Redbone Coonhound: A Loyal and Energetic Dog Breed

 

A stunning canine with a soft red coat is the Redbone Coonhound. They are a member of the American Coonhound breed, which makes them a great hunter. They were initially bred for this reason.

They excel in trapping raccoons and other quarry animals. The neighbors can be alarmed by their regal voice, which they employ both during and after the hunt.

These days, in addition to being active players on the field, they frequently serve as devoted family companions. The Redbone is such a lovable dog for so many reasons.

It’s hard to resist those lovely, imploring eyes of theirs! They have a calm temperament, they are committed, caring, and excel in their field. These canines will need a lot of activity since it keeps their minds and bodies engaged.

They require some effort to train; therefore, this must be done early in their lives. Redbone Coonhounds are bright dogs, so you must be a strong, firm leader if you want to offer them the structure they need.

The Redbone Coonhound’s history, appearance, temperament, and everything else you need to know about providing them with the care they deserve throughout their lives are covered on this page.

History Of Redbone Coonhound  

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Scottish canines sent to Georgia in the early 19th century are where redbones started. These served as the breed’s starting stock.

They later added Irish-bred Foxhounds and Bloodhounds to the mix, approximately 1840. The name of the breed is derived from one of the first breeders, Peter Redbone of Tennessee.

But in the past, every red dog of uncertain ancestry was referred to as a Redbone. After then, devoted breeders took up the cause of producing a superior hunting dog specimen.

One of these breeders was from Georgia named F.L. Birdsong. He had a significant role in making the Redbone Coonhound a more well-known breed.

The early Redbone was bred to have more characteristics of the perfect Coonhound. This resulted in a dog agile enough to pursue its prey across the rocky South.

The only Hound with webbed feet is the Redbone; this trait was bred into them so they could swim after their prey if required. They grew better suited to hunting in packs as the breed matured.

Finally, they improved to the point where they could hunt big games. These canines were quite homogeneous in appearance and had excellent hunting skills.

However, they were once known as “Saddlebacks” because of their distinctive, massive, black “saddle” marks. Eventually, this was bred out of them, leaving only a rich, red color—the one we now recognize and adore.

Though the reality of this has been lost to time, it is believed that the white patches that occasionally emerge on the chest and feet are caused by the breed’s mix with Irish hounds.

In 1902, the United Kennel Club recognized redbones as the second breed of Coonhound. They were acknowledged by the American Kennel Club in 2009, though.

Following the release of Wilson Rawls’ 1961 book Where the Red Fern Grows, this breed experienced growth in popularity. It depicts the tale of Billy, a little kid who adopts Old Dan and Little Ann, two Redbone Coonhounds.

Though they aren’t the most well-known breed today, Redbone Coonhounds are adored by those who do. On the AKC’s 2020 list of most popular dogs, they are ranked 146th out of 195.

Temperament Of Redbone Coonhound

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Your Redbone will be a caring and devoted family member. They are “even-tempered, kind, and eager to please,” according to the AKC.

These dogs will always tell you how much they cherish their place in your family because they are always content to be part of a group. They can therefore fit in with various families as long as you can accommodate their high energy requirements!

They could be hard to keep up with because they require so much physical activity. Keeping one of these puppies around will be challenging for anyone who could be too busy to care for them.

This makes it challenging for new dog owners who might not be familiar with caring for dogs with high energy requirements. The breed does quite well when getting along with other family members.

Almost everyone in your home gets along well with them. They take to being around kids well and like spending time with their human partners.

Early socialization is crucial so that kids learn how to act around all of the family members. Their group nature makes them get along well with other canines.

They might, however, regard smaller animals as prey, particularly birds and hamsters. It’s important to note that growing them alongside other cats can significantly improve their ability to get along.

The Redbone Coonhound will be more than delighted to be a loving snuggle partner if you can meet their wants. Leaving them alone for too long can cause them to experience separation anxiety, which can result in negative behavior.

