The redbone coonhound was, as the name tells us, bred for raccoon hunting. "Redbone" describes the breed's colour - a striking deep red.
The modern redbone originates from a pack from 1840, owned by George F.L. Birdsong, who obtained the dogs from Dr. Thomas Henry. Like other coonhound breeds, this swift hunter is believed to originate from foxhounds, perhaps crossed with bloodhounds.


The redbone coonhound is considered to be the most uniform in type and size of all the coonhound breeds. It should be of a medium build with pleading eyes and a "sweet" voice. The ears are set moderately low, reaching near the end of the nose when stretched out. The throat is medium in length, slightly arched, to the broad and deep chest. The back is slightly arhced.