The Redbone Coonhound is an icon of American hunting heritage, with its red mahogany coat and relentless tracking skill leading to a special spot among scent hounds. These hardworking, dedicated dogs represent a true American breed that traces its roots back to the South.

Ancestry and History of the Redbone Coonhound

The breed was developed from the late 1700s to the early 1800s, however, its foundation stock came to America much earlier with European settlers. The Redbone’s earliest known relatives are Scottish foxhounds and Irish hounds that came to the American colonies with immigrants looking for opportunity in the New World. These European scent hounds contributed to the genetic pool that would later evolve into the unique American coonhound breeds. Irish and Scottish foxhounds were especially appreciated for their hunting prowess against the American wilderness's dense, rugged landscape. These dogs had the stamina, scenting ability and determination that would later define the Redbone Coonhound.

Although definitive genealogy of the Redbone cannot be conclusively traced with certainty due to the relative lack of formal record keeping in early American history, DNA studies, and historical lore suggest it was primarily derived from red foxhounds imported from Scotland and Ireland. Over generations, these breeds of dogs were selectively bred to amplify traits that were aids in hunting the special environments of the American South.

The Early Development in an Environmental Context

The environment is another part of the story, and North America in prehistoric times was a critical factor in the evolution of what would one day be called the Redbone Coonhound. The European settlers who brought their hunting dogs encountered landscapes and wildlife different from what they found in Europe. The southeastern United States is part of the continent where hunting faced significant challenges thanks to dense forests, swamps, and varied terrain which often made it difficult for both hunters and their canine partners. The process of the original breeds was more dictated by a practical necessity than a structured breeding program. Hunters required dogs that could:

• Follow the game through dense brush
• Raccoons and other small wild animals
• Work Well In Hot Weather
• When applicable, work in water and swampy land
• Have endurance for extended hunts

The Early Redbone Coonhounds: Their Origins

Between The Redbone Coonhound's origin—it's crucial to mention that the breed we love or know was born entirely in the U.S., in the southeastern part of it. The root breeds of the Redbone Coonhound hail from Europe, but the dog itself is a distinctly American dog, bred out of the practical needs of American hunters working in a given landscape and cultural milieu.

From the late 18th century to the 19th century, the Redbone Coonhound developed mainly in Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and the Carolinas. The rugged terrain of these states — mountains, forests, and swamplands — was an ideal testing ground for the creation of a versatile working hunting dog.

Head For Home: Native Landscape Influence

Redbone Coonhound origin native environmental system was the varied ecosystem of the American Southeast, with:

1. Thick undergrowth dense deciduous forests
2. Appalachian mountain terrain
3. Swamplands and river bottoms
4. Warm, sticky climate with gentle winters
5. Rich wildlife, especially raccoons, possums, and larger game

Dogs of the highest caliber in terms of tracking were needed in this environment and they had to be very good at taking their scent through challenging territory with visibility at times limited due to the conditions. The Redbone's physical attributes — such as its water-resistant coat, powerful swimming abilities, and heat tolerance — are direct adaptations of this southeastern American landscape.

Background: Development Context and Cultural Significance

Coon hunting turned economically and culturally significant in many southern communities, with raccoon pelts used as a trade in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The impact of environmental factors on the development of this breed cannot be overstated. The trials of hunting in the American South — tracking game through thick brush, working in water and bogs, bearing hot, humid conditions — specifically informed the developing Redbone Coonhound. Hunters chose dogs that not only had the ability to track but also had the stamina to chase game over long distances and the will to tree their prey.

Evolving and Perfecting the Breed

The Redbone Coonhound's development is a tale of practical selection rather than formal breeding programs, at least as concerns the dog's early history. All of the above can be broken down into several significant stages of the breed development:

In Development (Late 1700s-Early 1800s)

Red foxhounds were imported from both Scotland and Ireland, thus starting the foundation of what is now known as the Redbone Coonhound. These dogs were bred with the hounds already in America, hunters choosing pups by ability as a hunter rather than by appearance. Down south in the early days of America, these coonhounds were undoubtedly a little more varied in appearance and were probably worth their salt more for tracking than anything else.

The Scottish Foxhound Influence

Red Foxhound: The red foxhound from Scotland had one of the largest influences on the early development of the Redbone. These dogs provided the stamina, scenting ability, and determined disposition that would be characteristic of the Redbone Coonhound. The Scottish foxhound continues to influence the hunting style and physical appearance of the breed.