Like other Coonhounds, the Redbone has a propensity for loud barking and baying. Their owners may find this appealing because of how musical the sound is.

However, your neighbors could find this to be inconvenient. It’s crucial to teach your dog when to make the right noises. They will be an excellent guardian of the house and make good watchdogs.

These dogs are eager to please and intelligent, but you must begin training them as soon as you bring them home for the first time. Any stubborn behavior that could otherwise exist if you started training later will be lessened.

If you prefer hunting as a hobby, your Redbone Coonhound will have no issue keeping up with you on the trail because they also have excellent hunting skills.

Appearance And Size Of Redbone Coonhound

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The Redbone is a medium to large-sized dog with slightly droopy ears and a rather strong body. They have a body that can withstand the challenging conditions in the South of the United States.

Adult males typically stand between 21 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder, and the same is true for adult females. At full adulthood, both male and female dogs can weigh anything from 45 to 80 pounds.

Don’t worry too much if your puppy is smaller than you anticipated because there is a lot of opportunity for fluctuation in both height and weight.

The skulls of these canines are flat and relatively broad. Their muzzles are in harmony with the other aspects of their heads and take on a generally square shape.

Their eyes color, which ranges from dark brown to hazel, has a beseeching expression. The eyes are large, rounded, and have non-drooping eyelids.

The ears are somewhat lowered and, when extended, come close to the tip of the nose. The ears are in good proportion to the head, just like the rest of the face’s characteristics are. The black nose has wide, open nostrils.

The Redbone Coonhound has a regal, self-assured appearance, a powerful body, and superb movement. They have medium-length, slightly arched necks.

At the withers, the topline is slightly taller than it is at the hips. Their broad, deep chests have well-sprung ribs that provide considerable lung capacity.

Their tails are saber-like, medium in length, powerful at the root, and have a medium-sized brush. The shoulders of a Redbone are strong and well-defined. They appear swift and powerful due to their forelegs’ straightness.

The forequarters have strong bones and a similar sensation to the forelegs. It is said that the Redbone Coonhound has a “determined, steady, and proud gait with good reach and drive.”

Colors And Coat Of Redbone Coonhound

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In contrast to its Bluetick sibling, the Redbone Coonhound has a stunning red coat that makes them easily recognizable.

They have a short, fine-textured coat with a lovely, glossy luster. Although smooth, it is coarse enough to provide them with the necessary protection while hunting.

They are not a hypoallergenic breed, which should be noted as they shed. This dog will only have red fur, which can be any shade from mahogany to a rich, deep red.

The AKC standard allows for minor areas of white on the chest and feet but not excessive amounts. They may also have a darker muzzle than the rest of their body.

Exercise Of Redbone Coonhound

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Providing for the high energy needs of a Redbone Coonhound is undoubtedly one of the most challenging aspects of ownership.

To keep this dog happy and content, you will need to offer them a lot of activity. For inexperienced dog owners, this can be a challenging task.

This advice should be taken. Due to this dog’s great intelligence, you must always ensure that their exercise program is engaging to keep them interested.

Ensure your program includes both variation and frequency because they are both essential. It’s a good idea to involve the entire family in getting this dog the exercise they require because they love being in a pack with their family.

This helps stave off boredom, which in turn curbs the emergence of any harmful impulses. You can prevent these destructive tendencies by making sure your dog is taken for a walk every day.

Giving them at least 90 minutes of exercise is a good idea; however, you can break this up into many sessions each day to make it less strenuous.

Your Redbone will be delighted to hike with you through the mountains and forests if you’re fortunate enough to live in a more remote region.

They will benefit greatly from this activity because it is what they were developed for. They’ll be content to run around in your yard if it is fenced in if you have too much energy.

Make sure the fence is securely fastened because this breed is inclined to roam, especially if they detect an intriguing scent of a neighboring wild animal.

Ensure there are many games for the two of you to play, such as fetch and tug of war, as this will keep them entertained and make for a pleasant dining experience for both of you.

