There are only two basic pigments that determine the dog coat color: eumelanin and pheomelanin.
The second pigment, pheomelanin, is red with a default color of gold or yellow. It creates red in dogs’ coats that range from deep red to orange, cream, gold, yellow, or tan. Genes control the intensity of pheomelanin, making the color stronger or weaker.
This article contains a list of purebred and hybrid rare red dog breeds in which pheomelanin pigment is dominant.
Purebreds
Rhodesian Ridgeback
One charming explanation for the presence of the ridge – especially for children – is: “That’s where God sews them up when he’s done stuffing them.”
The Rhodesian Ridgeback takes his name where from the part of the world from which he originates and the distinctive hair that runs down his back. The ridge of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is caused by a mutation, resulting in duplication of a length of DNA coding for three growth factor genes. This mutation, which has an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance, also causes dermoid sinuses. Puppies without ridges are not considered typical of the breed.
Bloodhound
The word ‘bloodhound’ has been in use since c. 1330. The etymological meaning of this word is ‘hound of pure or noble blood.’ Research indicated that they have approximately 250 – 300 million olfactory scent receptors—the most of any breed. Once they have got their nose on a scent, they follow that specific smell for more than 130 miles—even if they encounter other odors on the path.
These dogs have extra big nasal chambers, which can detect an odor in as little as one or two cells. Because of their extraordinarily keen sense of smell and incredible tracking instinct, Bloodhounds are employed by police and law enforcement all over the world to track escaped prisoners, missing people, and lost pets.
Boerboel
Weighing up to 200 pounds and standing tall between 25 to 28 inches, the Boerboel Dog, also known as the South African Mastiff, is one of the largest dog breeds in the world. This breed was first introduced to the world due to the efforts of Dr. Carl Semencic, an American anthropologist. He was able to give explicit descriptions of this unheard breed due to his travels to South Africa and his association with the South African Boerboel Club.
Furthermore, word about this breed spread out of South Africa when its initial introduction was given through an article in the Dog World Magazine and later, in a book entitled “Gladiator Dogs.”
Liver German Shepherd
German Shepherds are the 2nd most popular dogs in the U.S. Max von Stephanitz, a dog breeder from Germany, gave the name ‘Deutscher Schäferhund’ to this breed, literally meaning ‘German Shepherd Dog’ in English.
With the surge in poor breeding, identifying purebred GSDs is tough. However, one of the distinctive physical features of the German Shepherds is their ears. The German Shepherd’s ears are long at the base and make the shape of a triangle. During the “teething stage” of this breed’s puppies, their ears can become floppy. This floppiness in ears usually lasts for 16 and 20 weeks, and by then, the cartilage in the ears will soon become hard enough to achieve its signature look—permanently erected ears.
Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is a stoic and independent dog breed known for its bear-like appearance, blue-black tongue, and a triple coat of fur. This breed was imported from China to the United States in the 1890s, was added to the American Kennel Club’s list of recognized breeds in 1903, and currently stands at the position of 75th most popular dog in the U.S.
An interesting fact about Chow Chows is how they got their name. It is said that the name comes from an ancient word, ‘Cha’ or ‘Chao,’ which means ‘dog of great strength.’ Other Chinese names for the Chow Chow include ‘Lang Kou’ (Wolf Dog), ‘Hsiung Kou’ (Bear Dog), ‘Hei Shet Kou’ (Black-tongued Dog), and ‘Kwantung Kou’ (Dog of Canton).
Dogue de Bordeaux
Dogues de Bordeaux won’t start a fight but will surely finish it.
Also known as French Mastiff, Bordeaux Mastiff, or Bordeaux dog, Dogue de Bordeaux has a phenomenal bite force, roughly 556 PSI. These are well-built dogs having a massive head. In fact, its head is considered to be the largest in the canine world.
Initially, these dogs were used as guard dogs for elite homes, but after the French revolution, they were used to pull carts and were used for guarding flocks. After the Tom Hank’s film ‘Turner and Hooch’ in 1989, Dogue de Bordeaux gained huge popularity among the American audience. Since then, they have been affectionate family dogs for most households.
Fila Brasileiro
The Fila Brasileiro breed is the descendent of Mastiff, having large bones and loose skin. They have an average weight of 140 to180 lbs. Despite their large size, these dogs are extremely agile and can run at speeds of up to 35 mph. This working dog breed is known for its aggressive, hostile, and impulsive temperament and excellent tracking potential. Because of its aggressiveness and its disposition to engage in attacks towards strangers—both people and dogs—it has made it to the list of dangerous dog breed lists. This breed is banned in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Denmark, and some others.
