History
The Redbone Coonhound is a purebred that originated in the USA. The early Red hounds brought by the Colonial settlers in the USA are called the ancestors of the Redbone Coonhounds. Due to their exceptional hunting skills, these dogs were well known among both hunters and farmers.
The Redbones take their name from the deep red colored coat they have. They have an athletic physique with long extended ears which comes down to their nose. The cat-like paws have big thick pads and the shiny texture of the coat resembles that of a Beagle.
Interesting Facts
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The Redbones can also hunt down bigger games other than Raccoons.
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It is the second most famous Coonhound variety in the world, so much so that there is a novel written on them.
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The man who worked hard and developed this breed, named George E L Birdsong is a well-known hunter and breeder from Georgia and is considered a pioneer in making this breed so famous in the USA.
Temperament & Personality
With their gorgeous red coat and a pleading expression, the Redbones will win the heart of their owners. These dogs bark a lot when they are on the hunt. These dogs also make a great companion dog because of their affectionate and kind nature. At times it will amuse the entire family with its funny and clownish acts. The Redbones are great with kids but can become boisterous with toddlers.
Hound mix pet get along easily with other animals in the house if raised with them. Redbones are true Scenthounds and will follow any scent, so the owner should keep the dog leashed. They will display their strong hunting instincts if the owner takes them in the wild. These highly energetic, lively, affectionate creatures will adapt to any environment.
Exercise
Red Coonhound puppies need an hour of daily exercise to keep them fit and healthy. As the Redbones have a herding and hunting history, the owner can take them out for a weekend trip in the wild which will ignite their hunting skills.
A daily walk and jog in the dog park will keep their bones and muscles in good health. If deprived of regular physical activities, these dogs will develop destructive habits and become disobedient.
Grooming
The Redbones coat is short and smooth, so the owner should brush the dog’s coat every week with a hound mitt or a rubber curry brush to remove dead hair and dirt. Bathing is recommended when the dog needs it.
Frequent bathing will significantly reduce the doggy smell which some Redbones may have. The rest is the same primary care of an average dog such as trimming the nails every week and cleaning the ears and teeth when needed.
Health Problems
The dog can develop genetic health issues such as Hip dysplasia, Severe ear infection (because of their floppy ears), Obesity, Joint problems, Diabetes, etc. A probable buyer of this breed should buy the puppy from a putative breeder.
Training
These independent creatures are quite hard to train and can be a troublemaker for the trainer. As being a scenthound, these dogs have a habit of following any scent which reduces their attention span. This habit can be an issue in the training process.
Train the dog with positive reinforcement techniques complemented with a lot of praises and food rewards. The owner can try the option of puppy kindergarten classes where the experts will help in training and bringing out the best from the breed.
Feeding
Every hunting breed needs the right amount of healthy and nutrient-rich diet. The Redbones enjoy everything from the meats such as beef to any other standard dog food. The owner should choose dry kibbles keeping in mind the dog’s overall health, size, physical activities, and metabolism.