8 Things to Know Before Getting a Redbone Coonhound
You fell for that glossy red coat and soulful eyes — we did too.
Before you bring a Redbone Coonhound home, here are the exact things that make living with one joyful, loud, and wonderfully active.
Use this as your no-fluff guide to decide if this is your dog.
1. Built for Miles, Not Minutes
Redbone Coonhounds were bred to run game for hours. A quick stroll won3t cut it.
Plan on 60120 minutes of daily exercise split between brisk walks, jogs, or off-leash romps in secure areas.
On rainy days, swap mileage with nose work, tug, and puzzle toys to avoid destructive boredom.
2. The Voice Is Part of the Package
They donft just bark — they bay, bawl, and bugle. Itfs musical to some and maddening to neighbors.
Teach a reliable quiet cue early and give them legal outlets for vocalizing during play.
3. That Nose Will Outsmart You
A drifting scent can flip a switch from cuddle-bug to laser-focused tracker.
Expect pulling and sudden detours unless you train loose-leash skills and use a well-fitted harness.
Work with their instincts, not against them
Give the nose a job
Scatter-feed, hide treats, and run simple scent trails at home.
Safety first
Use a GPS collar or AirTag holder on hikes; practice name recognition constantly.
4. Train for Brain and Recall
Redbones are affectionate and people-oriented, but scent-first thinking can feel stubborn.
Keep sessions short, upbeat, and high-value. Use games: recall races, find-it, and chase me play with a toy reward.
Recall that actually works
- Start indoorsPay generously for every turn of the head toward you.
- Use a long linePractice in fields so you can reward success without risking a runaway.
- One cue, big paycheckMake “here” mean jackpots — roasted chicken levels of wow.
5. Low-Maintenance Coat, High-Maintenance Ears
The sleek, short coat sheds lightly and needs a quick weekly rubber-brush session.
Those beautiful drop ears trap moisture. Check and clean weekly with vet-approved solution to prevent infections.
- Weekly ear checks and gentle cleaning
- Monthly nail trims (or weekly if you hear clicking)
- Daily wipe-down after muddy hunts or hikes
- Skipping ear care — infections will find you
6. Yard, Fence, and Enrichment
A secure, tall fence matters; many Redbones are climbers or diggers if a scent teases them.
If you donft have a yard, commit to structured outings and a rotation of chewies, snuffle mats, and training games.
Pros
Why we love them
- Goofy, affectionate shadows at home
- Athletic partners for hikes and runs
- Low-grooming coat with that iconic red shine
Cons
What to plan around
- Vocal breed with baying
- High prey drive outdoors
- Recall is a train-and-manage skill, not a guarantee
7. Sweet With People, Prey-Driven Outdoors
Most Redbones are friendly and gentle with family and kids, often leaning in for contact.
Small pets can trigger chase. Manage with gates, leashes, and training; some households with free-roaming cats or rabbits wont be a fit.
They make loving companions in active, engaged households that meet their exercise and scent needs.
You manage it — with training, enrichment, and secure handling — but the instinct remains.
8. Health, Food, and Lifetime Costs
Generally robust. Watch for ear infections, occasional hip/elbow dysplasia, and bloat risk in deep-chested dogs.
Feed a quality diet split into two meals; add slow-feeders to curb gulping.
Annual Cost Breakdown
| Expense | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Food (athletic adult) | $500–$900 |
| Routine vet care | $250–$500 |
| Preventatives (flea/tick/heartworm) | $200–$400 |
| Training + enrichment | $150–$400 |
| Insurance (optional) | $500–$900 |
| Est. Annual Total | $1,600–$3,100 / year |
For active first-time owners willing to train and manage voice and prey drive, yes. If you want a quiet, low-exercise dog, look elsewhere.
Possible with serious exercise and soundproofing, but the bay can strain neighbor relations. A house with a yard is easier.
Often yes — many enjoy canine company. Match energy levels and manage intros well.
Light to moderate year-round; weekly brushing and occasional baths keep the coat shiny.
