National Redbone
Coonhound Club
HISTORY OF THE REDBONE
Years ago, most coon hunters who owned a red dog of unknown ancestry, but proven ability in tracking and treeing raccoons, called his dog a "Redbone." Then a few serious breeders who were devoted both to the breed and the sport began a campaign of selective breeding to produce a hound with the necessary characteristics to make a superior coonhound and that would breed true to type in color and conformation.
The foundation stock of the modern day Redbone came from George F. L. Birdsong of Georgia, who was a noted foxhunter and breeder. He obtained the pack of Dr. Thomas Henry in the 1840s.
As is the case with most of the other coonhound breeds, the ancestors of the Redbone were foxhounds. A Bloodhound cross is said to have been made, and it's also believed that the blood of the Irish hounds was also introduced later. This latter cross is said to account for the white chest and feet markings which still occasionally show up in Redbone pups today. The first dogs were commonly called "saddlebacks." The background color was red, and most of them possessed black saddle markings. By selective breeding, the black saddle was bred out, and the solid red dogs became known as Redbone Coonhounds.
The Redbone was the second coonhound breed to be registered with UKC, the first being registered in 1902, two years after the American Black & Tan. The breed is a relative newcomer to AKC, with the its first year of competition eligibility being in 2010.
Of the six coonhound breeds, the Redbone is probably the most uniform as to type and size. The breed is distinguished by a medium build, pleading eyes and a "sweet" voice. The rich, deep red color makes the Redbone a striking dog to look at. The Redbone is known to be a well-balanced breed, making them adaptable to various types of hunting and terrain. Their agility benefits them when hunting in fenced country or steep, rocky ground. Redbones are known to make excellent water dogs.
Official AKC Breed Standard
General Appearance:
Hunted from swamplands to mountains, the Redbone is surefooted and
swift, even on the most difficult terrain. Well balanced, with a flashy red coat and excellent cold
nose, 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
Mi-range 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:
Expression
Pleading
Eyes
Dark brown to hazel in color, dark preferred. Set well apart. No drooping eyelinds. Eyes round in shape.
Faults
Yellow eyes, drooping eyelids.
Ears
Set moderately low, fine in texture. Reaching near the end of the nose when stretched out.
Proportioned to head.
Faults
Stiff to the touch. Appearing to be attached only to the skin, instead
of firmly attached to the head.
Skull
Moderately broad. Shape is flat.
Faults
Narrow across top, excess of dome, pointed dome.
Muzzle
Square. Well balanced with other features of the head.
Faults
Dished or upturned muzzle. Not in proportion with head.
Nose
Nostrils large and open,black in color, never pink.
Faults
Any color other than black.
Teeth
Scissors bite preferred. Even bite acceptable.
Faults
Overshot or undershot.
Neck, Topline and Body:
Neck
Medium in length, strong, slightly arched and held erect,
denoting proudness.
Throat
Slight fold of skin below the angle of jaw, clean throat is
permissible.
Faults
Too long, too thick, not in proportion with head and body.
Topline
slightly taller at the withers than at the hips.
Faults
Hips higher than withers.
Body
Chest
Deep, broad.
Ribs
Well sprung to provide optimal lung capacity, denoting stamina.
Back
Strong.
Faults
Roach or sway back.
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:
Shoulder
Clean and muscular. Shoulder angulation should have a perfect
90 degree angle or close.
Legs
Straight, wellboned.
The forelegs will be set under dog and feet under his withers, not under ears.
Pasterns
Straight, well set, clean and muscular, denoting
both speed and strength.
Faults
Forelegs crooked, out at elbows.
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 forequart
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.
NRCC Health Testing Policy
Most Redbone breeders and owners regard it as an extremely healthy breed. This being the case, the National Redbone Coonhound Club does not make testing for genetic health issues a requirement of breeders for their membership with this organization. The NRCC encourages all Redbone breeders to conduct health testing if they feel it necessary for the betterment of their breeding programs.