The AKC has grouped all of the breeds that it registers into seven categories, or groups, roughly based on function and heritage. Breeds are grouped together because they share traits of form and function or a common heritage.
Hunted from swamplands to mountains, the Redbone is surefooted and swift, even on the most difficult terrain. Well-balanced, with a flashy red coat and excellent cold nose, the powerfully built Redbone mingles handsome looks with a confident air and fine hunting talents.
Expression – Pleading. Eyes – Dark brown to hazel in color, dark preferred. Set well apart. No drooping eyelids. Eyes round in shape. Faults-Yellow eyes, drooping eyelids. Ears – Set moderately low, fine in texture. Reaching near the end of the nose when stretched out. Proportioned to head. Faults -Stiff to the touch. Appearing to be attached only to the skin, instead of firmly attached to the head.
Neck – Medium in length, strong, slightly arched and held erect, denoting proudness. Throat – Slight fold of skin below the angle of jaw, clean throat is permissible. Faults – Too long, too thick, not in proportion with head and body. Topline – slightly taller at the withers than at the hips. Fault – Hips higher than withers. Body Chest – Deep, broad. Ribs – Well sprung to provide optimal lung capacity, denoting stamina. Back – Strong. Faults – Roach or sway back. Loin – Slightly arched. Tail – Medium length, very slight brush and saber-like. Faults – Not strong at root, heavy brush, Setter-like plume, curl tail.
Shoulders – Clean and muscular. Shoulder angulation should have a perfect 90-degree angle or close. Legs – Straight, well-boned. The forelegs will be set under dog and feet under his withers, not under ears. Pasterns – Straight, well set, clean and muscular, denoting both speed and strength. Faults – Forelegs crooked, out at elbows. Feet – Cat-paw type, compact, well padded. Toes – Stout, strong and well-arched. Nails – Well-set. Faults – Flat feet, open feet, hind dewclaws.
Short, smooth, coarse enough to provide protection.
Thighs – Clean and muscular. Fault – Cowhocked. Hindquarters should have the same angulation as the forequarters. Well boned.
Redbones are medium-to-large hound dogs whose muscles undulate beneath a sleek and stunning red coat. The overall impression is that a master sculptor carved them from blocks of the finest mahogany. The classically houndy head is flanked by ears long enough to reach the nose. Dreamy brown eyes give the face an expression described by the breed’s devotees as “pleading.”
Bred to work on all kinds of punishing terrain, Redbones are fast and surefooted and move with a proud, determined gait.
The Redbone Coonhound should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
The Redbone Conhound’s short, smooth, protective coat requires a minimum of care. Using a shedding tool or grooming mitt at least weekly will help keep shedding to a minimum. This action also distributes skin oils down the hair shaft, giving his coat a natural shine. Nails should be trimmed once a month, and a bath every four to six weeks will keep the coat and skin clean and healthy. The Redbone’s ears should be checked weekly and cleaned of any excess wax and debris as needed.
The Redbone Coonhound is a friendly, energetic canine athlete and makes a wonderful companion for someone who is an active runner, biker, or hiker. He needs a lot of physical activity to stay healthy and happy. The breed has a very strong instinct to follow his nose and go off after prey, so he should never be allowed off leash in an uncontrolled situation.
As with all breeds, early socialization and puppy training classes are recommended. Redbones are devoted companions and are very versatile, excelling in a range of venues, including coonhound trials and canine sports such as agility. Most of all they are great family dogs, very loving and loyal.
Redbone Coonhounds are generally healthy dogs. Responsible breeders test their stock for health concerns and communicate with other dedicated breeders regularly, working together for breed health and preservation of the breed’s unique qualities. A Redbone’s ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection, and the teeth should be brushed often, using a toothpaste formulated for dogs. Regular visits to the vet for checkups and parasite control help to ensure the dog a long, healthy life.
Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club:
Hunted from swamplands to mountains, the Redbone is surefooted and swift, even on the most difficult terrain. Well-balanced, with a flashy red coat and excellent cold nose, the powerfully built Redbone mingles handsome looks with a confident air and fine hunting talents.
Expression – Pleading. Eyes – Dark brown to hazel in color, dark preferred. Set well apart. No drooping eyelids. Eyes round in shape. Faults-Yellow eyes, drooping eyelids. Ears – Set moderately low, fine in texture. Reaching near the end of the nose when stretched out. Proportioned to head. Faults -Stiff to the touch. Appearing to be attached only to the skin, instead of firmly attached to the head.
Neck – Medium in length, strong, slightly arched and held erect, denoting proudness. Throat – Slight fold of skin below the angle of jaw, clean throat is permissible. Faults – Too long, too thick, not in proportion with head and body. Topline – slightly taller at the withers than at the hips. Fault – Hips higher than withers. Body Chest – Deep, broad. Ribs – Well sprung to provide optimal lung capacity, denoting stamina. Back – Strong. Faults – Roach or sway back. Loin – Slightly arched. Tail – Medium length, very slight brush and saber-like. Faults – Not strong at root, heavy brush, Setter-like plume, curl tail.
Shoulders – Clean and muscular. Shoulder angulation should have a perfect 90-degree angle or close. Legs – Straight, well-boned. The forelegs will be set under dog and feet under his withers, not under ears. Pasterns – Straight, well set, clean and muscular, denoting both speed and strength. Faults – Forelegs crooked, out at elbows. Feet – Cat-paw type, compact, well padded. Toes – Stout, strong and well-arched. Nails – Well-set. Faults – Flat feet, open feet, hind dewclaws.
Short, smooth, coarse enough to provide protection.
Thighs – Clean and muscular. Fault – Cowhocked. Hindquarters should have the same angulation as the forequarters. Well boned.
| Description | Standard Colors | Registration Code |
| Red | Check Mark For Standard Color | 140 |
| Description | Standard Markings | Registration Code |
| White Markings | Check Mark For Standard Mark | 014 |
