All about the Redbone Coonhound

     The Redbone Coonhound is a very loyal and intelligent dog. They are medium to large sized and although some individuals have a fairly low or a fairly high energy level, most are moderately energetic. In general they are quite lazy in the house and full of exuberant energy when outdoors. They enjoy being near their people and want to do anything they can to please them. 

     Although Redbone Coonhounds are a great family dog like all dogs they do require training and need to be socialized with other animals and people of all ages. The decision to get a puppy should not be taken lightly. Redbone Coonhounds each have individual personalities and mannerisms that make them who they are and they have a tendency to become destructive when they are bored. Crating them when they cannot be supervised is a great way to keep your yard free of digging holes and your daughter's stuffed animals from being torn into a million pieces. Like most other breeds the Redbone Coonhound can be quite stubborn and hard-headed when it comes to the teenager phase but with consistent patience and training things tend to get much easier. They typically mature after two years old or so.

     The Redbone Coonhound does better on a high quality kibble or a raw food diet. Some have an intolerance to food that has high corn content and can develop yeast issues or skin irritations because of it. Most have voracious appetites and because of this they have a tendency to overeat and become overweight. They do best when fed once or twice daily as free feeding is usually not recommended with this breed. 

     As a short-coated breed the Redbone Coonhound requires little grooming and shed very little. Bathing once or twice a month is usually sufficient. We recommend trimming nails at least twice per month to keep them from getting too long. If nails grow too long they are forced to walk on their heels rather than their toes and running, jumping and climbing becomes more difficult and is harder on their joints as a result. It's easier to trim nails every couple of weeks than it is to trim them twice a year as the dog's quick (nerves and blood vessels) grows further down the nail and makes trimming them correctly even more difficult, and painful. Ears are low maintenance and should be cleaned monthly, we try to do ours right after bath time. If your Redbone is experiencing yeast infections in the ears it's a good idea to check their diet first for potential allergy triggers.

     Like some other hound breeds, Redbones have a tendency to wander and shouldn't be trusted off leash and unsupervised for long periods of time. They need a larger area than most dogs and do best with a fenced yard. Most love to swim and will take full advantage of the family pool. In the house they will take full advantage of the family couch unless trained to do otherwise. 

     Redbone Coonhounds are loving, intelligent, loyal and great all-around family dogs. If you have an active outdoorsy lifestyle, a stable and loving home and are willing to be watched every meal you make and every bite you take for the next 10-15 years the Redbone Coonhound may be the breed for you.

AKC Official Standard of the Redbone Coonhound:

General Appearance: Hunted from swamplands to mountains, the Redbone is surefooted and swift, even on the most difficult terrain. Well-balanced, with a flashy red coat and excellent cold nose, the powerfully built Redbone mingles handsome looks with a confident air and fine hunting talents.

Size, Proportion, Substance: 

Size – Males - 22 to 27 inches. Females - 21 to 26 inches. Mid- range dog preferred. 

Proportion - Length well proportioned to height. Should be equal in height from highest point of the shoulder blade to the ground as long measured from sternum to the buttocks. Slightly taller at shoulder than at hips. Substance - Weight should be in proportion with height and bone structure. Working dogs not to be penalized for being slightly underweight. Well boned according to size of dog.

Head:

Expression - Pleading. 

Eyes - Dark brown to hazel in color, dark preferred. Set well apart. No drooping eyelids. Eyes round in shape. Faults-Yellow eyes, drooping eyelids. 

Ears - Set moderately low, fine in texture. Reaching near the end of the nose when stretched out. Proportioned to head. Faults -Stiff to the touch. Appearing to be attached only to the skin, instead of firmly attached to the head. 

Skull - Moderately broad. Shape is flat. Faults-Narrow across top, excess of dome, pointed dome. 

Muzzle - Square. Well balanced with other features of the head. Faults - Dished or upturned muzzle. Not in proportion with head. 

Nose - Nostrils large and open, black in color, never pink. Faults - Any color other than black. 

Teeth - Scissors bite preferred. Even bite acceptable. Faults - Overshot or undershot.

Neck, Topline and Body:

Neck - Medium in length, strong, slightly arched and held erect, denoting proudness. Throat - Slight fold of skin below the angle of jaw, clean throat is permissible. Faults - Too long, too thick, not in proportion with head and body. 

Topline - slightly taller at the withers than at the hips. Fault - Hips higher than withers. 

Body – Chest - Deep, broad. 

Ribs - Well sprung to provide optimal lung capacity, denoting stamina. 

Back - Strong. Faults - Roach or sway back.

Loin - Slightly arched. 

Tail - Medium length, very slight brush and saber-like. Faults - Not strong at root, heavy brush, Setter-like plume, curl tail.

Forequarters:

Shoulders - Clean and muscular. Shoulder angulation should have a perfect 90- degree angle or close. 

Legs - Straight, well-boned. The forelegs will be set under dog and feet under his withers, not under ears. Pasterns - Straight, well set, clean and muscular, denoting both speed and strength. Faults - Forelegs crooked, out at elbows. 

Feet - Cat-paw type, compact, well padded. 

Toes - Stout, strong and well-arched. 

Nails - Well-set. Faults - Flat feet, open feet, hind dewclaws.

Hindquarters:

Thighs - Clean and muscular. Fault - Cowhocked. Hindquarters should have the same angulation as the forequarters. Well boned.

Coat: Short, smooth, coarse enough to provide protection.

Color: Solid red preferred. Dark muzzle and small amount of white on brisket and feet permissible. Faults - White on feet extending beyond toes. More white on brisket than an open hand will cover. White stockings on legs.

Gait: Determined, steady, and proud, with good reach and drive.

Temperament: Even-tempered at home but an aggressive hunter. Amenable to formal training. A good family dog that likes to please. 

​

Approved - February 6, 2009 Effective - December 30, 2009