finding the exact shade of red you desire can be a challenge.

There’s a lot of genetics at play when it comes to puppy colors. Breeders that breed just for color tend to charge a lot of money, and that sometimes leads to unethical practices.

Color aside, Golden Retrievers are ready to be your best friend forever. There’s a reason this breed is so favored among families. Their gentle nature, silliness, and trainability make this a wonderful companion.

5. Irish Setter

Irish Setter on a windy day

The Irish Setter is an active hunting dog with a rich-red coat. If you’re looking for the most gorgeous hair then look no further.

Irish Setter’s are incredibly enthusiastic about life, and you may even find them ‘bouncing off the walls’ with all that energy. Seeing as how this breed was meant for active duty (such as bird retrieval and hunting) they do well in active environments and when presented with daily challenges.

They’re also incredibly intelligent. This makes training easy, but they can also get into trouble if left to their own devices.

6. Irish Terrier

Irish Terrier

The hard working Irish Terrier is a farm dog at heart. They’re full of vigor and energy, and ready to complete that days tasks.

In true Terrier fashion, these dogs are full of life and energy. They’re recommended for owners who can accommodate their working attitude, or live a very active lifestyle.

The Irish Terrier has a gentle heat and is very affectionate towards families and kids. Although they don’t tend to play nice with other dogs or strangers.

7. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever trekking through the snow

These stunning hunting dogs are incredible athletes with a seemingly endless pool of energy. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was created to assist in hunting, swimming, chasing, and retrieving waterfowl.

While absolutely brilliant and eager to please, they can be a handful for the average owner. Duck Tollers are not recommend for families who spend a lot of time indoors. These dogs crave adventure.

If you live a very active lifestyle filled with adventure (or you have a hunting job vacancy), without a doubt the Duck Toller is your best new companion.

8. Pomeranian

Beautiful Pomeranian

The Pomeranian can be described as confident, curious, and the star of their own show. They prefer to be treated like a prince or princess.

​Poms are a perfect accomplice to go on adventures with, as they enjoy spending their days following you around and genuinely enjoy new experiences. But they can sometimes be a little greedy with their owners, and may not enjoy the presence of strangers.

Just keep in mind they’re sensitive to heat and need to cool off every so often. 

9. Poodle

Puppy Toy Poodle

Poodles come in two common sizes; miniature and standard.

They both have some similarities in personality. Such as being incredibly sharp and keen to please their owners. Training is a breeze with the poodle, if you can calm their ecstatic nature.

That’s the other thing; Poodles have a surprising amount of energy and spunk.

They are incredible athletes, and live for the thrill of running, playing, learning, and training. If you don’t give them ample opportunities to stimulate their brain and body, they will find other destructive means for an outlet.

10. Redbone Coonhound

Redbone Coonhound

As you may have surmised by the “hound” in Coonhound, this breed is a hunting dog that makes good use their nose and singing voice.

Coonhounds are a friendly bunch, and are always up for a new adventure. They love making new friends and make a wonderful addition to families.

You can instantly distinguish a hound from other breeds due to their “baying” or loud howl-bark. While hound owners may find their excited barking musical, your neighbors from every direction won’t think the same.

Not to mention that hounds in general are stubborn. And you will expend plenty of time and patience trying to curb bad behaviors.

11. Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a pure athlete with a strong willed attitude. Their hound instincts are very prevalent here, and that can make training a challenge. But with enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and training you can overcome these challenges and discover a wonderful companion.

Despite their strong and confident demeanor they can be quite reserved and gentle. Barking is barely a thought in the Ridgeback’s mind. And they are often shy around strangers.

With all that being said, this isn’t the ideal dog for a novice owner.

12. Vizsla

Vizsla

The Vizsla was bred to be a close companion while hunting, always keeping their human within sight.

It goes without saying that Vizslas do not like being left alone. It’s important that owners make arrangements so this dog is always in close contact with a human, or they’ll quickly resort to destruction to pass the time.

Vizslas excel in sports, agility, and obedience as they are natural athletes and eager to please. They live a very active lifestyle, and require daily extraneous activity to keep them content.

Red and White Dogs

13. Akita

Akita

Akita are a proud breed, and have unwavering respect for their owners and loved ones, but can ​overly protective at the same time. Their guarding traits are very prevalent.

Akita’s like to talk – all day and everyday. Somewhere in between whining and barking they make use of their vocal chords to let themselves be heard in every situation – often with hilarious results.

They tend use that mouth for other things too, like carrying objects or toys at all times.

