How Big Do Redbone Coonhounds Get? [Average Size Guide]

Redbone Coonhounds are purebred hunting dogs with Scottish fox-hound dog ancestry. With this in mind, it’s only natural to wonder how big they generally are. Besides, it can have a huge impact on ownership and whether they are the right breed for you. So, I spent some time researching their size to find out!

So, how big do Redbone Coonhounds get? Redbone Coonhounds can weigh anywhere between 45 to 70 pounds. The males are slightly bigger than the females. Males stand between 22 and 27 inches and females, 21 to 26 inches. Their weight and height are directly linked to their bone structure. The bigger the bone structure, the bigger the dog is going to be.

As with any breed of dog, you’re typically looking at a range and an average.

Besides, bloodline, genetics, and environmental factors can all make a dog differ quite dramatically – even within the same breed.

Let us now take a closer look at everything related to the Redbone Coonhounds size, so you can get a better idea of what to expect.

What Is The Average Size Of A Redbone Coonhound?

Redbone Coonhounds are considered large dogs. Males grow up to 27 inches high, and females up to 26 inches – with this measurement taken from the ground to the top of the shoulder. The breed standard runs towards leaner rather than heavier dogs. 

These average sizes follow the guidelines set out by the American Kennel Club (AKC), which registered the pure-bred breed in 2009.

One thing to consider is that Redbone Coonhounds tend to gain weight easily, although they should be lean and muscular.

So, it is best to give them a diet specifically designed for their size and that also matches their activity, age, and general speed of metabolism.

But more on all of this later.

At What Age Is A Redbone Coonhound Full Grown?

As a large dog breed, Redbone Coonhounds can take up to one and a half years to reach their adult weight. They tend to mature much more slowly than other breeds, so although they may be fully grown by one and a half years, they are not fully “grown-up” until they are around 2 years old. 

Redbone Coonhound puppies go through a number of developmental stages as they grow. 

Until the age of 3 weeks, they are considered new-born. 

They rely on their mother for everything as they can only crawl, and their eyes have barely opened. Most of their time is spent sleeping. 

They are weaned when they are between 3 and 7 weeks old. At this age, they get their first teeth and begin to walk. 

They also learn to bark and begin spending more time away from their mother. There is rapid growth and development during this stage of their lives. 

You will most often get your puppy when they are between 7 and 12 weeks old. 

They will start to learn their name, and you can begin with housetraining, although at this age they have a very short attention span. 

Their motor skills improve, but they still tend to sleep a lot. 

Between 12 and 16 weeks, they will begin to chew as their new permanent teeth start to come through. 

Your Redbone Coonhound will need lots of toys and attention during this time.

At this age, they will have a need to establish dominance which can come in the form of challenging authority, both yours and other animals in the household. 

8 months to a year old is the final stage of puppyhood. Their meals should be reduced from 4 feedings a day to 2 or 3. 

Some dogs will be sexually mature by this time. Females will most likely have reached their final height, although they do continue to fill out. 

Whilst they may be sexually mature and considered adult dogs, they are not yet fully grown. 

What Do Redbone Coonhounds Look Like Once Fully Grown?

As Redbone Coonhounds are part of the “hound” group, they have typical “hound” features. This includes flat ears that dangle and a short, flat coat. Robust and strong, they are often described as very handsome dogs. Their tail is narrow and upright, with compact paws similar to those of a cat. 

Centuries ago, breeders made a specific choice to enhance their color, which is a shiny mahogany. 

They might have a few patches of white on their feet or chest. 

Despite this, they have the distinction of being the only purebred Coonhound that is one solid color.

A Redbone Coonhound’s expression is cheerful, and they are highly intelligent dogs. 

Their temperament shows in their face. They have round eyes, which can be brown, hazel, or amber in color. 

They have very strong, long back legs inherited from many generations of running through marshes and over rough terrain chasing game.

Slender and muscular, their body should not be bulky. 

Redbone Coonhounds are not considered hypoallergenic. They do shed slightly, but if you brush them weekly, this should not be a problem.

The only time they really need a bath is if they have been running through a muddy river or rolling in something they shouldn’t. 

When you are giving them a brush, remember to check their teeth and ears. Because their ears are floppy, there is no natural airflow, and as such, they are prone to ear infections. 

These are treated easily if necessary, but regular checking and cleaning will prevent any infections from occurring. 

If you start when they are puppies and keep ear cleaning and nail trimming as part of a normal grooming routine, it will pay off when they are adults.

What Are The Factors That Influence A Redbone Coonhounds Size?

A Redbone Coonhound’s bone structure will dictate its size. Their height and weight are proportional to the development of their skeleton, which is why it’s important to make sure they have a good foundation when they are puppies. If they are healthy, happy puppies, they will grow to their full size and weight. 

The size of the puppy will give you an indication of the size that your Redbone Coonhound will be as an adult. 

This is because their final size is dictated by genetics, to a large extent.

Nevertheless, this does not downplay the importance of their upbringing and care.

For instance, regular exercise will make sure that your dog develops properly and stays healthy. 

Exercise is especially important for this breed, as they are, by nature, hunting, gaming, and tracking dogs. 

They are high energy and, although they are sleek, have a lot of muscle. 

They can jump high fences, and their urge to track is so strong they can run off when going on a walk if they are not properly trained. 

This can be prevented by training them using a harness when they are puppies, so they don’t dash off on a whim. 

They are best kept in a big yard with a very high fence and plenty of room to play and explore. 

Redbone Coonhounds are not good apartment dogs, as you need to give them a lot of space, and they can be noisy. 

Although high energy and inquisitive dogs, they can also be adaptable and laid-back. Giving them the correct environment will make sure that they develop as they should. 

Redbone Coonhounds do well in a multi-dog household, where their owners want their dogs to be a part of their everyday life.

How To Ensure Your Redbone Coonhound Reaches Their Full Size Potential

Making sure your Redbone Coonhound reaches its size potential is a matter of upbringing and lifestyle. As mentioned above, giving them a good foundation in the first 2 years of life and maintaining that as an adult is essential. 

There are some basic principles to ensuring that your dog develops fully, both emotionally and physically. 

As Redbone Coonhounds are hunting dogs, they will explore all over the house and have a tendency to chew things they shouldn’t. 

Supervise them when they are in the house, and keep doors closed if necessary. 

Proper grooming, as discussed, will prevent infections and disease or catch them early enough so they don’t become a problem. 

Redbone Coonhounds are generally healthy and can live for up to 15 years. 

The main health problem experienced by this breed is elbow and hip dysplasia which is a common issue among large purebred dogs. 

Hip dysplasia occurs when the joint is deformed, resulting in degenerative joint disease and arthritis. 

Because they have a deep chest, they can develop bloat, a gastric problem where the stomach is distended by gas.

If they begin gagging without vomiting and show signs that they are uncomfortable, you need to get them to a vet immediately. 

When you are in an urban setting, your Redbone Coonhound should be on a leash to prevent them from running off. 

Keep your dog’s mind and body active; a bored dog often translates into a naughty dog. 

Redbone Coonhounds love water, so taking your dog to a park or a hiking trail that has a stream is a great exercise for them. 

Diet is the most essential aspect of dog care. 

The health of their digestive tract is at the center of their overall wellbeing. 

If they have an unhealthy gut, they cannot absorb nutrients properly, leading to stunted development. 

It also affects their immune system, causing inflammation in the body as well as creating many other health problems.

Food made up of protein, healthy fats, ground bone, and vegetables will suit them nicely and is important for optimum health. 

Before settling on the type and quantity of food, you need to look at your dog’s weight and physical appearance. 

There are other factors that need to be taken into account in this regard, such as their metabolism, how much exercise your dog gets, their age, and whether you want them to gain, maintain or lose weight. 

If you are choosing to make your own dog food, getting the ratio of fats and vegetables to protein is essential. 

Ideally, you want 80% protein, 10% fat, and 10% ground bone. 

You can also decide to throw in some additional vegetables. 

If you are not sure how to go about making your own food, here is a good guide you can use to calculate how much raw food to feed your dog based on breed, age, and size. 

Finally

Once you have decided on a Redbone Coonhound, do your research on different breeders. 

You want to ensure they are reputable, follow proper practices, and are of course, ethical in their breeding.

Perhaps the best place to start is directly on the AKC marketplace; they only list dogs from vetted sellers.

From there, take your time selecting a dog.

You want to ensure you adopt a dog that has the nature and temperament that will complement your lifestyle.

Thankfully, this is a breed known for its affectionate and non-aggressive nature. They are, for the most part, loving, loyal companions.

If you watch their diet, groom them regularly and make sure they get plenty of exercise, they should grow to reach their full size and live a long and fulfilling life. 

Related guides you may want to read:

• How Big Do Dogs Get?