Redbone Coonhound

General Information - Redbone Coonhound

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History

An American original breed of dog, the Rebone Coonhound is a tenacious hunter used for hunting Raccoon, Deer, Bear, Boar, Cougar or any other large game. The breed originated in the Southern United States.

Temperament

Unflappable, Affectionate, Energetic, Independent, Companionable, Familial.

Upkeep

Low maintenance, they are quite easy to look after in fact. It sheds a low to average amount and as well as weekly brushing with a rubber curry brush or hound mitt, its short and smooth coat can be kept clean and shiny by wiping it down with a dampened cloth.

Redbone Coonhound

A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions and exaggerations, as well as being mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

Breed Standard - Redbone Coonhound

General Appearance: Hunted from swamplands to mountains, the Redbone is surefooted andswift, even on the most difficult terrain. Well-balanced, with a flashy red coat and excellent coldnose, the powerfully built Redbone mingles handsome looks with a confident air and fine
hunting talents.

Size, Proportion, Substance:
Size – Males - 22 to 27 inches. Females - 21 to 26 inches. Midrange dog preferred.
Proportion - Length well proportioned to height. Should be equal in height from highest point of the shoulder blade to the ground as long measured from sternum to the buttocks. Slightly taller at shoulder than at hips.
Substance - Weight should be in proportion with height and bone structure. Working dogs not to be penalized for being slightly underweight. Well boned according to size of dog.

Head:
Eyes - Dark brown to hazel in color, dark preferred. Set well apart.No drooping eyelids. Eyes round in shape.
Ears – Set moderately low, fine in texture. Reaching near the end of the nose when stretched out.
Proportioned to head.
Muzzle - Square. Well balanced with other features of the head.
Nose - Nostrils large and open, black in color, never pink.
Teeth - Scissors bite preferred. Even bite acceptable.
Faults - Overshot or undershot.

Neck, Topline and Body:
Topline – slightly taller at the withers than at the hips.
Body – Chest - Deep, broad. Ribs - Well sprung to provide optimal lung capacity, denoting stamina. Back - Strong.
Loin - Slightly arched.

Tail - Medium length, very slight brush and saber-like.
Faults - Not strong at root, heavy brush, Setter-like plume, curl tail.

Forequarters:
Pasterns - Straight, well set, clean and muscular, denoting both speed and strength.
Feet - Cat-paw type, compact, well padded. Toes - Stout, strong and well-arched. Nails - Well-set. Faults - Flat feet, open feet, hind dewclaws.

Hindquarters:
Thighs - Clean and muscular. Fault - Cowhocked. Hindquarters should have the same angulation as the forequarters. Well boned.

Coat: Short, smooth, coarse enough to provide protection.

Color: Solid red preferred. Dark muzzle and small amount of white on brisket and feet permissible. Faults - White on feet extending beyond toes. More white on brisket than an open hand will cover. White stockings on legs.

Gait: Determined, steady, and proud, with good reach and drive.

Temperament: Even-tempered at home but an aggressive hunter. Amenable to formal training. A good family dog that likes to please.


Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.