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Redbone Coonhound

At a Glance

Built for Raccoon and big game hunting. Hot and cold-nosed trailing, treeing, and night hunting.
From United States. Developed in the American South from red foxhound stock.
Temperament Eager, affectionate, driven. One of the most people-oriented coonhound breeds.
Coat Short, dense, deep red. Low maintenance. One of the most striking coats in the hound world.
Size 45–70 lbs
Live with Affectionate and social indoors. Vocal on the trail. Needs space, exercise, and a job.
Best for Coon hunters, bear and big game hunters, hunters who want a versatile, hard-running hound.
Famous for That deep red coat and a clear, ringing voice on the track. Made famous in American literature by Where the Red Fern Grows.

Origin

The Redbone Coonhound was developed in the American South, descended from red foxhounds brought to America by Scottish and Irish immigrants in the late 1700s. Breeders selected for a dog with a hot nose, speed, and the ability to work a variety of game across the diverse terrain of the South — from swamps to mountains. The breed was recognized by the UKC in 1902 and has remained one of the most popular coonhound breeds in America ever since.

Original Purpose

Built to trail and tree raccoon, with enough size, drive, and endurance to handle larger game including bear, mountain lion, and wild boar. The Redbone was bred to be a versatile, hard-running hound capable of working in the heat and humidity of the American South as well as the cold and rough terrain of mountain country.

Hunting Style

The Redbone is a hot-nosed, fast-running hound that pushes game hard. It gives voice freely on the track and trees with a clear, ringing bark that carries well through timber. Compared to the Bluetick or Black and Tan, the Redbone tends to run hotter and faster — it is built for pressure and pursuit. It is also capable on big game, with the size and drive to handle bear and lion in rough country.

Temperament

Among coonhound breeds, the Redbone stands out for its people-oriented nature. It is affectionate, eager to please, and genuinely social — more so than many other hound breeds. It bonds strongly with its family and tends to be more responsive to its handler than some of its more independent cousins.

It is still a hound. It bays, it follows its nose, and it needs a job. But the Redbone's willingness to engage with people makes it one of the more trainable coonhound breeds and one of the better fits for hunters who want a dog that's a genuine companion as well as a working partner.

Coat Type

Short, dense, and a deep, rich red — one of the most visually striking coats in the hunting dog world. Some dogs carry a small amount of white on the chest or feet. Minimal grooming required. Ears should be checked and cleaned regularly. Sheds moderately year-round.

Trainability

The Redbone is one of the more trainable coonhound breeds, largely because of its people-oriented temperament. It responds well to positive reinforcement and is more attentive to its handler than many other hounds. Hunting instincts are strong and natural — most Redbones will trail and tree with minimal formal training once exposed to game.

Recall in the field remains the primary challenge, as with all scent hounds. Early training, consistent reinforcement, and hunting with experienced dogs accelerates development significantly.

What It's Actually Like to Live and Hunt with a Redbone Coonhound

The Redbone is one of the most enjoyable coonhound breeds to spend time with both in and out of the field. In the field it is fast, loud, and completely committed — a hard-running hound that pushes game and trees with conviction. At home it is warm, affectionate, and genuinely happy to be near its people.

It is the coonhound breed most likely to follow you from room to room, lean against your leg, and want to be involved in whatever you're doing. That people-orientation is a real asset for hunters who want a dog that's a companion first and a hunting tool second — without giving up any of the hunting ability.

The voice is real and carries. Rural living is the practical fit. A Redbone in a suburban neighborhood with thin walls and close neighbors is a recipe for complaints.

Family Compatibility

One of the best coonhound breeds for family life. The Redbone is gentle, affectionate, and good with children. Its people-oriented nature means it integrates into family routines more naturally than some other hound breeds. It does best with space, regular exercise, and hunting to keep its drive satisfied — but it is genuinely adaptable within those parameters.

Common Misconceptions

"Redbones are just a pretty show dog."
The Redbone is a serious, capable hunting dog. Its striking appearance has made it popular in media and literature, but the breed's hunting ability is the real story. It has been used successfully on coon, bear, mountain lion, and wild boar across North America.

"They're too friendly to be serious hunting dogs."
People-orientation and hunting drive are not mutually exclusive. The Redbone is proof. It is affectionate at home and completely switched on in the field. The two traits coexist without conflict.

Best For

  • Coon hunters who want a fast, hard-running hound
  • Big game hunters in bear and mountain lion country
  • Hunters who want a hound that's also a genuine companion
  • Families who hunt and want a dog that fits both worlds
  • First-time coonhound owners who want a more handler-responsive breed

Registry & Organizations

Related Breeds

Bluetick Coonhound · Black and Tan Coonhound · Treeing Walker Coonhound · Plott Hound

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