The handsome rich red of the Redbone coonhound comes from its Scottish roots. In the 1800s, after other coonhounds had been bred from the English hounds that been in America since the 1700s, Scottish immigrants brought their foxhounds, which were deep red in color, into Georgia.
The Irish bred bloodhounds and foxhounds were imported in the mid-1800s and the resulting hound from those Scottish and Irish hounds was the early Redbone, so named after Tennessee dog breeder Peter Redbone. As the early Redbone coonhound breed grew, they were bred specific attributes more suited to game hunting in America. Traits such as being able to climb trees to a certain extent, undaunted by larger, fierce prey and incredible agility were desirable.
Strengths of the Redbone Coon Hound
Now, these characteristics help hunters all over America but the Redbone coonhound is virtually unheard of in other parts of the world. The breed is particularly special as they possess comparable skill to retrievers in the water, and as well as water-game and small animal prey, they will very successfully track and corner bears and other large game.
Redbone coonhounds are tireless and energetic when hunting and produce a wonderful melodic baying call when they have a treed raccoon for example, and are a joy to hunt with, they have an infectious energy. However, this breed can also be calm and laid-back, some say even enough to live in an apartment, as long as there’s opportunity for hunting and exercise.
Many Redbone coonhounds are working dogs on farms, and are able to work hard all day and then relax with the family by the fire in the evening. They’re also extremely affectionate, and good with children and other animals, and are not aggressive with strangers. However, the Redbone coonhound matures slowly, and the boisterous puppies will not realize how strong or big they are, which can lead to some unintended rough-and-tumble.
Consistent and applied training is important so that the Redbone coonhound is well-behaved enough to be with their family as much as possible, as they will become very unhappy and pine if left out of the family group. No training is required for a hunt, however, and Redbone coonhounds will always find a scent to follow whether you want them to or not. If Redbone coonhounds are not hunting, they will not make much noise, although they will alert anyone to strangers on the property.
Potential Problems of the Redbone Coon Hound
Of all the coonhounds, the Redbone coonhound is the breed most likely to put on weight if overfed, even though by nature they are very active. However, this can lead to obesity if the problem is not addressed, and another health condition, hip dysplasia, may worsen if it is a problem.
Hip dysplasia is not more likely in the Redbone coonhound than in other coonhounds or breeds, but a problem for all large dogs. These wonderful dogs can often have eye problems, usually later in life if they do, however they are overall extremely healthy and usually live 12-14 years.
The beautiful Redbone coonhound is a great companion for the whole family, and a very happy dog indeed if hunting is a regular part of their lives. Their tolerance of children and other pets is markedly different from other coonhounds, and they are very gentle once they have matured. While this is slow, both mentally and physically, the hard work training together will establish an extremely strong bond with this breed.
If the Redbone isn’t for you, consider one of the other Coon Hound Breeds.
The Redbone Coon Hound
November 27, 2014 by Hunter • Coon Dogs • Tags: hound • 0 Comments
The handsome rich red of the Redbone coonhound comes from its Scottish roots. In the 1800s, after other coonhounds had been bred from the English hounds that been in America since the 1700s, Scottish immigrants brought their foxhounds, which were deep red in color, into Georgia.
The Irish bred bloodhounds and foxhounds were imported in the mid-1800s and the resulting hound from those Scottish and Irish hounds was the early Redbone, so named after Tennessee dog breeder Peter Redbone. As the early Redbone coonhound breed grew, they were bred specific attributes more suited to game hunting in America. Traits such as being able to climb trees to a certain extent, undaunted by larger, fierce prey and incredible agility were desirable.
Strengths of the Redbone Coon Hound
Now, these characteristics help hunters all over America but the Redbone coonhound is virtually unheard of in other parts of the world. The breed is particularly special as they possess comparable skill to retrievers in the water, and as well as water-game and small animal prey, they will very successfully track and corner bears and other large game.
Redbone coonhounds are tireless and energetic when hunting and produce a wonderful melodic baying call when they have a treed raccoon for example, and are a joy to hunt with, they have an infectious energy. However, this breed can also be calm and laid-back, some say even enough to live in an apartment, as long as there’s opportunity for hunting and exercise.
Many Redbone coonhounds are working dogs on farms, and are able to work hard all day and then relax with the family by the fire in the evening. They’re also extremely affectionate, and good with children and other animals, and are not aggressive with strangers. However, the Redbone coonhound matures slowly, and the boisterous puppies will not realize how strong or big they are, which can lead to some unintended rough-and-tumble.
Consistent and applied training is important so that the Redbone coonhound is well-behaved enough to be with their family as much as possible, as they will become very unhappy and pine if left out of the family group. No training is required for a hunt, however, and Redbone coonhounds will always find a scent to follow whether you want them to or not. If Redbone coonhounds are not hunting, they will not make much noise, although they will alert anyone to strangers on the property.
Potential Problems of the Redbone Coon Hound
Of all the coonhounds, the Redbone coonhound is the breed most likely to put on weight if overfed, even though by nature they are very active. However, this can lead to obesity if the problem is not addressed, and another health condition, hip dysplasia, may worsen if it is a problem.
Hip dysplasia is not more likely in the Redbone coonhound than in other coonhounds or breeds, but a problem for all large dogs. These wonderful dogs can often have eye problems, usually later in life if they do, however they are overall extremely healthy and usually live 12-14 years.
The beautiful Redbone coonhound is a great companion for the whole family, and a very happy dog indeed if hunting is a regular part of their lives. Their tolerance of children and other pets is markedly different from other coonhounds, and they are very gentle once they have matured. While this is slow, both mentally and physically, the hard work training together will establish an extremely strong bond with this breed.
If the Redbone isn’t for you, consider one of the other Coon Hound Breeds.