The Redbone Coonhound Mix is a unique and fascinating breed that combines the best qualities of its parent breeds. They are a cross between the Redbone Coonhound and another breed, which can result in a variety of characteristics.
One of the most distinctive features of the Redbone Coonhound Mix is its coat, which can range from a solid red to a tri-color pattern. Their coat is short, smooth, and easy to maintain.
Redbone Coonhound Mixes are known for their intelligence, energy, and strong prey drive, making them excellent hunting companions. They are also highly social and love to be around people.
In terms of size, Redbone Coonhound Mixes can vary, but they are generally medium to large dogs, weighing between 45-75 pounds.
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Quick Facts
The Redbone Coonhound mix is a medium to large-sized breed.
Originating from the United States, this breed falls under the Hound group.
Their size can range from medium to large, with a weight of 45-70 pounds.
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A typical lifespan for a Redbone Coonhound mix is 12-15 years.
Their coat is short, smooth, and dense, with a striking red color.
They are known for being affectionate, gentle, and outgoing.
To keep them happy and healthy, they require high exercise needs.
Early and consistent training is recommended to ensure good behavior.
Some potential health concerns to be aware of include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and cherry eye.
Exercise and Care
Redbone Coonhound mix owners know that these dogs are built for action. They need at least an hour or two of exercise every day to stay happy and healthy.
They're natural-born hunters, so they have tons of energy and can get very frustrated if they don't have a way to burn it off. This can lead to destructive behavior like digging up flower beds or making holes in doors.
Daily walks, runs, or play sessions are a must to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. They also love to engage in dog sports like agility or tracking, which can be a great way to bond with your pup.
To prevent them from getting into trouble, always keep them on a leash or in a fenced-in area, especially when they catch a scent. With their strong desire to hunt, they can go far very quickly.
They're also excellent swimmers, so this can be another great way to get them moving. A long walk with plenty of sniffing opportunities can also help keep them happy and stimulated.
Exercise
Redbone Coonhounds need a lot of exercise to stay happy and healthy. They require at least an hour or two of exercise every day.
These dogs are built for running and love to move their bodies. In fact, they can get very frustrated and destructive if they don't have an opportunity to run around.
Daily walks and runs are great ways to provide exercise for your Redbone Coonhound. You can also try agility training or tracking to keep them engaged and stimulated.
Redbone Coonhounds are natural-born hunters, so they need to be kept on a leash or in a fenced-in area to prevent them from following interesting scents. This is especially important if you live in an area with a lot of wildlife.
With 90 minutes of exercise per day, your Redbone Coonhound will be happy and content. They'll even enjoy swimming as a way to burn off energy.
Remember, providing exercise is just as important as providing food and shelter for your Redbone Coonhound. So, make sure to prioritize their physical and mental well-being.
Size
Redbone Coonhounds are a great example of the size variation within the breed. Males stand 22 to 27 inches at the shoulder.
Coonhounds are built to be tall and leggy, which helps them travel long distances in pursuit of prey. This unique physique allows them to cover a lot of ground.
Redbone Coonhounds typically weigh between 45 and 70 pounds, with males weighing more than females.
Breed Overview
The Redbone Coonhound mix is a medium-size dog with a solid-red coat, weighing between 45 to 70 pounds. They stand between 21 to 27 inches at the shoulder.
They have a unique temperament, being affectionate, independent, energetic, intelligent, fun-loving, and friendly. This makes them great family dogs, but they do require plenty of exercise and patience during training.
Their tracking skills are exceptional, originally prized for raccoon hunting, and have found new purpose in modern search-and-rescue work. They are adaptable and can thrive in various environments, from homes to fields.
History
The Redbone Coonhound has a rich history that spans back to the late 18th century in the Southern United States.
Originating from red foxhounds brought by Scottish immigrants, these dogs were selectively bred for their scenting and treeing abilities, making them exceptional raccoon hunting dogs.
Their distinctive solid red coat, which remains a defining feature of the breed today, was selectively cultivated during this period.
Renowned for their loyalty and affectionate disposition, Redbone Coonhounds have earned a reputation as excellent family dogs.
