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Redbones are medium to large hound dogs whose muscles extend under a smooth and stunning red coat. The overall belief is that a master sculptor carved them with blocks of fine mahogany. Classically the houndy head surrounds the ears long enough to reach the nose. The dreamy brown eyes give the face an expression described by devotees of the breed as “”prayer””.
Born to work in all types of punitive terrains, the redbones have sharp and fixed legs and move with a proud, firm gait.
Raccoons are one of the six hounds developed by American settlers to provide a stable source of meat and fur during the expansion of the new nation to the south and west. The Coonhound is often depicted in pop culture as lazy ol ‘dogs who put their lives away on the front porch. But anyone who has been on a “night hunt” in search of a clever, night raccoon will tell you that Redbone and his Coonhound cousin are among the dog’s most tireless and steadfast followers.
Hunted from marshy lands to the mountains, the Redbone is certainly footy and fast, even in the harshest terrain. A well-balanced, powerfully constructed redbone with an attractive red coat and excellent cool nose looks beautiful with a confident air and good hunting talent.
The gestation period in lasts for 60-64 days The primary period of the reproductive cycle of the female is called Proestrus and goes on for around 9 days. During this time the females begin to draw in males. The subsequent part is the Estrus when the bitch is receptive to the male. It goes on for around 3 to 11 days. The third part is the Diestrus. Usually, it happens around day 14. In this period the bitch’s discharge changes for distinctive red and reaching its end. The vulva gets back to average, and she will no longer allow mating. The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time span between heat periods ordinarily keeps going around a half year. The litter size ranges between 6 to 8 puppies at a time’
Redbone Conhound’s short, smooth, protective coat requires minimal care. Using a shading tool or grooming mitt at least weekly will help to keep shading to a minimum. This action also distributes skin oil down the hair shaft, giving their coat a natural glow. Nails should be trimmed once a month, and taking a bath every four to six weeks will keep the coat and skin clean and healthy. Redbone ears should be examined weekly and any excess wax and debris should be cleaned as needed.
As with all breeds, introductory socialization and puppy training classes are recommended. Redbones are dedicated companions and are very versatile, excelling in many places, including dog sports such as konhound testing and agility. Above all, they are great family dogs, very loving and loyal.
Redbone Coonhound is a sociable, energetic canine athlete and makes a wonderful companion for someone who is an active runner, biker or hiker. He needs a lot of physical activity to be healthy and happy. The breed has a very strong tendency to follow its nose and go after hunting, so it should never be let off the leash in an uncontrolled position.
Redbone Coonhound should perform well on high quality dog food, whether it is commercially manufactured or prepared at home with the supervision and approval of your vet. Any diet should be appropriate for the age of the dog (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are at risk of being overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight levels. Treatment training can be an important aid, but giving too much can lead to obesity. Know which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not. Contact your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water must be available at all times.
Redbone coonhounds are generally healthy dogs. Responsible breeders test their stock for health concerns and communicate regularly with other dedicated breeders, working together to preserve the health of the breed and the unique qualities of the breed. A redbone’s ears should be examined regularly for signs of infection, and teeth should be brushed frequently using toothpaste designed for dogs. Regular visits to the vet for checkups and parasite control help the dog ensure a longer, healthier life.
Recommended health tests from the National Breed Club: