| Coonhounds |
Original Artwork by Our ThinkQuest Team |
| Coonhounds |
Original Artwork by Our ThinkQuest Team |
In the book Where the Red Fern Grows, Billy saves his money for two years to buy two Redbone Coonhounds.
~*~^~*~^~*~^~*~^~*~^~*~^~*~^~*~^~*~^~*~^~*~^~*~^~*~^~*~^~*~^~*~^~*~^~*~^
The true Redbone hound breed began in the 1840 when Dr. Thomas Henry crossbreed foxhounds and bloodhounds. The first Redbones had a saddle. This was a large black spot that covered the same place on the dog that a saddle would cover on a horse. Through selective breeding the saddle was bred out and a solid red dog emerged. In 1902 the Redbone became a registered breed.
Redbone coonhounds are a medium sized dog. Their coats are a deep red color. They have brown to hazel eyes. The ears are low and reach nearly to the end of their noses. Redbones have a deep broad chest and a strong slightly arched back. Their feet have cat-like paws. The tail is medium length and slightly brushy.
Redbones are agile which helps them when hunting in steep, rocky areas. Redbones are excellent swimmers. They have a natural instinct for hunting. Most Redbones are used for coon hunting, but they are skilled in trailing bear, cougar, and bobcats. Most hunters prefer to hunt with a pack of Redbones instead of a single dog.
