Hound group
Redbone Coonhound
A handsome red hound — easygoing at home, determined on the trail.
Redbone Coonhounds are sleek, athletic scent hounds with a gleaming red coat. They are affectionate, mellow family dogs indoors, but loud, energetic and scent-driven outdoors.
- Height
- 21–27 in53–69 cm
- Weight
- 45–70 lb20–32 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 years
- Size
- Large
- Group
- Hound
- Origin
- Southern United States
Coat: Short, smooth, coarse coat. Colours: Solid red.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Redbones are friendly, even-tempered and eager to please by hound standards. They are usually gentle with children and sociable with other dogs.
They were bred to trail and tree raccoons, so they have strong noses, prey drive and a sweet but loud bay.
Living with a Redbone Coonhound
Exercise
Needs an hour or more of vigorous daily exercise; they enjoy swimming and hiking.
Grooming
Minimal: a weekly rub with a hound mitt, weekly ear cleaning and regular nail trims. Check for ticks after outings.
Training
Smart and fairly willing for a hound; food-based training works well. Recall is unreliable.
Kids & other pets
Great with children and usually with other dogs. Unsafe with cats and small pets unless raised with them.
Time alone
Tolerates moderate alone time but may bay or escape when bored.
Home fit
Best suited to a house with secure outdoor space; apartment living is hard on this breed and its neighbours.
Is a Redbone Coonhound right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Redbone Coonhound matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Redbone Coonhound typically lives 12–15 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Hip dysplasia
Screened parents reduce the risk of joint disease.
Ear infections
Long ears need weekly cleaning.
Obesity
Redbones love food; keep them lean and active.
Eye disease
Inherited eye conditions occur; annual exams help.
Ask a breeder for
- Hip and elbow evaluation
- Eye examination
Sources: OFA health testing guidance: Redbone Coonhound; Redbone Coonhound Association of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $1,500–$3,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Food, medication and anaesthesia are dosed by weight, so every vet visit costs more for a big dog.
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
Scottish immigrants brought red foxhounds to Georgia in the late 1700s, and Irish hounds were added later. Breeders selected for solid red coats and speed.
The Redbone became famous through the novel “Where the Red Fern Grows”, whose hounds Old Dan and Little Ann were Redbones. The AKC recognised the breed in 2009.
Did you know?
- Old Dan and Little Ann from “Where the Red Fern Grows” were Redbone Coonhounds.
- Redbones are strong swimmers and cope well in swampy terrain.
- Early Redbones sometimes had black saddles, which breeders selected out.
Library guides for Redbone Coonhound owners
Training
Come (Recall)
High chase drive makes a reliable recall essential.
Exercise & Play
Fetch
A fast way to meet a high exercise need.
Exercise & Play
Tug of War
An energy outlet that also builds impulse control.
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Redbone Coonhound.
Grooming
Nail Clipping
Every dog needs regular nail care.
New Dog Owners
How to find a reputable dog breeder
What to ask a Redbone Coonhound breeder about health screening.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Are Redbone Coonhounds good family dogs?
- Yes — they are affectionate and gentle, with enough exercise.
- Do Redbones bark a lot?
- They bay, especially when bored or on a scent.
- Do Redbones shed?
- Moderately. Their short coat is easy to maintain.