The breed's development was crucially influenced by breeders like George F.L. Birdsong, who crossed various breeds to create the Redbone Coonhound we know today.
The Redbone Coonhound's history is a testament to its versatility and enduring popularity in American culture.
Recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1902 and later by the American Kennel Club in 2009, these dogs have not only been valued for their hunting prowess but have also found roles as family pets and in search and rescue operations.
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With a history stretching back to the red foxhounds brought by Scottish immigrants to the Southeastern United States, the Redbone Coonhound has earned their reputation as a hard-working hunting dog with incredible levels of endurance.
The breed was originally bred to hunt raccoons and foxes in Tennessee and Georgia and became very skilled at treeing raccoons.
The Redbone Coonhound's solid-red coat was cultivated through selective breeding, and the black saddleback streak was eventually bred out.
The breed's distinct feature is its solid red coat, and it became well-known for its persistence in tracking and its loud, melodic baying when treed.
Redbone Coonhounds originated from red foxhounds brought to the United States by Scottish immigrants in the late 18th century.
The majority of the breed's development took place in the Southeastern United States, especially in the state of Georgia.
Over time, the Scottish foxhounds were bred for raccoon-hunting traits and were eventually crossed with Irish hounds and possibly bloodhounds which led to the Redbone coonhound we know today.
By the end of the 19th century, the Redbone coonhound was a well-established breed.
Coonhounds got their start in the American Southeast in the 1700s. Descending from English-imported foxhounds, these leggy legends took to tracking racoons and other native game with ease.
Appearance
The Redbone Coonhound is a stunning breed with a distinctive appearance. Their coats are a deep, solid red color.
Their ears are long and floppy, set fairly low on their head. Their eyes are round and come in shades of brown, from hazel to dark brown. A Redbone Coonhound's nose is black with big and open nostrils, perfect for sniffing out a trail.
Their coats are short, smooth, and coarse, with a medium-length tail shaped like a saber.
Here are the six recognized coonhound breeds, each with their own unique features:
The Redbone Coonhound's height is typically between 21 to 27 inches at the shoulder, and their weight can range from 45 to 70 pounds.
Breed Overview
The Redbone Coonhound is a medium-sized breed with a distinctive solid-red coat. They typically weigh between 45 and 70 pounds and stand between 21 and 27 inches at the shoulder.
Their lifespan is relatively short, ranging from 10 to 12 years. This breed is known for its energetic and lively personality, making them a great companion for active families.
Redbone Coonhounds are part of the hound group and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). They have a rich history, dating back to the late 18th century when Scottish immigrants brought red foxhounds to the United States.
Here are some key characteristics of the Redbone Coonhound breed:
Redbone Coonhounds are naturally good hunters, with a strong prey drive and a keen sense of smell. They were originally bred for raccoon hunting, but have since been used in search-and-rescue operations and other roles.
Health and Grooming
Redbone Coonhounds are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Regular ear cleaning and inspection are essential due to their long ears that hang close to the ground, making them more susceptible to ear infections.
Hip dysplasia is a common orthopedic issue in many breeds, including Redbone Coonhounds. It involves abnormal development of the hip joint, which can lead to arthritis and mobility problems. Obesity is also a concern, as these dogs have hearty appetites and a love for food, which can lead to obesity if not carefully managed.
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Their lifespan is around 12 to 15 years, and they are prone to fewer health conditions than other dog breeds. However, it's essential to be aware of the health problems they may experience, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, panosteitis, coonhound paralysis, and progressive retinal atrophy.
Here are some essential grooming tips for Redbone Coonhounds:
- Brush their coat once a week to remove loose hair and distribute natural oils.
- Bathe them as needed, ideally every 4-6 weeks, and check for ticks after outdoor activities.
- Trim their nails to prevent splitting and tears.
- Brush their teeth daily to maintain dental hygiene and prevent periodontal disease and oral infections.
Regular grooming not only keeps them clean and healthy but also helps reduce the musky hound odor that comes with their coat.
Health Issues
Redbone Coonhounds are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Hip Dysplasia is a common orthopedic issue in many breeds, including Redbone Coonhounds.
