Facts About Redbone Coonhounds

The Redbone Coonhound is a medium to large dog breed that is classed in the hunting group. As its name suggests, many owners commonly use it for hunting small game such as raccoons, chasing them up trees and standing in place until the hunter comes. The American Kennel Club first accepted the breed in breed 2009 and set its competition breed standard that same year.

  1. History

    • The Redbone Coonhound descends from the Red Foxhound and the Irish Red Foxhound, both breeds having been brought to America by Scottish and Irish immigrants. Around the late 18th century, breeders began to selectively crossbreed to produce a dog that had better tracking skills and was faster. By 1900 the Redbone Coonhound was a known breed and was well respected for its hunting skills. During the development of the breed, some breeders selectively bred for the distinctive red coat, while others concentrated on speed and tracking. Today the dogs possess the best of all these traits.

    Description

    • The Redbone Coonhound is a lean, powerful dog with long legs and a well proportioned body. The breed is designed for speed and agility. Males grow to between 22 and 27 inches at the shoulder, while females are smaller at 21 to 26 inches. Weight should be proportionate to size and ranges from 50 to 70 lbs. The dog's muzzle is long and broad, its eyes are described as pleading and its ears are droopy and set to the side of the skull.

    Coat and Color

    • The dog's coat, as its name suggests, is pure red. This is preferred for competition, although areas of white on the lower legs and chest are acceptable. It is the only coonhound breed to have a solid coat color. The coat length is short and smooth but course enough to offer the dog protection from rough undergrowth.

    Temperament

    • The dog has a happy, even-tempered nature making it suitable as both a family pet and a working animal. It is a social dog that enjoys being with its family and owners and also thrives on being given tasks or tricks to perform. It is eager to please and because of its intelligence it is quick to learn and easy to train. When tracking, it has a tenacious nature and if trained to will chase down anything from a raccoon to a bear and force it up a tree until its master arrives.