Redbone Coonhound

The Redbone Coonhound was developed in the United States from hunting hounds brought by European settlers and subsequently adapted to American conditions. Scottish and Irish immigrants brought foxhounds and other scent hounds into the country, and American hunters selectively bred dogs capable of tracking game through forests, swamps, and rugged terrain. Early dogs were not uniformly red and sometimes carried black markings or a dark saddle. Breeders gradually selected for the solid red coat that eventually gave the breed its name. Georgia breeder George E. L. Birdsong was particularly influential during the 19th century in developing red hounds noted for hunting ability. Like other coonhounds, Redbones became specialists at following raccoon scent and keeping the animal treed until hunters arrived, but they were also used on larger game in some regions. Their combination of speed, agility, swimming ability, and a strong nose made them versatile hunters across varied terrain. The United Kennel Club recognized the Redbone Coonhound in 1902, while American Kennel Club recognition came much later, in 2009. The breed also gained cultural recognition through Wilson Rawls' novel "Where the Red Fern Grows," whose two central hunting dogs are Redbone Coonhounds.