Redbone Coonhound Breed Profile: Essential Facts
Redbone Coonhounds are active, playful hunting dogs who are good with children and other dogs, although they might chase cats and smaller animals.
- AKC Group: Hound
- Weight: 50-70 lbs.
- Height: 21-27 in.
- Life Span: 12 years
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Key Characteristics of Redbone Coonhounds
The Redbone Coonhound is a versatile, adaptable, medium-sized hunter and possibly the only coonhound with a solid color on the coat. They have great hunting, treeing and tracking abilities and will go after small and large game.
Their ears are long, and the tail is usually held alert and upright just below the back line. The short, smooth coat is red, although white patches are possible. The nose is black, and the ears are round.
Where Redbone Coonhounds Came From
Red foxhounds came to the United States in the 1700s with immigrants from Scotland. Eventually, breeders wanted a little more in the way of tracking, treeing and performance, and the resulting breed had natural treeing instincts, a distinct red coat, speed, agility, excellent swimming abilities and versatility.
The Redbone Coonhound was added to the American Kennel Club's Foundation Stock Service in 1995 and was designated to the Hound Group in 2009.
How Friendly Are Redbone Coonhounds?
The even-tempered and affectionate Redbone Coonhound wants to please and prefers to be close to family members. Start training yours in obedience as soon as possible. Keep it fun and interesting, using positive reinforcement; Redbones can have short attention spans.
This breed gets along with children and other dogs, but they may give chase after cats and other pets. Drooling may be heavy but it varies with each individual dog. See these beautiful hounds in action:
Is This the Right Dog for You?
Exercise Needs
HIGH: Redbones are versatile and agile on a variety of terrains and in different types of weather, making them great companions for outdoor adventure. Mostly inactive indoors, they still have a high energy level, so take yours on daily walks and/or jogs to help them expel energy.
A large, fenced yard would be ideal, but they can do well in apartments if sufficiently exercised daily. Because of the dog's strong desire to chase or tree animals or follow a scent, keep yours on a leash or exercised in a secure area when outdoors.
Grooming Needs
MEDIUM: You can maintain the short, smooth coat with weekly brushing and bathe your Redbone as needed. Shedding is minimal for this breed. Don't forget to do regular maintenance of the ears, nails and teeth.
Always check your dog thoroughly when returning from an outdoor romp for insects and debris on the coat, paws or in the ears.
Health Problems
LOW: These are very healthy dogs. The only common ailments of note are hip issues (dysplasia) and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).
More Stats About Redbone Coonhounds
| Friendliness | ★★★★☆ |
| Ease of Training | ★★★☆☆ |
| Barking/Howling | ★★★★☆ |
| Shedding | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Tolerate Being Alone | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Very Good With Kids | ★★★★★ |
How to Adopt a Redbone Coonhound
Start here to see if a Redbone Coonhound is available near you. Also, check the Petfinder website.
If you contact a breeder, always view their facilities. A responsible breeder can provide health clearances or reports on either the dog or the dog's parents. Ethical breeders should welcome any questons and also ask you several questions about your lifestyle before allowing you to take a dog home.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Redbone Coonhounds make great family dogs. They are affectionate, friendly, and good with children, but they require plenty of exercise and space to roam.
Yes, Redbone Coonhounds are vocal dogs with a loud, baying bark, especially when tracking scents or left alone for long periods. Training can help manage excessive barking.
Yes, like many hounds, Redbone Coonhounds can have a mild musky odor, especially if their coat is not regularly cleaned. Bathing and grooming help keep them smelling fresh.
They require extensive exercise, have a strong prey drive, can be stubborn in training, and are prone to separation anxiety. Their loud bark and scent-tracking instincts make them better suited for active owners.
References
- "Redbone Coonhound." American Kennel Club (AKC). https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/redbone-coonhound/.
- National Redbone Coonhound Association. http://www.nationalredbonecoonhoundassociation.org/index.html.
Kristine Lacoste has been researching dog and cat breeds for nearly a decade and has observed the animals up close at dog shows in both the United States and the United Kingdom. She is the author of the book One Unforgettable Journey, which was named as a finalist for a Maxwell Award from the Dog Writers Association of America, and was host of a weekly pet news segment on the National K-9 Academy Radio Show. In addition, she was the New Orleans coordinator for Dogs on Deployment, a nonprofit that helps military members and their pets, for 3 years. Kristine has researched and written about pet behaviors and care for many years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, another bachelor’s degree in English and a Master of Business Administration degree.
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