The Complete Guide to Redbone Coonhound Black and Tan Coonhound Ownership

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Posted Oct 27, 2024

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Redbone Coonhound
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As you consider bringing a Redbone Coonhound or Black and Tan Coonhound into your family, it's essential to understand the unique needs and characteristics of these breeds. They are both energetic and intelligent, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation.

They thrive on a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs, with the average cost of their food being around $50-$75 per month. A well-structured feeding schedule can help prevent overeating and maintain a healthy weight.

With their strong prey drive, they require regular training and socialization to prevent unwanted behaviors. They are generally good with children, but it's crucial to supervise interactions and teach children how to interact with them gently.

Redbone Coonhounds and Black and Tan Coonhounds have a lifespan of around 10-12 years, making them a long-term companion. Regular veterinary check-ups and preventative care can help ensure they live a healthy and happy life.

Care and Maintenance

Redbone Coonhounds and Black and Tan Coonhounds are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Just brush them twice a week and give them a bath when they get stinky, and they'll be good to go.

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Their short fur sheds minimally year-round, but regular brushing can keep it under control. I've seen some owners use a hound mat or stiff bristle brush for this purpose.

These dogs need at least an hour of vigorous exercise each day, but black and tan coonhound puppies should play and romp around as they please without a high-impact exercise routine.

Care

Redbone Coonhounds are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, requiring only a weekly brushing session to keep their coat looking its best.

Their short fur sheds minimally year-round, but regular brushing helps keep it under control.

Exercise is crucial for Redbone Coonhounds, with at least an hour of vigorous exercise needed daily.

Be mindful of their growth plates and avoid high-impact exercise until they're 2 years old, as excessive pounding can cause damage to their bones.

Regular nail trimming and tooth brushing are also essential to keep your Redbone Coonhound healthy and happy.

Their ears are prone to infections due to their long and floppy nature, so cleaning them weekly with a pH-balanced ear cleanser is a must.

Explore further: Redbone Coonhound Weight

Diet

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A good diet is crucial for your Redbone Coonhound's overall health and well-being.

Choose a high-quality commercial dog food that meets the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials.

Your veterinarian can help you determine the best feeding chart for your dog based on their age and size.

Treats can be a great way to reward your Redbone during training, but give them in moderation to avoid obesity.

Obesity can lead to health problems like diabetes and joint conditions, so keep an eye on your pup's weight and adjust their diet and exercise plan as needed.

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Exercise

Exercise is a crucial part of a Redbone Coonhound's life. They need at least an hour or two of exercise every day to stay happy and healthy.

A daily walk or jog is a great way to get your Redbone Coonhound moving, and they'll love the opportunity to sniff and explore. They're also natural swimmers, so consider taking them to a dog-friendly beach or pool.

Credit: youtube.com, Basic Exercises to Maintain Health and Fitness| Physiotherapy treatment |Mr. Arun Sagar - Manipal

Redbone Coonhounds are bred to run, not walk, so they need regular opportunities to really move their legs. A spacious, fenced-in yard is a must to give them room to run off-leash and release their energy.

To keep your Redbone Coonhound safe, always keep them on a leash when outside of an enclosed area. They can get focused on a scent and take off, so it's essential to keep them on a leash to avoid any accidents.

Here are some exercise ideas for your Redbone Coonhound:

  • Take them on a couple of long walks every day
  • Hit the nature trails on the weekends
  • Get involved in dog sports like agility or tracking
  • Hide treats under old boxes or play hide-and-seek to create opportunities for tracking

Remember, a Redbone Coonhound is a great fit for active and experienced pet parents who enjoy activities like running and hiking. With the right exercise and attention, they'll thrive as a beloved member of your family.

Health and Environment

Redbone Coonhounds and Black and Tan Coonhounds are prone to certain health issues, but overall they have a relatively long lifespan of 12-15 years for Redbone Coonhounds and 10-12 years for Black and Tan Coonhounds.

