Country of Origin: United States
Height: 21-26in./8-10 cm.
Registry: U.K. C
Group: Hound
DESCRIPTION: Handsome and robust, the Redbone Coonhound is a muscular breed with hanging ears and cat-like paws. Their tail sits upright, and they have a square muzzle.
TEMPERAMENT: Redbone coonhounds are excellent hunters and trackers over difficult terrain. They thrive on pleasing their masters and are easily trained to follow the scent of their quarry. Redbone coonhounds are loving and affectionate towards their families. They do well with children but may hurt and kill cats even if raised with them from puppy-hood.
HEALTH CONCERNS: The Redbone Coonhound is generally known to be a healthy breed.
LIVING ENVIRONMENT: Redbone Coonhounds are active dogs that require plenty of exercise. They can do well in an apartment but require a large yard to suffice for their activities.
REDBONE COONHOUND
OFFICIAL U. K. C. BREED STANDARD *
HISTORY
Years ago, most coon hunters who owned a red dog of unknown ancestry, but proven ability in tracking and treeing raccoons, called his dog a "Redbone". Then a few serious breeders who were devoted both to the breed and sport began a campaign of selective breeding to produce a hound with the necessary characteristics to make a superior coonhound and which would breed true to type in color and conformation.
The foundation stock of the modern day Redbone came from George F. L. Birdsong of Georgia, who was a noted fox hunter and breeder. He obtained the pack of Dr. Thomas Henry in the 1840's.
As is the case with most of the other coonhound breeds, the ancestors of the Redbone were Foxhounds. A Bloodhound cross is said to have been made, and it's also said to account for the white chest and feet markings, which still occasionally shows up in Redbone pups today.
The first dogs were commonly called "Saddlebacks". The background color was red, and most of them possessed black saddle markings. By selective breeding, the black saddle was bred out and the solid red dogs became known as Redbone Coonhounds.
The Redbone was the second coonhound breed to be registered with U.K.C., the first being registered in 1902, two years after the Black & Tan.
Of the six coonhound breeds, the Redbone is probably the most uniform as to type and size. The breed is distinguished by a medium build, pleading eyes, and a "sweet" voice. The rich, deep color makes the Redbone a striking dog to look at.
The Redbone is known to be a well-balanced breed, making them adaptable to various types of hunting and terrain. Their agility benefits them when hunting in fenced country or steep, rocky ground. Redbones are known to make excellent water dogs.
A natural treeing instinct has been bred into the Redbone, making them specialists in coon hunting. But they are also proficient in trailing and treeing bear, cougar and bobcat. Often times, when used on game, Redbones are hunted in packs.
HEAD AND SKULL
The skull is moderately broad; well-proportioned with body. The muzzle is well-balanced with other features of head, never dished or upturned.
TEETH - Even; neither over nor undershot
EYES - Brown to hazel in color, dark eyes preferred. Set well apart and of pleading expression.
EARS - Set moderately low, fine in texture, not stiff and reaching near the end of the nose when stretched out. Ears in proportion to head. Fault: Ears not firmly attached to head, seemingly just to skin.
NECK
Throat clean, Medium in length, strong, slightly arched and held erect denoting proudness. Slight fold of skin just below angle or jaw not objectionable.
BODY
Deep broad chest. Back strong and slightly arched; length well proportioned to height. Thighs and shoulders up, clean and muscular. Well-sprung ribs, plenty of hung space.
LEGS
Legs straight, well-boned. Pastems straight, well set, clean and muscular, denoting combination of both strength and speed. Never cowhocked.
FEET
Cat-paw type, compact, wee-padded. Toes strong and well arched, stout, well set nails. Feet should set as directly under leg as possible.
TAIL
Medium in length; very slight brush.
COLOR
Solid red preferred; small amount of white on brisket or feet not objectionable.
SIZE
Slightly taller at shoulder than at hips. Never opposite. Males: 22" to 27". Females: 21" to 25".
DISQUALIFICATIONS
Unilateral or bilateral crypt orchid. Extreme viciousness or shyness.
* NOTE: Information from The United Kennel Club, Inc.
| Head | 10 |
| Neck | 5 |
| Shoulders | 10 |
| Chest and Ribs | 10 |
| Back and Loins | 15 |
| Hindquaters | 10 |
| Elbows | 5 |
| Legs and Feet | 20 |
| Coat and Color | 5 |
| Stern | 5 |
| General Makeup | 5 |
| TOTAL | 100 |