Redbone Coonhound

The Perfect Owner & Home

“If you’re looking for a loving pet to sit on your couch, the Redbone is not necessarily your best choice,” says Christine Smith, President of the Redbone Coonhound Association of America.  “They’ll do it, but it’s against their nature.  Whether or not they’ll be suitable for indoor living really depends on how much hunt is bred into them.”

Indeed, the Redbone Coonhound needs a vigilant and consistent owner to work with them, as it’s their natural instinct to hunt. “They need a yard or an open-wide country area with a fence. A very tall fence,” urges Smith.  “They jump.  And, they like to dig.”

Appearance & Grooming

Appearance

Size: 21 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder  

Redbone Coonhounds have a solid-red, short course coat that sheds water and repels dirt easily. The breed does not shed a lot.  Their ears are set moderately low, and should reach the nose when stretched out. This is to help the breed collect and hold scents while hunting. They have well-padded, cat-like feet that help them to navigate all terrains.

Weight: 60-65 pounds

Grooming

Wendy Weinand, Petco’s National Grooming Operations Specialist, estimates the cost for grooming the Redbone Coonhound to be approximately $35, which would include a bath, nails, and ears.

Who is the Redbone Coonhound’s doppelganger? The Vizsla.

Grooming Difficulty:  *

Cost of Grooming:  *

Personality, Temperament, & Exercise Needs

Puppy Exercise and Playtime Needs:  ****



Adult Exercise and Playtime Needs:  ****

Who is the Redbone Coonhound at a party?

“The person standing in the corner watching everybody. They definitely have to smell you, and get to know you. They’re not happy-go-lucky with just anybody. They’re bred that way so they’re not stolen,” says Smith.

The Redbone has what you might call a split personality; literally night and day. In the daytime, they’re laid back, gentle, and quick, but when they’re hunting, it’s a different story. They’re outgoing, athletic, and a very aggressive hunter.

Puppies need lots of exercise and lots of space, but Smith advises against giving the breed a lot of free rein.

“They’ll run off because of the hunting instinct in them.”   

Talk about wanderlust.

Socialization & Training Needs

Training Difficulty:  ****

Housetraining Difficulty:  ****

Training the Rebdone will take some doing.

“They’re stubborn-headed, and not as easy-going as a Lab,” says Smith. “They like to go outside, and they’ll let you know that. They’re also no dummies: they like to stay inside when it’s cold, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to follow your rules.” Once they’re around three years old, things should become more manageable.  

In hunting competitions, the Rebone must hunt in a pack so socialization is very important. If bred correctly, they should not be overly jealous of each other because they have to work together as a team. However, it’s possible that they will view other domestic pets, including cats, as prey animals.

Health Concerns

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

The Redbone is a very healthy breed, but the following conditions have been seen in the breed:

• Hip dysplasia
• Thyroid issues

If your Redbone Coonhound is a hunting dog and/or has spent the day playing in the field, it should be checked thoroughly for ticks and fleas. The breed may also be more prone to ear infections.

All dogs should have an annual exam, but owners may want to seek out a specialist if they know their dog is prone to a particular disease. There may be preventative procedures to conduct early on in the dog’s life.