Redbone Coonhound Guide: Temperament, Size, Care and Adoption
Redbone Coonhound facts
The Redbone is a medium-sized hound with a deep red coat that is described as well balanced and agile. AKC places the breed in the Hound Group and recognized it in 2009. Redbones were bred as hunters that specialize in raccoons but also trail and tree bear, cougar and bobcat.
Where does the Redbone Coonhound come from?
The breed's ancestors were foxhounds, and the foundation stock of the modern Redbone came from a pack that Georgia hunter George Birdsong obtained in the 1840s. Early dogs were often called Saddlebacks because many had black saddle markings, which breeding later removed to leave solid red dogs. The United Kennel Club registered the Redbone as its second coonhound breed in 1902.
How big do coonhounds get? Redbone Coonhound size and weight
AKC lists the Redbone Coonhound as a large breed standing 22-27 inches for males and 21-26 inches for females, with a weight of 45-70 pounds. The UKC standard describes adult males as 22 to 27 inches and adult females as 21 to 25 inches at the withers.
Redbone Coonhound temperament and traits
AKC describes the breed as eager to please, even-tempered and amiable. VCA portrays a relaxed hound that is usually happy lazing indoors and in the yard, provided he gets daily time to run and explore. He tends to be affectionate and gentle without being clingy, and gets along with strangers, children and other dogs, and can be good with cats if raised with them. Barking is not constant, but when he does bark it is a deep, melodious sound.
Exercise needs
He needs moderate exercise every day, such as a long walk, a moderate jog or time off leash in a secure area, and he enjoys swimming. Because he follows his nose, care is needed to keep him from heading off on a scent trail.
Do coonhounds shed? Coat and grooming
The coat is short and smooth, and VCA says it is wash and wear and needs only weekly brushing. AKC rates shedding 3 of 5 and grooming frequency 2 of 5 for the breed. Nails should be kept short, and ears and teeth should be kept clean.
Training
Having been bred to think for himself on the hunt, he may be stubborn when convinced you are wrong, but he often works for treats and approval once he sees it pays off. VCA suggests introducing basic training early.
Redbone Coonhound lifespan and health
For those asking how long coonhounds live, AKC gives a general life expectancy of 12-15 years for the Redbone Coonhound. VCA reports no major health concerns peculiar to the breed, though regular veterinary visits can help catch problems that develop. AKC lists no recommended health tests, while VCA advises asking a breeder to show hip screening results for breeding stock.
Considering coonhound rescue or adoption
If you are looking at coonhound adoption or Redbone Coonhound rescue, plan for a dog whose scent drive may lead him off, so a secure yard and leashed walks matter. A veterinarian can advise on any individual dog's health.
AKC breed facts
These are the American Kennel Club’s general facts and 1 to 5 ratings for the Redbone Coonhound as a breed. General tendencies don’t establish any one dog’s ancestry, personality or health; ask the listing organization about the dog you are considering.
- AKC group
- Hound Group
- AKC recognition year
- 2009
- Height (AKC published)
- 22-27 inches (male), 21-26 inches (female)
- Weight (AKC published)
- 45-70 pounds
- General life expectancy
- 12-15 years
- AKC size category
- Large
AKC general breed ratings (1 to 5)
- Energy: 3 of 5
- Mental enrichment: 4 of 5
- Trainability: 3 of 5
- Grooming frequency: 2 of 5
- Shedding: 3 of 5
- Vocalization: 4 of 5
- Drooling: 3 of 5
- Adaptability: 4 of 5
- Playfulness: 3 of 5
- Watchful or protective tendency: 3 of 5
- Affection toward family: 5 of 5
- Openness toward strangers: 3 of 5
- AKC child compatibility rating: 5 of 5
- AKC dog compatibility rating: 5 of 5
Health screenings AKC lists for the breed
Breeding evaluations AKC names for the breed; they are not a diagnosis or a testing plan for any one dog.
- No recommended health tests
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (opens in a new tab), retrieved November 4, 2026 (snapshot akc-2026-11-04).
Written by Lily's Second Chance with AI assistance from the sources listed under References. Facts were checked automatically against those sources on November 9, 2026.
References
- Breed Standards : Redbone Coonhound | United Kennel Club (UKC) (opens in a new tab), United Kennel Club, checked November 7, 2026
- Redbone Coonhound | VCA Animal Hospitals (opens in a new tab), VCA Animal Hospitals, checked November 7, 2026
- Redbone Coonhound - AKC breed profile (snapshot akc-2026-11-04) (opens in a new tab), American Kennel Club, checked November 4, 2026
