Origin and History

The Redbone Coonhound, an American breed, has its roots tracing back to the pre-Civil War era in the Southern United States. Its foundation stock includes bloodhounds and foxhounds brought by Scottish immigrants. The breed was developed for hunting raccoons and other game, with a focus on a rich red coat and a "cold nose" ability to track game trails for extended periods. Named after an early breeder, Peter Redbone of Tennessee, the breed was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1902 and the American Kennel Club in 2010.

Scottish immigrants introduced red-colored foxhounds to Georgia in the early 19th century, which became the foundation stock for the Redbone. Irish-bred Foxhound and Bloodhound lines were added around 1840, contributing to the breed's agility and scenting abilities. The breed's development was significantly influenced by George F. L. Birdsong of Georgia, who received the foundation stock from Dr. Thomas Henry in the 1840s.

The Redbone Coonhound was initially referred to as "Saddlebacks" due to the black saddle-like marking on their backs. By the beginning of the 20th century, this marking was replaced by an uninterrupted red coat, leading to the adoption of the name "Redbone Coonhound. " The breed's primary purpose was to tree wild game, allowing hunters to shoot the target from a safe distance, rather than directly hunting and subduing the prey. This method was particularly useful in the dense forests of the Southern United States, where hunters needed to maintain a safe distance to avoid becoming targets themselves.

Redbone hounds became popular during the Great Depression when many families relied on hunting to provide food. Their versatility made them sought-after by hunters in various parts of the country, from the South to the Midwest. The breed's popularity was further solidified by its portrayal in the 1961 children's novel "Where the Red Fern Grows" by Wilson Rawls, which featured a young boy and his two Redbone Coonhounds.

Physical Description and Appearance

The Redbone Coonhound is a medium to large, athletic hound known for its sleek and muscular build. This breed stands at a height of 56-69 cm for males and 53-66 cm for females, with a weight ranging from 20 to 32 kg. The body is well-proportioned, with long straight legs, a deep chest, and a head and tail held high and proud when hunting or showing.

The Redbone's coat is short and smooth against the body, but coarse enough to provide protection while hunting through dense underbrush. The coat color is always a rich red, although a small amount of white on the chest, between the legs, or on the feet is occasionally seen. The nose is often black and prominent, with black on the muzzle and around the eyes, known as "masking. " The ears are floppy and typically extend to nearly the end of the nose if stretched out. Their large, cat-like paws are compact and well-padded, adapting to various terrains. Dewclaws are common but are considered a fault in the breed standard.

The breed has brown eyes, often dark brown to hazel, with a face described as having a pleading expression. The Redbone's loud bay or howl is a characteristic sound, with its voice described as "sweet. " This breed is also known for its agility and ability to swim, making it versatile in different hunting environments. Redbone hounds were often seen as excellent swimmers, which was a crucial trait in tracking game across rivers and wetlands.

Temperament and Personality

The Redbone Coonhound is known for its friendly, loyal, and eager-to-please temperament. This breed is energetic and affectionate, making it a great companion for active families. Despite its high energy level, the Redbone is also adaptable to various living situations, as long as it receives adequate exercise and mental stimulation.

Due to its hunting background, the Redbone Coonhound is naturally inclined to be friendly with other dogs. The Redbone's intelligence and trainability make it a suitable candidate for obedience training, which can help channel its energy and provide mental exercise. This training is particularly important for Redbones, as their strong sense of independence can sometimes lead to a stubbornness that requires consistent, positive reinforcement.

The Redbone's friendly nature and affectionate disposition make it a beloved companion for many. This breed's popularity can be attributed in part to its portrayal in "Where the Red Fern Grows," where the characters' bond with their Redbones resonated with readers of all ages. The novel has contributed significantly to the breed's legacy and appeal.

Breeder Purpose and Working Traits

The Redbone Coonhound was bred specifically for its hunting abilities, with a primary focus on hunting raccoons and other small game that hide in trees. This breed is also capable of handling larger game, such as bears and cougars, making it a versatile hunter. The Redbone's hunting strategy involves treeing wild game, allowing hunters to shoot from a safe distance, which is particularly valuable in areas with high human-wildlife interaction.

The breed's foundation stock, including bloodhounds and foxhounds, contributed to its powerful scenting ability and endurance. This, combined with its agility and strength, makes the Redbone an excellent hunter in various terrains, from mountains to marshes. The Redbone's ability to swim adds to its versatility, allowing it to track game in water as well. This trait was crucial in areas where game might be found near water, such as along rivers and lakes.

While the Redbone was developed for hunting, its friendly nature and adaptability have made it a popular family pet. This breed's working traits, such as its strong scenting ability and intelligence, are also valuable in other dog sports and activities, such as obedience and tracking. The Redbone's natural hunting instincts can make it excel in detection work as well, where its keen sense of smell is invaluable.

Health Considerations

The Redbone Coonhound is generally a healthy breed, with a lifespan of 12-15 years. Owners should be aware of potential issues such as hip dysplasia, which can cause pain and mobility problems, and glaucoma, a condition that affects the eyes and can lead to blindness.

It's also important for owners to monitor their Redbone for signs of weight gain, as this can exacerbate issues like hip dysplasia.

Buying a Redbone Coonhound

A responsible breeder will provide health clearances and ensure that the puppies are well-cared for and socialized. It's crucial to find a breeder who is committed to the health and welfare of the dogs and has a history of breeding Redbones with a focus on soundness and temperament.

Before purchasing a Redbone Coonhound, consider your home and lifestyle. Ensure that you have the space for a dog of this size and the time to provide the necessary exercise and mental stimulation. Redbones can be quite active and require daily walks, playtime, and activities that challenge their mind. Additionally, because of their strong hunting instincts, they may have a strong prey drive, which should be taken into account if you have small pets or live in an area with wildlife.

By considering these factors and working with a responsible breeder, you can ensure that you find a healthy, well-adjusted Redbone Coonhound that will be a wonderful addition to your family. The Redbone's loyal and friendly nature, combined with its history as a versatile hunter, makes it a unique and rewarding companion.