You may be familiar with the Springer Spaniel, Pointer Spaniel, or the Labrador Retriever, but have you ever seen a Redbone Coonhound? Like spaniels and retrievers, the Coonhound is a classic hunting dog with an even-tempered disposition and a somewhat noisy howl. Redbone Coonhounds have worked with their human friends for hundreds of years to hunt midsized to large game like raccoons, bears, and foxes.
Coonhounds are fiercely loyal, sweet, and attentive to their owners’ needs regardless of whether or not you choose to hunt with them. These lovable dogs also make great family pets, as they are gentle with children. Read on to learn about the Redbone Coonhound, what you might expect when you first bring one home, and the finer points of care to keep your dog happy and healthy.
Characteristics of Redbone Coonhounds
If you see a red-coated dog in a pet store, it’s probably not a true Redbone Coonhound. These hounds have been carefully bred over generations to ensure that they meet specific breed standards. Buying a dog from a reputable breeder is the only way to make sure that your dog has both the physical and Redbone Coonhound personality traits that are in line with what’s expected from this breed.
Physical traits. Redbone Coonhound characteristics include a deep reddish-brown, shiny coat and a muscular frame. This breed's strong genetics have evolved to help them run quickly, navigate difficult land surfaces, and attend to commands from their owners.
The Redbone Coonhound size doesn't usually exceed 27 inches for males or 26 inches for females. Their weight can vary a lot, from 45 to 70 pounds.
The average Redbone Coonhound lifespan ranges from around 10 to 15 years. Most large hounds will only live for about 12 years. You can minimize Redbone Coonhound health issues and maximize your pet’s health and lifespan by feeding them high-quality food and providing them enough exercise.
Personality traits. Redbone Coonhounds, like most hunting dogs, are intelligent, quick to learn commands, and protective of their owners. They’re also pretty adaptable to new situations, though they might be a little wary of strangers at first. These hounds are good with kids, and they usually enjoy playing with other dogs when given the chance.
Coonhounds are easy dogs to raise and train because they’re smart, but they have a lot of energy and might get bored if they’re left alone for long periods during the day. If you have a demanding job that takes you out of town a lot, or if the entire family is out of the house for the whole day, you may want to rethink getting a Coonhound right now.
Caring for Redbone Coonhounds
Schedule a vet appointment before you bring your Redbone Coonhound home. This will ensure that your new dog is up to date on vaccinations and has the proper care throughout their lifespan. The following tips will help you get started as you learn more about your hound’s personality and the classic Redbone Coonhound temperament.
Exercise. Young puppies tire more easily and need less exercise than older dogs, but they should still get out at least twice a day to walk, play, or run around. Redbones need a lot of exercise as they mature because they have a lot of energy to burn. Remember, they’re bred for running around and hunting. Try to schedule walks, runs, and swims to stimulate your dog’s attention and wear them out before bedtime.
Vaccines. Core vaccines, which are necessary for all dogs to prevent some potentially fatal diseases, include distemper and canine parvovirus as well as hepatitis and rabies. Noncore vaccines may differ among states and territories, but you might find vaccines for Bordetella, which is highly contagious, and Borrelia burgdorferi, on the list. Your vet can give you recommendations for these.
Heartworm medication. Heartworm is no joke: These parasitic worms can live inside your dog’s heart and internal organs, causing sickness and even death. Fortunately, you can provide your Redbone Coonhound with preventative heartworm medication that you can obtain from your vet and certain local pet stores.
Fleas and tick prevention. While not usually dangerous, these tiny pests can be a nuisance to your dog. Fleas can multiply rapidly and cause itching, sore spots, and scabs on your Coonhound. Ticks can carry a number of diseases that are life-threatening to both dogs and humans. Talk to your vet about giving your new dog a medication that deters these pests.
Coat and nail care. A Redbone’s coat is short and sleek, so you won’t have to do much maintenance when it comes to grooming the dog's coat. You should, however, aim to give your dog regular baths, as this active breed can develop a smell when unwashed. Trim your pup’s nails when they become too long — when you hear them click on the floor or notice that they’ve grown into sharp points.
