Redbone Coonhound
GentleEven-temperedEager to please
United States · 12–15 years
About the Redbone Coonhound
The Redbone Coonhound is a sleek, handsome American scenthound recognized by their stunning solid red coat — the only coonhound breed with a solid-colored coat. Developed in the southeastern United States from red foxhounds, they are versatile hunters used for raccoons, bears, and mountain lions. Redbones gained literary fame as the beloved dogs in Wilson Rawls' classic novel 'Where the Red Fern Grows.' They are gentle, affectionate, and eager to please — often considered the most laid-back and people-oriented of the coonhound breeds, making them the most suitable coonhound for family life.
Breed stats
- Height
- 21–27 in
- Weight
- 45–70 lbs
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Group
- Hound
- Coat
- Short, smooth, dense, glossy
- Origin
- United States
Coat colors
- Solid Red
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
45–60 min
per day recommended
Daily food
2–3 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Hip dysplasia
- Ear infections
- Bloat
- Hypothyroidism
- Eye problems
Not every Redbone Coonhound will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Redbone Coonhounds eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Yes, Redbone Coonhounds are the breed featured in Wilson Rawls' beloved 1961 novel 'Where the Red Fern Grows,' in which a boy named Billy raises two Redbone Coonhounds, Old Dan and Little Ann, for raccoon hunting in the Ozark Mountains. The book has introduced millions of readers to the breed and remains one of the most popular children's novels in American literature. The story captures the breed's hunting ability, loyalty, and gentle nature. Many Redbone owners cite the book as their first introduction to the breed.
- Redbone Coonhounds are often considered the best coonhound breed for family life. They are gentle, patient, and excellent with children. They are more eager to please and less independent than some coonhound breeds, making them somewhat easier to train. They get along well with other dogs and are generally friendly with everyone. However, they still have coonhound traits — they bay loudly, follow scent trails obsessively, and need daily exercise. A large, fenced yard in a rural or suburban setting is strongly recommended. For families who appreciate hound personality, Redbones are outstanding companions.
- Yes, Redbone Coonhounds are vocal dogs with a deep, melodious bay. They bay when they pick up interesting scents, when excited, when they want attention, and sometimes seemingly for no reason. Their bay carries over long distances and can disturb neighbors in close-quarters living. Training can help manage indoor vocalizations, but the instinct to bay at scent is virtually impossible to eliminate. They are not suitable for apartments or neighborhoods with noise restrictions. For owners who live in rural settings and appreciate the musical quality of a hound's voice, the Redbone's bay can be quite beautiful.
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