History and Origins of the Redbone Coonhound

History and Origins of the Redbone Coonhound

The History and Origins of the Redbone Coonhound is really interesting. The history of the Redbone Coonhound began in the South of America, in Tennessee and Georgia when breeders decided that they wanted a first class Coonhound that would exceed in successfully hunting and treeing raccoons as well as other small game. The dog that they produced would have to be fit, strong, fast, eager and capable of tracking scent which would involve swimming and hunting through some of the most difficult terrain. The Redbone Coonhound was bred through selective breeding using the Saddlebacks which also had a deep red coat but with black saddle markings. Selective breeding created an attractive red solid-colored dog named the Redbone Coonhound. The exact roots of this breed come from the Red Foxhounds which were taken to America by Scottish immigrants in the late 1700s, and from Ireland before the Civil War.

History and Origins - How the Redbone Coonhound got its name

The history and origins of the Redbone Coonhound continues with how the dog got his name! It is believed that the name of this breed derived from the name of one of the first breeders called Peter Redbone. He was a breeder from Tennessee, America where part of the breeding took place. The majority of the breeding, however, took place in Georgia and one of the main breeders, who was also an avid fox hunter, was called George F.L. Birdsong. This breed is also known as the Treeing Red Dog and the Coon Hound. The American Kennel Club officially recognized this breed in 2009 and it belongs to the hound group of dogs. These days the Redbone Coonhound is still used as a racoon hunter, it can also trail and tree bear, cougar and bobcat! However, it is also a popular companion and family pet as it is trainable and even-tempered.

History and Origins of the Redbone Coonhound