Redbone Coonhound Information

Redbone Coonhounds, also called just “Redbones” for short,  are typically very mild-mannered, gentle dogs that don’t get effected much by their outside surroundings.  They enjoy being around people but are not as “annoying” or “in your face” as other breed’s may be that constantly thrive for attention. They like attention, but they don’t yearn for it if it is not given to them all of the time. They are smart dogs that become bored with regular training. When they are on the hunt, they are extremely active and physical, but indoors they are quiet and very well-behaved. Once their nose gets whiff of a scent that they are hunting, they will ignore everything else in their surroundings. They get along very well with other people, children, and other dogs. If smaller pets are in the household, they may tend to chase them.          

Because this breed will follow a scent at high speeds, it is important to only let this breed run free if it is in a fenced in area, or it may get carried away with whatever it is hunting. A long, daily walk or job should be enough to satisfy the physical needs of this breed. A hike will also suffice, however, if you take this breed on a hike, make sure you have it on a leash so it doesn’t stray to follow its nose. They make wonderful inside dogs, as they are very family-oriented. They do drool and have a loud bark when excited. Their coat only requires minor brushing.       

As for health, this breed is particularly very healthy. There are no major, minor, or occasionally seen conditions that target this breed. It is suggested, however, to test your Redbone’s hips periodically to ensure they are properly functioning.      

The history of the Redbone Coonhound dates back to when Scottish immigrants brought red foxhounds into American during the late 1700s. This is the reason that they are derived from red foxhounds. George Birdsong, a hunter that inhabited Georgia, influenced this dog breed’s development massively. He obtained a pack back in 18400 and as more coon hunters took a fancy to the breed, they set out to create a faster,, better scented dog that was able to find and catch raccoons better. They crossed the initial breed with imported Red Irish Foxhounds. The outcome of this breed crossing was initially referred to as Saddlebacks because they tended to have black saddles on their red fur, however, breeders emphasized their reddish coat for several generations  which allowed it to finally only have a solid, red-colored coat. This was considered an unusual thing to fancy at the time. After the black saddle was bred out of the breed’s DNA, they became known as the Redbone Coonhounds, which is what they are referred to as today. Peter Redbone, a Tennessee breed enthusiast, was also part of the reason the first part of their name is Redbone. In 2001, this breed was admitted into the AKC’s Miscellaneous class. To this day, the breed remains a favorite amongst hunters.    

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