Redbone Coonhound
The Redbone Coonhound is a striking, athletic scenthound wrapped in a uniform red coat, bred to track raccoons but capable of trailing much larger game including bear and cougar. These dogs are driven by their nose above all else — once locked onto a scent trail, very little can redirect their attention, which defines both their appeal and their challenge as household companions. At home, Redbones are surprisingly mellow and affectionate, happy to sprawl across furniture and lean into their people for contact. They are genuinely good-natured with children, other dogs, and even strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent family hounds. The flip side is their voice: Redbones have a deep, carrying bay that they use freely, especially when bored, lonely, or detecting interesting smells, which makes them ill-suited for close-quarters apartment living or noise-sensitive neighborhoods. They need regular, substantial exercise — a tired Redbone is a quiet Redbone — and a securely fenced yard is non-negotiable because no amount of recall training fully overrides scent drive. Prospective owners should genuinely enjoy hound temperament: the independence, the selective hearing, the nose-down oblivion. Those who do are rewarded with a gentle, loyal dog that brings warmth and character to an active household.
History
The Redbone Coonhound descends from red foxhounds brought to America by Scottish immigrants in the late 18th century, later refined with Bloodhound crosses to enhance scenting ability. Early breeders in the southeastern United States, particularly in Georgia and Tennessee, selectively bred for the uniform red coloring and cold-nose trailing ability — the capacity to follow old, fading scent trails. The breed takes its name from Peter Redbone of Tennessee, one of the early prominent breeders. The AKC recognized the Redbone Coonhound in 2009, placing it in the Hound Group, though the breed had been registered with the United Kennel Club since 1902.
Characteristics
Compatibility
Care Guide
The short, dense red coat needs only weekly brushing and occasional baths, but the long, pendulous ears require weekly cleaning and inspection to prevent the yeast and bacterial infections common in drop-eared hounds. Redbones need at least 60 to 90 minutes of daily exercise — structured walks, hiking, and swimming are excellent outlets, and competitive coonhound events like nite hunts or field trials channel their instincts productively. Training requires patience and high-value food rewards; harsh corrections shut these sensitive dogs down. Fencing should be at least five feet tall and set into the ground, as motivated Redbones will dig under or scale shorter barriers when a compelling scent calls.
Common Health Issues
- hip dysplasiaAbnormal hip joint development leading to arthritis and rear-limb lameness, screened via OFA radiographs. Maintaining a lean body condition and providing joint supplements as the dog ages help manage symptoms.
- ear infectionsThe Redbone's long, folded ears trap moisture and debris, creating an environment where bacterial and yeast infections thrive. Weekly cleaning with a veterinary-approved ear solution and thorough drying after swimming are essential preventive measures.
- progressive retinal atrophyInherited retinal degeneration causing progressive vision loss, typically beginning with difficulty seeing in low light. Responsible breeders test for PRA-associated gene mutations before breeding to reduce incidence in the population.