Redbone Coonhound characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | 32% of breeds |
| Energy level | Very High | — |
| Trainability | Medium | 48% of breeds |
| Friendliness | Very High | 22% of breeds |
| Good with children | Very High | — |
| Grooming needs | Low | 24% of breeds |
| Shedding | Medium | 40% of breeds |
| Barking | Very High | 5% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Low | 24% of breeds |
| Adaptability | Medium | 41% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 12 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Redbone Coonhound right for you?
The Redbone Coonhound is a big, substantial dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. In terms of temperament, it is famously gentle and patient with children and is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors. Day to day, the Redbone Coonhound is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Redbone Coonhound is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. With very high energy and very high athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Redbone Coonhound to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Redbone Coonhound asks for a light brush once or twice a week and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The Redbone Coonhound is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions and is very vocal and barks readily — something to weigh if you have close neighbors. It copes with a standard working day alone once it has been eased into it, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Redbone Coonhound
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Redbone Coonhound genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Barking: Very high — the Redbone Coonhound is among the most vocal breeds in the catalogue — a real constraint in a flat with shared walls. Only 5% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Drooling: Medium — the Redbone Coonhound drools more than the typical breed, though not dramatically. Only 10% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Friendliness: Very high — the Redbone Coonhound is among the most sociable breeds we score. Only 22% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Redbone Coonhound actually costs you
| Exercise | Two or more hours of real exercise a day, most days, plus something that occupies its mind. This is the single commitment that decides whether the match works. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Occasional brushing is enough. |
| Time alone | Manages a normal working day if it is properly exercised and left something to do. |
| Noise | Vocal enough to be a genuine issue with shared walls. |
Where the Redbone Coonhound fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Poor fit | very high barking combined with very high energy is the combination flats punish most. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | Very high child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Depends | Manageable for a committed beginner who takes training seriously from week one. |
| Homes with cats | Poor fit | Very high prey drive. Introductions need managing, and a bolting cat triggers exactly the instinct this breed was selected for. |
| Long working days | Depends | Medium independence, so time alone is less of a problem than for many breeds. |
| Allergy households | Depends | No low-allergen coat recorded, though shedding is not extreme. |
Perfect for
- Hunters
- Active rural families
- Tracking sports
- American hound enthusiasts
Things to consider
- Very vocal
- High exercise needs
- Strong prey drive
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Redbone Coonhound good with children?
- Yes — the Redbone Coonhound is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Redbone Coonhound shed a lot?
- The Redbone Coonhound has medium shedding.
- How much exercise does the Redbone Coonhound need?
- With very high energy, the Redbone Coonhound needs plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation — long walks, runs or active play.
- How long does the Redbone Coonhound live?
- The Redbone Coonhound typically lives around 12 years.
- Can the Redbone Coonhound live in an apartment?
- The Redbone Coonhound is a larger breed and does better in a home with more space, though it can adapt with enough daily exercise.
- Is the Redbone Coonhound easy to train?
- The Redbone Coonhound is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Redbone Coonhound be left alone during the day?
- The Redbone Coonhound copes with a standard working day alone once it has been eased into it. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.