The Redbone Coonhound Dog Breed has looks that could kill. But let us assure you that these guys are much more than a handsome package. These guys are marvelous physical specimens, blessed with supremely athletic attributes that allow them to excel at almost all dog sports.
Plus…
He is a truly American breed, developed in the United States, and often called the Red Dog because of his beautiful red-colored all-weather coat.
And…
A hunting dog like no other. Not only is he an impressive-looking dog, but he is also a ruthless hunter. This dog was bred explicitly for hunting raccoons and other small animals. He has incredible hunting instincts, comparable with other ruthless hunters such as cougars and bears.
Comparisons
All Coonhounds come under a category of hunting dogs called scent hounds. This means that if you’re looking for a dog breed to compare them to, you’ll also want to look at similar scent hounds such as the:
- Bluetick Coonhound,
- Black and Tan Coonhound,
- English Foxhound,
- Plott Hound,
- American English Coonhound,
- and the Treeing Walker Coonhound.
We should also note that…
The Redbone Coonhound was developed from the American Foxhound and various Bloodhounds and Irish Hounds. But it’s also worth mentioning that these guys are not just hunting dogs. He is also a nearly perfect companion dog or family dog and is excellent for families with children. He is calm and composed and always relaxed. He is by no means an excitable puppy who jumps on people. He is steady and stable, and very intelligent.
And it should go without saying that he loves the outdoors and enjoys going hiking or swimming. He is best suited to large estates or farmhouses. His laidback attitude should not be taken for laziness. He is just as active and energetic as any of the other Coonhounds.
But is a Redbone Coonhound right for you?
That’s the real question and one that we hope to be able to help you answer after reading the following article. Because the last thing that we would want to see happen is for you to end up purchasing a Redbone Coonhound or, better yet, adopting a Redbone Coonhound rescue dog only to learn a few weeks later that this isn’t the right dog breed for you!
This is why…
We chose to write this article so that you can get a better idea of what it might be like to own one of these incredible animals. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in!
Redbone Coonhound Dog Breed Fast Facts
Country of Origin: The USA
Original Purpose: Hunting
Height: 21 to 27 inches
Weight: 45 to 80 pounds
Dog Breed Classification: Hound group
Life Span: 10 to 12 years
Origin of the Redbone Coonhound
The Redbone Coonhound is an all-American dog – as American as baseball, John Wayne, and Elvis Presley! He was developed in the 19th century from the American Foxhound and various Bloodhounds and Irish Hounds. A famous dog breeder, George E. L. Birdsong from Georgia, can be credited with much of the work that went into his breeding.
Ironically…
The earliest Redbones were not red – they had a Black Saddle. The black saddle or the saddleback disappeared eventually as breeders used selective breeding to give this dog a red color.
This breed was recognized by the United Kennel Club as early as 1902. But for some mysterious reason, the American Kennel Club (AKC) took its own sweet time to recognize this breed, granting the honor only in 2009.
Physical Characteristics
Redbone Coonhounds are strong, muscular, medium-sized dogs. They are supremely athletic, fast, and powerful. They have large, floppy, low-set ears, slightly curved tails, golden-colored eyes, and loose skin folds around the neck.
Now one way…
You can quickly identify a Redbone by its smooth, shiny, short red coat. Its coat is gorgeous, with a deep, rich mahogany red color. It’s the coat that makes the Redbone such an attractive dog breed.
Grooming
Redbones are typically low-maintenance dogs. All you need to do is to brush your coat once every week. That should be enough. They don’t shed much and are not dogs that get dirty too often. Just bathe your Redbone once every month.
Just one more thing…
Redbones have large, floppy ears which must be cleaned regularly. Otherwise, a wax building could lead to infection or irritation. Use a cotton ball and a cleanser approved by the vet to clean his ears. Also, trim his nails once every month.
Personality and Temperament
Redbone Coonhounds are amiable dogs. They get along well with people and are very loyal to their human family. They are great with kids but tend to get excitable around them. So this dog may not be perfectly suitable if you have a toddler at home. Wait for your child to get a little older.
But remember…
These are hunting dogs by nature. They have strong hunting instincts. So you cannot trust the Redbone to behave himself around cats and other small animals. But with early socialization and training, he may just be convinced to tolerate cats.
Potential Health Problems
The Redbone Coonhound is a healthy dog for the most part, with an average life span of 12 to 14 years. But even the robust and rugged Redbone is known to suffer from specific health issues, such as
- Eye Problems,
- Hip Dysplasia,
- Obesity.
And while…
Many of these conditions may not be life-threatening, but they can become quite expensive, particularly if they become recurring issues. This is why we here at IndulgeYourPet also recommend that any new pet owner take a moment and see what it might cost for you to purchase a pet insurance policy for your new animal.
Now will a pet insurance policy be suitable for everyone?
No, probably not. But until you fully understand what these policies “will” and “won’t” cover and how much these pet insurance policies cost, how will you know if one might be right for you?
For more information on who we feel currently offers the “best” pet insurance policies out there, we would encourage you to check out our Best Pet Insurance Policies article.
