In the 18th and 19th century, breeders began creating faster, hotter nosed coonhounds that were quicker to locate and faster to tree. Using the available foxhound strains as well as other hounds, and most likely a little dash of cur, the specific treeing coonhound breeds were born. All of these hounds were more American Foxhound type than any other, exhibiting strong, moderately sized bodies and clean heads with smaller ears.

Red hounds have been common in America since very early times, when the pioneers' essential tools were: an axe, a spade, a saw, a gun and a "huntin' dawg," Records show Scottish immigrants bringing red hounds to the States in the late 1700s and the importation of red Irish hounds to an American hunter before the Civil War. Colonel George EL. Birdsong is known to have acquired red hounds that figured in his strain as well as the subsequent July line of foxhounds. Although the exact origin of the red coonhound is based on speculation, there were certainly plenty of European hounds of that color to choose from.

Early hounds were often given the name of their breeder, strain or color. Some say Peter Redbone, a Tennessee promoter of this type of hound, gave his name to the hound, while others feel the name evolved from its color. At any rate, by the latter part of the last century, a well-known treeing dog called a Redbone Hound was available in solid red, red with white marks, red with a black saddle (called Saddle- backs) or, occasionally, even black and tan. Reg-istration began shortly after 1900, with some attempt to breed only red hounds with white trim.

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 which 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 fox hunter and breeder. He obtained the pack of Dr. Thomas Henry in the 1840's.

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 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 U.K.C., the first being registered in 1902, two years after the Black & Tan.

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.

A natural treeing instinct has been bred into the Redbone, making them specialists in coon hunting. But they are also proficient in trailing and treeing bear, cougar and bobcat. Often times, when used on game, Redbones are hunted in packs.

They are excellent swimmers, and an excellent choice for hunters who want an honest, versatile and capable trailer, From the beginning, the Redbone has been bred for the purpose of treeing game, and the treeing instinct is natural-it has been bred into the Redbone for many generations.

The Redbone Coonhound is happy, even-tempered and very good with children. It can be surprisingly affectionate and has a pleasant-sounding bark. They love being with their people. If raised indoors from puppyhood, it will adapt well to family life. Coonhounds are all instinctive hunters, and it is not difficult to train the breed to follow scent and tree a quarry. The Redbone has a strong desire to please his master. They are hotter-nosed, able to locate, and faster to tree coons than many other Coonhounds. Like other Coonhounds, the Redbone is alert, quick, and able to work in all types of weather over difficult terrain. Their agility benefits them when hunting in fenced country or steep, rocky ground. With the thrusting grit of a terrier and the pumping stamina of a husky, the Redbone is every hunter's hot-trailed dream come true. A natural treeing instinct has been bred into the Redbone, making them specialists in coon hunting. But they are also proficient in trailing and treeing bear, cougar and bobcat. When used on game, Redbones often hunt in packs. Redbones are known to make excellent water dogs. In the home he is affectionate and kind. The Redbone should be well socialized at an early age and taught simple obedience like waking on a leash. Be careful with cats and other non-canine pets. If raised with a kitten from puppyhood they may be okay but some Redbone Coonhounds try to hunt cats down like raccoons. Some Redbone Coonhounds drool a lot while others do not at all. It all depends on the shape of the lips. The true Coonhound-shaped mouth will drool a lot.

Males should be 22-27 inches tall and females should be 21-26 inches. The breed standard for the Redbone doesn't specify a weight, but they are typically 50-75 pounds. Their weight should be proportioned to height and bone structure. Their coat is short, smooth and coarse enough to provide protection from the elements. Solid red is the preferred color. They can have a dark muzzle and a small amount of white on brisket and feet.

This is a very healthy breed. Some of the older Redbones may get arthritis and there have been some cases of hip dysplasia. They do great with other pets, especially if they are introduced to other pets at a young age. In some cases, they will chase smaller animals such as cats. They do great with children who are aware of dogs (dog friendly kids). These dogs should have a home with active owners. If you live in the city, you should have a large fenced in yard and also be willing to take the dog out for more exercise often. The Redbone is not recommended for apartment living as they tend to do a lot of baying (loudly) which will irritate most neighbors.

Grooming the Redbone is very simple. Bathing and brushing as needed, nail trimming and ear cleaning on a regular basis.