Redbone Coonhound

The Redbone Coonhound is a superb raccoon hunter from America with beautiful red coat. Its cheerful personality appeals to lots of canine fanciers but this dog is rather ill-suited for keeping in an apartment because of its propensity to unreasonable barking. The breed is also relatively well-known in other lands.

The Redbone Coonhound was developed by American breeders in the XVIII century to track raccoons in a wide variety of terrains (ponds, swamps, highlands). The breed was named after its initial creator, Peter Redbone of Tennessee. The list of its forebears includes the Foxhound, the Bloodhound and perhaps the Irish Hound. Impeccable breeding practices allowed producing the type of sporting dog that was more agile and had better nose than all then hounds. Its first specimens possessed black saddle markings but gradually solid red dogs became popular and other colours in the coat were considered unacceptable.

The Redbone Coonhound is notable for outstanding prey drive and amazing stamina. For centuries it was specifically bred for treeing coons and it excels in this task. It has fast legs and can easily traverse very tough hunting grounds. Additionally this dog is very vocal so it’s frequently used as a watcher.

The vast majority of today Redbone Coonhounds trace their lineages to the dogs of George Birdsong who got engaged in breeding of this hound in the 40s of the XIX century. He and Dr. Thomas Henry, a famous hunter,contributed a great deal in the breed’s development.

The United Kennel Club (UKC) recognized this gorgeous hunter as early as in 1902. The Redbone Coonhound received formal acceptance of the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2009. At first the breed was primarily valued by American farmers and hunters but in the recent years it has made successful entrance in the show ring. It’s keen on barking and therefore hasn’t gained significant popularity as a family pet.

The Redbone Coonhound possesses an easy-going and steady temperament and can be kept as a family dog if early and correctly socialized. This people-oriented breed usually suffers from serious anxiety if it has to spend most of its time alone. However it feels itself uncomfortably in an apartment and fits best for rural environment. This dog likes playing with familiar kids but it’s probably too lively to be fully trusted around a toddler.

The Redbone Coonhound is amiable with unknown people and has all chances to become an improper greeter without early obedience training. The breed member will always give its masters notice about an approaching unwelcomed guest and can be entrusted with the duties of a watcher. However it won’t become a dependable guardian since it’s prone to treat all strangers as potential playmates.

The Redbone Coonhound is occasionally used for pack hunting so it has very little issues with its counterparts. Actually it does best in multi-canine households where it’s always provided with companionship. Be mindful though that it remains an enthusiastic hunter and may mistake a household pet for game. However, there is still a possibility that extensive socialization will make this dog to accept the individual cat or other small animal as a family member.

The most common problems for the breed include:

· hip dysplasia;

· ear infections.

The shiny crimson hair of the Redbone Coonhound needs very primitive grooming. The master should brush its pet only once a week to remove superficial dirt and spread skin oils. The breed is a minimal shedder and more regular brushing will keep your dwelling free of excessive amount of loose canine fur. It usually has specific doggy odour and periodic bathing is very useful in reducing its intensity.

The rest is standard care that consists of monthly nail clipping, weekly teeth brushing and systematic ear cleaning (remember that this dog is predisposed to ear infections).

The Redbone Coonhound is endowed with keen mind and makes a relatively fast learner. Nonetheless it’s also a very sly and self-assured dog that will find a way to get away from training if it’s given a chance. That’s why it’s essential to initiate learning process in an early puppyhood and practice consistent approach to it.

Reward every minor progress of your pet with its favourite food and avoid too many repetitions of dull tasks. As all hounds the Redbone Coonhound can’t concentrate its attention for too long so be patient if the dog gets distracted by some interesting smell. Harsh discipline will only intensify stubborn tendencies in its character and therefore it should be excluded from training methods.

The Redbone Coonhound is a very athletic breed with fairly extensive exercise requirements. Even several long and brisk walks per day aren’t enough to make this dog completely satisfied. Ideally it should have an unlimited access to a well-fenced and large yard where it will be able to play and run to its heart content.

Of course, the breed specimen who serves as the hunter’s assistant on a regular basis needs very little additional physical stimulation to stay well-mannered indoors. If the Redbone Coonhound lacks daily exercise it will demonstrate its frustration with this situation by incessant barking and even aggressive outbursts.