Redbone Coonhound Dog Breed Information

Group

Hounds

Weight

20-30 kg

Height

53-68 cm

Lifespan

10-12 years

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About the Redbone Coonhound

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

The Redbone Coonhound is a highly active breed that’s renowned for its hunting skills and also for its loyal and affectionate nature.

Although it’s intelligent it does also have a bit of a stubborn streak which can make training a bit tricky. But, if you’ve got a lot of love and patience to give, this could be the right pooch for you!

In this guide, we’ve laid out all the key tips and information you need to get to know this lovable breed.

What is the history & origin of the Redbone Coonhound?

The origins of the Redbone Coonhound can be traced back to the United States in the 18th century. It’s descended from Red Foxhounds that Scottish immigrants brought with them. Their name is not actually due to their colour but comes from the name of Peter Redbone who was an early breeder.

The breed was largely developed in the South-eastern United States and mainly in Georgia. The Scottish foxhounds they are descended from were bred to be raccoon hunters and were crossed with Irish hounds which led to the creation of the Redbone Coonhound.

Over time, the breed became increasingly popular in the United States for hunting and also as a family pet. In 1902 Redbones were recognized as the second Coonhound breed by the United Kennel Club, and in 2009 the American Kennel Club also officially recognized them.

Their popularity has decreased over the years but enthusiasts still adore this breed, and today they are ranked 146th on the AKC’s popularity list.

What is a Redbone Coonhound breed?

The Redbone Coonhound has a proud and noble appearance, with a muscular build, floppy ears and hazel or dark brown eyes. The Redbone’s nose is black with large nostrils and they have deep chests which allow them to take in lots of air as they run.

Their most striking feature is, of course, their red coat which is short and fine, with a beautiful sheen. The coat’s colour will always be red but does vary in shade and ranges from mahogany to deep red.

They’re highly intelligent and friendly dogs who are just as content lounging around at home with their family as they are going for long walks and hikes. They love being involved in activities such as swimming and still have the impressive scent-following abilities that they were bred for.

Who is a Redbone Coonhound best for?

Redbone Coonhounds are loyal and affectionate meaning they make great family dogs for those who love being outdoors and live an active lifestyle. They have almost boundless energy which means they rarely get tired and so they need lots of vigorous exercise each day to keep them stimulated.

Due to this, they’re probably not the best choice of pet for seniors or novice dog owners who aren’t able to commit to satisfying their physical needs.

They’re good dogs for people with children at home as they love spending time around kids and will happily play with them for hours on end. As long as they’re socialized early and properly trained they also usually get on well with other dogs in the household due to their pack mentality.

Overall, this breed is ideal for families of all sizes and will become a loving companion for all family members, as long as they get enough exercise each day.

Redbone Coonhound Grooming & Shedding

The Redbone Coonhound’s short coat requires weekly brushing with a rubber curry brush to prevent them from leaving too much dog hair around the home and to keep it shiny and healthy. They don’t tend to shed very much and with regular brushing it shouldn’t be much of an issue.

As a breed, they do have a distinctive, musky odour and they need to be bathed fairly regularly to prevent this from becoming too strong. Make sure to use a sensitive dog shampoo to avoid irritating their skin.

You should also check and clean their long, floppy ears frequently as they can be prone to ear infections, and their nails will need to be trimmed when they get too long.

Do Redbone Coonhounds bark a lot?

Although they’re not quite as vocal as some other Coonhound breeds, Redbone Coonhounds do have a loud howl that they use when out on the hunt. When at home they may howl when a stranger arrives or to alert their owner to potential dangers, but they don’t usually howl for no reason.

If your dog is howling or barking a lot it could be because they have a lot of pent-up energy from a lack of exercise. As long as you provide them with plenty of physical exercise during the day, excessive barking shouldn’t be a problem.

What is the average weight & height of a Redbone Coonhound?

The Redbone Coonhound is a medium-sized breed, and they usually weigh between 20kg to 30kg. Their height is typically between 53cm and 68cm.

Are Redbone Coonhounds easy to train?

Although they’re very intelligent dogs, Redbones can tend to be a bit stubborn during training and the process will require some patience. They learn more complex tasks quickly, such as the skills needed for hunting, but conversely, they usually learn simpler commands more slowly.

The breed can also be prone to Canine Attention Deficit Disorder so you’ll need to keep their training sessions fun and engaging. Make sure you focus on positive reinforcement and rewards rather than any negativity or punishments.

As with all other breeds, early socialization is vital to ensure your pooch is comfortable around strangers, dogs and children. The earlier you start, the better!

How do Redbone Coonhounds behave? A look at their temperament and personality

As the Redbone Coonhound was originally bred to be a hunting dog the breed is still very active and loves nothing more than being engaged in activities with its owner.

However, when they’re at home they’re very affectionate and playful, and they enjoy playing games with children. They’re also renowned for their loyalty and form really close bonds with their owners and their families.

So, if you’re looking for an energetic and devoted companion then this breed may be the right one for you.

Does the Redbone Coonhound have any common health issues?

Redbones are generally very healthy dogs. Very few cases of idiopathic head tremor syndrome in this breed have been reported. They are susceptible to certain genetic health problems, such as:

Hip Dysplasia – a condition where the dog’s hip joint doesn’t form normally and doesn’t fit snugly into the hip socket. The symptoms include limping and pain. In time, it can lead to arthritis.
Bloat – this is when the dog’s stomach fills with air causing it to twist. This is a serious condition that can be fatal if not treated quickly.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy – a disease that causes the photoreceptors in the dog’s eye to slowly degenerate. It can lead to full or partial blindness.

What is the lifespan of a Redbone Coonhound?

The average lifespan for this breed is between 10 to 12 years. The best way to make sure your dog’s life is long and healthy is to give them enough exercise and to take them for regular medical checkups.

How much does a Redbone Coonhound need to be fed?

There is no one-size-fits-all diet for Redbones and the amounts of food they need will vary depending on things like their age, size, and metabolism. Generally, they do eat more than a lot of other breeds because of how active they are.

You can consult a vet to help you formulate your dog’s diet and to ensure they’re getting the right nutrition. As a rule, it’s always best to stick to dry dog food that’s full of protein and nutrients.

How much can you expect to pay for a Redbone Coonhound in Australia?

The average price of Redbone puppies in Australia is between $700 and $1,200. You should always make sure you’re buying your puppy from a reputable breeder as they will perform health checks on their parents to reduce the risk of them developing serious health issues later in life.

Redbone Coonhound FAQs

Are Redbone Coonhounds suited to first-time dog owners?

As they have so much energy Redbone Coonhounds need a lot of exercise each day to be satisfied. They can be a good choice for first-time owners but you will have to be willing to commit to this.

They can also be quite stubborn during training so they’re usually better suited for owners who have some previous experience with training dogs.

Do Redbone Coonhound dogs get along with cats?

Redbones have a high prey drive due to their hunting heritage which means that they do tend to chase smaller animals, such as cats.

If they’re raised around cats from an early age, and properly socialized, then they can learn to get along with them. But, they still shouldn’t be left alone with cats unsupervised.

Are Redbone Coonhound dogs good swimmers?

Redbones love most activities that involve physical exercise and this includes swimming. Taking your dog for a swim is a good way for them to burn off energy but just make sure to give them a bath afterwards.