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Redbone Coonhound

Also known as: Redbone

Large
12-15 years
United States
AKC: 2009

Energy Level

4/10

Apartment Friendly

2/10

Weight (Male)

45-70 lbs

Height (Male)

22-27 inches

Redbone Coonhound - dog breed photo

Quick Facts

OriginUnited States
GroupHound
SizeLarge
Weight (Male)45-70 lbs
Weight (Female)45-65 lbs
Height (Male)22-27 inches
Height (Female)21-26 inches
Life Expectancy12-15 years
Coat TypeShort, smooth
AKC Recognized2009
First-Time Owners❌ Not recommended

Coat Colors

Red
Dark Red

Breed Summary

The Redbone Coonhound is a striking, solid-red scenthound known for their versatile hunting ability, melodious voice, and easygoing temperament. These handsome, people-loving hounds are equally at home on the trail and on the family couch.

History

Developed in the American South from red foxhounds brought from Scotland and Ireland. The breed was perfected for raccoon hunting and tracking. One of six AKC coonhound breeds. AKC recognized in 2009.

Appearance

A sleek, well-muscled hound with a distinctive solid red coat. Soulful, pleading eyes and long, velvety ears. Their athletic build combines speed, agility, and endurance.

Temperament

affection
5/10
intelligence
3/10
loyalty
5/10
trainability
3/10
independence
3/10
confidence
4/10
friendliness
5/10
protective Instincts
2/10
playfulness
4/10
sensitivity
3/10

The most easygoing and people-oriented of the coonhound breeds. Redbones are affectionate, mellow, and eager to please. They love their families deeply and are happiest when included in family activities.

Personality Around Others

Extremely friendly and sociable. They adore people and get along well with dogs and children. Less reserved with strangers than some hound breeds. Gentle and patient.

Exercise Needs

Moderate to high exercise needs. Daily walks and opportunities to sniff and explore. They enjoy hiking and outdoor activities. Less intense exercise needs than some coonhound breeds.

Training

The most trainable of the coonhound breeds. Eager to please and food-motivated. Positive reinforcement works excellently. Consistent training yields good results.

Grooming

Very low-maintenance coat. Weekly brushing and occasional baths. Regular ear cleaning. Simple, easy grooming routine.

Health

Common Health Conditions

Hip Dysplasia
Ear Infections
Bloat
Eye Conditions

Generally healthy breed. Ear infections are common due to pendulous ears. Bloat can occur in deep-chested individuals. Regular checkups are recommended.

Recommended Health Tests

  • Hip Evaluation
  • Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Average Annual Vet Cost

$700-$1,300

Nutrition

Active dogs needing quality food. Two meals daily. Redbones love food and can become overweight if portions aren't monitored. Adjust for activity level.

Living Environment

Best with a house and yard. Can adapt to suburban living with adequate exercise. Their vocal nature and exercise needs make apartment living challenging.

Ideal Family

Excellent family dogs for active households. Outstanding with children. Great for multi-dog homes. Perfect for owners who enjoy outdoor activities with their dogs.

Intelligence

Intelligent and willing to learn. More eager to please than many hound breeds. They excel at scent work and can be trained for various activities.

Barking

Frequency

4/10

Alert

3/10

Separation

3/10

Quiet Indoors

2/10

Melodious baying voice that is characteristic of the breed. They are vocal on the trail and can bay when excited. Training helps manage indoor vocalization.

Shedding

Year-Round

3/10

Seasonal

3/10

Vacuum Factor 🧹

3/10

Hypoallergenic

❌ No

Moderate shedding year-round. Weekly brushing manages loose hair effectively.

Weather Tolerance

☀️

Heat

3/10

❄️

Cold

3/10

🌧️

Rain

3/10

🌨️

Snow

3/10

💧

Humidity

3/10

Breed Ratings

intelligence
3/10
affection
5/10
energy
4/10
shedding
3/10
trainability
3/10
protective
2/10
good With Kids
5/10
good With Dogs
5/10
apartment Friendly
2/10
grooming Needs
1/10

Fun Facts

1.

The Redbone Coonhound is the breed featured in "Where the Red Fern Grows"

2.

They are named for early breeder Peter Redbone of Tennessee

3.

Redbones are considered the most versatile of all coonhound breeds

4.

Their solid red color is unusual among hound breeds

Famous Dogs

Old Dan and Little Ann

The beloved Redbone Coonhounds from Wilson Rawls' classic novel "Where the Red Fern Grows"

Common Myths

"They are only for experienced hunters"

They are one of the most adaptable and family-friendly coonhound breeds

"Their baying can't be controlled"

With training and exercise, they can be relatively quiet indoors

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Redbone Coonhounds good family dogs?

Among the best. They are affectionate, gentle, patient with children, and eager to please.

How much exercise do they need?

About an hour of daily exercise including walks, hikes, or play sessions. They also need mental stimulation.

Adoption Tips

Contact coonhound rescue organizations. Redbones adapt well to family life. Ask about the dog's socialization and exercise needs.

Considering adoption?

Dog Camp Boquete rescues and rehabilitates dogs of all breeds in Panama. Every dog deserves a loving home.

Puppy Guide

Puppies are friendly and outgoing. Early socialization and training set the foundation for a well-behaved adult. They respond well to positive reinforcement.

Senior Care

Senior Redbones remain affectionate and mellow. Monitor for joint issues and weight gain. Continue moderate daily walks. Regular ear cleaning remains important.

Ownership Costs

Purchase Price$500-$1,200
Adoption Fee$150-$400
Monthly Food$45-$65
Annual Vet Care$700-$1,300
Insurance$30-$45
Grooming$25-$35

Estimated Lifetime Cost

$13,000-$19,000

Pros and Cons

Pros

Extremely affectionate and loyal

Excellent with children

Easy to groom

Good with other dogs

Cons

Loud baying voice

Need significant exercise

Can follow scents and wander

Not apartment-friendly

Ready to Adopt?

Every dog deserves a loving home. Visit Dog Camp Boquete to meet our rescued dogs looking for their forever family.