Apartment fit
The Redbone Coonhound is usually a poor apartment fit because of hound voice and exercise needs.
HoundMedium to Large
United States
United StatesRedbone Coonhound
Weight
45-70 lb
Height
21-27 in
Lifespan
12-15 yrs
Coat
Smooth Short
The Redbone Coonhound is an American scenthound with a short solid-red coat, a musical hound voice, and an even home temperament paired with serious hunting drive.
American trailing and treeing coonhoundShort solid-red coat is the breed hallmarkEven-tempered at home but serious in the fieldNeeds scent work, exercise, and voice management
Breed Names
Official, native, and commonly used variants
No widely used alternate names are recorded for this breed.
Even-TemperedAffectionateDeterminedScent-DrivenEnergeticVocal
Weight
45-70 lb
Height
21-27 in
Lifespan
12-15 yrs
Coat
Smooth Short
At A Glance
Redbone Coonhound barking, energy & owner fit
A quick read on energy, upkeep, and what day-to-day life with this breed usually feels like.
Energy
High
Barking
High
Drooling
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Grooming
1/5
First-time owner
No
Overview
The Redbone Coonhound is the mahogany-coated member of the American coonhound family, developed from red foxhound ancestry for trailing and treeing across difficult terrain. Solid red is the defining look, but the more important distinction is its often striking home-and-trail contrast.
A Redbone may be mellow, affectionate, and content to rest for long periods indoors, then become fast, determined, and highly vocal when scent work begins. Prospective owners should plan for both halves of that rhythm: vigorous activity such as long walks, swimming, or tracking, followed by a practiced ability to settle.
The smooth coat needs little styling, though a weekly hound glove helps manage loose hair and maintain shine. Long ears require routine checks, and secure fencing remains essential. Warm family behavior should not be mistaken for low prey drive or dependable recall around wildlife.
Temperament & Personality
Even-TemperedAffectionateDeterminedScent-DrivenEnergeticVocal
This breed tends to suit homes looking for a even-tempered, affectionate, determined companion, with daily rhythms shaped by high energy, high barking, and low drooling.
Coat type
Smooth
Coat length
Short
Shedding
Moderate
Colors
Solid Red, Red With Small White Markings
Redbone Coonhound Lifestyle Compatibility
Family Friendly4/5
Good with Kids4/5
Good with Dogs4/5
Good with Strangers4/5
Apartment Friendly1/5
Exercise Needs4/5
Grooming Needs1/5
Trainability3/5
Good fit if you want
- A family-friendly companion
- Room for routine exercise
- Confidence handling structure and training
Plan ahead for
- 4/5 exercise needs
- moderate shedding and coat upkeep
- high barking in daily life
Owner Fit & Everyday Behavior
Best for
- active hound owners
- homes with secure fencing
- people interested in tracking or hunting-style work
- families comfortable with hound voice
Not ideal for
- quiet apartments
- owners wanting reliable off-leash freedom
- low-exercise homes
- people who dislike baying
Common challenges
- baying and alert barking
- following scent
- ear care after outdoor work
- restlessness without enough activity
Barking & behavior
Expect baying and vocal excitement. Give the dog scent outlets and teach quiet routines early.
Training style
Alternate concise skills with access to sniffing, movement, or a short trail. Practice gate manners and long-line recall when the environment is easy, then increase scent distraction gradually without assuming management can disappear.
Grooming & shedding
The coat is low effort, but ears and feet need checks after outdoor work.
Care Guide
Exercise
Most Redbone Coonhounds need 60 to 90 minutes of daily activity, with scent walks, tracking games, hiking, or hunting-style work. Secure fencing and leash control are important around wildlife.
Grooming
The short coat is easy to brush weekly. Check ears, feet, nails, and skin after woods, water, or tall grass.
Training
Use short reward-based sessions, then release to sniff as part of the payoff. Long-line recall, waiting at gates, settling after activity, and cooperative ear care deserve more practice than formal precision exercises.
Nutrition
Feed measured portions for an active hound and keep the dog lean. Adjust calories around hunting seasons or quieter periods.
Practical guides for Redbone Coonhound owners
Behavior & Environment
Energy level
High
Barking level
High
Drooling level
Low
Watchdog ability
3/5
Guard dog ability
1/5
Climate tolerance
Cold weather3/5
Heat tolerance3/5
Health Considerations
Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.
Hip dysplasiaEar infectionsEye diseaseBloat risk in deep-chested dogsObesity if under-exercised
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Redbone Coonhound bark a lot?
Yes. Redbones are hounds with a strong voice, especially when excited or working scent.
Is the Redbone Coonhound good for apartments?
Usually no. Voice, exercise needs, and scent drive make apartment life difficult for most owners.
What color is a Redbone Coonhound?
Solid red is preferred. Small white markings on the chest or feet may occur.
How much exercise does a Redbone Coonhound need?
Most need 60 to 90 minutes daily, ideally with scent work or long outdoor activity.
Is the Redbone Coonhound good with families?
It can be affectionate and even-tempered with family when exercised, trained, and managed around scent and noise.
Can a Redbone Coonhound be off leash?
Only in secure areas. A fresh trail can pull a Redbone away quickly.
What is the biggest challenge of owning a Redbone Coonhound?
The biggest challenge is managing hound voice and scent drive while providing enough outdoor work.
Sources & Editorial Notes
This profile was researched from established breed and canine-care references. Breed tendencies describe typical patterns, not a guarantee for every individual dog.
Reviewed by the Dogs Index Editorial Team. For health or behavior concerns, consult a veterinarian or appropriately qualified professional.
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