Redbone Coonhound

Characteristics

About the Redbone Coonhound

Few breeds have the storied background of the Redbone Coonhound. Featured prominently in Wilson Rawls' novel 'Where the Red Fern Grows,' which brought the breed national recognition; AKC recognized in 2009.. In 2026, the breed holds AKC rank #153.

Physically, the Redbone Coonhound is a medium-sized dog standing 21–27 inches and weighing 45–70 pounds. Their solid, rich red coat is unique among coonhound breeds and is so uniform that the breed standard allows almost no other color.

The laid-back, red-coated hound immortalized in 'Where the Red Fern Grows' whose easygoing charm and soulful eyes win hearts effortlessly..

History

Bred to trail and tree raccoons, as well as larger game like bear and cougar, across the rugged terrain of the southern Appalachian Mountains.. Developed in the American South from red foxhounds brought by Scottish immigrants and refined by breeders in Georgia and Tennessee in the late 1700s and early 1800s..

Featured prominently in Wilson Rawls' novel 'Where the Red Fern Grows,' which brought the breed national recognition; AKC recognized in 2009.. Now ranked #153, Popular hunting companion for raccoon and larger game; increasingly appreciated as a family dog for those who can manage their vocal nature and exercise needs..

Common Health Issues

Complete health guide →

Similar Breeds

Is the Redbone Coonhound Right for You?

Choosing the right dog breed is one of the most important decisions a future owner can make. The Redbone Coonhound is a medium-sized breed belonging to the Hound group, which shapes much of its daily behavior and needs. Here is an honest assessment based on key traits to help you decide if this breed fits your lifestyle.

Energy and exercise: The Redbone Coonhound has high energy levels and requires substantial daily activity - at least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise including walks, runs, or active play sessions. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle or work very long hours, this breed may become destructive without adequate physical outlets.

Living space: With an apartment friendliness rating of 1/5, the Redbone Coonhound is not well-suited for small living spaces. This breed does best in a home with a securely fenced yard and ample room to move. Apartment living may lead to behavioral problems unless the owner is extremely committed to daily outdoor exercise.

Children and family: Scoring 5/5 with children, the Redbone Coonhound is an excellent family companion. They tend to be patient, gentle, and tolerant of the unpredictable behavior of young children. Supervision is always recommended, but this breed naturally gravitates toward being protective and affectionate with kids.

Grooming commitment: The Redbone Coonhound is relatively low-maintenance in grooming with a rating of 1/5. Weekly brushing and occasional baths are typically sufficient. This makes the breed a good choice for owners who prefer minimal grooming routines, with costs around $39–84/month.

Ownership Cost Summary

Before bringing a Redbone Coonhound home, it is critical to understand the full financial commitment over their 11–12 year lifespan. The initial purchase price of $600–$1200 is only the beginning.

The first year is the most expensive, totaling approximately $4,190. This includes the purchase price, initial veterinary visits, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, supplies (crate, bed, bowls, leash), and early training classes. Many owners underestimate this initial outlay and find themselves financially stressed within the first few months.

Ongoing monthly costs average $179, broken down as follows: food ($65–99/mo), grooming ($39–84/mo), insurance ($49–60/mo), with annual costs for veterinary care ($351–644/yr) and supplies ($215–560/yr). As a medium breed, the Redbone Coonhound falls in the middle range for food costs, medication, and equipment sizes.

Over a full 11–12 year lifespan, total ownership costs typically reach $15,000–$30,000+ depending on health, not including emergency veterinary care which can add $2,000–$10,000 over the dog's lifetime. Pet insurance at $49–60/month is strongly recommended to manage unexpected health expenses.

Hidden costs often overlooked: Many prospective Redbone Coonhound owners fail to budget for training classes ($150–$500 for basic obedience), boarding or pet sitting during vacations ($30–$75/night), dog-proofing the home ($100–$300), replacement of chewed items during puppyhood, and potential property damage. Additionally, renters may face pet deposits ($200–$500) and monthly pet rent ($25–$75). Factor these real-world costs into your decision to ensure the Redbone Coonhound fits your financial situation comfortably without requiring sacrifices in the quality of care you can provide.

Breed Traits Explained

The Redbone Coonhound belongs to the Hound group, which historically means these dogs were bred to hunt using keen eyesight or an exceptional sense of smell. Hound breeds can be independent-minded and may follow a scent or sight rather than listening to commands. They require patience in training and secure containment to prevent them from wandering.

With a family friendliness score of 5/5, intelligence at 3/5, and shedding rated 3/5, the Redbone Coonhound presents a specific profile that works best for owners who understand and appreciate these characteristics. Their exercise needs (4/5) and barking tendency (5/5) should factor heavily into your decision, especially if you live in close proximity to neighbors or have limited outdoor space.

Intelligence and engagement: With moderate intelligence (3/5), the Redbone Coonhound learns at a reasonable pace and responds well to consistent training without requiring constant mental stimulation. They benefit from regular training sessions but are less likely to get into trouble from boredom compared to highly intelligent breeds.

Shedding and home cleanliness: Moderate shedding (3/5) means some hair around the home but nothing unmanageable. Weekly brushing keeps the coat healthy and minimizes excess shedding. Seasonal increases in shedding are normal and can be managed with more frequent grooming during transition periods.

Redbone Coonhound Quick Decision Guide

Making an informed decision about the Redbone Coonhound requires weighing all factors together. Here is a consolidated assessment to help you decide confidently whether this breed matches your situation.

You will love the Redbone Coonhound if: You enjoy an active lifestyle with daily outdoor activities, have children or plan to start a family, have adequate space with outdoor access, and prefer lower-maintenance coat care. The Redbone Coonhound's hound heritage brings specific qualities that dedicated owners find deeply rewarding.

Consider a different breed if: You cannot commit to 60+ minutes of daily exercise, cannot tolerate frequent vocalization, or if your living situation cannot accommodate a medium breed comfortably. Being honest about these factors prevents rehoming situations that are stressful for both dog and owner.

Next steps: If the Redbone Coonhound seems like a good match, explore our detailed sub-pages on lifespan, cost, temperament, and health for deeper information. Connect with Redbone Coonhound owners through breed clubs and online communities to hear firsthand experiences. If possible, spend time with Redbone Coonhounds before committing - attending dog shows, visiting breed-specific meetups, or fostering through a rescue organization. Use our Puppy Weight Calculator and Dog Age Calculator for practical planning, and review our expert guides for training, nutrition, and health care advice tailored to all breeds and life stages.