​Because of their ​protective nature ​and strong opinions, the Akita is hard to train, and are not​ suited for inexperienced owners​. ​These dogs have aggressive tendencies that require a lot of ​patience to work through.

14. Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherd

​Aussies come in all sorts of colors. But occasionally you may spot a tricolor with predominant deep brown-red coloring contrasted by white.

These dogs are quite literally ​party animals. They have seemingly endless amounts of energy, and are always up for a good time.

Their active lifestyle can be attributed to being a working breed, and they still have all their herding instincts.  

That means you can’t miss a day of exercise (rain or shine) and a simple walk won’t be enough, these dogs ​need to run. There is nothing more destructive than a bored Aussie that didn’t get their run.

Make sure you keep up with grooming, and check out the best brush for Australian Shepherds.

15. Basenji

Basenji

The Basenji is an elegant and active working dog with a somewhat independent nature.

They require a very high amount of activity and mental stimulation every single day. The best means of keeping a Basenji occupied is by giving them a “job”. While affectionate and intelligent, this dog can still prove difficult for novice owners.

Another interesting note; barking is something that the Basenji never learned. Instead, they tend to make a noise that could be best described as a “yodel”.

16. Border Collie

A Red and White Border Collie

Border collies come in a wide assortment of colors, but occasionally you may be blessed with the presence of a beautiful red collie.

This breed is at the top of the list when it comes to “most energetic dogs”. There is no end to how long and far this dog can run. As an owner, your biggest challenge will be trying to accommodate their active lifestyle.

Collies a fiercely intelligent and eager to please. It’s no wonder this breed excels in all manner of agility, obedience, and sports.

17. Boxer

Boxer

​Boxers are the class clowns in the dog world, and have no shortage of energy and playfulness (which often leads to ​mischief). They love nothing more than to play with loved ones, kids, and other ​animals.

You’ll find they’re a natural protector and very alert to their surroundings, always inspecting to make sure the area is safe. Training Boxers may be difficult, but they’re especially sensitive to scolding, and need instructions to be light-hearted and fun. 

18. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

I should preface this by saying that Cavalier Spaniels do sometimes come in all red, but only in rare cases. Much more commonly you’ll see this breed in Red and White.

The Cavalier is a gentle soul who wants to share their love with everyone around them. Their friendly attitude is immediately contagious and it’s difficult not to smile in their presence. 

Cavaliers are “Velcro” dogs, meaning they want to spend every second or every day with you. They certainly do not like being left alone.

These dogs are intelligent and are willing to learn – so long as you have a treat for them in return. However their gentle demeanor means any scolding will only cause them to run away from you.

19. Papillon

Papillon

While more white than red, the Papillon just barely makes our list.

The Papillon is alert, energetic, and always on the lookout for a good time. These are tiny dogs that have a big spirit, and are not concerned with their lack of size.

They love being the center of attention – whether it’s running, playing, licking your face, or putting on a show. These dogs are little comedians.

Because they’re so keen to please their owners – they excel with training and obedience. It’s not uncommon to see Papillons star in dog shows and agility courses.

20. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Don’t let their short stature fool you, this is a hard working dog that does not take breaks.

Corgis are a very active dog used to herd sheep, cattle, and even horses. While great with children and families, you may occasionally find them trying to herd your children as well.

The happiest Corgi is a tired one. Going for multiple long runs each day will help keep your Corgi out of trouble.

If you can accommodate their active lifestyle, this breed is a wonderful accomplice to any family.

21. Shiba Inu

Shiba Inu

Shibi’s are known to have a very independent attitude when it comes to life. Their mannerisms mimic a cat more than an actual dog.

While often displaying incredible intelligence, they can also be incredibly resistant to training, frustrating owners. These are strong-willed dogs that only follow instructions when they’re in the mood.

Early and consistent training and socialization is absolutely essential or your Shiba will absolutely assume control of your home. Therefore, this breed is not for the novice owner.

22. Siberian Husky

A Red and White Siberian Husky

Bet you didn’t expect Huskies to make this list? While not quite as common, there are certainly Red and White huskies out there that will grab your attention.

The husky is a working breed with tons of personality. They’re silly, energetic, talkative, stubborn, and generally require a lot of patience.

These dogs were bred to run and pull. Which can be good or bad depending on the situation. Their seemingly endless pool of energy and ecstatic personality may test your patience with training.

One final note, they shed a lot.

Photo of author

Liam J. Barnes

Liam is a dog trainer, owner, and lover with over 20 years experience. You can find him working with vet clinics, grooming facilities, training centres, and food/toy brands in order to grow their business. His passion for dogs and business make him uniquely suited to help move the world forward with canines and humans.

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