Irish Hound Contribution

Another breed that contributed to the development of the Redbone was the Irish hound, especially those with reddish coats. These dogs have helped to make the breed intelligent and trainable and possibly contributed to some vocal traits as well. The role that these Irish dogs played led to a more versatile hunter who could adapt to the varied game and terrain of the American South.

Selecting for the "Red" Hound

It was around the early 1800s when hunters first started purposefully selecting solid red dogs, favoring their unique look and hunting prowess. Famed Georgia hunter George Birdsong is sometimes mentioned as the number one, remodeling the red coonhound into what became known as the Redbone. Throughout the 1840s, Birdsong's strain of red dogs had gained a reputation for great hunting prowess and was in demand by other hunters.

The Impact of the "Saddleback" Phase

Interestingly, on his road to becoming the solid red Redbone we think of today, many early examples of the type underwent what historians have termed a "saddleback" phase. These had red bodies with black saddle markings on their backs. Breeding also weeded out these black markings, showing it was more favorable to have a solid mahogany-red coat (which is the current breed standard).

The Redbone Coonhound is a prime example of a breed developed for function rather than breed standards, as working ability was emphasized and overlooked for the majority of the breed's history. A more concerted effort to standardize the breed's appearance while also retaining its running abilities as a hunter didn't happen until the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The First Documented References to the Redbone Coonhound

Researching the first known sightings of the Redbone Coonhound can be a tricky affair, as formal documentation of dog breeds in the early part of America was sparse. The earliest mentions of red coonhounds are found in the journals and letters of hunters from the early 19th century, although the dogs had not yet been designated as "Redbones."

Here are some of the earliest recorded mentions:

1. Letters and descriptions from the 1820s-1830s discussing "red hounds" which were used for hunting in Georgia and surrounding states
2. References to the famed red hunting dogs of George Birdsong in the 1840s
3. Mid-19th-century agricultural journals that mention red coonhounds gaining favor in the South
4. Advertisements publicizing "red" or "Georgia red" hounds for sale in the early

The term "Redbone" itself seems to have become commonly used in the second half of the 19th Century, with more consistent use found in hunting publications and correspondence in the 1880s and 1890s.

Documentation and Recognition History

Though the Redbone Coonhound had been known as a distinct type by hunters for generations, it did not achieve formal recognition long afterward:

• The United Kennel Club (UKC) first recognized the Redbone Coonhound in 1902, making it one of the first coonhound breeds to become officially recognized.
• The American Kennel Club (AKC) was much slower to accept the breed, not welcoming the Redbone into its Hound Group until 2009.

This wide gap between UKC and AKC recognition is indicative of the breed's status as a working dog that is prized for its hunting abilities; not for being a show dog. The UKC's earlier recognition is in line with its greater emphasis on working dogs, especially those involved in hunting competitions.

Why Redbone Coonhounds Were Bred

The Redbone Coonhound was developed specifically as a versatile hunting breed but with a specialization in treeing and tracking raccoons. Their primary working role focused on night hunts, where they excelled as companions to hunters in the American South due to their superior scenting ability, stamina, and "treeing" instincts.

Primary Hunting Functions

Redbones were bred to perform well in a diverging number of hunting-related tasks:

• Trailing game by smell: Pursuing animal paths over rugged terrain, sometimes in the dark
• Treeing: Cornering quarry in a tree and baying to notify hunters
• Cold trailing: Trail a scent that other dogs may overlook
• Hot trailing: Tracking scent trails at speed with excitement
• Swimming: Tracking prey through water if needed

Though raccoons were their main target (which is how they got their "coonhound" moniker), Redbones were flexible enough to hunt all sorts of game. Originally used quite a bit to track and tree opossums and squirrels and occasionally larger game like bear or cougar when hunting in packs.

Economic and Societal Relevance

In American history, the economic significance of the Redbone Coonhound is often downplayed, especially so in rural southern communities where hunting offered an opportunity for food and capital. Raccoon pelts were valuable commodities in the 18th and 19th centuries, for fur hats and coats. A good hunting dog, such as the Redbone, could mean the difference between a family's economic subsistence or its demise.

Aside from economic importance, Coonhounds became an essential part of the culture in many southern communities. Coon hunting became a social venture, with hunters going out for nighttime hunts that blurred the lines between practical hunting, camaraderie, and good-natured competition. These hunts often had competitive aspects, with dogs being scored on their tracking and treeing abilities.

