If you google what is a Redbone, you’ll find a lot of answers. It’s a song by Childish Gambino, it’s even an American funk rock band from 1969. But, that’s not the answer we’re looking for. We’ll look at the Redbone Coonhound, a medium-sized hound with a beautiful red coat.
These dogs are loving and sensitive. They also absolutely adore their families. But, despite being good dogs, these canines aren’t for everyone either, and you’ll see why.
They are a lot of work and need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Sadly, not everyone has the time for that.
Learn more about different Hounds:
- Basset Hound: Dog Breed Info
- Greyhound Dog Breed Info
- Lab Hound Mix: The very lovable hybrid
What is a Redbone? – All about the breed
This Coonhound is descended from red hounds brought to North America by Scottish and Irish immigrants during colonial times.
It’s a medium-sized dog with the expression we can see on all hounds. But, they also bark like crazy, and you’ll need a lot of patience when training them.
But, we’re getting ahead of us right now. First, let us see what this canine looks like, what physical characteristics they’re known for.
What they look like
The Redbone Coonhound is a purebred canine, recognized by the American Kennel Club. Because they are a medium-sized dog breed, their life expectancy is between 12 and 15 years.
Males are between 22 and 27 inches tall, and females are between 21 and 26 inches tall. Both females and males can weigh between 45 and 70 pounds But, females are usually a bit lighter than males.
| Height: Males are 22 to 27 inches tall, females are 21 to 26 inches tall | |
| Weight: Both males and females can weigh between 45 and 70 pounds. | |
| Coat: Their fur is short and smooth | |
| Possible coat colors: Red, red with a dark muzzle and white spots on their chest and legs | |
| Shedding: Moderate shedders | |
| Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years |
Their coat is short but soft and smooth. Usually, they should be a solid, rich red color. But it’s also common that they have a dark muzzle and a few spots of white on their chest and feet.
These dogs are moderate shedders, but the shedding can get worse during periods when they’re blowing their coats. Because of this, they do need regular brushing. It’s best if you could brush them three to four times a week, and more often during blow-periods. Because they have a short coat, these dogs don’t require a lot of grooming, they are low-maintenance dogs.
The Coonhound has long legs and a slender waist Despite looking very lean and thin, they are strong dogs and known for their endurance. Basically, they are designed to run long distances and hunt without stopping or getting tired.
What they’re like
You’ll love the Redbone’s personality! They are probably the most laidback of the Coonhounds and are just as a house dog, as they are hunting dogs.
These dogs will surprise you with their character. They can be goofy and playful one moment, and then show you how intelligent they are.
| Personality: Independent, affectionate, intelligent, companionable, familial, energetic | |
| Trainability: Their attention span is short, so you’ll have to be patient with them | |
| Training approach: Short and fun sessions; Positive reinforcement combined with food rewards | |
| Exercise needs: High! Loves outdoor activities like biking, jogging, and hiking |
Because they are so smart they can easily learn any trick and command, but you have to be patient with them. Sometimes they can be a bit stubborn or not pay attention to what you’re saying. Their attention span is a bit short. Besides patience, you should use positive reinforcement. So, praise them for everything they did right. You can also have food rewards ready, which will keep their attention. You should also keep the training sessions short.
EXTRA TIP: Don’t let your Redbone get away with anything you don’t want them to do. Once they learn something, good or bad, they won’t forget it.
It’s important to start training and socialization early. With this breed, it’s important to start as early as possible. They’ll be able to learn a lot even at just eight weeks old. The reason for this is that the older they get, the more stubborn they will be. So it will be hard for you to train them.
Health
We all want our dogs to be healthy, but sadly that’s not how it usually is. Out beloved canines can develop many genetic health problems.
This is why it’s important to always buy your puppy from reliable breeders. Someone who took care of the litter and made sure they got all their medication and vaccination.
But, Redbone Coonhounds are usually healthy dogs. However, they are susceptible to the following health problems:
- hip dysplasia
- progressive retinal atrophy
- ear infections
- obesity
- joint problems due to obesity
Because they are hunting dogs they can suffer injuries in the field while hunting.
To keep your dog healthy, make sure to feed them high-quality food and that they get enough exercise.
The energy levels of these dogs are high, so they need at least one hour of physical activity a day. Also, incorporate some mental stimulation games.
Are they good pets?
Now you know all the facts about the Redbone Coonhound. But, do these dogs make good pets?
Well, it depends on what you’re looking for in a dog and how much effort you’ll put into training your dog.
Generally speaking, this breed is good with children. They can be your kid’s best friend. But, it’s still not a good idea to let them play unsupervised if your child is very small. Besides this, you have to teach your child how to treat the dog. Teach them that pulling the dog’s tail or ears is not okay. As well as riding the dog or hitting them.
If socialized well this breed shouldn’t have issues with other pets you might have. But there is the possibility that they start chasing small animals like cats that are foreign to them.
The Redbone can adapt to any living situation. But they will thrive in a big home with a big, fenced yard. It’s very important that your yard is fenced because they might smell an interesting scent and simply runoff. They will also be best off with an active family.
Also, no matter how loving and affectionate they are, they are also very loud. They love to bark, mostly out of excitement. This is why it’s important to train and socialize them. They need someone who will have a lot of time for them. Someone who will be able to take care of them and meet all their needs.