What is a Redbone Coonhound?

The Redbone Coonhound is a handsome, robust and strong coonhound. It has a clean, well-modeled head, with a medium stop between the brow and nose. The long, hanging ears extend to the tip of the nose when the dog is following a scent. The tail is held upright. The paws are compact and cat-like, with thick, strong pads. The skin is a rich red color. The coat is shiny and smooth, lays flat, and is short like that of a Beagle. Coat colors include red, and red with a little white. Although some Redbones might have traces of white on their feet or chest, this friendly, elegant dog is the only solid-colored Coonhound. 

Years ago most coon hunters who owned a red dog of unknown ancestry, but proven ability in tracking and treeing raccoons, called his dog a "Redbone". Then a few serious breeders who were devoted both to the breed and the sport began a campaign of selective breeding to produce a hound with the necessary characteristics to make a superior coonhound and which would breed true to type in color and conformation.

The foundation stock of the modern day Redbone came from George F.L. Birdsong of Georgia, who was a noted fox hunter and breeder. He obtained the pack of Dr. Thomas Henry in the 1840's. As is the case with most of the other coonhound breeds, the ancestors of the Redbone were foxhounds. A bloodhound cross is said to have been made, and it's also said to account for the white chest and feet markings which still occasionally show up in Redbone pups today. The first dogs were commonly called "Saddle backs". The background color was red, and most of them possessed black saddle markings. By selective breeding, the black saddle was bred out and the solid red dogs became know as Redbone Coonhounds. The Redbone was the second coonhound breed to be registered  with U.K.C., the first being registered in 1902, two years after the Black & Tan.

Of the six coonhound breeds, the Redbone is probably the most uniform as to type and size. The breed is distinguished by a medium build, pleading eyes, and a "sweet" voice. The rich, deep red color makes the Redbone a striking dog to look at.  The Redbone is know to be a well-balanced breed, making them adaptable to various types of hunting and terrain. Their agility benefits them when hunting in fenced country or steep, rocky ground. Redbones are know to make excellent water dogs. A natural treeing instinct has been bred into the Redbone, making them specialists in coon hunting. But they are also proficient in trailing and treeing bear, cougar and bobcat. Often times, when used on game, Redbones are hunted in packs.

The Redbone Coonhound will do okay in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least a large yard. Their all-weather coat allows them to live and sleep outdoors and work in all kinds of terrain.

This breed needs a lot of physical exercise. Coonhounds are born natural hunters, so they have a tendency to run off and hunt if they are not kept well-fenced while exercising on their own.

Redbone Coonhounds are members of the Hound family and are a usually a healthy breed.  They will grow to a height of 21 to 27 inches and weigh around 50 to 70 pounds.  The average Redbone Coonhound will live for about 11 to 12 years.

The skull is moderately broad; well-proportioned with body. The muzzle is well-balanced with other features of head, never dished or upturned. TEETH-Even; neither over nor undershot. EYES-Brown to hazel in color, dark eyes preferred. Set well apart and of pleading expression. EARS-Set moderately low, fine in texture, not stiff and reaching near the end of the nose when stretched out. Ears in proportion to head. Fault: Ears not firmly attached to head, seemingly just to skin. 

The throat is clean, medium in length, strong, slightly arched and held erect denoting proudness. Slight fold of skin just below angle of jaw not objectionable.

Deep broad chest. Back strong and slightly arched; length well-proportioned to height. Thighs and shoulders up, clean and muscular. Well-sprung ribs, plenty of lung space.

Legs straight, well-boned. Pasterns straight, well set, clean and muscular, denoting combination of both strength and speed. Never cow hocked.

Cat-paw type, compact, well-padded. Toes strong and well-arched, stout, well set nails. Feet should set as directly under leg as possible.

The tail is medium in length; very slight brush. The color is solid red preferred; small amount of white on brisket or feet not objectionable.