10 Redbone Coonhound Facts, from Webbed Toes to a 2-Mile Bark

Quick Take

• Redbone coonhounds have a physical feature borrowed from water animals, one that makes them surprisingly capable in terrain most hound dogs avoid. See the webbed toes →
• Their bark isn't just loud. The distance it travels under the right conditions will genuinely shock you. Hear how far it carries →
• These dogs can follow a scent trail that most breeds couldn't even detect, and the age of that trail is honestly surprising. Discover the cold-nosed ability →
• The iconic all-red coat wasn't always part of the breed, and early redbones actually looked strikingly different. See the original coloring →

Redbone coonhounds have a stunning red coat, a booming bark, and a pleading expression. All it takes is one look in their eyes, and you’ll notice they have a sweet, loving, and playful demeanor. They make excellent hunting dogs and devoted family companions. If you want to learn more about these capable canines, then you’re in the right place. Read on to learn 10 incredible redbone coonhound facts.

1. They Love to Sniff and Explore

Following a hunting trail may be a redbone coonhound’s favorite activity, but they love to sniff and explore, too. They’ll happily spend their entire day outside, following you along a trail while smelling new things. They even make great jogging partners. A healthy adult redbone coonhound can run for 5 miles or more. Your redbone won’t have trouble keeping up with you if you maintain a steady pace.

2. You Can Hear a Redbone Coonhound from Over a Mile Away

Redbone coonhounds are very vocal and have a loud bay that carries for long distances. Their deep, resonant baying can be heard from up to a mile or more away. Depending on the terrain, wind, and weather conditions, it may be possible to hear them from up to two miles away.

3. They Are Good Swimmers

Although some hound breeds tend to be more wary around water, redbone coonhounds are good swimmers. These dogs have slight webbing between their toes that helps them paddle in the water. This webbing also helps them walk and run on soft, muddy terrain when hunting in swamps and other wetlands.

4. They’re a Part of Movie History

Have you ever seen the movie “Where the Red Fern Grows?” Redbone coonhounds starred in the film adaptations of the classic children’s novel. It’s a story about a young boy who works hard to buy two redbone coonhound pups. The boy trains “Old Dan” and “Little Ann” to become the best raccoon-hunting team in the valley.

5. Redbone Coonhounds Are “Cold-Nosed” Dogs

A cold-nosed dog has the extraordinary ability to follow a cold trail. Cold-nosed dogs do not need a fresh trail but can follow older, more complicated paths. Redbone coonhounds can detect and follow a faint scent that is days or weeks old.

6. Redbone Coonhounds Love to “Sing”

Staying true to their hound nature, redbone coonhounds have a musical voice. Their melodious howl is pleasing to listen to. Almost anything can get a redbone coonhound to start singing. They may sing because they’re happy, lonely, or simply because they feel like it. You can even train your redbone coonhound to sing on demand. One of the best ways to train them to sing is by using a harmonica. You don’t have to play the harmonica perfectly. All that matters is that the redbone gets a chance to hear the different high and low notes. If they feel moved, they might belt out a howl to join in.

7. Redbone Coonhounds Smell Musty

What’s that smell? It might be your redbone coonhound. Scenthounds like redbone coonhounds have a unique odor that can smell musty. The odor isn’t unpleasant, but it takes a little getting used to. While regular baths can help keep the smell under control, some redbones have a more pungent odor than others.

8. They Are Descended from Foxhounds

Redbones have a unique history, descending from red foxhounds brought to America as far back as the late 1700s and red Irish foxhounds brought over before the Civil War. Georgia hunters needed a dog that could track the wily red fox. They were determined to develop a dog that could both track and tree game. Tree-oriented dogs like foxhounds made the top of the list to develop their new breed. Redbones still have a tree-oriented tendency today.

9. Redbones Weren’t Always All Red

In the early days, redbones used to have saddleback coloring, which is a dark “saddle” shape over their backs. However, over time, the black saddle was bred entirely out of these hounds. Now redbone coonhounds have a solid red coat with only a small amount of white permissible in breed standards.

10. Redbone Coonhounds Are Relentless

Nothing can get in the way of a redbone pursuing game. These hounds are adaptable and can handle all sorts of environmental distractions. It’s as if they get tunnel vision. A redbone will relentlessly pursue its goal, tackling each obstacle on the way. This makes them indispensable as hunting dogs. Their athletic abilities and laser focus are their biggest claims to fame.

Redbone coonhounds also excel at canine sports. If you give a redbone an obstacle course or another task, they’ll quickly figure out how to complete that, too. It’s one of the reasons some redbones undergo specialized training programs to become search and rescue dogs. In as little as 12 months, they can be helpful out on the field.