8 Red Dog Breeds & Red Dog Names

Red is a color that always makes a strong first impression on the senses. Bright, showy, and lustrous, the color makes a dog stand out from the pack. There is only one qualification to appear on this list: the breed needs to have a significant amount of red color in its fur. Any shade will be considered, from a rusty kind of orange-red to dark, almost brown-red. But red must be its main fur color, or at least one of the most common choices, to qualify for this list.

#8: Irish Setter – An Athletic and Affectionate Companion

The Irish Setter is a graceful, good-natured hunting dog with a long silky coat that stands out from the crowd. It’s one of the few breeds in which some version of solid red, including chestnut and mahogany, is the only color accepted by the American Kennel Club. A proper purebred Irish Setter should have long and elegant red featherings around the ears, tail, chest, stomach, and legs as well. Today the solid red coat is a hallmark of the breed, but this was not always the case. As recently as the 19th century, white markings were once an accepted feature of the Irish Setter. It took a lot of very careful breeding to achieve the current all-red look. If you’re looking for an athletic, active, and super affectionate companion, then the Irish Setter may be the right choice for you.

Suggested Red Dog Name: Rose

Rose is a traditional female name that comes from the Latin name for the bright red or pink flower everyone is familiar with. There are many possible alternatives to Rose, including Rosa, Rosalina, Rosie, Roseanne, and Rosemary. Any of these would be a great choice for a red dog breed.

#7: Vizsla – A Fearless but Affectionate Companion

The Vizsla is a very loyal and gentle hunting dog that originated from Hungary many centuries ago. A favorite of the Hungarian aristocracy, it was developed to withstand the rigors of long hours out in the field; the superb athleticism would allow it to weave between dense underbrush and retrieve game from both land or water. The breed’s short, smooth coat, which comes in a striking golden rusty color, is the only acceptable standard. Other common physical features include big drooping ears, a long horizontal tail, and a red-colored nose. If the Vizsla’s short coat doesn’t quite appeal to you, then there is also a closely related breed called the Wirehaired Vizsla which has a longer wiry coat, also golden rust in color.

Suggested Red Dog Name: Rusty

Rusty is a good gender-neutral name for any dog (like the Vizsla) with more of red-orange fur color.

#6: Cocker Spaniel – A Merry and Gentle Soul

The Cocker Spaniel was originally bred to be a small type of hunting dog, weighing no more than 30 pounds. Today it is one of the most popular canine companions in the world. Few owners can resist the expressive face, the charming eyes, and the long coat of elegant hair. There are two different breeds: the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel. The American version generally has a smaller body size and a more stylish appearance. The long and elegant coat, which reaches down to the floor and obscures its feet, comes in many different colors, including solid red, red and white, and darker tan and brown patterns.

Suggested Red Dog Name: Amber

Amber, a bright red or orange gemstone, is the fossilized remains of tree resin. It has traditionally been a popular female name.

#5: Irish Terrier – A Bold but Tender-hearted Companion

The Irish Terrier is an all-purpose farm dog hailing from the Emerald Isles. It was originally bred to hunt vermin, guard the flock, and keep the family company. Weighing approximately 27 pounds, its small size doesn’t entirely convey its remarkable boldness and courage. It truly does like to seize the day. The dense and wiry double coat, which consists of a stiff upper coat and softer undercoat, comes in three accepted colors: red, red wheaten, and just wheaten (a light yellowish color). Red is by far the most well-known and popular of the three. Light furnishings should appear on the legs and snout as well. The ears should be small and folded, the tail should be straight and high, and the body should be generally rectangular.

Suggested Red Dog Name: Auburn

Auburn is a sort of reddish-brown color that derives from the Latin word for a type of sapwood. It’s a good choice for any dog with particularly dark red hair.

