Adopting a Redbone Coonhound can be a wonderful decision, but it's essential to understand the process and what to expect. The Redbone Coonhound is a breed that thrives on human interaction and needs regular exercise.
Redbone Coonhounds are generally good with children and make great family pets, but they do require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their coats.
Redbone Coonhounds are also prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and eye problems, so it's crucial to find a reputable breeder or rescue organization.
Adopting a Redbone Coonhound
Redbone Coonhounds are a great fit for families with children, as they are known to be friendly and gentle.
They thrive in homes with other dogs, making them a great addition to multi-pet households.
Redbone Coonhounds require regular exercise, with high energy levels and a need for daily physical activity.
A minimum of 30 minutes of exercise per day is recommended to keep them happy and healthy.
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Their short, easy-to-maintain coat requires minimal grooming, making them a low-maintenance pet.
With proper training, Redbone Coonhounds are highly responsive and loyal companions.
They are known to form strong bonds with their owners, making them a great choice for families who want a loyal friend.
Here's a quick rundown of the essential characteristics to consider when adopting a Redbone Coonhound:
Early socialization is key to helping Redbone Coonhound puppies grow into well-adjusted adults, especially when living with young children or cats.
Consistent positive reinforcement training can help build a strong, responsive relationship with your Redbone Coonhound.
Understanding the Breed
The Redbone Coonhound is a medium-sized breed, weighing between 45 to 70 pounds and standing 21 to 27 inches tall.
They have a short, easy-to-maintain coat that requires minimal grooming. Their lifespan is relatively long, ranging from 12 to 15 years.
With proper socialization, Redbone Coonhounds can grow accustomed to different scents, people, and environments, making them a great fit for families with young children or cats.
Coonhound Overview
The Redbone Coonhound is a medium-sized dog with a short coat that sheds occasionally. They typically weigh between 45 to 70 pounds and stand between 21 to 27 inches tall.
Their lifespan is around 12 to 15 years, making them a long-term companion for many families. They are generally good with children, dogs, and families, but may not do well with small pets.
Redbone Coonhounds are known for their friendly, gentle, and outgoing personalities. They are highly intelligent dogs that require high mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Their energy level is active, making them a great companion for families who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking. They also love water and have a strong prey drive, which makes them well-suited for hunting and tracking.
Here's a summary of the breed's key characteristics:
Overall, the Redbone Coonhound is a wonderful breed for families who are looking for a loyal and loving companion.
History
The Redbone Coonhound has an interesting history that dates back to the 1700s when Scottish immigrants brought red foxhounds to America.
These early dogs may have formed the basis of the breed, which was later developed by George Birdsong in the 1840s. He obtained a pack of dogs and began to create a faster, hotter-nosed dog that was quicker to locate scents.
Birdsong's early dogs were sometimes called Saddlebacks because they tended to be red with black saddles, but over time, breeders emphasized color, resulting in the solid-colored red dogs we know today.
The breed became known as Redbone Coonhounds, either in recognition of its color or after Peter Redbone, a Tennessee promoter of the breed.
The Redbone Coonhound was recognized by the UKC in 1902 and by the AKC in 2010, more than 100 years later.
The breed's development was heavily influenced by its ability to track and locate scents, a trait that was highly valued by American colonial hunters.
The Redbone Coonhound's keen nose and bountiful endurance made it an invaluable asset for hunting, and it was used to locate prey such as deer, fox, and raccoon.
Appearance
The redbone coonhound's appearance is truly one of a kind, with a gorgeous sleek and short ruddy coat that sets him apart from other hounds.
He's a handsome pup, indeed, and his cheerful expression is contagious. His hindquarters are high and lengthy, allowing him to spring over various terrain or wade through marshes with ease.
A slender redbone has the body of an endurance athlete: muscular, lean, and not too bulky. Both male and female redbone coonhounds measure 21–27 inches tall and weigh 45–70 pounds.
Their round, bright eyes of hazel, amber, or brown gaze at you with adoration and eagerness, making it easy to fall in love with these gentle dogs. His silky long ears, so smooth to the touch, curve around a broad muzzle just below the jawline.
Care and Living
Redbone coonhounds need a safe space to explore and play, so a fenced-in yard is a must. They thrive in homes with plenty of opportunities for active exploration and mental stimulation.
A redbone's short, sleek coat sheds a bit, but a good weekly brushing keeps it under control. They're not considered hypoallergenic, but with regular grooming, they're easy to care for.
Redbone coonhounds can be prone to ear infections, so regular ear cleanings are essential. They're also sensitive, so it's best to introduce them gradually to new environments and animals.
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Living Needs
Redbone coonhounds are a great breed, but they do require some special consideration when it comes to their living needs. They thrive in homes with fenced-in yards, as they love to explore scents and play.
A securely fenced yard is essential to prevent them from chasing after critters, which can sometimes get them into trouble. They'll appreciate having a safe space to run around and follow their noses.
Redbone coonhounds are also prone to ear infections, so regular ear cleaning is a must. A good ear cleaner and a cotton ball can help keep infections at bay.
They're a laid-back and adaptable breed, but they do need frequent outlets for their bursts of energy and inquisitive natures. Regular invigorating hikes or runs can help satisfy their needs.
