Redbone Coonhound
The Redbone Coonhound is a warm, people-friendly scent hound known for its rich red coat and determined nose. Bred to trail and tree game, it thrives with daily outdoor time, patient training, and a home that appreciates a dog who follows scents with enthusiasm.
How the Redbone Coonhound ranks among other dog breeds.
About the Redbone Coonhound
Redbone Coonhounds are athletic, outgoing hounds that often bond closely with their family. Many are gentle and affectionate indoors once their exercise needs are met, but their nose can switch them into work mode in an instant when they step outside.
This breed typically does best with an active household that enjoys long walks, hikes, and games that use scent. They are often friendly with people and can do well with other dogs, yet a strong prey drive means supervision around small pets and wildlife is important.
History of the Redbone Coonhound
The Redbone Coonhound is an American hound that developed in the Southeast, where hunters needed a dog that could work through thick woods, humid swamps, and rugged hills.
Early breeding stock likely included red foxhounds and other European scent hounds brought by settlers, then crossed and selected to match local terrain and nighttime hunting traditions.
In many regions, a dependable dog also needed to swim creeks, push through briars, and keep going when conditions were uncomfortable. Over time, the type became known for a steady nose, athletic endurance, and a temperament that could handle long hours in the field.
Coonhunting shaped the breed’s priorities. Hunters wanted a hound that could follow an older trail, sort through distracting scents, and stay committed until the quarry was located and treed.
A clear, carrying voice helped handlers track the dog’s progress in the dark, and a confident, independent style allowed the hound to solve problems without constant direction.
At the same time, good breeding emphasized a dog that could return home and settle into family life instead of staying keyed up. That balance of drive outdoors and friendliness at home is a big part of why the breed still appeals to many modern owners.
The name “Redbone” is commonly linked to early breeders with the surname Redbone, and it also reflects the breed’s signature solid red coat. That uniform color helped distinguish these hounds from other local packs and became part of the breed’s identity.
Stories of development often mention influences from red hounds associated with Irish and Scottish traditions, along with American foxhound-type dogs already established in the region.
Selective breeding favored a sleek, efficient build for covering ground, plus the scenting ability needed to trail and tree raccoons and other game across changing conditions.
In some areas, Redbone-type hounds were also used on larger quarry, which encouraged courage, stamina, and steady pack manners.
A dog that could keep pressure on a trail without becoming reckless was valued by farmers and hunters who depended on reliable working partners.
Because hunting often happened at night and over long distances, handlers appreciated a hound that could work out of sight while still staying honest to its training.
As rural life shifted, enthusiasts continued to preserve the Redbone’s hunting style, voice, and even temperament, even as more dogs began living primarily as companions.
Today the Redbone Coonhound remains closely tied to its working roots, and many still enjoy structured hunting, tracking, or scent sports.
For active families, the breed can be a joyful companion that loves outdoor adventures and thrives on routine, especially when it has a job to do.
Owners often channel that powerful nose into activities like trail games, hide-and-seek with treats, and organized scent work. When training is consistent and exercise is not skipped, the Redbone’s friendly personality and classic hound charm tend to shine.
Physical Characteristics and General Care
The Redbone Coonhound is a sturdy, athletic hound with a sleek outline, long ears, and an expressive, houndy face. The coat is short and close to the body, most often a deep red shade, sometimes with a small touch of white on the chest or feet.
Many have a deep chest, strong legs, and a tail that flags confidently when they are on a scent. Built for endurance, the breed typically moves with an easy, ground-covering stride and carries itself with quiet confidence.
That short coat is fairly low maintenance and often dries quickly after wet adventures.
General care is straightforward but should match an active lifestyle. A weekly brush with a rubber curry or hound glove helps lift loose hair and keeps the coat looking glossy.
Because the ears are long and hang close, they can trap moisture and debris after outdoor time, so gentle checks and cleaning routines are helpful. Redbones may track in plenty of dirt and leaves, so a towel by the door and occasional baths can make life easier.
Regular nail trims, tooth care, and paw checks after hikes help keep everyday maintenance simple. Many owners also do a quick once-over for burrs and ticks after time in brushy areas.
Exercise and enrichment are the biggest parts of Redbone care. Most need meaningful daily activity plus scent-based mental work, or they may invent their own entertainment like counter surfing, digging, or wandering off to follow smells.
Secure fencing and reliable leash skills matter because a promising scent can override training in an instant.
Many do best with structured outlets, such as hiking, controlled jogging, fetch in secure areas, and supervised sniffing sessions where they are allowed to explore.
Rotate toys and training games to prevent boredom, and make rest time predictable so the dog learns to settle. If you have concerns about conditioning, joint comfort, or weight management, your veterinarian can help you plan a safe routine for your individual dog.
Coat & Grooming: Weekly brushing with a rubber curry or hound glove, routine ear checks, nail trims, and an occasional bath as needed.
Shedding: Moderate shedding that leaves short hairs on floors and furniture, with heavier shedding during seasonal coat changes.