Food requirements. Feed your Redbone Coonhound nutritionally complete and balanced dog (or puppy) food once or twice a day. Use the guidelines on your bag of food to determine how much to feed your dog by weight. Splitting the required amount of food into two portions — breakfast and dinner — is usually a good place to start. Younger puppies will need more frequent feedings, while older dogs need fewer.
Health Problems to Watch for With Redbone Coonhounds
Though the Redbone Coonhound may only live for 15 years, this is actually a long lifespan for a medium-sized dog breed. This hound should be in good health for most of these years, but your dog may be susceptible to the following health issues that often affect Coonhounds.
Ear problems. You’ve probably noticed that your hound’s ears are quite floppy. While cute, this trait can contribute to repeated ear infections in the outside skin of the ear and inside the ear canal. You should watch your dog for odd behavior: If your pup has an ear infection, you may notice them scratching at the affected ear, acting irritable, or shaking their head like something is stuck in the ear.
If you notice your dog acting oddly in any way, it’s best to schedule a vet visit to figure out what’s going on. You don’t want to treat a potential ear infection without your vet’s help, either. Untreated or mistreated ear infections can lead to loss of hearing, eye problems, and vertigo in your dog.
Hip dysplasia. This deformity is a common condition in midsize to larger dogs, and it usually begins without discomfort. When your dog has dysplasia, the hip doesn’t fit correctly into its socket, and over time, this may cause pain and difficulty walking.
Some dogs with mild dysplasia don’t have any symptoms, and the condition never truly bothers them. If you have concerns about your dog’s hips, especially if you have a breed that’s known to develop dysplasia, don’t hesitate to ask your vet what to do.
Depression and anxiety. Coonhounds are generally upbeat, laid-back, and friendly dogs — but they’re also very social animals. If you don’t have enough time to spend with your hound, or if they’re left alone for too long, they may begin to feel restless, anxious, and even depressed. Depression in dogs looks similar to the same condition in humans: Your dog may stop playing, appear sad, and lose their appetite.
Special Considerations for Redbone Coonhounds
Allergies. Though the Redbone Coonhound is a great family dog, be cautious about getting one if you or a family member have pet allergies. This hound is not considered hypoallergenic. If you’re prone to allergies and you’ve never had a pet before, make an appointment with an allergist and schedule testing before you commit to an animal. If you know you’re allergic to dogs, you may want to consider a different breed.
Noise. There are many references to hounds howling in popular culture for good reason. Coonhounds, as well as their relatives, can be extremely loud creatures. You may find the sing-song howl of the Redbone Coonhound to be adorable, or you may wish your dog would let you have some peace and quiet. If your dog is whining or barking excessively, they may feel anxious or restless.
Remember that your hound is a high-energy breed that needs lots of mental and physical stimulation to feel their best. If your dog’s noise-making is getting annoying, try changing your schedule to give your dog more opportunities to play, socialize, or simply walk around the yard with you.
History of Redbone Coonhounds
The Redbone Coonhound actually didn’t get its name from the color of its rusty fur: It’s the last name of Peter Redbone, a man who bred these dogs in the 1700s. In the early days of the American South, settlers created the breed over the years by using a standardized selection of traits valued in hunting dogs as the breeders’ guide. Even today, breeders carefully choose dogs that display the trademark loyalty, alertness, and friendliness that Redbone Coonhounds are known for.
Redbone Coonhound history in early America. Settlers shipped Coonhounds to America in the 1700s to help hunt raccoons, foxes, small badgers, and more. At the time, it was common for upper-class English and French people to go on hunts with their friends, and Americans aimed to start this tradition as well. Over time, the Redbone became useful in a more practical way: hunting and retrieving small animals that the settlers could eat for survival.
Redbone Coonhound appearances in fiction. You may wonder where you’ve seen this dog before even if you’ve never encountered one in real life. If you grew up in the United States in the latter half of the 20th century, you might have read Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls in elementary school. The two hounds in this heart-wrenching story — which follows the adventures of a boy who trains his dogs to hunt raccoons and later participates in hunting contests — are Redbone Coonhounds.
Does the Redbone Coonhound sound like the perfect dog for your family? If you plan on buying a puppy, make sure you seek out a reputable breeder. These loyal, goofy, and hardworking dogs can certainly make an impression that lasts a lifetime.