Living Necessities Of Redbone Coonhound

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Given their propensity to vocalize loudly, Redbone Coonhounds shouldn’t typically be kept in apartments. Given the low human density in a rural region, they will be far more content to make noise there.

However, if you can teach them to bark only when necessary—a challenging task—you might be able to coexist peacefully with them in a suburban environment.

A lot of children’s toys to play with when they’re bored can also keep them well-behaved, which is always a good thing. The breed is not well suited to cold locations due to its inability to tolerate the weather.

For colder climates, some breeds are better options. Redbones thrive in more moderate climates that are neither too hot nor too cold. Your dog should be content as long as the weather doesn’t become too severe.

Give them a small dog sweater or jacket in the winter if it gets chilly so they can stay comfortable while going for walks. Also, usually, it is a good idea to have heaters inside.

Give them plenty of water during the heat and keep them inside as much as possible, preferably in an air-conditioned space.

Training Of Redbone Coonhound

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The Redbone is quite intelligent, just like the majority of Coonhounds, yet if training is not started as soon as possible, it could be a little bit challenging.

If rapport has not yet been built, they could choose to do their own thing since they might find other activities more appealing.

Training them from the moment they arrive at your house with you will significantly aid in reducing any undesirable behavior, including stubbornness.

They demand a strong leader with the self-assurance to provide them with the guidance they require and the framework necessary to lead a routine-driven life.

It’s crucial that your dog understands how to act when restrained by a leash. Because of their powerful nostrils, they may easily follow intriguing odors while walking in good behavior.

Walking them is only supposed to be done when they are on a leash because of their high wanderlust, which will also encourage them to flee as quickly as possible.

Early obedience training should be combined with leash training. Additionally, it’s crucial to teach them appropriate walking behavior, which should be done as soon as feasible.

If your dog isn’t responding to your training directions, you can get upset with them if you have not built a strong enough rapport.

However, because dogs are highly sensitive and would likely take this to heart, you must never treat them badly. If you treat them unfairly, they might grow bitter toward you.

It is usually preferable to reward positive behavior for creating motivation for a repeat performance. This is the reason why encouraging behavior works so well.

It can be very effective to encourage excellent conduct by showing them affection, compliments, and food. Once your relationship has progressed positively, the Redbone Coonhound is anxious to please you.

They will be far more content to execute trick progressions and perhaps begin training for competitive agility and obedience competitions.

Keeping your routine regular and engaging is a terrific approach to maintaining your dog’s good behavior. One of the best methods to ensure your dog has a good mental state is socializing them.

This fosters optimistic conduct and self-assurance, which is advantageous for everyone living in the house with them. A pup will become far more well-rounded if exposed to new people, animals, environments, and circumstances.

It is not difficult to socialize these dogs due to their amiable temperament.  On the other hand, if you live with cats, make sure that everyone gets along.

Remove your dog from everyone else in the house for a smoother transition into home life, and then gradually reintroduce them. Always remember to be kind to dogs because some can be timid.

Health Of Redbone Coonhound

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Your Redbone Coonhound is generally in good health, but you can double-check by buying from a reputable breeder. Ethical breeders always guarantee the welfare and security of your dog.

Redbones live between 12 and 14 years. Make those years as pleasurable as possible by taking good care of your dog’s health and providing the highest quality of life.

You two might even stay in touch longer! But this breed is also susceptible to several diseases, just like all dogs. Giving your dog the best chance at life is feasible if you are aware of these ailments in advance.

Knowing the signs can assist you in knowing what to tell the vet so you can start using their recommended treatment plan as soon as possible.

Even though your dog can remain free of these diseases, it’s wise to be prepared. Here are the top three health issues that can affect your dog.

Hip Dysplasia

Due to their frequent running, your dog may be more susceptible to hip dysplasia. Because this condition is frequently inherited, your breeder will have checked for it before giving you your puppy.

