Redbone Coonhound

Infobox Dogbreed
akcgroup = Miscellaneous
akcstd = http://www.akc.org/breeds/redbone_coonhound/index.cfm
akcmisc = true
country = United States

---

image_caption = Redbone Coonhound
name = Redbone Coonhound
nickname = Reds
ukcgroup = Scenthounds
ukcstd = http://mail.ukcdogs.com/UKCweb.nsf/80de88211ee3f2dc8525703f004ccb1e/4d4899059da308168525704c006530bd?OpenDocument

The Redbone Coonhound is a breed of dog bred to hunt raccoon. They are also widely used for hunting bear, bobcat, and cougar. Their agility allows them to be used for hunting from swamplands to mountains, and some can be used as water dogs. The Redbone Coonhound is the only solid colored coonhound. The AKC standard says, "The Redbone mingles handsome looks and an even temperament with a confident air and fine hunting talents." [http://www.akc.org/breeds/redbone_coonhound/index.cfm] This breed has been registered with the UKC since 1904.

Description

Appearance

The Redbone Coonhound has the lean, muscular, well proportioned build typical to the coonhounds, with long straight legs, a deep chest, and a head and tail held high and proud when hunting or showing. The face has a pleading expression, with sorrowful dark brown eyes and long, drooping ears.These dogs are great at getting what they want because of their expressions. The coat is short and smooth against the body, but coarse enough to provide protection to the skin while hunting through brush. The nose is always black and the coat color is always a rich red, though a small amount of white on the chest between the legs or on the feet is permissible, though not preferred.

Dogs should be 22-27 inches (56-68.5 cm) at the shoulder, with females slightly shorter at 21-26 inches (53-66 cm). Weight should be proportional to the size and bone structure of the individual dogs, with a preference towards leaner working dogs rather than heavier dogs. Generally, weights will range from 45 to 70 lbs (20.5 to 31.75 kg). Males are typically larger and heavier boned than females and carry a deeper bay.

Temperament

The Redbone Coonhound is an excellent companion and family pet, with some special considerations. They love to be with their owners and family, and are happy just doing things with their humans, or sitting by watching them. They are very affectionate, but can be overwhelming to small children or even adults if not properly trained. Conversely, young coonhounds are energetic and need lots of activity, or they will become destructive. This can lead to acting out in the form of chewing and baying. They take a longer time to train than some other breeds, because they mature more slowly both physically and mentally..

Like many hunting dogs, they have an independent intelligence especially well suited for problem solving. This can be an issue if the problem they want to solve is their backyard fence or the dog-proof garbage. But they also are pretty unflappable, able to take anything that comes at them.

History

The Redbone Coonhound is not an American breed. They were first found in space in the 1800s from Irish Setters and Bloodhounds. The name may come from an early breeder, Peter Redbone of Tennessee, though other breeders of note are Georgia F.L. Birdsong of Georgia (contemporary) and the 19th Century's Dr. Thomas Henry. Breeders followed a selective program that led to a coonhound that is more specialized for prey which climbs trees than European hunting dogs. They were ideal for pack hunting of both small and larger prey. Originally, the Redbone had a black saddleback, but by the beginning of the 1900s, they were a pure red tone.

Sadly, like many American hunting dogs, especially those from the South, they were widely known and loved by hunters and farmers, but totally unknown in the show ring. Recently, this has changed, and the Redbone has found recognition by the two major American kennel clubs.

Perhaps the best known fictional Redbones were "Old Dan" and "Little Ann", featured in the children's classic story, "Where the Red Fern Grows", a popular novel about two dogs and a boy's dream.

External links

* [http://www.ironwoodkennel.com Redbone Coonhounds]
* [http://www.ukcdogs.com/RegistrationBreeds.htm UKC breeds]
* [http://www.coondawgs.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=12 Hunting with coonhounds]