Scenthound Large size 20-32 kg

Redbone Coonhound

An easygoing, affectionate American hunting hound that needs space and daily exercise - its baying voice and nose make off-leash and close-neighbor life tricky.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Large
Size
20-32 kg, 53-69 cm tall
High
Activity
Endurance hunter needing long daily exercise
Low
Alone-time tolerance
A pack hound that dislikes long solitude
Moderate
Handling
Willing but easily distracted by scent
Low
Coat care
Short coat, minimal upkeep
Good
Fit with kids
Gentle and affectionate with family
Good
Other pets
Social with dogs; strong prey drive to small animals
Moderate
Health burden
Hip dysplasia, bloat risk

The Redbone Coonhound typically weighs 20-32 kg, stands 53-69 cm, and lives 12-15 years.

Consider this breed if…

you have space and time for long daily exercise or hunting,
you want an easygoing, affectionate family hound with low grooming,
you can tolerate a loud, baying hound voice,
you enjoy scentwork or tracking and want to give a nose a job.

Do not consider this breed if…

you live in an apartment or have close neighbors sensitive to baying,
the dog would regularly be alone 6 or more hours,
you want reliable off-leash recall - the nose usually wins,
you keep cats or small pets it would chase.

A typical day with a Redbone Coonhound

  1. 6:30 · Morning
    Long walk, run or a tracking session, 45-60 min
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Rest after exercise, chewing
  3. 12:30 · Noon
    Short sniff walk or yard time
  4. 16:00 · Afternoon
    Scent games or a training session
  5. 18:30 · Evening
    Second longer walk or free running in a safe area
  6. 21:00 · Night
    Settles calmly with the family after a full day

Temperament and training

Prey and scent drive Very high
Sociability High
Vocality Very high
Independence Moderate
Trainability Moderate
Affection with family High
Common owner mistakes
Trusting off-leash freedom when a scent can pull it for miles · Under-exercising a working hound and getting baying and destruction · Expecting a quiet dog from a loud, vocal breed

Family and environment

Kids Good
Gentle and affectionate; sturdy for family life.
Dogs Good
A pack breed that usually enjoys canine company.
Cats Difficult
Strong prey drive; risky with cats and small pets.
Apartment Poor fit
Voice and exercise needs clash with flat living.
House with a yard Suitable
A tall, secure fence is essential for a nose-led roamer.
City Poor fit
Baying and space needs make city life hard.
Countryside Ideal
Room to run and work is exactly what it wants.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Moderate

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Hip dysplasia Screen breeding stock for hip scores
Bloat (GDV) Deep-chested; feed smaller meals, avoid exercise after eating
Chronic ear infections Long ears need routine cleaning
Hypothyroidism Manageable with daily medication once diagnosed

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Closely related American coonhound
Black And Tan Coonhound
An easygoing, nose-driven American hound that is great with family but bays loudly and follows scents anywhere - fenced space and patience required.
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Larger scenthound with a comparable nose and voice
Bloodhound
The ultimate tracking nose in a gentle giant - loving with family, but drooly, stubborn, prone to bloat and one of the shorter-lived large breeds.
View profile →
Similar athletic American pack hound
American Foxhound
A sweet, easygoing pack hound with tireless stamina and a loud voice, best for active rural homes rather than apartments.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

Can a Redbone Coonhound live in an apartment?
It is a poor fit. This is a large, athletic hunting hound with a loud, carrying bay that neighbors will hear, and it needs a lot of daily exercise. It is far happier in a house with a securely fenced yard and access to walking or tracking ground, ideally in a rural or suburban setting.
Can a Redbone Coonhound be off leash?
Usually not safely. Once it catches a scent it will follow it single-mindedly and can travel a long way, so recall tends to fail. Reliable off-leash freedom is realistic only in large, enclosed areas away from roads; the rest of the time a long line and a tall, secure fence are the safe choices.
How much does a Redbone Coonhound cost in the US?
As a native American hunting breed it is more available than many rare hounds, with puppies commonly running roughly $500-$1,000 depending on lines, and rescues often available for less. Across a 12-15 year life, routine food, supplies and preventive care for a large dog typically add $12,000-$20,000 or more, before any treatment for illness or injury.
Are Redbone Coonhounds good family dogs?
Yes, with the right home. They are typically easygoing, affectionate and gentle with their family and good with other dogs. The catch is not temperament but logistics: their exercise needs, loud voice and strong nose mean they suit an active household with space rather than a quiet apartment.