Description:

Most coonhounds (type of scent hound) are ancestors to the Foxhound – this is also true in the case of the Redbone Coonhound dog breed. In the 1700's the Red Foxhounds were taken to America by immigrants – believed to be from Scotland. It was those dogs that formed the base for the modern Redbone Coonhound dogs.

In the 1840's a gentleman named George Birdsong of Georgia influenced the breeding of the Redbone Coonhound dogs, after obtaining a pack of coonhounds to breed. These coonhounds were mixed with the Red Irish Foxhounds – this resulted in a dog with a stronger sense of smell and it was faster.

The litters produced dogs that were coloured red with black patches or saddles. Often referred to at the time as 'Saddlebacks'. In time the black saddle was bred out after generations of breeding – it was at this time that the breed was known as the Redbone Coonhound.

In 1902 the United Kennel Club (UKC) recognized the Redbone Coonhound – the second coonhound breed to be admitted at the time. It wasn't until 2001, that the American Kennel Club (AKC) acknowledged this breed – in the miscellaneous class.

The Redbone Coonhound is still today a favourite choice for hunters that desire a versatile hunt dog.

Redbone Coonhound Temperament:

A breed that is easy-going, relaxed and gentle. The Reds are one breed that wants to be busy – with mental stimulation, training, and daily exercise. Can be calm and good natured with other dogs, and children – although this isn't always the case with smaller pets.

Care:

As noted, the Redbone Coonhounds breed requires plenty of exercising. These dogs can live outside if required in a secure kennel. Even so, it’s a better choice to allow the Redbone Coonhound inside at night in view of its family-oriented nature. Drooling is also a tendency with some dogs. Grooming is a minimal requirement with this breed. Brushing weekly to remove loose or dead hairs is sufficient.

Health Information:

The Redbone Coonhounds are an amazingly healthy breed with no health issues of a major nature to mention.

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