Explore further: Bull Terrier Back Then

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Hip dysplasia is a common issue in both breeds, causing pain and limited mobility. Ear infections are also a problem due to their floppy ears, so regular check-ups with a veterinarian are crucial. Redbone Coonhounds are also susceptible to bleeding disorders, such as Hemophilia B, which can cause spontaneous bleeding.

Here are some potential health issues to look out for in both breeds:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Ear infections
  • Bleeding disorders (Hemophilia B)
  • Cataracts

It's essential to work with reputable breeders who provide health guarantees and genetic testing to ensure your new furry friend is healthy. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can also help catch any potential issues early on, ensuring your dog lives a long and happy life.

Health Essentials

Redbone Coonhounds are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. They have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

One common health problem is hip and elbow dysplasia, which can cause pain and limping. This is often caused by a malformed joint that rubs, leading to muscle loss and reduced activity. Symptoms include limping and reduced activity.

For more insights, see: German Shorthaired Pointer Health

Man Wearing Camouflage Clothing Hunting in a Terrain with a Dog
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Panosteitis is another potential issue, an inflammation of the bone that causes pain and lameness. Feeding large-breed puppy food can help prevent this condition. Treatments include medications and limited activity to minimize pain.

Coonhound paralysis is a serious condition that can affect a dog's gait and breathing. It's caused by an immune reaction to raccoon saliva and can be life-threatening. If you suspect your pup has coonhound paralysis, take them to the vet immediately.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a genetic condition that causes gradual vision loss. It's not curable, but most dogs adapt to vision loss. A genetic screening test is available, so be sure to ask your breeder.

To ensure your Redbone Coonhound stays healthy, it's essential to monitor their ear health. Ear infections are common in this breed, so check their ears weekly and clean them if necessary. Keeping their ears dry can help prevent yeast and bacterial infections.

Obesity is another concern, as it can exacerbate joint problems and contribute to other medical issues. Be mindful of your pup's food intake to prevent overfeeding.

Here are some health issues to watch out for in Redbone Coonhounds:

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia
  • Panosteitis
  • Coonhound paralysis
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
  • Ear infections
  • Obesity

Environment

Tan and Black Dogs
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Redbones are social dogs that thrive on attention and interaction, so ideally, someone should be with them for most of the day.

They're not suited for small spaces like apartments or condos, as they need space to move around and their loud baying bark can be a challenge for neighbors.

Living with small children requires close supervision, as Redbones can accidentally knock them down with their bouncy energy.

If you have other pets, socializing them from a young age is crucial to ensure they get along peacefully.

Their love for attention makes them poor guard dogs, but they'll bark loudly to alert you to any potential threats.

For another approach, see: Maltese Small Dogs

The History of

The Redbone Coonhound and Black and Tan Coonhound are two breeds with rich histories in the United States.

The Redbone Coonhound's ancestry dates back to Scottish immigrants who brought red foxhounds to the Southeastern United States. They were bred to hunt raccoons and foxes in Tennessee and Georgia, becoming skilled at treeing raccoons.

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The breed was originally known for its distinctive black saddle on its back, which eventually bred out, leaving the solid-red coat we see today.

In packs, Redbone Coonhounds hunted big game animals like bobcat and bear, showcasing their impressive endurance and tracking abilities.

The American Kennel Club recognized the Redbone Coonhound in 2009, solidifying its place in American dog breeding history.

The Black and Tan Coonhound, on the other hand, has its roots in early American dog breeding, with ancestors including English hounds and possibly the Kerry beagle.

This breed was refined and perfected in the United States to become the ultimate hunting dog for the working class, used to "tree" raccoons and other small game.

The United Kennel Club recognized the Black and Tan Coonhound in 1912, and the American Kennel Club followed suit in 1945.

The Redbone Coonhound and Black and Tan Coonhound share a common ancestry with Foxhounds, Bloodhounds, and possibly Irish hounds, making them true "Made in America" breeds.