With hip dysplasia, the thigh bone in your dog’s hip socket does not fit properly. This causes weird posture, an odd walk, and limping in one or both hind legs.

Additionally, lameness and arthritis may develop as a result of this. Your dog’s hip dysplasia should be treated immediately because it’s typically a highly painful condition.

Anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, or weight loss, if your dog is overweight, are frequently used as treatment options.

Eye Issues

This breed is predisposed to many different eye conditions. Retinal atrophy that is progressing is one of these issues. This illness causes the eyes to gradually lose their ability over time, eventually leaving your dog partially blind.

Retinal dysplasia is the name of the condition’s early-onset variant. Although no pain is associated with this condition, it can significantly reduce the quality of life for your dog.

It’s crucial to manage the condition by speaking with your vet to determine what to anticipate. Although it cannot be cured, your dog can live a long and healthy life with the right care.

Another condition that could affect this breed is ectropion. The eyelids droop or hang away from the eye with this condition. With sad puppy dog eyes on your dog, this might seem rather adorable.

It must be addressed since it exposes the eye to environmental toxins, which could cause dryness and infection. Fortunately, surgery is an effective method to treat this condition.

Gastric Torsion

Your Redbones are more susceptible to gastric torsion, or bloat than many other dogs because they have a deep chest. This serious ailment could be fatal and needs emergency veterinarian care.

This condition develops when the stomach fills with air, becomes unable to release it, and twists. The dog experiences shock and a reduction in blood pressure because it cannot vomit the contents of its stomach.

Some symptoms of gastric torsion include an enlarged stomach, retching without vomiting, restlessness, and profuse drooling.

Fortunately, it’s simple to avoid this problem. Bloat is brought on by your dog eating excessively, drinking quickly, and exercising right after eating.

Giving your dog multiple little meals throughout the day as opposed to one large meal will significantly lower the risk of stomach torsion. Only let your dog go for a walk if at least an hour has passed since their last meal for their safety.

Nutrition Of Redbone Coonhound

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All of your dog’s life, good health depends on a well-balanced diet.

Good nutrition is the basis of health in all living things; for your dog to grow a robust body while still a puppy, proper nourishment is required.

In a dog’s life, this is the most crucial stage of development. Maintaining general vitality and making sure the healthy physique they formed throughout puppyhood is functioning properly will be the key goals of adulthood and old age.

You can guarantee your dog’s proper nutrition and health for the whole of their lives by feeding them food suitable for their life stage.

It can be confusing to go shopping and not know which dog food to choose from because there are so many varieties of dog food available on the market. Fortunately, the most practical food is also the best kind you can feed your dog.

Choose all-natural varieties for your Redbone Coonhound’s dry kibble because they provide the nutrients your dog needs to be in full health. Foods marketed as appropriate for “all life stages” should be avoided because each stage has distinct nutritional needs.

Additionally, please stay away from foods with artificial ingredients because they have no bearing on your dog’s diet and might even be harmful to their health.

Age, size, and activity level should all be taken into consideration when choosing your dog’s portion sizes. Due to the breed’s high level of activity, Redbones are particularly important.

Because of how active they are, they will eat more than most dogs of the same breed and size. This is especially true if they participate in numerous sports, like competitive agility.

Puppies need nutrient-dense food to help them develop a healthy body; their portion sizes will change as they get older. Redbone adults require more food than Redbone puppies but less calorie-dense food than puppy food.

The least amount of food will be consumed by senior dogs. The idea that they require less protein than adults does not hold water, though.

Protein becomes even more crucial for muscle strength as your dog ages. You can decide on food portion proportions with the assistance of your veterinarian.

Overfeeding your dog can cause obesity, which puts them at risk for a host of diseases that can be avoided. There are several approaches to dealing with a dog’s pickiness.

You can start by setting stricter eating times. If your dog doesn’t eat anything after 30 minutes, take their food away. Until the next meal, keep your dog’s food away from him.

This encourages your dog to eat on schedule by helping them realize that their food won’t always be available. To make the kibble more palatable for your dog, you can also try mixing some wet food.

