Redbone Coonhound

Also called Redbone, Saddleback (historic)

Recognised breedFCI group 6Short profile

From Southern United States, developed before the Civil War.1 2

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male23 to 32 kg1 3

Weight, female20 to 29 kg1 3

Height, male56 to 69 cm1 2

Height, female53 to 66 cm1 2

Lifespan12 to 15 years3

Sizelarge

even-tempered and affectionate

eager to please

keen tracker and strong swimmer

2 4

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, close coat

A well-balanced, athletic hound with a short, sleek, glossy coat and long, soft ears.2 1

Colourssolid redchestnut red (small white on chest or feet allowed)2 1

Personality what they are like

Relaxed, gentle and friendly at home, often lounging between bursts of activity, but full of drive once on a scent. It is known for soulful, pleading eyes and a sweet, musical bay.4 2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Needs regular vigorous exercise such as long walks, hiking or swimming; a secure fence or lead is wise because it follows its nose.4 3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Easy-care coat that benefits from a weekly brush to lift loose hair.3

Home where they are happiest

Happiest in an active home with outdoor space rather than a small apartment.3

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A balanced diet with good protein, split into two meals a day for adults; puppies eat three to four smaller meals.3

Company who they like around

Friendly and loyal; generally does well with children and other pets when introduced sensibly.3

The story where it all began

Scottish red foxhounds brought to Georgia in the early 1800s, later mixed with Irish hound lines, laid the foundation. Breeders such as George F. L. Birdsong refined the dogs, and early 'Saddlebacks' with black markings gave way to the solid red hound of today, named for Tennessee breeder Peter Redbone.1 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Two Redbones are the canine heroes of the 1961 children's novel 'Where the Red Fern Grows'.1
2
It was the second coonhound breed ever registered with the UKC.2
3
Redbones are natural water dogs and swim well.2
4
They have been used on quarry as varied as raccoon, bear and cougar.1

Recognised by the official bits

UKC: Registered from 1902, the second coonhound breed recognised by the UKC.2
AKC: Recognised 2010 (Hound Group).1

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Redbone Coonhound. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year

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Where this comes from

Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.

Redbone Coonhound - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for size, recognition, history, facts
UKC Redbone Coonhound breed standard ukcdogs.comused for history, coat, colour, temperament
PetMD Redbone Coonhound petmd.comused for lifespan, care, diet
AKC Redbone Coonhound akc.orgused for temperament, activity

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.