Both breeds have a strong instinct to hunt and track, which has made them invaluable companions for hunters and farmers alike.

For another approach, see: Bull Terrier before Breeding

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The Redbone Coonhound is known for its incredible levels of endurance, while the Black and Tan Coonhound is renowned for its strong tracking abilities.

Despite their differences, both breeds have earned their places in American dog breeding history, and their unique characteristics continue to make them popular choices among hunters and dog enthusiasts.

Breed Selection

If you're considering bringing a Redbone Coonhound or Black and Tan Coonhound into your family, you'll want to think about their similar breeds.

If you're looking for a dog with a similar temperament, you might also consider the English Coonhound, which is known for its friendly and outgoing personality.

The Treeing Walker Coonhound is another breed that's worth considering, with its high energy level and strong hunting instinct.

If you're interested in a breed with a similar appearance, you might want to take a look at the Bluetick Coonhound, which has a distinctive coat pattern and is known for its athleticism.

Choosing a Breeder

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Research local breeders to find one with experience in the specific breed you're interested in. You can check with breed clubs or online directories to find reputable breeders.

Look for breeders who are transparent about their breeding practices, health testing, and temperament evaluation. This will give you a better understanding of what to expect from the puppies they produce.

Ask for references from other owners who have purchased puppies from the breeder. A good breeder will be happy to provide you with contact information for satisfied customers.

Consider visiting the breeder in person to see the facilities and meet the dogs. This will give you a sense of the breeder's operation and help you determine if they're a good fit for you.

Make sure the breeder has a contract that includes a health guarantee and spay/neuter requirements. This will protect you and the puppy in case something goes wrong.

You might enjoy: Bull Terrier Breeders

Adopting a Shelter Dog

You can find a Redbone Coonhound at a shelter or through a breed rescue organization. Sites like Petfinder.com and Adopt-a-Pet.com can have you searching for a Redbone in your area in no time flat.

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These websites allow you to be very specific in your requests or very general. You can search for Redbones by housetraining status, for example, or look for all the Redbones available on Petfinder across the country.

Social media is another great way to find a dog. Post on your Facebook page that you are looking for a specific breed so that your entire community can be your eyes and ears.

Talking to local experts, such as vets, dog walkers, and groomers, can also lead you to a Redbone in need of a home. When someone has to give up a dog, they often ask their trusted network for recommendations.

Breed rescue groups, like the National Redbone Coonhound Association, can help you find a rescue dog that may be the perfect companion for your family. They often offer fostering opportunities so you can try out the experience before committing to adoption.

Before bringing home a pup, ask shelter or rescue group staff or volunteers about the dog's behavior and health. Find out how the dog responds to other animals, shelter workers, visitors, and children.

Make sure you have a good contract with the seller, shelter, or rescue group that spells out responsibilities on both sides. Petfinder offers an Adopters Bill of Rights that helps you understand what you can consider normal and appropriate when you get a dog from a shelter.

Similar Breeds

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If you're considering the Black and Tan Coonhound as a potential breed, you might also want to look into some of its similar breeds.

The English Coonhound is one of the breeds that shares similarities with the Black and Tan Coonhound.

If you're looking for a breed with a similar energy level, the Treeing Walker Coonhound is a good option.

The Bluetick Coonhound is another breed that shares some characteristics with the Black and Tan Coonhound.

Here are some breeds that are similar to the Black and Tan Coonhound:

  • English Coonhound
  • Treeing Walker Coonhound
  • Bluetick Coonhound
  • Black and Tan Coonhound Dogs & Puppies

Grooming and Appearance

The Redbone Coonhound has a short, smooth coat that's easy to maintain, but it does shed frequently. You'll need to brush them once a week with a shedding blade and a bristle brush to keep their coat looking its best.

