The Redbone Coonhound Breed

When a person visualizes the Redbone Coonhound, the image that is brought forth is likely to be that of a little boy with his two hounds, Old Dan and Little Ann, from the movie "Where The Red Fern Grows."

The Redbone Coonhound is a dark, solid red in color. A small amount of white fur on the chest or feet is permitted by breed standards, but not preferred. The hound will range from 21 inches to 27 inches in height, his weight should be proportionate to his height, maxing out at 70 pounds. His chest should be broad, his ears low set and his feet should be well padded and compact. A healthy Redbone will live between 10 and 12 years.

The Redbone is descended from foxhounds, as are many other coonhound breeds of today. Over the years, the hound came into being thanks to breeders who preferred a hound that was red in color. Unlike some other hounds, the Redbone cannot be tracked down to a specific foundation dog. However, the most widely known name of foundation animals were hounds from a pack belonging to Dr. Thomas Henry in the mid-1800's. From this point, it is believed that bloodhounds were crossed into the line and the results eventually became the hound we see today.

In 1902 the Redbone Coonhound became the second breed of hound to be recognized by the Unite Kennel Club. Today it is recognized by the PKC, NKC and many other registries.

As portrayed in the film, "Where the Red Fern Grows", Redbones are very competent hunters.

The hound has an intense desire to not only to tree his prey, but to capture and kill it. For this reason, Redbones are highly sought after in the western US as the hound to use when hunting big game animals such as bear or mountain lion. He is a vocal hound, opening wide on track and having a hard chop mouth once he is treed.

Although an impressive hound in the woods, the Redbone hound has his problems. He is extremely game minded, and because of this he must be trained to run only the specific game that you want him to run. If you are a pleasure hunter, then Redbones are probably not the breed for you. They will push a track as far as it will go, and do not give up easily. When the hound is trailing, he has a tendency to throw a deaf ear to the rest of the world. This habit can make for some long nights out in the woods.

When training the Redbone Coonhound, be aware that he may seem indifferent at times. However, as is the case with most dogs, the Redbone wants to please you and he is not a difficult dog to train. Although he is eager to please, he is not an overly affectionate dog. He picks things up very quickly, making the training process more enjoyable for hound and houndsman.

Apart from being a hunting dog, the Redbone has earned his place as a favorite in the show arena. His beautiful dark red coat, deep chest and regal stance set him apart from other hounds. Unlike many other hound breeds, the Redbone coonhound has not become so separately bred into either show dogs or hunting dogs. In fact, a show bred Redbone is hard pressed not to preform out in the woods.

There are mixed opinions on whether or not the Redbone Coonhound makes a good companion dog. While the hound does appreciate the company, he is first and foremost a hunter. He should not be left alone with children, as he is likely to look at small beings being equal to game. There are, of course, always exceptions to the rule. A person who is able to meet the hound's high game drive would make for a good companion to the Redbone Coonhound.