Redbone Coonhound: temperament, size, care and health

About the Redbone Coonhound

The Redbone Coonhound is a medium to large, well-muscled American hound whose coat is a solid deep red, a color the breed made famous. A little white on the chest or toes is allowed. The head is broad, the ears are long and the eyes are a soft brown or hazel. Dogs stand around twenty-two to twenty-seven inches tall and have a smooth, easy gait, with the speed and endurance to keep up with a hard trail.

Redbones were bred to hunt in rough, hilly and swampy country, trailing and treeing raccoons and also used on larger game such as boar, bear and cougar. They are good swimmers and hold up well in heat. A Redbone's voice is rich and musical, and hunters can often identify an individual dog by sound alone.

Temperament and family life

At home the Redbone is gentle and affectionate and likes to be close to its people. It is usually good with children and other dogs, being cheerful and not easily upset. It meets strangers with a wag and little suspicion, so it is not a guard dog. It does best in a family that spends time with it, since a dog left alone is likely to bay, dig or chew.

As with all coonhounds, the hunting instinct is strong. Cats and small animals may be chased, though some Redbones live peacefully with a cat introduced when young. The breed has a reputation for being less pushy than some of its fellows, but it still has a hound's independent streak.

Exercise and training

A Redbone needs lots of activity, with long daily walks, jogging, hiking or swimming, and a chance to follow its nose. It is happiest outdoors. A strong, tall fence is needed, and walks should be on leash in unfenced areas, because a Redbone on a scent can go for miles. Field events and tracking games give a useful job.

The dog is eager to please by hound standards and trains reasonably well with consistent, reward-based methods. The challenge is distraction: with a scent in the air, recall can fail entirely. Start socialization and basic manners early and keep sessions short and varied. Redbones that do not get enough exercise grow noisy and destructive and can put on weight.

Grooming and shedding

The short coat needs little care. Brush weekly with a hound glove and bathe only when needed. The red coat sheds a steady, moderate amount, and short hairs can work into fabric.

The long ears should be inspected and cleaned regularly to prevent infection, especially after swimming. After running in the woods, check for ticks, burrs and cuts. Trim the nails as needed.

Health

The Redbone is a hardy breed. Conditions known in coonhounds include hip dysplasia, ear infections and eyelid abnormalities, and the deep chest creates a risk of bloat, a stomach emergency. Hunting dogs are at risk of injury, and overweight pets are at risk of joint problems. Breeders may screen hips and elbows and examine eyes. None of this replaces an examination, and a veterinarian is the person to ask about a particular Redbone Coonhound.

History

The Redbone developed in the American South beginning in the early nineteenth century from red foxhounds brought by Scottish immigrants, with Irish foxhound and Bloodhound lines added around 1840. Much of the work of refining the line was done in Georgia. It was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1902 and later by the American Kennel Club.

Is the Redbone Coonhound right for you?

A Redbone suits an active family or hunter with a large yard, tolerance for baying and plenty of time outside. It is a poor fit for apartments, for people who are away all day or for homes with cats that run.

Compare the black-coated Black and Tan Coonhound, which is slower and heavier, and the rangy Treeing Walker Coonhound, which is faster and more driven. The Bluetick Coonhound is another good match.