Redbone Coonhound
About the Redbone Coonhound
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Large (50-100 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 21-27" |
| Weight | 45-70 lbs |
| Coat Type | Smooth |
| Coat Length | Short |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
High (60-90 min/day)
60 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
Moderate - Weekly
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Needs plenty of mental challenges
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $500-$1,200 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,200/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Redbone Coonhounds may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Families with Children
- Active Owners
May Not Be Ideal For
- Apartment Living
- Long Work Hours Away
- Sedentary Lifestyles
Guides for your Redbone Coonhound
The story behind the Redbone Coonhound
The Redbone Coonhound was developed in the American South during the nineteenth century, primarily from red foxhounds brought by Scottish and Irish immigrants, with hunters later adding bloodhound and other foxhound lines to sharpen trailing ability. Breeders eventually selected for the solid red coat that gives the breed its name, along with the speed and hot-nosed style suited to trailing raccoons and treeing them for the hunter. Redbones also proved capable on bear and other large game in swamp and mountain country. The United Kennel Club registered the breed early in the twentieth century, and the American Kennel Club recognized it in 2009. It remains both a working night hunter and a family companion.
Originally bred for: Raccoon hunting, Trailing, Companion. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Redbone Coonhound
A stamina hound that hunts hard and rests hard, so calories should follow the season: generous during nights afield, restrained between them. This breed eats whatever it finds, making strict treat limits and secured food bins genuinely necessary.
Watch for: Long hanging ears trap moisture and food debris, and repeated ear irritation is sometimes connected to diet. The deep chest also makes gulping unwise, so slow the meal down. Veterinary advice should precede dietary changes.
Not sure what to put in the bowl? See our picks for the best dog food for large breeds.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket, and a slow feeder bowl if your dog inhales dinner. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Redbone Coonhound
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse chew toys built for strong jaws and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a properly sized crate.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.