Their ears are long and floppy, and they can be prone to infections, so be sure to check them regularly and clean them as needed. Regular brushing can also help redistribute the oils on their back that can transfer to other surfaces and leave stains.

Intriguing read: Bernese Mountain Dog Coat

Credit: youtube.com, Redbone Coonhound Breed Profile History - Price - Traits - Grooming Needs - Lifespan

Redbone Coonhounds have a musty smell, and they may need a bath every week if they're extremely active. Otherwise, plan on bathing them once every four to six weeks. Their teeth also need daily brushing, and an annual professional teeth cleaning by your vet is a must to prevent dental problems.

Here's a quick rundown of their grooming needs:

Appearance

Redbone Coonhounds and Black and Tan Coonhounds are both handsome breeds with unique features. Their ears are a defining characteristic, with the Redbone Coonhound's ears being long, floppy and set fairly low, while the Black and Tan Coonhound's ears cascade down either side of their face like black velvet curtains.

The eyes of these breeds are equally expressive, with the Redbone Coonhound's round eyes ranging from hazel to dark brown, and the Black and Tan Coonhound's eyes being big and sweet. Their noses are also distinctive, with the Redbone Coonhound's nose being black with big and open nostrils.

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Their coats are short and smooth, with the Redbone Coonhound's coat being a solid red color, and the Black and Tan Coonhound's coat being a deep black color with tan accents. The Black and Tan Coonhound can also have a small touch of white on their chest or elsewhere in their fur.

Here are the key features of these breeds' appearances:

  1. Ears: Long, floppy and set fairly low (Redbone Coonhound), or cascading down either side of their face (Black and Tan Coonhound)
  2. Nose: Black with big and open nostrils (Redbone Coonhound), or big and sweet (Black and Tan Coonhound)
  3. Coat: Solid red (Redbone Coonhound), deep black with tan accents (Black and Tan Coonhound)
  4. Tail: Medium in length and shaped like a saber (Redbone Coonhound), or not mentioned (Black and Tan Coonhound)

Grooming Basics

Redbone Coonhounds have short coats, but they still shed frequently and need regular brushing. Brush them once a week with a shedding blade and a bristle brush to maintain a lovely shine.

Their double coat can lead to a musty smell and oils on their back, which can transfer to other surfaces and leave stains. Regular brushing can help redistribute the oils.

You'll need to check their ears for signs of infection, like redness or swelling, and contact your vet if you see anything unusual. Your vet may recommend you clean your dog's ears.

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Bathing is needed more often for extremely active Redbone Coonhounds, potentially every week. Otherwise, plan on bathing them once every four to six weeks.

Keep their ears dry since their heavy ears aren't well ventilated and can be a breeding ground for nasty germs.

Daily tooth brushing is essential for Redbone Coonhounds, and it's best to start when they're a puppy.

Fun Facts

The black and tan coonhound breed is quite interesting, and I'm excited to share some fun facts about them.

The black and tan coonhound was the first coonhound recognized by the AKC.

These dogs are part of a larger group of six coonhound breeds, which also includes the Treeing Walker coonhound, the redbone coonhound, the English coonhound, the bluetick coonhound, and the Plott coonhound.

Here's a list of the six coonhound breeds, just to give you a better idea:

  • Black and tan coonhound
  • Treeing Walker coonhound
  • Redbone coonhound
  • English coonhound
  • Bluetick coonhound
  • Plott coonhound

Chief, the lovable character from the Disney film, is actually a black and tan coonhound, just like in the original 1967 novel The Fox and the Hound.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Redbone Coonhound a good family dog?

Yes, Redbone Coonhounds are loving and loyal family dogs. They make great companions for families due to their gentle and affectionate nature.

Wallace Adams

Lead Writer

Wallace Adams is a seasoned writer with a passion for sharing knowledge with others. With a keen interest in the world of dogs, he has established himself as a go-to expert on the Chinook breed. His articles on Chinook breeders and information have been widely read and appreciated by dog enthusiasts and owners alike.