Redbone Coonhound

Grooming Tips

The Redbone has a flashy, dark-red coat that’s short and smooth. Weekly brushing with a hound mitt or rubber curry brush will keep it clean and shiny, as well as remove dead hair so it doesn’t land on your floor, furniture or clothing.Bathe your Coonhound as needed. He may have a bit of a “houndy” odor, which some people love and others hate. Bathing can help reduce the smell if you don’t like it, but it won’t take it away completely or permanently.The rest is basic care. Nails should be trimmed once a month, and a bath every four to six weeks will keep the coat and skin clean and healthy. The Redbone’s ears should be checked weekly and cleaned of any excess wax and debris as needed.

Exercise Tips

Capable of a lot of exercise – and indeed, they were bred that way – this is a great outdoor dog and a good companion for someone who wants to get plenty of vigorous exercise. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance dog that likes to lay around the house, this is not your breed.The breed has a very strong instinct to follow his nose and go off after prey, so he should never be allowed off leash in an uncontrolled situation.

Feeding Tips

A strong hunting breed known for being able to take out small animals – and even large ones – this dog will enjoy fresh meat of different varieties, from poultry to beef. Meat should be mixed in with whole, nutritious food aimed at giving the dog a healthy coat and satiating its appetite.If you get a Redbone Coonhound puppy from a breeder, they would give you a feeding schedule and it's important to stick to the same routine, feeding the same puppy food to avoid any tummy upsets. You can change a puppy's diet, but this needs to be done very gradually always making sure they don't develop any digestive upsets and if they do, it's best to put them back on their original diet and to discuss things with the vet before attempting to change it again.Older dogs are not known to be fussy or finicky eaters, but this does not mean you can feed them a lower quality diet. It's best to feed a mature dog twice a day, once in the morning and then again in the evening, making sure it's good quality food that meets all their nutritional requirements.Treatscan be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about whichhuman foodsare safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet.Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

Health Tips

The average life span of the Redbone Coonhound is 12 to 14 years. This breed matures more slowly than most, both mentally and physically. Breed health concerns may include eye problems, hip dysplasia and obesity.Responsible breederstest their stock for health concerns and communicate with other dedicated breeders regularly, working together for breed health and preservation of the breed’s unique qualities. A Redbone’s ears should be checked regularly for signs ofinfection, and theteethshould be brushed often, using a toothpaste formulated for dogs. Regular visits to the vet for checkups and parasite control help to ensure the dog a long, healthy life.

Trainability

Redbone Coonhounds take well to training and are so versatile and athletic that they can accomplish a high variety of tasks. Giving them tasks to fulfill – from swimming to hunting – can help it not only feel fulfilled, but help it feel like it plays a role in your pack. Every dog should certainly feel this way about humans but should be trained with the discipline to realize that its role is subservient to every human in the house.As with all breeds, earlysocializationandpuppy training classesare recommended. Redbones are devoted companions and are very versatile, excelling in a range of venues, includingcoonhoundtrials and canine sports such asagility. Most of all they are great family dogs, very loving and loyal.

Redbones are one of six hounds developed by American settlers to provide a steady source of raccoon meat and fur during the new nation’s expansion to the south and west. Coonhounds are often portrayed in pop culture as lazy ol’ dawgs snoozing away their lives on the front porch. But anyone who’s been on a “nite hunt” in pursuit of the wily, nocturnal raccoon will tell you that Redbones and their corner cousins are among dogdom’s most tireless and tenacious pursuers.Many early Redbones had a black “saddle” over their back, giving rise to the nickname “saddlebacks.” As breeders selected for a solid red color, the saddleback eventually disappeared. The United Kennel Club registered its first Redbone in 1902. It was the second Coonhound breed recognized by the UKC, after the Black and Tan.The American Kennel Club recognized the Redbone in 2009. The breed ranks 122nd among the dogs registered by the AKC.