Dogs
Redbone Coonhound
| Redbone Coonhound |
Redbone Coonhound
|
| Alternative names |
| |
| Country of origin |
|
United States |
| Common nicknames |
| Reds |
| Classification and breed standards |
|
AKC: |
Miscellaneous |
| Not recognized by any major kennel club |
| This breed of dog is
extinct |
| Notes |
| |
The Redbone Coonhound is a
breed of
dog bred to hunt
raccoon. They
are also widely used for hunting bear and cougar. Their agility allows them to
be hunted from swamplands to mountains. The Redbone Coonhound is the only
solid
colored
coonhound. Like the standard says: "The Redbone mingles handsome looks
and an even temperament with a confident air and fine hunting talents."[1]
Appearance
The Redbone Coonhound has the lean, muscular, well proportioned build typical
to the coonhounds, with long straight legs, a deep chest, and a head and tail
held high and proud when hunting or showing. The face has a pleading expression,
with sorrowful dark brown eyes and long, drooping ears. The coat is short and
smooth against the body, but coarse enough to provide protection to the skin
while hunting through brush. The nose is always black and the coat color is
always a rich red, though a small amount of white on the chest between the legs
or on the feet is permissible, though not preferred.
Males should be 22-27 inches (56-68.5 cm)at the shoulder, with
bitches
slightly shorter at 21-26 inches (53-66 cm). Weight should be proportional to
the size and bone structure of the individual dogs, with a preference towards
leaner working dogs rather than heavier dogs. Generally, weights will range from
45 to 70 lbs (20.5 to 31.75 kg). Males are typically larger and heavier boned
than females and carry a deeper bay.
History
The Redbone Coonhound is an American breed. It was developed in Georgia in
the 1800s from
Foxhounds
and
Bloodhounds. Breeders followed a selective program that led to a coonhound
that was faster and had a more developed sense of smell than other coonhounds.
They were ideal for pack hunting of both small and larger prey. Originally, the
Redbone had a black saddleback, but by the beginning of the
1900s, they were a
pure red tone.
Sadly, like many American hunting dogs, especially those from the
South,
they were widely known and loved by hunters and farmers, but totally unknown in
the dog show
ring. Recently, this has changed, and the Redbone has found recognition by the
two major American
kennel
clubs.
Perhaps the best known fictional Redbones were Old Dan and Little
Ann, featured in the children's classic story,
Where the Red Fern Grows.
Temperament
The Redbone Coonhound is an excellent companion and family pet, with some
special considerations. They love to be with their owners and family, and are
happy just doing things with their humans, or sitting by watching them. They are
very affectionate, but can be overwhelming to small children or even adults if
not properly trained. They tend to be inactive if kept indoors most of the time
and can easily become overweight.
Conversely, young coonhounds are energetic and need lots of activity, or they
will become destructive. This can lead to acting out in the form of chewing and
baying. They take a longer time to train than some other breeds, because they
mature more slowly both physically and mentally.
Some Redbones drool a significant amount, and others have a very doggy smell.
They are all loud, loud barkers.
Like many hunting dogs, they have an independent intelligence especially well
suited for problem solving. This can be an issue if the problem they want to
solve is their backyard fence or the dog-proof garbage. But they also are pretty
unflappable, able to take anything that comes at them.
As with all hounds, this breed should be watched closely off leash since they
have a tendency to roam and a reputation for chasing small creatures such as
cats.
Health
The Redbone Coonhound is a hardy breed that has few known diseases. The most
common are hip dysplasia and obesity. The average lifespan of a Red is 10-15
years.
See also
Coonhounds
External links
Home
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| Rajyapalam
| Rat Terrier
| Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz
| Red Setter
| Redbone Coonhound
| Rhodesian Ridgeback
| Rottweiler
| Rough Collie
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