The Redbone Coonhound is one of the six AKC-recognized American coonhound breeds — a large, athletic, and strikingly beautiful scent hound developed in the American South specifically for treeing raccoon, but also used successfully on bear, mountain lion, and other big game. The Redbone’s rich mahogany-red coat sets it apart visually from all other coonhound breeds, and its even-tempered, mellow disposition at home makes it a genuinely pleasant family companion when its considerable exercise needs are met.
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Redbone Coonhound
Lifespan12 - 15
Average Price$500 - $1,200
Weight20 - 3218 - 27
Height53 - 6953 - 64
PedigreeYes
Health tests availableOFA Hip Dysplasia Evaluation (recommended for breeding animals), OFA CAER Eye Evaluation (recommended), Weekly ear cleaning protocol (elevated infection risk), General health screening by licensed veterinarian
NicknamesRedbone, Red Coonhound, Redbone Hound
Pros
Striking, all-red mahogany coat is one of the most distinctive and beautiful among AKC coonhounds
Even-tempered, loyal, and mellow family companion at home
Generally excellent with children when properly socialized
Among the most versatile coonhounds — capable on raccoon, bear, cougar, and other big game
Cons
Deep, melodious baying voice is a breed characteristic that creates significant management challenges in suburban settings
Very high exercise demands; inadequate activity leads to destructive behavior and persistent vocalization
Scent drive makes off-leash reliability in open environments essentially unachievable on a trail
Pack-oriented breed that does better with canine companionship; sole dogs can develop significant separation anxiety
The Redbone Coonhound was developed by American breeders beginning in the late 18th century, primarily in Tennessee, Georgia, and surrounding states, from red foxhounds brought by Scottish immigrants and subsequently refined by selective breeding for treeing ability and scenting capability. Georgia breeder Peter Redbone is often cited in the breed’s early development, giving the breed its name. The Redbone was one of the first coonhound breeds to be developed with an emphasis on appearance alongside working ability. The AKC recognized the Redbone Coonhound in 2009, placing it in the Hound Group. The National Redbone Coonhound Club serves as the AKC parent club.
The Redbone Coonhound is a medium to large hound standing 53 to 69 cm at the shoulder and weighing 18 to 32 kg. The build is muscular and athletic, designed for sustained trailing over rough terrain. The most visually striking feature is the coat: uniformly deep mahogany red, sometimes with dark muzzle or feet markings, the Redbone’s rich coloring is unique among American coonhounds. The coat is short and dense. The ears are long, pendant, and typical of the American scent hound type. The overall impression is of a handsome, powerful, and well-balanced large hound.
The Redbone Coonhound is even-tempered, mellow, and affectionate at home — a genuinely sweet-natured hound that forms loyal bonds with its family. It is described by the AKC as “even-tempered at home but a tiger on the trail” — a characterization that precisely captures the Redbone’s dual nature. With family and children, it is gentle and patient; on a hot trail in the field, it is relentless, focused, and vocally enthusiastic.
The Redbone Coonhound is trainable for basic obedience and hunting applications with consistent positive reinforcement. Like all scent hounds, recall in open environments with active scent trails is unreliable regardless of training investment. Early socialization and vocal management training are important priorities for companion placement.
The Redbone is typically gentle and good with children, reflecting its even-tempered domestic character. Rural families with active children who participate in hunting or outdoor activities will find it a warm and capable companion. Its baying voice and hunting energy mean it is better suited to active families than sedentary households.
The Redbone Coonhound is generally a healthy and robust breed. Hip dysplasia can occur; OFA evaluation of breeding animals is advisable. Ear infections are a common management issue given the long pendant ears; weekly inspection and cleaning is essential for hunting dogs working in wet and vegetated terrain. A healthy Redbone Coonhound typically lives 12 to 15 years.
The Redbone thrives in rural settings with access to hunting land and active working opportunities. Secure fencing is essential. Weekly ear care is the most important routine health maintenance task. The breed’s pack instinct means it benefits significantly from canine companionship.
The Redbone Coonhound's short, dense, gleaming red coat requires only weekly brushing with a rubber grooming glove or natural bristle brush. Bathe as needed. The large, pendulous ears are the primary maintenance priority: check and clean weekly to prevent wax buildup and infections — the breed's ear structure and hunting activity in dense terrain make ear health a recurring concern. Trim nails monthly and brush teeth several times per week. Professional grooming is not necessary for this naturally low-maintenance coat.
The Redbone Coonhound is a high-endurance breed that needs 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise — long runs, hikes, and hunting activities are ideal. A breed developed for trailing raccoons through rough nocturnal terrain in the American South, the Redbone has the stamina to work all night. Off-leash exercise must be in a securely fenced area: the breed's powerful nose makes it completely unreliable off-leash when an interesting scent is detected. AKC-recognized since 2009, the Redbone excels in AKC Coonhound Events and hunting trials.
Feed the Redbone Coonhound two to two and a half cups of high-quality dry kibble per day divided into two meals. Choose a formula appropriate for large active hounds with a quality protein source as the first ingredient. Hunting-season dogs working in the field need considerably more. Monitor body condition monthly — a fit Redbone should be lean and muscular, never overweight, with visible waistline definition. A healthy Redbone Coonhound from a responsible breeder typically costs $450 to $1,200 in the United States.
Redbone Coonhound puppies from AKC-registered parents in the United States typically cost between $500 and $1,200. The National Redbone Coonhound Club and UKC breeder listings provide resources for finding responsibly bred hunting stock. Lancaster Puppies features Redbone Coonhound listings from established US hunting breeders.
Contact the National Redbone Coonhound Club for breeder referrals. Request OFA hip evaluations for breeding animals. Be honest about your hunting lifestyle and living environment before purchasing. Lancaster Puppies connects buyers with established Redbone Coonhound breeders across the American South.