Redbone Coonhound Breed Profile

Head: Somewhat mesaticephalic skull type, moderate in size, appearing fairly long (never narrow) and in proportion to the rest of the body. The topskull is fairly broad and may be flat to just slightly arced when viewed from the front or in profile. It should never appear narrow or domed. The head is clean-cut without excess skin or wrinkles.

Eyes: Moderate in size, somewhat round, oval, open almond to lemon in shape, and amber, hazel, or medium to dark brown in color. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Any signs of entropion or ectropion are incorrect for this breed.

Ears: Somewhat long and large in size, broad, hound-type ears. They are set fairly low on the skull, in line with the eyes when in repose, yet capable of being brought up just below the plane of the topskull when alert. They should extend to the nose when brought forward.

Muzzle: The muzzle is full, deep, and broad. The plane, or bridge of the muzzle, is straight and never dished. The upper and lower jaws are well-developed, approximately equal in length, and have good bone substance, never appearing snipey or weak.

Nose: The nose is well-pigmented and black. The nostrils are well-opened.

Neck: Moderate length allows for good head carriage. It is strongly muscled with a slight arch. The neck tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is clean-cut and without excess skin. However, some slightly loose skin on the throat is permissible but never forming a pendulous dewlap.

Chest: Deep and broad but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows.

Body: Compact, solid, and of good substance. The body is never racy or refined. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters. Capable of agility, speed, and endurance.

Feet: Oval to round and compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.

Tail: May be set low, or neither high nor low on the croup, but as a natural extension of the topline. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. The tail is carried in accordance with the dog’s mood and energy level but never tucked. The tail is of a moderately long length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tail may be saber, straight, or gently curved.

Movement: Determined, strong, energetic, efficient, and effortless. The characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the centerline of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.

Temperament: The Redbone breed is a strongly instinctual hunting dog. For this reason, it is recommended that they go to working homes that will allow them to exercise their desire to hunt, either through hunting events or search and rescue. In well-suited homes, they are excellent working dogs and family companions. They are even-tempered, social, affectionate, and eager. Being a pack dog, they are known to get along well with other animals. They require regular daily exercise to ensure that their desire to sniff things out doesn’t manifest in problem behaviors. They respond well to formal training. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.