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Redbone Coonhound breed guide
The American Kennel Club calls the streamlined Redbone Coonhound an American original, even-tempered, mellow and kindly at home but a tiger on the trail, living a rhythm of vigorous activity like hunting and swimming between long periods of rest.
Muscles undulate beneath a sleek red coat. It looks as though a master sculptor carved the dog from blocks of the finest mahogany.
Temperament
Redbones are devoted companions and very versatile, excelling in coonhound trials and canine sports such as agility. Most of all they are great family dogs, very loving and loyal.
Dreamy brown eyes give the face an expression that devotees describe as pleading.
Lifespan
Redbones live 12 to 15 years. Breeders test their stock and share results with other dedicated breeders and the ears and teeth need regular care.
Care
The short, smooth, protective coat needs a minimum of care: a shedding tool or grooming mitt at least weekly keeps shedding down and spreads skin oils down the hair shaft for a natural shine. Nails should be trimmed monthly.
A friendly, energetic canine athlete, the Redbone suits an active runner, biker or hiker and needs a lot of physical activity. A very strong instinct to follow its nose after prey means it should never be off leash.
History
Redbones are one of six hounds developed by American settlers to supply raccoon meat and fur during the nation's expansion to the south and west.
Pop culture often shows coonhounds as lazy dogs snoozing on the front porch, but anyone who has been on a night hunt after the wily, nocturnal raccoon knows Redbones. Their cousins are among dogdom's most tireless and tenacious pursuers.
AKC trait ratings
| Trait | AKC rating | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Level | 3 of 5 | Couch Potato to High Energy |
| Trainability Level | 3 of 5 | Self-Willed to Eager to Please |
| Shedding Level | 3 of 5 | No Shedding to Hair Everywhere |
| Barking Level | 4 of 5 | Only To Alert to Very Vocal |
| Adaptability Level | 4 of 5 | Lives For Routine to Highly Adaptable |
| Good With Young Children | 5 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Children |
| Good With Other Dogs | 5 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Other Dogs |
| Watchdog/Protective Nature | 3 of 5 | What's Mine Is Yours to Vigilant |