What makes the Redbone Coonhound Unique?
The Redbone is a versatile hunter that specializes in treeing raccoons, but also excels in trailing and treeing bear, cougar, and bobcat. It?s both fast and agile, able to tirelessly traverse swamplands through rocky hills, and even swim through water at a fast pace. It can follow a cold trail and has a sweet voice on the trail. The coat is short and smooth, but coarse enough to provide protection. Redbones are generally easygoing, gentle dogs that don’t let much bother them. They want to be with their people, but aren’t clingy or “in your face.” Redbones are eager to please but can become bored with formal training. They are active when on the hunt, but quiet inside. Their passion is hunting, and once the nose hits a scent they are oblivious to much else. Redbones get along well with people, children, and dogs, but may or may not do well with small pets.
Breed Groups
- Hound Dog Breeds
- Large Size
Page Contents
Is the Redbone Coonhound Right For You?
The breed is even-tempered and trainable in the home, and wants to please its owner. It is amenable to formal training. The Redbone’s short, smooth coat requires only occasional brushing and bathing. If you are considering purchasing a Redbone Coonhound puppy, learn more. *Hound Group; AKC recognized in 2009.
*Ranging in size from 21 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder.
*Raccoon hunter; small/large game hunter.
In 5 Words
- Energetic
- Familial
- Independent
- Companionbale
- Affectionable
Characteristics
Learn About the Redbone Coonhound
Description
Redbone Coonhounds are medium-sized, robust, stocky dogs. They have broad muzzles, low-set pendulous ears and fairly light golden eyes. They have loose skin folds around their necks, similar to the skin folds on the necks of Bloodhounds, but not nearly as pronounced. The Redbone’s tail is slightly curved and normally held upright. This breed has strong hindquarters and forelegs, which are essential to support its tireless hunting endeavors.
Size and Weight
Male Redbones range from 22 to 27 inches in height, measured at the shoulder. Females are between 21 and 26 inches tall, measured at the same place. The weight of the Redbone Coonhound should be proportionate to its height. There is a wide weight range in this breed; most Redbones weigh somewhere between 45 and 70 pounds.
Coat and Color
The Redbone Coonhound is a completely red-coated dog. It is the only solid-colored coonhound recognized by the American Kennel Club. Redbones may have very small traces of white on their feet or chest, but white coloring is not preferred. The hair coat of this breed is a deep, rich mahogany red. It is short, smooth and coarse enough to provide protection from brush and brambles when the dog is out in the field. Because Redbones spend so much time outdoors, they should be checked regularly for ticks. Their large floppy ears should also be checked for thorns, parasites or other types of debris.
Short History of the Redbone
Years ago most coon hunters who owned a red dog of unknown ancestry, but proven ability in tracking and treeing raccoons, called their dog a “Redbone.” Then a few serious breeders who were devoted both to the breed and the sport began a campaign of selective breeding to produce a hound with the necessary characteristics to make a superior coonhound which would breed true to type in color and conformation. Breeders in the American South, Tennessee and Georgia to be precise, desired a hound with more speed and a hotter sniffer than many of the existing coonhounds. The first dogs were commonly called “Saddlebacks.” The background color was red, and most of them possessed black saddle markings. By selective breeding, the black saddle was bred out and the solid red dogs became known as Redbone Coonhounds. As is the case with most of the other coonhound breeds, the ancestors of the Redbone were Foxhounds. A Bloodhound cross is said to have been made, and it’s also said to account for the white chest and feet markings which still occasionally show up in Redbone pups today. The result of this mixture makes them a reliable hunting dog, as the breed’s moderate size, Foxhound-ish appearance and courage are in its nature. They are used primarily for treeing coon, but can be adapted to other game, including big cats. This hound may have been named after an early breeder, Peter Redbone of Tennessee, although much of its breeding has taken place in Georgia. The foundation stock of the modern day Redbone came from George F.L. Birdsong of Georgia, who was a noted fox hunter and breeder. He obtained the pack of Dr. Thomas Henry in the 1840s. The Redbone was the second coonhound breed to be registered with UKC, the first being registered in 1902, two years after the Black and Tan. Today it is used for hunting raccoon and as a companion dog. The Redbone Coonhound was recognized by the AKC in 2009.
Temperament
The Redbone Coon hound is an even tempered breed that is very happy and good around children. This dog is quite affectionate and has a bark that is pleasant sounding. They really enjoy being around their owner and family. If the Redbone Coonhound is raised indoors as a puppy, it will adapt easily to life with the family. The Redbone has a strong natural desire to please its owner. They are quick, alert, and able to work across a wide variety of terrains. The agility of this breed is a real advantage when they are tracking in uneven territory. It is very easy to train the Redbone Coonhound to follow and track prey.
Caring for Your Redbone Coonhound
Grooming & Bathing
The Redbone Coonhound has a short smooth single layer coat that doesn’t’ require a lot of grooming. As with all dogs that are kept indoors and outdoors, you will want to make sure they are clean. Your hound will love being outside romping around when the weather is nice and he will get dirty especially if he’s chasing an animal. Always be sure to check him for ticks or other insects when he comes back in. This is especially important when he’s been out hunting, which he will probably be doing a lot of. Regular brushing with a firm bristle brush is about all he will need with his short coat.
Grooming your Redbone Coonhound is important for a couple reasons. One reason is to make him look good and it’s a way to possibly alert you to any unusual health problems in or on the skin. Another reason is this is a time for you and your dog to bond-just the two of you. Grooming should begin when your dog is a small pup so he gets used to having his body parts (feet, toenails, ears, mouth) handled on a regular basis. He will get so used to having his feet and ears touched and cleaned, that it will be something he comes to enjoy as an adult dog.
Keeping the ears clean and dry is very important for dogs, especially dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors. The Redbone Coonhound does not need to be bathed very regularly, but his ears should be clean and dry. If he does a lot of hunting in wet and rainy weather, he will be more susceptible to ear infections, if he is not properly dried. If you do bathe him, ask you pet supply store to recommend a good shampoo or conditioner for this breed of dog. Your dog will love this attention from you especially if it’s ended with a treat.
Exercise & Training
This breed needs a lot of physical exercise. They need to be taken on a daily walk or jog. Coonhounds are born natural hunters, so they have a tendency to run off and hunt if they are not kept well-fenced while exercising on their own. The Redbone Coonhound takes some time to train as it is slow to mature both physically and mentally, but it has a strong desire to please. Redbone Coonhounds have a strong natural treeing and hunting instinct. They should be well socialized at an early age and taught basic obedience.
Redbone Coonhound Picture Gallery
