Redbone CoonhoundCharacteristics, history, training and care
Redbone Coonhound. · Arlawson (Wikipedia în engleză) / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Cropped and resized.
The Redbone Coonhound is an American scent hound with a rich red coat, used mainly for small game that climbs trees, such as raccoons, but also capable of hunting big game such as bears and cougars. Wikipedia says it differs from other coonhounds in its red colour and its “cold nose”, the ability to follow old trails longer than other breeds. The AKC describes it as even-tempered, friendly and eager to please. It is not recognised by the FCI.
Quick facts
| Common name | Redbone Coonhound |
| Scientific name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Official recognition | Not recognised by the FCI; UKC since 1902; AKC since 2010 |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years, according to the AKC |
| Size (males) | 56–69 cm at the withers; 20–32 kg according to the AKC |
| Size (females) | 53–66 cm at the withers; 20–32 kg according to the AKC |
| Coat type | Short, smooth, protective |
| Common colours | Rich red |
| Energy level | Medium |
| Suited to an apartment? | Not really |
| Temperament | Even-tempered, friendly, eager to please |
| Tendency to aggression | Very low |
| Good with children | Very good, according to the AKC |
| Good with other animals | Very good with dogs |
| Genetic predispositions | Hip dysplasia, eye diseases, ear infections |
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History and origin
Wikipedia says the breed dates from before the American Civil War, in the southern United States, and its ancestors are bloodhounds and foxhounds brought by Scottish immigrants. In the early 19th century, Scottish immigrants brought red hounds.
It has been registered by the United Kennel Club since 1902 and by the American Kennel Club since 2010. Unlike other coonhounds, bred mainly for hunting rather than looks, the Redbone also stands out for its red colour.
How the breed developed
- Early 19th century – Scottish immigrants bring red hounds.
- 1902 – Registered by the UKC.
- 1961 – It appears in the novel “Where the Red Fern Grows”.
- 2010 – Recognised by the AKC.
Breed rating
| Feature | Stars |
|---|---|
| Training and intelligence | ★★★★☆ |
| Easy to train | ★★★★★ |
| Intelligence | ★★★★★ |
| Independence | ★★★★☆ |
| Stubbornness | ★★★☆☆ |
| Behaviour and temperament | ★★★☆☆ |
| Affectionate with family | ★★★★☆ |
| Friendly with children | ★★★★☆ |
| Good with other dogs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good with cats and other animals | ★★★★☆ |
| Loyalty | ★★★☆☆ |
| Tendency to be aggressive | ★★★☆☆ |
| Tendency to bark | ★★★★★ |
| Needs and care | ★★★☆☆ |
| Shedding | ★★★☆☆ |
| Needs frequent grooming | ★★★☆☆ |
| Activity and lifestyle | ★★★★☆ |
| Energy level | ★★★★☆ |
| Daily exercise needs | ★★★★☆ |
| Suited to apartment life | ★★★☆☆ |
| Health and longevity | ★★★☆☆ |
| Life expectancy | ★★★★☆ |
| Predisposition to genetic diseases | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Working abilities and uses | ★★★★☆ |
| Good hunting dog | ★★★★☆ |
| Good companion dog | ★★★★☆ |
Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed; the breed is not recognised by the FCI.
Physical characteristics
The AKC says it is sure-footed and fast, even on the roughest ground, from swamps to mountains, strongly built, with a gleaming red coat and an excellent “cold nose”. It has a “pleading” expression.
General appearance
The coat is short, smooth and protective and needs very little grooming.
| Feature | Redbone Coonhound |
|---|---|
| Size | Large |
| Height at the withers | males: 56–69 cm; females: 53–66 cm |
| Weight | 20–32 kg (AKC) |
| Coat | Short, smooth |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Coonhound |
The Redbone is recognisable by its rich red coat.
Training and socialisation
The AKC describes it as even-tempered, friendly and eager to please. Wikipedia says its hunting strategy is to “tree” the game, where the hunter finds it, rather than catch it alone.
Like any scent hound, it follows its nose, so it needs a well-practised recall and a lead outside fenced areas.
Tips for effective training
- Practise the recall. It follows its nose.
- Keep it on a lead. Its hunting instinct is strong.
- Use rewards. It wants to please.
- Check the ears. They are long.
Activity needs and lifestyle
It needs daily walks and activities for its nose; as a scent hound, it loves trails and outings in nature.
| Activity | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Walks | daily | Fitness |
| Scent work | several times a week | Hound instinct |
| Play | daily | Energy |
Tips for a balanced life
- Suited to active families.
- The fence must be secure.
- Clean the ears regularly.
Care and health
Coat and skin care
The AKC says the short coat needs very little grooming: a shedding tool or a grooming mitt at least weekly, which also spreads the skin oils and gives the coat a shine.
Common health problems
The AKC says the Redbone is generally very healthy and hardy. Watch for:
| Condition | Description | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | The hip joint forms incorrectly and, over time, arthritis develops | Limping, difficulty getting up or jumping, hip pain |
| Eye diseases | Inherited conditions | Poor vision |
| Ear infections | Infections of the long ears | Shakes its head, unpleasant smell |
Other care
- Check the ears regularly.
- Trim the nails regularly.
- Go for yearly check-ups.
Diet and nutrition
The AKC recommends good-quality food suited to the dog's age, and attention to its weight.
Tips for a healthy diet
The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.
| Dog's weight | Calories per day (neutered) | Calories per day (not neutered) | Dry food per day (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 kg | 1,060 kcal | 1,190 kcal | 260–340 g |
| 26 kg | 1,290 kcal | 1,450 kcal | 320–410 g |
| 32 kg | 1,510 kcal | 1,700 kcal | 380–490 g |
- Adjust the portion to its level of effort.
- Do not let it run right after a meal.
- A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.
Foods to avoid
Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.
Reproduction and development
Physical and emotional maturity
In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. The body also reaches its adult form later than in small breeds.
Mating and pregnancy
Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. Only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance should be used for breeding.
Caring for the puppies
In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.
Interesting facts
- A “cold nose”. It follows old trails longer than other breeds.
- Red from head to tail. Unlike other coonhounds.
- It also hunts cougars. Not just raccoons.
- A pleading expression. That is how the AKC describes it.
- The hero of a novel. “Where the Red Fern Grows” (1961).
In popular culture
“Where the Red Fern Grows”
Wikipedia says the breed is best known from the children's novel “Where the Red Fern Grows” (1961), by Wilson Rawls.
Frequently asked questions
Is it recognised by the FCI?
No; the AKC has recognised it since 2010.
What does it hunt?
Mainly raccoons, but also bears and cougars.
Is it good with children?
Yes; the AKC gives it the top score.
How long does it live?
The AKC gives 12–15 years.