Exercise Needs: High daily needs, including long walks or hikes, play in a securely fenced area, and nose games like scent trails, tracking, or treat searches.
General Health: Often a hardy hound, but some may be prone to ear irritation, joint concerns, and bloat risks seen in deep-chested dogs; routine veterinary care helps catch issues early.
Expected Lifespan: Typically long-lived for a larger, active hound when kept fit and well cared for, though individual longevity can vary.
First-Time Owner Tips
A Redbone Coonhound can be a rewarding choice for a first-time owner who enjoys an active routine, but it helps to understand what motivates a hound. Scent is the main event, so training has to compete with the world’s most interesting smells.
Start early with reward-based basics, keep sessions upbeat and short, and practice in low-distraction places before expecting focus on busy trails.
Instead of battling the nose, build skills around it by rewarding check-ins, using sniff breaks as a reinforcer, and teaching a cue that means “come back to me for something good” over time.
Plan your household setup around curiosity and energy. Many Redbones are social and may struggle if left alone too long without enrichment, so use puzzle feeders, safe chews, and a consistent exercise schedule.
Leash manners are especially important, and a long line can help you practice recall safely while you build a reliable “check-in” habit. Because the breed can be vocal, it also helps to teach calm settling routines and make sure boredom does not build.
Consistency matters more than intensity, and small daily habits add up. With early socialization, gentle handling, and clear boundaries, the Redbone’s friendly nature often makes daily life feel easier.
- Use a front-clip harness and a long line for practice, since recall can be challenging once the nose locks onto a trail.
- Rotate scent games, such as hiding treats or laying short scent trails, to tire the mind as well as the body.
- Keep the yard secure and supervise outdoor time, because many hounds will follow a scent under or over weak fencing.
- Reward calm, quiet behavior at home and teach a cue for settling, since hounds may bay when excited or bored.
- Make ear checks, paw wipes, and gentle handling part of a positive routine from the start.
Monthly Costs to Expect
Required monthly costs usually start with food and training treats sized for an athletic, medium-to-large hound. Many owners also budget for routine parasite prevention and routine veterinary expenses that are easier to manage when planned for monthly.
Basic supplies add up as well, including waste bags, chews, nail trims at home, and replacement toys as they wear out. Totals can vary with food quality, your dog’s activity level, and local pricing at pet stores and veterinary clinics.
Optional or variable costs depend on your lifestyle and how much you prefer to outsource. Grooming is often a simple DIY routine, but some people pay for an occasional bath, nail trim, or help during heavy shedding seasons.
Training can range from group classes to private coaching, and enrichment gear like long lines, harnesses, or scent-work kits may be added over time.
Some owners choose pet insurance, while others set aside a monthly savings cushion for unexpected veterinary bills, boarding, or travel. If you work long hours, dog walking or day care can also become a meaningful line item, along with local fees like licensing.
Food & Treats: Required: about $60 to $120 per month, depending on food quality, treat preferences, and how active your dog is.
Grooming: Optional/Variable: about $0 to $50 per month, based on DIY bathing and nail trims versus occasional professional help.
Preventatives & Routine Care: Required: about $25 to $70 per month for ongoing basics like parasite prevention and routine care, which vary by region and your veterinarian’s recommendations.
Insurance / Savings: Optional/Variable: about $30 to $90 per month for insurance premiums or a set-aside emergency fund, influenced by coverage choices and risk comfort.
Training / Enrichment: Optional/Variable: about $20 to $120 per month, covering classes, private sessions, scent-work supplies, and toy rotation.
Redbone Coonhound FAQs
Are Redbone Coonhounds good family dogs?
Many are affectionate, people-oriented dogs that enjoy being part of family life. They tend to do best with families who can provide daily exercise, consistent routines, and patient training, especially during adolescence.
Do Redbone Coonhounds shed a lot?
Shedding is usually moderate. Expect short hairs on clothing and furniture, and plan on regular brushing to keep loose hair under control and help the coat stay clean.
How much exercise does a Redbone Coonhound need?
They typically need substantial daily activity, plus opportunities to use their nose. Long walks, hikes, and scent games often work well, and a fenced area can help them stretch out safely.
Are Redbone Coonhounds easy to train?
They are smart and capable, but scent can be a powerful distraction. Positive, reward-based training, a lot of repetition, and practice in gradually more distracting environments tend to work better than harsh corrections.
Can a Redbone Coonhound live in an apartment?
Apartment living is possible for some individuals, but it is not the easiest match. You will need a solid exercise plan, reliable leash skills, and consideration for neighbors, since hounds can be vocal when bored or excited.
Do Redbone Coonhounds get along with cats or small pets?
Some can live peacefully with cats, especially if raised together, but many have a strong chase instinct. Careful introductions, supervision, and management are important, and some homes may find separation is the safest option.
Why do Redbone Coonhounds bay or “talk” so much?
Vocalizing is part of hound communication and was useful for hunters following a dog at a distance. Training, adequate exercise, and teaching a settle cue can reduce nuisance noise, but most owners should expect some classic hound sounds.