# Redbone Coonhound

Also known as: Redbone, Saddleback
- **Group:** Scent Hound (FCI group 6)
- **Size:** Large
- **Origin:** United States
- **Height:** 53–69 cm
- **Weight:** 20–32 kg
- **Life expectancy:** 12–15 years
- **Temperament:** Affable, Eager, Determined, Even-Tempered, Energetic

A rich red American hound bred in the South to trail game with a cold nose and tree it with a sweet, carrying bay, made famous by the novel Where the Red Fern Grows.

## Overview

The Redbone Coonhound is a lean, muscular American hunting dog, best known for its deep red coat and its ability to trail game and tree raccoons, opossums and squirrels. It can also handle larger quarry such as bears and cougars.

Away from the hunt it is a friendly, amiable hound that needs plenty of exercise.

## History

In the early 19th century, Scottish immigrants brought red foxhounds to Georgia, and these became the foundation of the breed. Irish-bred foxhound and bloodhound lines were added around 1840. Early dogs were called Saddlebacks for a black marking on the back, which faded over time as the solid red coat became the standard.

The United Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1902 and the American Kennel Club followed in 2010. It appears in the 1961 children's novel Where the Red Fern Grows.

## Appearance

A lean, well-proportioned hound with long straight legs, a deep chest and a head and tail carried proudly. The short, smooth, slightly coarse coat is always a rich red, with a little white allowed on the chest and feet. The eyes are dark brown to hazel with a pleading expression, and the long ears hang down to near the nose.

## Temperament

Redbones are friendly, easygoing and eager to please, with a determined streak on a scent. They are generally good with children and other dogs. They are vocal when working, and the bay is often described as sweet and musical.

## Care and exercise

The Redbone needs plenty of daily exercise and a securely fenced yard, since it will follow a scent for miles. Training takes patience. The short coat needs only weekly brushing, with regular ear checks and cleaning because of the long, hanging ears.

## Health

The breed is generally robust. Like many deep-chested, long-eared hounds, it can be prone to bloat and ear infections, so ears should be checked and cleaned regularly.

## Ratings (1 to 5)

- Energy: 4
- Exercise needs: 4
- Grooming: 1
- Shedding: 3
- Trainability: 3
- Barking: 4
- Good with children: 4
- Good with other dogs: 4

Page: https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/redbone-coonhound
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redbone_Coonhound · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q38820
Photo: 127177p (CC BY-SA 4.0), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Redbone-coonhound-detail.jpg
Profile written by an AI model from the sources above.