Regular ear cleaning and inspection are essential to prevent ear infections, which can be caused by their long ears that hang close to the ground. Obesity is another concern, as these dogs have hearty appetites and a love for food.
Bloat is a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and can twist on itself, requiring immediate veterinary attention. Heart Issues are also a concern, particularly cardiomyopathy, which can be detected and managed with regular vet check-ups.
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Redbone Coonhounds have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years and are prone to fewer health conditions than other dog breeds. However, Hip and Elbow Dysplasia are still a concern, caused by malformed joints that rub and cause pain.
Panosteitis is an inflammation of the bone that causes pain and lameness, and can be treated with medications and limited activity. Coonhound Paralysis is an immune reaction to raccoon saliva that inflames the dog's nerves, affecting their gait and breathing.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) causes gradual vision loss, with night blindness being an early symptom. A genetic screening test is available to detect PRA.
Here are some common health issues to watch for in Redbone Coonhounds:
- Hip dysplasia
- Ear infections (otitis)
- Elbow dysplasia
Grooming
Grooming is an essential part of caring for your Redbone Coonhound. Their short, smooth coat requires minimal grooming, but regular brushing is necessary to remove loose hair and distribute natural oils.
Redbone Coonhounds shed moderately, and brushing them once a week with a shedding blade and a bristle brush can help maintain a lovely shine. Wire brushes are not recommended, as they can be too harsh for their coat.
Their heavy ears can be a breeding ground for nasty germs, so it's essential to keep them dry and clean. Check their ears regularly for signs of infection, and contact your vet if you notice any unusual redness or swelling.
Bathing your Redbone Coonhound is also crucial, especially if they're extremely active outdoors. They may need a bath every week, or you can plan on bathing them once every four to six weeks. Always keep their ears dry during baths.
In addition to brushing and bathing, regular nail trimming is necessary to prevent splitting and tears. Brushing your dog's teeth daily can also help maintain dental hygiene and prevent periodontal disease and oral infections.
Here's a quick grooming checklist:
- Brush your Redbone Coonhound's coat once a week
- Trim their nails regularly
- Brush their teeth daily
- Bathe them as needed (every 4-6 weeks, or every week for extremely active dogs)
- Check their ears regularly for signs of infection
Behavior and Training
Redbone Coonhound mixes are intelligent dogs who are eager to please, but they can also be easily distracted by interesting scents.
They require early socialization and obedience training to help direct their instincts in proper directions. Short training sessions, like 10 minutes at a time, are essential to keep them engaged and prevent frustration.
Redbone Coonhounds are naturally curious and intelligent dogs, bred for the hunt, which means they need to be sufficiently exercised to prevent barking and digging.
Leashed walks and a fenced yard are crucial to prevent wandering, as they will follow interesting scents and chase critters outdoors. Microchipping and up-to-date ID tags are also essential.
Positive reinforcement training methods are ideal for Redbone Coonhounds, as they respond well to rewards and praise. They can be stubborn at times, so patience and persistence are necessary.
These dogs thrive on social interactions and often prefer being part of family activities, making them less suited to prolonged isolation. They value companionship and are pack animals.
Redbone Coonhounds are high-energy dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent destructive behavior. They love to be with their people and may become sad or destructive if left alone for too long.
They have a powerful nose and can get distracted by scents, so it's essential to keep them on a leash in unsecured areas. They're also clever escape artists who can figure out how to get over, under, or around fences.
Redbone Coonhounds get along well with other dogs, especially those who can match their energy level, but their instincts may kick in around small animals. They're not aggressive, but their enthusiasm may look like aggression to people unfamiliar with the breed.
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Pet Parent Considerations
Redbone Coonhounds are generally great with children, making them an excellent choice for families with kids. They're patient and gentle, but it's still essential to supervise interactions between dogs and young children to ensure mutual respect and prevent accidental rough play.
Redbone Coonhounds can coexist harmoniously with other pets, especially if they're raised with them from an early age. However, their strong prey drive may lead them to chase smaller animals, so early socialization and training are crucial to ensure peaceful cohabitation.
