AKA: Reds

Description: The Redbone Coonhound is a robust but neat-looking dog. Its appearance is handsome and clean, yet also displays strength and agility. Its coat is shiny and sleek, short and lying flat. Its head is nicely modeled, with a medium stop between the brow and the nose. Its ears are long and hanging. Its paws are compact and cat-like, and its legs are strongly toned. Its tail is held upright.

Dynamics: The Redbone Coonhound looks serious but it has a sweet temperament and a happy disposition. It is an affectionate dog and it gets along very well with children. It also has a pleasant bark, and doesn’t really alarm people to fear. This dog loves people and values companionship, and it can adapt well to family life. It is eager to please and is a loyal and obedient dog. It can also get along well with other pets provided it has been socialized at an early age.

The Redbone Coonhound was bred as a hunter. It has the instinct of one and it is not difficult to train to follow a scent and give chase to a target. It is fast, alert, and adaptable to any types of weather and difficult terrain. It is flexible and agile, able to hunt ion steep or rocky grounds. The Redbone Coonhound is one of the best in coon hunting. It is also good in trailing and treeing bear, cougar, and bobcat. The Redbone Coon hound is also an excellent water dog.

Breed Group: Hound

Weight: 50-70 pounds (23-32 kg)

Height: 21-27 inches (53-66 cm)

Color: The color of the Redbone Coonhound’s coat is red, sometimes with a little white on the feet or chest.

Country of Origin: The Redbone Coonhound originated in the United States, specifically in the American South. Breeders in Tennessee and Georgia wanted a hound with more speed and a hotter sniffer. They first developed the Saddlebacks which possessed black saddle markings. The breeders developed the Redbone Coonhound by selective breedind, wherein the solid red dogs were distinguished.

Activities: The Redbone Coonhound has a lot of stamina as befitting of a hunting dog, and so it needs a lot of physical exercise. It needs to be walked everyday. It has a tendency to run off and hunt around so make sure that the area is securely fenced.

Grooming: The coat of the Redbone Coonhound only needs an occasional brushing. Bathe only when necessary. It is a light shedder.

Other Info: The Redbone Coonhound has a life expectancy of 11 to 12 years. It is a generally healthy breed but can be affected by hip dysplasia like all dogs. This breed will do okay living in an apartment as long as it is sufficiently exercised.

Photo: Amy Lawson