Irish Setter
Next on the list of purebred red dog breeds is the Irish Setters. This breed was developed in early 18th-century Ireland to locate birds for hunters. The breed was originally used to ‘set’ game, using their excellent sense of smell to locate the mark (or bird). It would crouch low near the target bird, hold a pointing position, and indicate towards the direction in which the bird was hidden so that the hunters could walk up and throw a net over the bird.
That was then. Today, they are not merely gundogs but excellent family pets, dear to all and sundry—though they’re sportsperson’s favorite because of their swiftness and agility. Bold, sturdy, and powerful, but at the same time, they are kids at heart, sweet-tempered, and respond well to positive training.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Historically, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed traces its lineage back as far as 1107 A.D. As legend has it, many believe that the Vikings and Flemish people introduced Corgis to the world.
The other legend says that the fairies and corgis had a connection back to the ancient times of Wales. Back then, these magical creatures lived in harmony with the surrounding woodlands of Wales. And while fairies could undoubtedly fly, they didn’t have enough stamina or wing strength to fly long distances. It is said that these dogs used to pull faeries’ carriages or carry them on their backs, that’s why they have a thicker layer of hair on their hinds.
Pharaoh Hound
The Pharaoh Hound is the national dog of Malta. In Maltese, it is called Kelb tal-Fenek, which means “rabbit dog.” Traditionally, it was used for hunting rabbits in the rocky terrain of the Maltese Islands.
Some believe the Pharaoh Hound is the same breed owned by Tutankhamen, an ancient Egyptian royal. Others believe that the Pharaoh Hound is an ancient breed dating back to the time of the pharaohs. Images of dogs closely resembling the modern Pharaoh Hound found in Egyptian tombs have seemed to support this belief. Egyptian artisans depicted dogs with the characteristic long, narrow nose, pointed ears, the attentive stance, narrow waist, and deep chest of the modern Pharaoh Hound. The tomb of Antefa-II, built around 2300 B.C., is graced with a particularly striking drawing of such a dog.
Modern
Basset Retriever
As the name indicates, the Basset Retriever is a hybrid of the Basset Hound and Golden Retriever dog breeds. While Basset Hounds are known for their sharp sense of smell and tracking abilities, Golden Retrievers are celebrated for their energy, intelligence, and friendly demeanor.
Breeders mixed these breeds to achieve a combined set of all these qualities. But as this is a mixed breed, there are a number of features that can’t be anticipated beforehand. However, a general overview of this breed suggests that these dogs are minimal shedders; they easily get along with kids and strangers, but not with other pets, and are energetic and smart.
Bossie
Bossie is a cross between the Boston Terrier and Australian Shepherd dog breeds. The thickness of their coat mainly depends on which parent’s gene is dominant. However, they usually have short coats that shed now and then, making this breed a bad choice for those with allergies. Bossies have made it to the list of red dog breeds as it comes only in black, red or brown, and white colors.
Their coats are furry, rarely solid, and come in the combination of a variety of colors such as black, red or brown, and white.
Boxador
Boxador is a cross between the Boxer and Labrador Retriever. This hybrid has abundant energy that should be channeled out through physical activities. Boxador needs to be physically active for a minimum of 30 – 60 minutes a day. During their early age, their physical exercise needs can be met by taking them out for small 10 to 15 minute walks.
As they grow older, increase the intensity of their exercise to completely exhaust them out. It’s because if high-energy dogs are not given the required physical activity, they will get bored and grow destructive. So, give them at least one or two hours of solid, strenuous exercise every day or access to run freely in the outdoors.
Chusky
Chusky is a hybrid of the dominating Chow Chows and stubborn Siberian Huskies.
Chow Chow is the 75th, and Siberian Husky is the 15th most popular dog breed in the U.S. Both breeds have a unique set of distinctive characteristics and an appealing and picture-perfect appearance.
Because of their dominating nature, one can expect that their cross would be one step ahead of them. Unlikely, not only are Chuskies loving and protective of their owners, but they also suffer separation anxiety and can get gloomy and lonely if left alone for hours. The separation anxiety frustrates them that triggers their nipping, chewing, and barking behavior. Talking about barking, most Chuskies let out the classic Husky howls while others follow their Chow Chow parent barks.
Brussels Griffon
Categorized as a toy dog breed and famous for its monkey face, Brussels Griffon is a hybrid of Affenpinscher, Pug, and English Toy Spaniel. This red dog breed got popularity because of the interest that Queen Marie Henriette had in these human-faced dogs. Their fame further heightened after its appearance in a hit romantic comedy-drama film As Good as It Gets.
