Redbone Coonhound

The Redbone Coonhound is a true American original, developed in the American South in the late 18th century. Settlers needed a fast, hot-nosed hound that could track raccoon, but was also brave and substantial enough to trail larger game like cougar and bear. They began with red-colored Foxhounds and Bloodhounds brought over by Scottish and Irish immigrants, selectively breeding for a dog with a striking solid red coat, speed, agility, and a strong desire to track and tree game.

Unlike other coonhound breeds that were often named after a specific breeder or kennel, the Redbone’s name simply comes from its beautiful color. They are renowned for their versatility, able to hunt in any terrain, from swamps to mountains, and their sure-footedness is legendary. While they remain a popular choice for hunters, their sweet nature has made them an increasingly beloved family companion. The Redbone Coonhound shares its American hunting heritage with breeds like the Treeing Walker Coonhound and the Bluetick Coonhound.

Redbone Coonhound Temperament: A Mellow Heart, A Hunter’s Soul

The Redbone Coonhound is famous for its “dual personality.” On the trail, they are relentless, focused, and fearless. In the home, they are mellow, affectionate, and famously gentle. They are eager to please their owners and are known for being one of the more easily trainable hound breeds. Their disposition is generally happy and even-tempered, and they get along well with almost everyone they meet, including strangers and other dogs. They’re loving and social, much like the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever.

They are excellent with children, possessing a patient and playful nature. Redbones form strong bonds with their families and thrive on being part of the household. They are not suited to living in a kennel; they need to be with their people. While they are hounds through and through, they have a deep desire for human companionship that makes them so endearing.

Thanks to their eagerness to please, Redbones are generally more responsive to training than some other more independent hound breeds. They are intelligent and learn quickly. However, a trainer must remember that they are scent hounds. If a Redbone catches an interesting smell, its ears will turn off and its nose will turn on. Training sessions should be kept fun, engaging, and positive.

Because of their powerful prey drive, the two most important commands to teach a Redbone are a rock-solid recall (“come”) and “leave it.” This is for their own safety. They should never be trusted off-leash in an unfenced area. Early socialisation will help them grow into the confident, well-mannered companions they are meant to be. Redbones love long runs and adventures, similar to the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Weimaraner.

The Redbone Coonhound is known for being a robust and healthy breed with a long lifespan for its size. However, like all purebred dogs, they can be prone to certain genetic and conformational health issues. Responsible breeders will screen their breeding stock for these conditions. Key concerns include:

• Hip Dysplasia: A common issue in many medium to large breeds where the hip joint doesn’t form correctly, leading to arthritis. Breeders should have their dogs’ hips certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
• Ear Infections: Those long, beautiful, floppy ears are a hallmark of the breed, but they can also trap moisture and debris, leading to chronic ear infections. Regular weekly ear cleaning and keeping the ears dry is essential.
• Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus): Like many deep-chested dogs, Redbones can be at risk for this life-threatening condition where the stomach twists. Owners should learn the signs and feed smaller, more frequent meals to help reduce the risk.
• Coonhound Paralysis (Polyradiculoneuritis): This is an uncommon but serious neurological condition that can affect coonhounds, sometimes triggered after exposure to a raccoon’s saliva. It causes sudden, severe weakness in the limbs.

They’re prone to joint and ear conditions also seen in breeds such as the Bloodhound
and the Basset Hound.

Living with a Redbone means embracing their need for exercise and their “voice.” These are not apartment dogs. They need a home with a large, securely fenced yard where they can run. A long walk or jog every day is a must. A tired Redbone is a happy Redbone; a bored one will use its loud, musical voice to let the whole neighborhood know it’s unhappy.

And that voice is a key part of the breed. Coonhounds don’t just bark; they “bay.” It’s a loud, melodic, and far-carrying sound that is music to a hunter’s ears but can be a problem with close neighbors. Grooming is incredibly easy—a quick brush once a week is all that’s needed. For an active family that loves the outdoors and can appreciate a good hound song, the Redbone Coonhound is a loving and low-maintenance choice.