Grooming Of Redbone Coonhound

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It does shed frequently in this breed. They are no longer hypoallergenic, which is bad news for people with allergies.

However, these dogs are moderately high maintenance in grooming and don’t shed much. With a rubber curry brush and frequent brushing, you can prevent shedding.

Sometimes brushing is only necessary once a week, but we also notice that they like the massage the brush provides! Additionally, it keeps the fur shiny and nice-looking, which keeps your dog looking sharp.

When it comes to bathing, you might notice that your Redbone smells decidedly “houndy.” While some people like the smell, others don’t.

Regular bathing, once or twice a month, should be sufficient to keep the odor at bay. If your dog gets noticeably unclean, you can bathe them more frequently.

Use mild dog shampoo and warm water, then rinse well to remove all soap residue. It’s crucial to properly rinse your dog because soap residue can irritate their skin.

You can wipe your dog with baby wipes to keep the extra dirt off between washings. Particularly after swimming, cleaning your dog’s ears can effectively prevent infection.

Wipe the visible parts of your dog’s ears using a cotton ball and an ear-cleaning solution from your veterinarian. The extra wax and debris will be cleared away thanks to this.

Use a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for dogs to brush your dog’s teeth regularly. This promotes a healthy mouth, fresh breath, and fewer plaque and tartar in your dog.

This final point is crucial because having unclean teeth can lead to various diseases. Given how much your dog runs, it’s likely that their nails will stub out on their own.

Nevertheless, checking them occasionally and trimming them at least once per month is advisable to avoid injury and damage. If your dog doesn’t like getting groomed, it may be challenging for both of you to participate in the activity.

Make grooming your dog as stress-free as possible by encouraging enjoyment. Simple obedience commands can help, and a kind approach can help the process go more smoothly.

Being gentle with your dog while grooming can help them get used to it, and they look forward to future grooming sessions.

Additionally, it avoids any accidents that might occur due to grooming anxiety. Try to make this a peaceful, relaxing bonding experience for you and your dog.

Puppy Prices And Breeders

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You are advised to get your Redbone Coonhound from a reliable breeder.

Please note, however, that we do mean “reputable”! Before making a purchase, make sure you thoroughly research the product. Many negligent breeders are only concerned with making money and could give a damn about their dogs.

These dishonest breeders operate puppy mills where the dogs are frequently mistreated, and the environment is hazardous and unhygienic.

Access to clean food, water, and fresh air is extremely limited. These businesses have no regard for the animals they raise and only consider how many puppies they can produce.

Do your homework thoroughly and ask for a reputable breeder; avoid these bad breeders at all costs! The vast majority of good breeders, on the other hand, genuinely love and care for the dogs they raise.

These breeders would be happy to show you where the puppies are raised because they are passionate about the breed. Although they may not be glamorous, these locations are always comfortable and clean.

Your puppy won’t ever be without toys to play with or struggle to find clean food and water. In the few weeks before bringing your puppy home, these breeders will also advise you to get to know them. This facilitates a more seamless transition into family life.

They will answer all your questions about the breed and the crucial details you should be aware of when raising your puppy. Additionally, they will provide you with veterinary certifications detailing vaccinations, deworming, and disease screening.

Many options are available if you’re trying to find a reputable breeder for a purebred puppy. For leads on trustworthy breeders in your area, ask your veterinarian.

Additionally, you can ask local dog lovers about potential breeders at dog shows, particularly if they already own a Redbone that they adore!

Moving the search online, you can peruse the countless social media platforms and discussion forums at your disposal, which are filled with dog lovers who might be able to lend a helping hand.

Lastly, the AKC website is an excellent source for breeders. This puppy will cost you anywhere from $1,000 to as much as $2,000, with show-quality dogs costing more.

Shelters And Rescues

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We always advise our readers to check adoption websites, shelters, and rescues before making a purchase, even though it is always a good idea to consult a reputable breeder first.