How the Function of the Breed Has Evolved

Although the Redbone was originally developed as a hunting dog, its roles have changed over time:

1. Pre-1800s: Mostly for hunting for survival and getting high-priced pelts
2. 1800s-early 1900s: Continued practical hunting use alongside nascent competitive hunt events
3. Mid-1900s: Focused Stud dog studies and organized coonhound field trials and competitions grow in popularity
4. Late 1900s–present: Continued hunting role, but also became beloved companions and show dogs

Although hunting is no longer a means of survival, the Redbone Coonhound houses its hunting skills. Many of today's Redbones are still active hunting dogs while the rest are entered into tracking competitions, field trials, and other dog sports that highlight their natural talents.

The Nomenclature Game: What's in a Name?

The name "Redbone" is said to have derived from one of several sources; however, the exact etymology of the Redbone Coonhound's name has been open to some debate among breed historians. The simplest of those explanations has to do with the breed's unique solid red coat, where "red" is obviously the color and "bone" likely refers to the breed's structure or foundation. But there are several other theories about the "bone" part of the name:

"Redbone" name origin theories

1. Peter Redbone Theory: Some histories state that the breed was named after an early breeder named Peter Redbone, although definitive documentation of this individual is somewhat scarce throughout history.
2. Redbone Family Theory: A second theory suggests that the breed comes from a family named Redbone that became famous for breeding these red hounds in either Georgia or Tennessee.
3. The "Red and Bone" Theory: Some say the name derives from the dogs' red coats and from the fact that they would "bone" on a trail (stay on — or "bone down" on — a scent trail with some intensity).
4. Red Bone Marrow Theory: Here's the rarer explanation: It says the "red" in the name is in reference to the red color of the dogs' bone marrow. This doesn't seem like a plausible scenario for naming origin. Although there is no definitive explanation for the name, most historians of the breed seem to lean toward either the breeder/family named Redbone or a combination of the red coat with the "boning" hunting behavior as the origin. Particularly -- the cultural significance of this name is clearly a celebration of the unique color, but also of a breed's tenacious hunting prowess.

Languages and Their Linguistic Root

The breed name "coonhound" is a little more work; it describes the combination of "raccoon" (shortened to the familiar slang "coon") for the dog's primary quarry, and "hound" for the type of hunting classification. The convention is similar to some of the other specialized hunting breeds where the quarry is included as part of the breed name. The etymology of the Redbone's name demonstrates the practical, descriptive style of naming working dogs that was common in early America. American coonhounds, unlike some European breeds named for nobility or specific locations, were named based on their appearance or function, a nod to their working-class roots and practical purpose.

Redbone Coonhound Timeline

Several historical periods are reflected in the development of the Redbone Coonhound:

1. The late, 1700s: Scottish and Irish immigrants introduce the red foxhound to America
2. Earliest 1800s: Development of red hunting hounds through breeding in Georgia and surrounding states
3. 1840s: Red coonhounds are first bred into a more standard strain by George Birdsong of Georgia
4. 1850s-1860s: The Civil War breaks up breeding programs, but it also spreads knowledge about these red hounds as soldiers from various regions fought alongside each other
5. 1870s-1880s: More intentional breeding for the solid red coat, eliminating the "saddleback" markings
6. 1902: The Redbone Coonhound is recognized by the United Kennel Club
7. 1930s-1940s: Coonhound field trials become popular; leading to increased interest in a formal breed.
8. 1953: Wilson Rawls' novel "Where the Red Fern Grows" featuring the Redbone Coonhounds comes out, generating public interest in the breed
9. 1961: Move adaptation of "Where the Red Fern Grows" helps make the breed even more fashionable
10. 1980s-1990s: Redbones compete at UKC increasingly and more interest is seen in the breed as companions
11. 2009: The Redbone Coonhound receives full recognition in the Hound Group by the American Kennel Club
12. 2010s-Present: Used as hunting dogs, but also shows success in dog shows, agility, and as family companions

The Arrival of Redbone Coonhounds in America

Unlike many dog breeds that were created in other parts of the world and came to the United States, the story of the Redbone Coonhound is a little different. Although the breed itself was developed in America, the founding stock, red foxhounds, came from Scotland and Ireland and crossed the Atlantic with early settlers.

Arrival of Founding Stock

The European hounds from which the Redbone would eventually develop came with some of the earliest settlers to the American colonies. Records indicate that foxhounds existed in America by the 1650s, and more were imported over the colonial era. By the time of the Revolutionary War, foxhunting was a well-established sport in America, especially in the southern colonies, allowing for a population of working hounds that would go on to form the basis of several American breeds.

The red foxhounds that had the most direct impact on the Redbone probably came in greater numbers in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Trade between America and the British Isles was active during this time, and immigrants continued to bring their hunting dogs with them to the New World.

