Redbone Coonhound

The Redbone Coonhound is an American breed of hunting dog. It may be used to hunt raccoon, deer, bear, boar, cougar, or other large game. It originated in the Southern United States, and derives from foxhounds brought by immigrants from Scotland. It is characterized by its deep red coat.

Redbone Coonhound
An adult male Redbone Coonhound
Common nicknamesReds
OriginSouthern United States
Traits
Height

Males: 22-27 inches

Females: 21-26 inches
Weight

Males: 50-70 lb

Females: 45-65 lb
Coat Short and dense
Color Solid red or chestnut; white is allowed on the paws and chest.
Life span 12-14 years
Kennel club standards
United Kennel Club standard
Dog (domestic dog)
A two-year-old male Redbone Coonhound with black masking

It has been registered with the United Kennel Club since 1902, and with the American Kennel Club since 2009.

History

In the early 19th century, Scottish immigrants brought red-colored foxhounds to Georgia, which would later become the foundation stock of today's modern-day Redbone. Around 1840, Irish-bred Foxhound and Bloodhound lines were added. The Redbone name comes from an early breeder, Peter Redbone of Tennessee, though the United Kennel Club credits Redbone's contemporary, George F.L. Birdsong of Georgia, and Dr. Thomas Henry in the 19th century.[1]

Over time, breeders followed a selective program that led to a coonhound that was adept at treeing wild-game, was courageous against larger animals such as bear and mountain lions, agile enough to track in the mountains or in the marsh, and could swim if necessary (one of the few hounds with webbed feet). They are ideal for pack hunting of both small and larger prey. Originally, the Redbone had a black saddleback, but by the beginning of the 20th century, it was replaced by an uninterrupted red tone.[1][2]

The Redbone Coonhound was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1902, becoming the second coonhound breed to gain recognition[3] and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2010.[1]

Description
A female Redbone in the field.

Appearance
A four-month-old female Redbone Coonhound

The Redbone Coonhound has a lean, muscular, well proportioned build. The body type is typical to the coonhounds subgroup, with long straight legs, a deep chest, and a head and tail that are held high and proud when hunting or showing. The Redbone Coonhound has brown eyes and a face that is often described as having a pleading expression.[4] The dog's eyes may be dark brown to hazel, but a darker color is preferred.[3] The coat is short and smooth against the body, but coarse enough to provide protection to the skin while hunting through dense underbrush. Their large paws have especially thick pads, with webbed toes, and dewclaws are common. The nose is often black and prominent, with black on the muzzle and around the eyes, called "masking", not uncommon. The ears are floppy and will most likely extend to nearly the end of the nose if stretched out. 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 sometimes seen.[3] The white chest and feet markings that occasionally appear on Redbone Coonhound puppies today is most likely a throwback to the mixing of Bloodhound and Foxhound bloodlines. [5]

Males tend to be 22-27 inches (56-68.5 cm) at the shoulder, with females 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 lb. (20.5 to 31.75 kg).[3]

It is affectionate, gentle, and likes to please its owner.[3]

A Redbone tracking
Young Redbone Coonhound in the snow

Famous Redbone Coonhounds

References
  1. Club, The American Kennel (11 November 2014). "The New Complete Dog Book: Official Breed Standards and All-New Profiles for 200 Breeds". i5 Publishing.
  2. Club, American Kennel (18 December 2007). "The Complete Dog Book: 20th Edition". Random House Publishing Group.
  3. "United Kennel Club Standard for the Redbone Coonhound". United Kennel Club. Retrieved 20 August 2016.
  4. "Redbone Coonhound Dog Breed Informationl". American Kennel Club. Retrieved 17 April 2017.
  5. "Coonhound Breeds". www.coondawgs.com. Retrieved 18 April 2017.
  6. Suddath, Claire (18 June 2010). "Where the Red Fern Grows". Time.


This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.