#4: Redbone Coonhound – An Even-Tempered and Steadfast Hunting Dog

The Redbone Coonhound is a strong and muscular American hunting dog, weighing anywhere between 45 and 70 pounds. Diligent, athletic, and very eager to please, this breed is specialized for hunting boar, deer, bear, and other large game. The short and dense coat, which protects the body while moving through dense underbrush, comes exclusively in solid red or chestnut, but a little white is allowed around the chest and paws as well. Other notable physical features include big drooping ears, a long thin tail often held high, and thick pads and webbed toes for hunting. This is one of the most distinctive red dog breeds in the world.

While they’re quite vocal and need plenty of exercise and space, they also make for incredibly gentle and good-natured companions, especially around children. Many people might be familiar with them from the 1961 novel “Where the Red Fern Grows,” which featured two Redbone Coonhounds called Old Dan and Little Ann.

Suggested Red Dog Name: Ruby

If you treat your dog like a precious jewel, then Ruby might be a good choice. While it’s traditionally a female name, it also works for either sex.

#3: Shiba Inu – A Spirited and Good-natured Companion

The Shiba Inu is a very active and lively hunting dog of Japanese origin, made famous worldwide by the power of the internet. An ancient breed, dating back to around 300 BC, it has a bold and audacious personality that sometimes shades into stubborn and independent behavior. The thick double coat, which consists of a stiff and straight outer coat and soft, thick undercoat, comes in a few different colors, including black/tan and cream, but red and red sesame is by far the most common. The name itself, Shiba, is an apparent reference to the dog’s reddish fur color. Other important physical characteristics include a fox-like face, an alert expression, erect triangular ears, and a tail curved over the back. If you enjoy bold, outgoing dogs, then the Shiba Inu may be right for you.

Suggested Red Dog Name: Sienna

Sienna is an Italian word for a type of reddish-brown color. It is thought to derive from the city of Siena, the most notable source of red clay during the Renaissance period. It’s a good choice for red dog breeds with darker fur colors.

#2: Akita – A Large Dignified, Courageous Working Dog

The Akita is a large dog breed (weighing up to 130 pounds) that originated from the northern mountainous region of Japan. Today it mainly serves the purpose of a companion rather than a working dog. There are generally two different coat types: a standard coat and a long coat. Both types come in several different colors, including red and fawn, sometimes mixed with a black overlay. Black and white is also an accepted color scheme. The Akita is a good choice for owners who want a protective, watchful, and loyal breed, but its reserved personality may not be right for everyone.

Suggested Red Dog Name: Rouge

Rouge is the French word for red. It’s a good choice for dogs with, particularly graceful and elegant personalities.

#1: Dachshund – The Lively Wiener Dog

The Dachshund (also known as the wiener dog) is a little German scent hound with an exceptionally long body compared to its short legs. There are many different ways to “customize” the appearance of the Dachshund. It comes in a variety of different colors, including red and fawn, sometimes mixed with black and tan. There are also three different coat varieties: smooth, long, and wirehaired. Finally, it comes in two different sizes: standard and miniature. No matter which type you choose, however, these dogs are very lively, outgoing, intelligent, and courageous. They will immediately brighten up almost any home they are in.

Suggested Red Dog Name: Ginger

Ginger is a hot and fragrant spice made from a plant in Southeast Asia. It’s also a good name for a dog with a sandy reddish-brown coat.

Up Next…

Keep reading these posts for more incredible information about key animal facts.

• Black Dog Breeds & Black Dog Names: This color is more dominant in some breeds than others and in some cases pets in this color can come with a hefty price tag. Find out what they are as well as clever endearing names which are just right for them.

• 10 Brown Dog Breeds & Brown Dog Names: It’s a common color but no less loved by fans of pet canines everywhere. Find out what breeds are likely to have them and what names you can call them.

• 11 White Dog Breeds & White Dog Names: Whether feisty chihuahuas or regal Swiss shepherds, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a pet with a cream, ivory, or snow white coat. And we’ve not only presented popular choices here, but have provided the perfect names for them too.

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