Redbone Coonhound

At the end of the 18th century, many European hunting dog breeds, most of Scottish, French, English or Irish origin, were imported to America, including the English Foxhound, the Grand Bleu de Gascogne, the Welsh Hound, the Beagle, and the St. Hubert's Dog. Most often, these dogs were imported by wealthy plantation owners in the Tidewater region of Virginia to imitate European bourgeoisie and conduct hunts with a small number of dogs tracking prey on farm lands. However, after the American Revolution, and as colonies expanded further south and west, hunters realized that hunting dogs imported from the British Isles and France in the late 18th and early 19th centuries had been bred to evolve on types of terrain quite different from those of southern America. By the end of the reign of King George III, a large part of England's, Scotland's and Ireland's oak forests had been cleared for the Royal Navy and many peat bog operations served fuel production. With the exception of badgers, rabbits and foxes, much of the original fauna of these regions had gradually disappeared. The French aristocracy owned a few private hunting reserves, but it was rare for dogs to track anything given the limited size of the hunting lands. The situation was completely different in southern America, where thousands of kilometers of cypress swamps and dense subtropical forests stretched. The lands were filled with animals ready to fight fiercely to the death such as alligators, black bears, porcupines, cougars and raccoons. Under such conditions, European breeds were practically useless since none of the previously named animals hid in the ground or fled at the approach of danger: faced with prey that climbs trees or rids itself of its pursuer by entering deep swampy waters, the dogs found themselves completely helpless. Faced with a porcupine, the pack would even flee when the lead dog got stung. Over time, southern hunters selected dog breeds that did not flee, which were endowed with great endurance, and which relentlessly pursued their prey until it took refuge in a tree or found itself trapped and exhausted; this is what gave the modern Coonhounds. At the end of the 18th century, Scottish immigrants brought red foxhounds to Georgia, dogs that became the founding bases of the Redbone. Later, in 1840, Irish lineages of Foxhound and St. Hubert's Dog were introduced. The name of the breed comes from one of the first breeders, Peter Redbone of Tennessee, although other breeders also contributed to the development of the breed in the 19th century, Georgia F.L. Birdsong of Georgia and Dr. Thomas Henry. Over time, breeders followed a selective program that created a Coonhound breed specialized for prey taking refuge in trees and, unlike European breeds, which does not hesitate to attack large prey, which demonstrates agility on both mountainous and flat terrain, and capable of swimming if necessary. It was an ideal breed for hunting packs of small or large game. Originally, the Redbone had a black coat but from the early 20th century the breed took on an entirely red coat. Like many American hunting dogs, particularly southern breeds, the Redbone was very well known and appreciated by hunters and farmers, but completely absent from exhibitions. The trend has recently changed and the Redbone has been recognized by the two main American dog clubs

Redbone Coonhounds are excellent companions and good family dogs, but they have particular needs. They love to be with their master and family, and they are happy to be part of their daily life, to sit at their side or to watch them: the Redbone Coonhound is very often unhappy if neglected or if it does not spend time with its family. In general, these are loving and very affectionate dogs: they do not hesitate to jump on you barking to greet you, a typical Redbone will be just as affectionate with other people, licking the faces of family members, friends and other dogs. However, a dog of this breed will not be as attention-seeking as a Labrador Retriever. They greatly appreciate petting. These are very expressive dogs: as explained above, adult Redbones are large dogs. Sometimes they don't realize their size or strength when young and can accidentally knock over elderly people and young children if they are not trained or do not know the "heel" command, basic training is an essential element for this breed. The Redbone is a dog that barks a lot because it is a hunting dog. The breed is known for its distinctive "slow" barking, also called "howling." Hunters who use this breed follow the howls of the dogs tracking their prey. Training is essential to channel their excitement and joyful barking, but also to allow them to satisfy their "tracking" need which drives them to bark.

The Redbone Coonhound is an athletic, muscular and well-proportioned dog. Its morphology is typical of the Coonhounds subgroup, with long elongated legs, a broad chest, a tail and head held high and proud when hunting or at dog shows. The Redbone is often described by its "pleading" expression, with sad brown or black eyes and long drooping ears. Its coat is short and soft but resistant to provide it with the necessary protection during hunting in thickets. Its paws are equipped with thick pads, they are also webbed and the presence of dewclaws is not rare. Its nose is black and forward. The ears are drooping and reach the tip of the muzzle when extended. The nose is always black and its coat is always a brilliant red, although white spots on the chest, between the legs and paws are acceptable, they are to be avoided. It is rare for the Redbone to have an entirely black coat. It also sometimes has black fur on the face and muzzle. The paws are often webbed. Males measure between 56 and 68.5 cm at the withers, females are slightly smaller, with a size between 53 and 66 cm. The weight should be proportional to the size and bone structure of the dog, with a preference for athletic working dogs rather than overly muscled dogs. Its weight is generally between 20.5 and 31.75 kg.