List of Big Red Dog Breeds

Across parks, farms and show rings, red-coated dogs often stop people in their tracks — their color can hide a wide range of sizes and temperaments. If you’re choosing a pet, working dog or show prospect, knowing which red-coated breeds are large helps narrow the field.

There are 24 big red dog breeds, ranging from Afghan Hound to Vizsla. For each breed, you’ll find below the Scientific name,Height (cm),Weight (kg) so you can compare size, build and likely care needs at a glance.

How can I tell if a red-coated dog is truly a large breed?

Look at adult height and weight rather than puppy size, check breed standards or the Scientific name for reliable references, and observe bone structure and chest depth; the table below (Height (cm), Weight (kg)) makes quick comparisons easy.

Which big red dog breeds tend to be good family pets?

Many large red breeds are family-friendly but differ in energy and training needs — some (like the Vizsla) are very affectionate and active, while others (such as the Afghan Hound) are more independent; match temperament and exercise needs to your household.

Big Red Dog Breeds

Images and Descriptions

Irish Setter

Classic deep mahogany-red coat from Ireland, bred for bird work. Energetic, outgoing and people-focused; needs long daily exercise and regular grooming for its feathered coat. Excellent for active owners seeking a friendly sporting companion.

Irish Red and White Setter

Distinct red-and-white coat from Ireland with bright chestnut-red patches. Gentle, affectionate and energetic; thrives on activity and social interaction. Needs consistent training and moderate grooming—ideal for owners wanting a sociable, active setter with striking color.

Vizsla

Hungarian pointer with a sleek rust or golden-rust coat recognized as “orange-rust.” Affectionate, highly active and trainable; requires intense exercise and mental work. Notable for close human bonds and hunting versatility—great for active families or hunters.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Southern African breed with a short wheaten to red-wheaten coat and distinctive ridge. Loyal, independent and courageous; needs firm training, socialization and plenty of exercise. Notable as a versatile hunter and guardian for experienced owners.

Redbone Coonhound

Sleek, glossy red coat born of American coonhound lines. Friendly, driven and scent-focused; needs regular vigorous exercise and mental stimulation. Good-natured with family but strong hunting instincts; ideal for active homes with outdoor space.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Robust American retriever with dense, oily coat in brown, sedge or “deadgrass” shades often appearing rusty. Intelligent, determined and water-loving; needs regular exercise and grooming for its weatherproof coat. Excellent for hunters and active families.

Borzoi

Russian sighthound often seen in red, golden or mahogany tones with long silky coat. Reserved, graceful and independent; requires regular running opportunities and moderate grooming. Notable for elegant appearance and calm home demeanor when exercised.

Saluki

Ancient Middle Eastern sighthound occurring in rich red or chestnut shades. Graceful, aloof and incredibly fast; needs daily running and gentle handling. Suited to calm households that provide secure exercise and respect the breed’s independent nature.

Afghan Hound

Long-haired hound from Afghanistan with many colorations, often rich red or golden-red. Regal, independent and somewhat aloof; requires extensive grooming and space to run. Ideal for owners who appreciate elegant looks and patient training.

Dogue de Bordeaux

French molosser with a distinctive fawn to mahogany-red coat and powerful build. Calm, loyal and protective; needs early socialization and moderate exercise. Notable for devoted temperament and minimal grooming despite its size and drooling tendency.

Bullmastiff

Solid, short coat in red, fawn or brindle; developed in England as a gamekeeper’s guard. Docile, fearless and family-oriented; needs firm training, moderate exercise and socialization. Excellent guard dog for families wanting a protective, steady companion.

English Mastiff

Massive British breed seen in apricot and fawn hues sometimes described as red-fawn. Gentle, dignified and protective; requires space, careful weight management and calm leadership. Notable for mellow nature despite enormous size—best for experienced large-dog owners.

Tibetan Mastiff

Ancient Tibetan guardian with thick coat often in golden-red, red-brown or mahogany shades. Independent, territorial and protective; needs early socialization, secure fencing and moderate grooming. Suited to experienced owners who want a large, guarding companion.

Leonberger

Large German breed with lion-like red, red-brown or golden coat. Gentle, friendly and family-oriented; needs regular exercise, socialization and abundant grooming. Notable for calm temperament and suitability as a patient family dog with watchdog instincts.

German Shepherd Dog

Versatile European herding dog commonly seen in black-and-red or rich mahogany sable shades. Intelligent, loyal and trainable; needs mental work, socialization and daily exercise. Great for working roles and active families who provide consistent leadership.

Akita

Japanese large spitz-type occurring commonly in red or fawn-red with white markings. Dignified, protective and loyal; requires early socialization, consistent training and regular exercise. Suited to experienced owners seeking a devoted, somewhat independent guardian.

Anatolian Shepherd

Turkish guardian often seen in fawn or red-fawn shades with a black mask. Independent, protective and territorial; needs firm leadership, secure space and minimal grooming. Ideal as a livestock protector or guardian for experienced, confident owners.

Irish Wolfhound

Ancient Irish sighthound that can present in red or red-fawn shades. Gentle, calm and dignified; needs ample space and moderate exercise suitable for its massive size. Notable as one of the tallest dog breeds and a patient family companion.

Pharaoh Hound

Maltese-Mediterranean hound with glossy tan to chestnut-red coat that often gleams. Energetic, affectionate and alert; needs daily exercise and secure running space. Notable for playful demeanor and graceful, athletic build—best for active owners.

Belgian Tervuren

Belgian herding breed with rich mahogany-fawn coat and black overlay. Intelligent, high-energy and trainable; needs lots of mental stimulation, exercise and regular grooming. Excellent for experienced owners seeking an attentive, working companion with reddish tones.

Boerboel

South African mastiff with short coat in red-fawn, brown or brindle shades. Confident, protective and loyal; requires early socialization, firm leadership and secure property. Notable as a powerful family guardian needing responsible, experienced ownership.

Greyhound

Slim racing hound that comes in “red” and wheaten shades among many colors. Gentle, calm and surprisingly couch-friendly; demands regular sprinting opportunities and minimal grooming. Great for owners who can provide secure exercise and a peaceful home.

Scottish Deerhound

Tall rough-coated hound often seen in red-fawn or brindle-red tones. Gentle, and dignified with a calm home demeanor when exercised; needs long runs and moderate grooming. Ideal for owners who enjoy a large, affectionate sighthound.

Boerboel

South African mastiff with short coat in red-fawn, brown or brindle shades. Confident, protective and loyal; requires early socialization, firm leadership and secure property. Notable as a powerful family guardian needing responsible, experienced ownership.

Other Sized Color Dog Breeds