Redbone Coonhound

Native to the United States of America, the Redbone Coonhound is one of America's most popular dogs, with appearances in novels and movies. Their build, agility, and temperament aid this hunting breed in adapting to different types of terrain. The Redbone Coonhound's bloodline can be traced to the red foxhounds that Scottish immigrants brought over during the late 18th century, as well as the ones imported from Ireland before the American Civil War. Breeders from the American South, particularly Tennessee and Georgia, wanted a dog with unparalleled speed and sense of scent. Initially the resulting dogs were called “Saddlebacks,” due to the black saddle markings on the red coats. However, selective breeding eventually eliminated the black-saddle dogs, with the solid red ones appropriately named “Redbone.” The Redbone Coonhound was used for hunting raccoons, bears, and cougars, and they have the ability to climb trees, wade in water, and traverse swamp lands and mountains.

The Redbone Coonhound is perhaps best known for its distinctive red coat, which consists of short and smooth hairs. There is some white on the chest, however, and the nose is always black. The dog is lean and muscular with long tail and straight legs and wide chest, which is typical of the coonhound subgroup. The dog's downcast facial expression consists of long, drooping ears and sorrowful dark brown or hazel eyes. Males of the breed usually stand at 22 to 27 inches (56 to 68 ½ centimeters). Females are generally shorter at 21 to 26 inches (53 to 66 cm). Weight ranges from 45 to 70 pounds (20 ½ to 31 ¾ kilograms).

Personality

The Redbone Coonhound are natural hunters, which makes it extremely easy to train for hunting game. However, owners should be careful with the dog around smaller animals, such as cats; if not raised with them, the hound can mistake them for raccoons. The Redbone Coonhound is a generally happy dog that can be very affectionate and gives a pleasant-sounding bark.

Breed Characteristics

Redbone Coonhound Build Information

The Redbone Coonhound is perhaps best known for its distinctive red coat, which consists of short and smooth hairs. There is some white on the chest, however, and the nose is always black. The dog is lean and muscular with long tail and straight legs and wide chest, which is typical of the coonhound subgroup. The dog's downcast facial expression consists of long, drooping ears and sorrowful dark brown or hazel eyes. Males of the breed usually stand at 22 to 27 inches (56 to 68 ½ centimeters). Females are generally shorter at 21 to 26 inches (53 to 66 cm). Weight ranges from 45 to 70 pounds (20 ½ to 31 ¾ kilograms).

Behaviour and Personality

The Redbone Coonhound are natural hunters, which makes it extremely easy to train for hunting game. However, owners should be careful with the dog around smaller animals, such as cats; if not raised with them, the hound can mistake them for raccoons. The Redbone Coonhound is a generally happy dog that can be very affectionate and gives a pleasant-sounding bark.

Appearance

As mentioned earlier, the Redbone Coonhound has a short and smooth coat. As a result, it requires little or no grooming. Only a combing or brushing once in a while is necessary for removing dead hairs.

Redbone Coonhound Common Health Conditions

The Redbone Coonhound is usually a healthy breed. However, some of them have had an occurrence of hip dysplasia, so owners are encouraged to test their hounds for this ailment.

Redbone Coonhound Pet Insurance

When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.

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Breed Talents and Facts

The Redbone Coonhound has been registered with the United Kennel Club (UKC) since 1904. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the Redbone Coonhound as a hunting breed in 2009. The Redbone Coonhound is the “hound” in The Fox and the Hound, a 1967 novel by Daniel P. Mannix that was turned into a Walt Disney animated film in 1981. The Redbone Coonhound has a lifespan of 11 to 12 years.