Redbone Coonhounds are not well-suited for apartment living due to their high energy levels and tendency to bark. They need plenty of space to run and sniff, so a securely fenced yard is a must.
Pet Parent Considerations
Redbone Coonhounds are generally a great match for active families who can provide them with plenty of exercise and mental engagement.
Their friendly nature makes them excellent family dogs that get along with children and other pets, but it's essential to supervise interactions between dogs and young children to ensure mutual respect and prevent accidental rough play.
Redbone Coonhounds can coexist harmoniously with other pets, particularly if they are raised with them from an early age, but individual temperament and socialization play crucial roles in these interactions.
Early socialization and training are essential to ensure peaceful cohabitation with other pets, as their strong prey drive may occasionally lead them to chase smaller animals.
Redbone Coonhounds are not well-suited for apartment living due to their high energy levels and tendency to bark, so they need lots of space to run and sniff.
Rescue Groups
If you're considering bringing a Redbone Coonhound into your family, you may be wondering about rescue groups.
There are several dedicated rescue groups and organizations that focus on the rehabilitation and rehoming of Redbone Coonhounds.
If you're unable to find a breed-specific rescue, you can expand your search to rescues dedicated to the welfare of Coonhounds and other types of Hounds.
You can check out the Coonhound Companions Rescue Network and the Rescue Shelter Database (Redbone Coonhound) for resources and information.
Diet and Nutrition
Redbone Coonhounds are enthusiastic eaters and can easily overeat, so it's essential to monitor their food intake to prevent obesity.
Choose a high-quality commercial dog food that meets the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials.
A Redbone Coonhound's diet should be tailored to their age, with puppy, adult, and senior formulas available for large-breed dogs.
Your veterinarian can help you create a feeding chart to determine how much and how often to feed your dog.
Treats can be a great motivator for training, but they should be given in moderation to avoid packing on the pounds.
Obesity can lead to serious health problems like diabetes and joint conditions, so it's crucial to keep a close eye on your dog's weight.
High-quality dog food, whether dry kibble or wet canned food, is a good choice for Redbone Coonhounds as it offers complete and balanced nutrition.
It's essential to follow the feeding guidelines provided on the dog food packaging and adjust the portion size according to your dog's specific requirements to maintain a healthy weight.
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Redbone Coonhounds should be fed two meals a day to maintain their energy levels, with puppies needing to eat more frequently on a regular schedule.
Consult with your veterinarian for personalized dietary recommendations and any special dietary considerations for your Redbone Coonhound.
Fish oil supplements can support a Redbone Coonhound's overall health, particularly their skin and coat health, but always consult with your veterinarian before introducing any supplements to their diet.
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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 who want a devoted and versatile pet.
What are the drawbacks of having a Redbone Coonhound?
Redbone Coonhounds may be prone to hip dysplasia and ear infections, and their hunting lifestyle can lead to injuries. Regular care and attention can help mitigate these risks
Do redbone Coonhounds bark a lot?
Redbone Coonhounds are prone to barking due to their high energy levels. They may not be the best fit for apartment living.
What is the life expectancy of a Redbone Coonhound?
A Redbone Coonhound's average lifespan is 10 to 15 years, with 12 years being typical for large hounds. Proper care, including high-quality food and regular exercise, can help maximize their health and lifespan.
Sources
- Where the Red Fern Grows (imdb.com)
- desire to chase (hillspet.com)
- George F.L. Birdsong (nationalpurebreddogday.com)
- Rescue Shelter Database (Redbone Coonhound) (rescueshelter.com)
- Coonhound Companions Rescue Network (coonhoundcompanions.com)
- Redbone Coonhound: Characteristics, Care & Photos (chewy.com)
- Redbone Coonhound Dog Breed Health and Care (petmd.com)
- breed standard (akc.org)
- Hip dysplasia (acvs.org)
- Coonhound Rescue (coonhoundrescue.com)
- National Redbone Coonhound Association (nationalredbonecoonhoundassociation.org)
- About the breed (nationalredboneclu.wixsite.com)
- Redbone coonhound history (akc.org)
- Coonhound Mixes: 9 Handsome Hound Combinations (k9ofmine.com)
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