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Description: The Redbone Coonhound tends to be a well proportioned, muscular and lean dog, measuring some 21-27 inches in height with a weight between 50 and 70 pounds, are classed as a medium sized dog. Their coat is red, in colour and sometimes may include a little white, whilst underneath, their skin is a rich red colour. They may also have traces of white on their chests and feet. They are considered the only single coloured coonhound. Whilst their coat is short and course, it does provide adequate protection to the underlying skin. The ears are floppy and quite large, often capable of reaching the end of the dog’s nose. They can have a facial expression of puppy dog eyes which makes it hard to refuse them. History. Historically, hunters who had any dog of unknown ancestry, but were coloured red, used to call them Redbone’s. Serious breeders, however, were not satisfied with this and wished to selectively breed a superior hound with the greatest characteristics, and to have a more distinctive or reliable colour and appearance. The Redbone Coonhounds were also bred to have a reliable and quick turn of speed, and to pick up scents and follow them well. Whilst, as the name suggests, they were bred for hunting raccoons, they can be trained to hunt other animals, which can include the big cats.

Temperament: Redbone coonhounds are a happy, well tempered breed and are commonly very good with children. It greatly enjoys the company of people. As natural born hunters they are easy to be trained, and can be trained as scent dogs, they are quick, alert, attentive dogs, that do not mind adverse weather conditions or uneven terrain. They are affectionate dogs. This provides great benefits, if they are socialised when they are very young, this is especially true for other pets that are in the house. They are loving dogs and like to shower everybody with love and affection, being also boisterous there are occasions when they may need to be brought under control. It is important to establish who the master is, as is common with most hunting dogs, if they feel they are in control, they may become confused and problematic.

Health issues: The Redbone Coonhound is, essentially, a healthy breed, and live approximately 11 to 12 years. With the exception of hip dysplasia they suffer very few breed related issues, probably the most significant of which is arthritis.

Grooming: The Redbone Coonhound has a short smooth single-parent and do not require a lot of grooming. However, as a dog, they will play whilst outside and will get themselves grubby, which needs to be groomed out.

Living conditions: These dogs can live in most circumstances, having an all-weather coat they can even live and sleep outdoors. Exercise is important to them, and they will need daily walks or even a jog. As natural hunters they may have a tendency to start hunting whilst exercising. For this reason if they are outside alone they will require to be kept in a secure area. Having said this, as long as they are given adequate exercise the Redbone Coonhound will adapt quite well to apartment living, as they are relatively inactive indoors.