The History of the Redbone Coonhound

The Redbone Coonhound is a member of the American Kennel Club Hound Group since 2009. The breed generally ranges in height from 21 to 27 inches and features a short-hair, Beagle-like coat of a solid red color. The fur gets slightly darker around the muzzle, and a little white on the feet is acceptable by AKC standards, but any white that extends beyond the toes is considered a "fault."

  1. Coonhound History

    • Many European hunting dogs were imported to the U.S. in the late 1700s for use in foxhunting and other hunting by early American settlers. After the American Revolution, a need for hunting dogs grew as settlers pushed further south and west in the U.S. and hunters found that European hunting breeds were not ideally suited for the various terrain encountered in different parts of the new nation. Southern breeders began combining dog breeds, selecting for stamina, determination and other valuable traits; the result of this selective breeding was the coonhound.

    Redbone History

    • Scottish immigrants settling in Georgia in the late 1700s brought red-coated Foxhounds, which became the beginning of the Redbone Coonhound breeding. By 1850, Irish Foxhounds and Bloodhounds were being bred with the red Foxhounds. Selective breeding eventually led to a breed that consistently hunted tree-climbing prey, such as raccoons, and that possessed traits such as agility on varied terrain, determination and pack-hunting qualities for different types of hunting. The original Redbone Coonhounds had a black saddle-like patch of fur on their backs, but this was bred out by the 1900s leaving only their distinguishing red coats. One of the earliest breeders of Redbone Coonhounds was a Tennessee breeder by the name of Peter Redbone.

    Breed Uses

    • The Redbone Coonhound has a natural instinct for prey. It generally seeks tree-climbing animals, such as raccoons, but will also hunt a cougar or mountain lion. The breed is exceptionally agile, making them great hunters in different environments including mountains, swamplands and bayous. Redbone Coonhounds tend to be decent swimmers and may be used as water dogs for duck or other bird hunting. This breed may also be used as watchdogs.

    Breed Recognition

    • The Redbone Coonhound's claim to fame is attributed to the novel "Where the Red Fern Grows," in which the main character has two Redbone Coonhounds named Old Dan and Little Ann. For professional and breeding recognition, the Redbone Coonhound was the second coonhound breed to receive UKC (United Kennel Club) recognition. It has been AKC recognized, as mentioned above, and is also recognized by the National Kennel Club, Continental Kennel Club, American Pet Registry Inc., American Canine Registry, Dog Registry of America and the North American Purebred Registry.