Saving a dog’s life by adopting rather than buying is a fantastic idea. So many of the dogs at the shelter are elderly or have special needs, and they will require extra care to get their lives back on track.

We encourage you to look at them because this may make them less adaptable than other pets. Make sure you ask the staff any questions you may have about your new furry friend when choosing a dog to rescue.

Knowing all there is to know about your new dog, from temperament to health concerns to other special requirements, can really help take the guesswork out of things so that you don’t have any problems down the road.

This enables them to live the fulfilling lives they truly deserve—lives of happiness and health. Shelter dogs are typically much more timid and sensitive than other dogs.

Because they will frequently be anxious about their new surroundings, be patient with your new canine companion. This mistrust is normal and just transient.

Your dog can be encouraged to experience love and safety once more. During this period of adjustment, exercise gentleness and be sure to be kind to your dog.

To help them feel less timid, introduce them to the other family members gradually. In no time at all, your Redbone will be back to being playful and happy.

Conclusion

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You should now be fully equipped with all the knowledge required to adopt a Redbone Coonhound.

Raising a new dog may present some challenges for you, but know that this is common and doesn’t diminish the joy and privilege of having such a wonderful pet as a pet.

You can navigate your trials with little difficulty if you arm yourself with the knowledge you need to handle them. Your dog is well worth the effort, and we know you will too!

Redbone Coonhounds give you a lot of love and loyalty, so it only makes sense to provide them with the best care possible in return.

Since you are giving them the best life possible, this will enable you to enjoy the time you spend together. This daring dog will be delighted to travel with you on any adventure you may undertake.

Make your relationship with your animal companion the best it can be—they are more than delighted to be it! Your life together will be happy if you use the information in this manual.

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Questions People Also Ask: (FAQs)

 

Are Redbone Coonhounds Suitable As Family Pets?

Redbones make loyal companions and are quite adaptable, doing well in various settings, such as coonhound trials and canine sports like agility. They are excellent family pets since they are devoted and loving.

Is The Redbone Coonhound A Rare Dog Breed?

Rare breed with soulful eyes and a gorgeous, glossy red coat, the Redbone Coonhound. When you adopt this special breed into your home, be ready to frequently answer the question, “What kind of dog is that?”

Do Coonhounds Have Intelligence?

Training. The Treeing Walker Coonhound is an extremely bright dog who loves to learn new things. These hounds like pleasing their owners but also have a strong sense of independence. Because of this, they could appear challenging to a trainer unfamiliar with the coonhound brain.

What Causes My Coonhound To Whine So Much?

Sometimes dogs will whine just because nobody is listening to them. This is akin to how little children complain when the adults at the dinner table are talking nonstop. Your dog seeks a playmate or an activity to keep them busy. Make sure your dog has enough daily exercise and mental stimulation.

How Frequently Should A Coonhound Be Walked?

Hound Team

These dogs only need a daily 20 to 30-minute walk and a couple of stronger sprint training later in the week. Like the Sporting Group, scent hounds like Beagles, Coonhounds, and Bloodhounds have higher exercise needs; a 60-minute walk is advised daily for these dogs.

Why Do Coonhounds Shake Their Heads A Lot?

Head shaking is a typical early ear issue symptom. Owners may notice this when their dog barks since the vibration first cause head shaking and tickles the ear. Other symptoms include a bad odor from the ear, tilting the head, and pain near the ear. Any of these symptoms call for an ear examination.

Are Coonhounds Loyal To A Single Owner?

The common misconception about hound dogs is that they are solely devoted to one owner. On the other hand, the Bluetick Coonhound is an exception to this. They make wonderful family dogs and are known to form relationships with everyone. The more people they can play with, the better for these dogs because they thrive on human interaction.

Will A Coonhound Stand To Protect You?

Protective. The constantly watchful Black and Tan Coonhound is an alert watchdog that will let you know if any person or animal enters his domain. They are too amiable and mild to serve as watchdogs.

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