Redbone Coonhound - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Medium

Height: 53 - 66 cm (21 - 26 inches)

Weight: 23 - 32 kg (50 - 70 lb)

Life Span: 12 years

Grooming: Undemanding

Exercise: Demanding

Feeding: Medium

Temperament: Even-tempered & loyal

Country of Origin: United States

AKC Group: Miscellaneous

Temperament:

The Redbone Coonhound is energetic, even-tempered, happy, loyal and alert. Redbone Coonhounds are natural hunters and are always eager to please their owner. These dogs are excellent with children but due to their hunting instincts do not tend to mix well with other household pets, such as cats. Redbone Coonhounds are good watchdogs and will alert their owner when visitors arrive. Early socialization and obedience training is important for these dogs. Redbone Coonhounds are adaptable to whatever situation they are raised in, whether being an indoor companion or a hunting dog.

Grooming:

This breed is low maintenance and an occasional brush is adequate to remove loose hairs, as Redbone Coonhounds are light shedders. Their ears should be checked regularly and kept clean.

Exercise:

Redbone Coonhounds demand plenty of daily exercise. They enjoy being taken on long walks or running alongside their owner on a jog or when cycling. These dogs have a lot of stamina and endurance. They are natural hunters with a good scenting nose and are therefore likely to run off if an exciting scent is picked up. Redbone Coonhounds tend to be calm when indoors, but are not ideal for apartment living and should at least have access to a large backyard.

History:

The Redbone Coonhound evolved from cross-breeding of the Foxhound and Bloodhound. These dogs are specialists in coon hunting, but they are also efficient in trailing and treeing bears, cougars and bobcats. It was George F.L. Birdsong who obtained the foundation stock of the modern day Redbone, back in the 1840s. The first of the Redbone Coonhounds were commonly called 'Saddle Backs', as they were red in color but many had black saddle markings. After selective breeding, these markings were bred out and the solid red dogs became known as Redbone Coonhounds.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Robust, handsome, strong and muscular.

Color: Solid red preferred and small white markings on the chest or feet is accepted.

Coat: Smooth, short, shiny and flat.

Tail: Medium length with a slight brush and carried upright.

Ears: Set low, long, fine and hanging.

Body: The back is strong and slightly arched with a deep, broad chest. The length of the body is in proportion to the height and the ribs are well-sprung.

Additional Comments:

* The weather-resistant coat allows Redbone Coonhounds to happily live outdoors and work in all kinds of weather.

* A natural treeing instinct has been bred into the Redbone Coonhound, making them specialists in coon hunting.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/redbone_coonhound/