Progression into an American Breed

What the Redbone story tells us about America — and, more importantly, about what America can do, even in a world of ancient European hunting dogs — is how breeding for type allowed these European huntsmen to make a dog specifically formulated for conditions they never faced until they arrived here. The evolution from European foxhound to specific American coonhound is an adaptation for:

• Different game animals (especially raccoons vs. European foxes)
• More dense forested hunting areas
• More severe climate conditions, most notably southerly warmth and dampness
• The demand for dogs that could both track their quarry and tree them.

It was this transition — from European hunting dog to American coonhound, a specialized, versatile scenthound — that was accomplished, over generations, through selective breeding by practical hunters in the southeastern United States.

The Redbone's History and Founding Breeders

Several key people helped develop the Redbone Coonhound bloodlines. Though formal stud books and pedigree registers were not kept for much of the breed's early history, certain breeders and their lines became quite well known.

Important Historical Bloodlines and Breeders

1. George Birdsong's Strain: Possibly the most iconic early creator of what would be known as the Redbone. A Georgia hunter and dog breeder of the 1840s-1860s era, Birdsong was instrumental in developing a superior line of red hunting dogs that greatly impacted the breed. His own dogs were famed — "Birdsong hounds" — for their hunting ability and their unique red coloration.
2. The McKinney Line: Thomas McKinney of Georgia played a key role in the development of the early Redbone breed, especially when it came to establishing a more uniform type and hunting ability.
3. The Redbone Family: Should you accept the theory that the breed derived its name from the family, their bloodlines most likely would have been quite influential, though specific documentation is sparse.
4. Dr. Thomas Henry: An early coonhound pioneer who had a hand in a number of breeds, including those that would eventually help create the Redbone.

Early on, these hounds were generated with less concern over upholding strict bloodlines and more so picking for hunting ability and desired features. Any dog that demonstrated itself to be a superior hunter went on to breeding, independent of pedigree, followed by a gradual transition into more deliberate linebreeding as the breed was established.

Pressures from Plott Hounds and Different Breeds

There are some historical accounts that indicate that the Redbone was only crossed with other breeds for limited reasons, specifically to confirm the breed type. Some historians, in particular, contend that the Plott Hound, another American breed that derives from German stock, helped contribute to some Redbone lines in the mid-19th century. As a result, aspects such as game sense and determination could have been further bolstered by this potential effect. There may have been other minor contributions from:

• Dog breeds in TURIN — the Native American canines
• Bloodhounds, with maybe an increase in scenting ability
• More Irish setters, perhaps accounting for the deep red coloring By the end of the 19th century, though, the Redbone had evolved into its own distinct type reproducing relatively true to form, and later development pursued the refinement of that type rather than outcrossing to other breeds.

History and Legacy of the Redbone Coonhound

The Redbone Coonhound has made a lasting impact on American culture, hunting practices, and the wider category of working dogs. His historical significance goes far beyond the role of hunting companion, with implications in much of American history, economic, cultural, and even literary.

Economic Contributions

Traditionally, Redbone Coonhounds were great economic participants in rural areas based on their hunting talents. In the years when raccoon pelts sold for good money to the fur trade, a coonhound could add a significant amount to the family income. In the Appalachian and southeastern areas specifically, these dogs contributed to the survival of many families through difficult economic periods. The direct economic impact of hunting aside, Redbones helped sustain local economies with:

• Breeding operations: The dogs grew in popularity, and breeding and selling puppies became an income source for several families
• Hunt competitions: These organized hunting events spurred economic activity in rural communities
• Supporting industries: Hunting dogs required equipment, training, and care, spawning all sorts of supporting businesses

Cultural Significance

The cultural significance of the Redbone Coonhound runs deep in American — especially southern— identity and tradition. Beyond being a practical pursuit, coon hunting, particularly with Redbones and other coonhound breeds, was a cultural pastime rooted in family history and handed down from generation to generation. Night hunts were social events where stories were told, relationships were formed and community ties were reinforced. The call of the Redbone — their distinctive, melodic bay when on trail or treeing gave chase — became an emblematic sound of the American night in the country. To many people in rural communities, the cry of coonhounds searching the trail signified not only the hunt itself but ties to heritage, land, and tradition.

Books and Media mentioned in the article

The Redbone Coonhound gained perhaps its most popular fame via Wilson Rawls' popular novel "Where the Red Fern Grows" (1961). In American literature, this classic tale about a boy and his two Redbone Coonhounds, Old Dan, and Little Ann, introduced millions of readers to the breed and immortalized the Redbone. The subsequent film adaptations would solidify the breed's place in popular culture.