Redbone coonhounds are sensitive, so it's essential to integrate them gradually into your household, especially if you're not sure how they'll react to other pets. Working with an animal behaviorist can be helpful in this situation.
As they're a family-oriented breed, they make great members of the household, but they do tend to drool and have a loud, melodious voice when trailing or excited.
Health
A redbone coonhound's lifespan is usually up to 15 years. They are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can develop some health issues.
Skin allergies and cherry eye are occasionally seen in redbone coonhounds. These issues can cause discomfort and may require veterinary care.
Large-breed dogs, including redbone coonhounds, are prone to elbow or hip dysplasia. This condition can lead to degenerative joint disease and arthritis.
Gastric dilation, also known as bloat, is a serious medical condition that can affect redbone coonhounds. It occurs when the stomach twists and fills with gas, causing abdominal distension and pain.
Here are some common signs of bloat:
- Unproductive gagging/retching
- Stretching out and signs of being uncomfortable
- Abdominal distension or pain
Redbone coonhounds are also at risk for specific heart issues, such as canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). This condition decreases the heart's ability to pump blood through the vascular system.
Rescue and Adoption
If you're considering adopting a Redbone Coonhound, you'll want to explore rescue options. Many Redbone Coonhounds end up in shelters due to their high energy level and need for regular exercise.
Redbone Coonhounds are often surrendered to shelters because their owners can't keep up with their exercise needs. This can be a win-win situation for both the dog and the adopter, as the dog gets a loving home and the adopter gets a loyal companion.
Adopting from a rescue organization can also help you find a Redbone Coonhound that's already house-trained and crate-trained, saving you time and effort.
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Bandit
Bandit is a sweet Redbone Coonhound puppy who is engaging with new people and has a pretty mellow demeanor, but can show his puppy energy.
He's a good eater and rides well in the car, and has no issues around other dogs, parrots, or chickens. Bandit is about 11 months old and weighs about 45 lbs.
He's working on house training and leash walking, and would thrive in a home with a fenced yard and a canine companion.
Rescue a Hound
Bulldog Rescue is a non-profit organization that specializes in rescuing and rehoming Bulldogs in need.
Many Bulldogs end up in shelters due to their owners' inability to care for them.
The average lifespan of a Bulldog is 8-12 years, making them a long-term companion.
Bulldogs require regular grooming to prevent skin infections.
Hound Rescue has a network of foster homes that provide temporary care for rescued dogs.
Volunteers with Hound Rescue work tirelessly to socialize and train the dogs for adoption.
The adoption process typically includes an application, home visit, and interview with a foster parent or rescue representative.
Each dog has a unique personality, and finding the right match is crucial for a successful adoption.
In many cases, rescue dogs are already house-trained and crate-trained, making the transition to a new home easier.
Hound Rescue provides ongoing support and resources to adopters, including training and behavioral guidance.
By adopting a rescued Hound, you're not only giving a loving home to a deserving dog, but also opening up a space for another dog in need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Redbone Coonhound puppy cost?
Redbone Coonhound puppies typically cost between $700 to $1,500 in the West Coast USA, with prices varying depending on the region.
What are the drawbacks of having a Redbone Coonhound?
Redbone Coonhounds may be prone to hip dysplasia and ear infections, and are also at risk of injuries while hunting due to their active nature and potential encounters with wildlife
Do redbone Coonhounds make good pets?
Redbone Coonhounds are great companions for active owners, but they require regular exercise to thrive. If you're an outdoor enthusiast, a Redbone Coonhound might be the perfect furry friend for you
Can redbone Coonhounds be aggressive?
Redbone Coonhounds are not naturally aggressive, but their energetic behavior can sometimes be misinterpreted as aggression. They are more likely to exhibit enthusiastic and playful behavior than actual aggression.
What is the lifespan of a Redbone Coonhound?
A Redbone Coonhound's average lifespan is 10-15 years, with most living around 12 years. Proper care, including high-quality food and exercise, can help maximize their health and lifespan.
Sources
- Redbone Coonhound Dog Breed Info (petfinder.com)
- Rimfire Kennels (rimfirekennels.com)
- United Kennel Club (UKC) (ukcdogs.com)
- "cold nose," (nationalpurebreddogday.com)
- AKC's classification of hounds (akc.org)
- Available Dogs (necoonhoundrescue.org)
- http://www.nwcoonhoundrescue.50megs.com/index.html (50megs.com)
- http://www.adoptapet.com/adoption_rescue/76377.... (adoptapet.com)
- http://www.adoptapet.com/hound-haven-of-lone-pine/ (adoptapet.com)
- http://www.houndrescueandsanctuary.com/ (houndrescueandsanctuary.com)
- http://www.hounddogrescue.org/ (hounddogrescue.org)
- http://www.ohiohoundrescue.org (ohiohoundrescue.org)
- http://www.homewardhorseandhound.org/ (homewardhorseandhound.org)
- http://www.adoptapet.com/adoption_rescue/89184.... (adoptapet.com)
- Rescue a Coonhound PLEASE (thefamilycoonhound.com)
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