Do Redbone Coonhounds Make Good Family Dogs? What You Need to Know
With their sleek red coats and playful personalities, it's easy to see why many are drawn to the Redbone Coonhound as a family dog. But does this energetic hunting breed actually make a good fit for households with kids? Let's take a closer look at the Redbone temperament and needs.
Breed History and Instincts
The Redbone Coonhound was developed in America in the 1800s by breeders looking to create the ultimate raccoon hunting dog. Desired traits were:
- Strong prey drive to track and tree raccoons for hunters
- Athleticism and stamina to run all day and night after scent
- Tenacity to continue pursuit even when injured or exhausted
- Expressive, bellowing bay to alert hunters to prey location
- High energy requiring substantial exercise outlets
These innate qualities continue to drive the breed today. Redbones still excel at hunting and make tireless companions for active owners.
Redbone Temperament
Redbone Coonhounds are generally:
- Affectionate and loving with their families
- Playful and goofy - enjoy toys and fun
- Gentle despite their large size
- Friendly towards new people when socialized well
- Energetic and tireless requiring daily vigorous exercise
- Prone to boredom and destruction without adequate activity and stimulation
- Driven to follow scents which makes recall training essential
- Vocal with expressive howls, bays, and "talking"
This personality makes them wonderful companions - but not for every family situation.
Exercise Needs
Redbone Coonhounds were bred to run and hunt all day over rugged terrain. They have energetic exercise needs:
- Require 60-90 minutes per day of vigorous activity
- Enjoy hiking, running, swimming - need both mental and physical challenges
- Prone to obesity without adequate outlets for their energy
- At risk for boredom and destructive behaviors without enough activity
- A fenced yard alone does not meet their needs - they need to be with their people
Redbones thrive when their people lead an active lifestyle. Weekend warriors beware!
Training Challenges
Despite their loving natures, Redbone Coonhounds present some training challenges:
- Independent thinking makes them slower to obey
- Easily distracted by scents - recall training is essential
- Tend to be willful and test boundaries
- Strong prey drive makes them want to chase cats, squirrels, etc.
- Boredom leads to mischief like counter surfing and garbage raids
- Their loud baying bothers some owners
Early socialization and training helps, but they remain a strong-willed breed.
Suitability with Children
When properly trained and supervised, most Redbone Coonhounds do great with kids. Considerations include:
- Their exuberance may overwhelm small toddlers
- Larger size means they can accidentally knock kids over
- Some can be mouthy during play - biting inhibition training is key
- Resource guarding is a possibility to watch for
- Prey drive makes proper training around small pets a must
- Supervision is always required when around young children
Proper manners training allows Redbones to thrive in homes with older, respectful kids. But supervision remains essential.
Benefits of the Breed
The Redbone Coonhound offers many positive qualities as a family dog:
- Lovingly affectionate with all family members
- Get along well with other dogs when socialized early
- Minimal grooming requirements
- Don't require much space provided their exercise needs are met
- Playful and goofy - provide laughter and entertainment
- Trainable when handled with patience and persistence
- Devotedly loyal once they bond with their family
For active families able to meet their needs, Redbones can be the perfect canine companion.
Good Matches and Potential Issues
Redbone Coonhounds tend to do best with:
- Active singles, couples, and families able to exercise them daily
- Houses with securely fenced yards - their prey drive compels them to roam and follow scents
- Families with children over age 8 who understand dog safety and boundaries
- Owners willing to provide early training and socialization
- People who enjoy the company of a vocal hound!
They may be less ideal for:
- Busy families unable to provide daily vigorous exercise
- Homes where baying and "talking" will bother neighbors
- Families with toddlers who could get bowled over by a large, energetic dog
- First-time dog owners unprepared to train a strong-willed hunting breed
- Owners wanting a perfectly obedient, silent housedog
As with any breed, there are scenarios where Redbones thrive versus situations where a different breed may be better suited.
The Right Home for a Redbone
When matched with the proper active family, few dogs are as loving, fun, and devoted as the Redbone Coonhound. But their energetic nature and strong hound instincts mean they aren't the right fit for every home.
Consider your family's lifestyle and experience level before deciding if a Redbone is suited to your situation. If you can provide the vigorous daily exercise, training, and stimulation they thrive with, you'll gain a loyal companion who brings joy and laughter into your lives for years to come!