Redbones have made notable appearances in literature and media, including:

• Appeared in a variety of hunting magazines and books in the 20th century
• Attestations in regional literature about southern culture and rural living
• Depiction in the art of American hunting traditions
• Lead roles in hunting television shows/documentaries

An Influence on the Evolution of Working Dogs

The Redbone Coonhound also has a tremendous legacy larger than the direct history of working dogs. The breed is a kind of archetype of purpose-driven breeding, the idea that function informs form. The life story of the Redbone is a tale of evolution from a European hunting dog into a unique, American canine adapted to the land.

This shift from generalist European foxhound to more specialized American coonhound is a reminder of larger trends in the ways that working dog breeds adapt in different contexts and with different purposes, some of which continue to shape our understanding of canine evolution and selective breeding.

The Redbone Coonhound Today

A true hunter at heart, and while it is closely tied to hunting traditions in years past, the Redbone Coonhound has adapted to the challenges of the modern world without losing its core self. Redbones Today continues those historic roles, but also creates new pathways of showcasing what talent and flexibility can deliver.

Modern Redbone Coonhounds engage in a wide range of activities that honor their heritage and broaden their horizons:

• Traditional hunting: Many Redbones still work as raccoon-hunting dogs, their original purpose
• Hunting competition: Involvement in UKC and other hunting competitions
• Tracking and search work: Putting their amazing sniffers to good use in search and rescue or tracking trials
• Conformation showing: Increasing numbers compete in dog shows since AKC recognition in 2009
• Performance events: Competing in agility, obedience, and other dog sports
• Therapy work: Some Redbones with the right temperaments work as therapy dogs
• Family companions: More and more Redbones are living as beloved companions

Maintenance of Working Capabilities

An integral part of Redbone's contemporary history is the work of dedicated breeders who have strived to keep the hunting spirit that the breed was founded to be. While some breeds have lost working ability as show breeders took over, most Redbone breeders still value and test for the hunting abilities that are core to the breed's mission.

To this end, organizations such as the National Redbone Coonhound Association (NRCA) promote the preservation of the breed's traditional traits while adapting their appearance and temperament to modern circumstances. The breed's dual capabilities as a working dog and show dog are maintained through regular hunting competitions, field trials, and bench shows.

Health and Conservation Considerations

Like many purebreds, modern Redbone breeders must contend with the challenges of sustaining genetic diversity even while continuing to provide dogs that reflect the unique look, mind, and spirit of the breed. It's an ongoing challenge for the breed as it strives to maintain type while still ensuring long-term viability, and health testing and careful breeding practices have become more common.

The redbone coonhound's trajectory from a utilitarian hunting dog to an approved breed speaks to the complexities and rewards of modern breed preservation. Its ongoing success as both a working dog and companion attests to the enduring popularity of this unique American breed and the commitment of those who ensure it has a future. A second scent hound, the Redbone Coonhound, has earned its place in the American hunting pantheon thanks to its rich mahogany coat and formidable tracking skills. These athletic, all-in dogs are a true American breed with roots deep in the South. Discussed as one of the most beautiful dogs and a dazzling multi-purpose hunting dog by a lot of dog fans, the unique history of how the Redbone developed is not so well known. The Redbone Coonhound's history reflects the story of America itself, from its European ancestors through its specialized development in the American wilderness—the unique bond between man and his working dog. [Photo: Visual of Redbone Coonhound in profile, featuring his solid red coat, muscular build, and keen alert expression, along with the dropped ears that mark him as a member of the breed]

Conclusion

Today, the Redbone Coonhound is a reminder of our nation's pioneering spirit and the incredible relationship shared between hunters and their canine companions. The Redbone's journey is emblematic of America's immersive evolution, starting as a practical working dog bred by early American settlers to its recognition as a unique breed coveted for both their working prowess and companionship.

But the best highlight of the Redbone Coonhound is its true American nature. Many breeds are imported to the American continent fully formed from elsewhere, but the Redbone is a uniquely American creation, a breed for this continent developed by necessity to address the uniquely American challenges of the wilderness. That practicality and versatility is still a signature of the breed today.

The rich mahogany coat that gives the Redbone its name isn't simply for looks; it's the result of generations of careful breeding for a dog that could thrive in the unique hunting and environmental conditions of the American South. Each feature of the breed, from its beautiful singing voice to its relentless tracking ability showcases its purpose-driven development.

The Redbone Coonhound remains true to its roots and has indeed evolved throughout time, and as we march on into the future will continue to do so. Modern Redbones shine not only in the traditional hunting roles but also in new arenas from competitive dog sports to therapy work. This versatility guarantees this quintessential American breed will continue to thrive and adapt for years to come.