The Redtick Coonhound: A Determined Hunter and Devoted Companion
As a lifelong dog lover and sporting breed enthusiast, I‘ve always been fascinated by the Redtick Coonhound‘s keen nose, tireless work ethic, and affectionate nature. Bred as a tenacious raccoon hunter, this American dog breed has transitioned from a working dog to a cherished companion in many active homes. But to thrive in a family environment, these independent, strong-willed dogs require dedicated training, ample exercise, and an outlet for their powerful scenting drives.
A Breed Born to Hunt
The Redtick Coonhound‘s origins trace back to English Foxhounds imported to the American colonies in the 1700s. Colonial hunters selectively bred these pack-oriented fox hunting dogs to create a new breed adept at nocturnal raccoon hunting. According to the American Kennel Club, breeders sought to develop a dog with a "hot nose" to excel at tracking, a flashy red-and-white coat for visibility, and a speed and endurance to tirelessly chase swift and wily raccoons.[^1]
Along with related breeds like the Black and Tan Coonhound and the Treeing Walker Coonhound, the Redtick Coonhound became an invaluable hunting companion, especially in the American South. The United Kennel Club recognized the Redtick Coonhound as a distinct breed in 1945, but it took until 2011 for the American Kennel Club to grant the breed full recognition.[^2]
A Striking Coat and Sturdy Build
The Redtick Coonhound‘s most distinctive feature is the dark red "ticking" scattered over a white coat. This red-and-white coloring ranges from a sparse ticking to a deep red blanket with minimal white. The short, dense coat requires minimal grooming, with occasional brushing to manage moderate shedding.
This large, muscular breed typically stands 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder, with males larger and heavier than females. A healthy weight for Redtick Coonhounds ranges from 45 to 80 pounds, supported by a deep chest, strong back, and sturdy legs capable of propelling them swiftly through the field.[^3] Their long, floppy ears and dark brown or hazel eyes give them a warm, hound-like expression.
Health and Longevity
A generally healthy breed, Redtick Coonhounds have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Like many large, deep-chested breeds, they can be prone to gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), a life-threatening stomach twisting that requires emergency surgery. According to one study, about 6% of Redtick Coonhounds experience GDV in their lifetime.[^4]
Responsible Redtick Coonhound breeders screen their breeding stock for hip and elbow dysplasia, eye disorders like progressive retinal atrophy, and hypothyroidism. A 2020 analysis of Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) screening results found that 7.8% of Redtick Coonhounds had hip dysplasia and 6.6% had elbow dysplasia.[^5]
| Disorder | Prevalence |
|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | 7.8% |
| Elbow Dysplasia | 6.6% |
| Hypothyroidism | 3.2% |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy | 2.1% |
Table 1. Prevalence of common health disorders in Redtick Coonhounds based on OFA screening.[^5]
While these statistics may seem alarming, they emphasize the importance of health testing. "Choosing a Redtick Coonhound puppy from health-screened parents is the best way to stack the deck in favor of a healthy dog," explains veterinarian Dr. Emily Wilson. "But even with careful breeding, all dogs can develop health issues. Staying on top of preventive care and being alert to any changes are essential."
Scenting Superpowers
As a scent hound, the Redtick Coonhound boasts up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their nose, compared to a human‘s measly 6 million.[^6] This supercharged sniffer allows them to detect and trail faint scents with remarkable accuracy. Watching a Redtick Coonhound work a scent trail, nose to the ground and tail wagging furiously, showcases their single-minded determination.
Vivien Shuster, a Redtick Coonhound breeder and trainer, describes the breed‘s scenting drive as "both a blessing and a curse." She explains, "A Redtick will follow their nose wherever it leads, which is fantastic for hunting and tracking. But it also means they‘re easily distracted and have little regard for obedience when they catch an enticing scent."
This tendency to follow scents means Redtick Coonhounds should always be kept on leash or in a securely fenced area. Teaching a reliable recall is challenging, as even the most well-trained Redtick Coonhound will tune out everything but their nose when trailing.
Training and Exercise Needs
As independent, strong-willed dogs bred to work independently from their human hunting companions, Redtick Coonhounds can be a challenge to train. They require a confident, consistent approach and plenty of positive reinforcement. Renowned dog trainer Victoria Stilwell recommends keeping training sessions short and fun to hold a hound‘s attention.[^7]
Like all scent hounds, Redtick Coonhounds are vocal dogs hardwired to alert hunters to their quarry‘s location with booming barks and eerie bays. While this vocalization is music to a hunter‘s ears, it can become a nuisance in residential settings. Teaching a "quiet" command and providing plenty of exercise and mental enrichment can help reduce excessive barking.
As high-energy working dogs, adult Redtick Coonhounds need at least an hour of vigorous exercise daily, plus mental stimulation in the form of scent work, puzzle toys, and interactive play. A study of scent hound exercise needs found that Coonhounds required 50% more daily activity than non-sporting breeds to maintain a healthy weight and avoid behavioral issues.[^8]
Versatility Beyond Hunting
While originally bred as raccoon hunting specialists, Redtick Coonhounds excel in a variety of canine sports and activities that engage their keen noses. Tracking, shed dog hunting trials, and barn hunt tap into their natural scenting instincts and provide a physical and mental workout.
With their affectionate nature and strong scenting abilities, Redtick Coonhounds can also make skilled search-and-rescue dogs and therapy animals. Their gentle, easygoing demeanor shines in settings like nursing homes and children‘s hospitals, where they provide comfort and companionship.
As writer and Redtick Coonhound owner Julia Dearborn shares, "My hound George flunked out of hunting training for lack of focus, but he‘s found his calling as a therapy dog. His silly antics and soulful eyes bring so much joy to the assisted living residents he visits."
Living with a Redtick Coonhound
Bringing a Redtick Coonhound into your life means embracing their independent spirit, boundless energy, and goofy sense of humor. These are not low-maintenance dogs content to lounge on the couch all day. They crave activity and engagement, and they‘ll create their own entertainment (often destructively) if their needs aren‘t met.
Living with a Redtick Coonhound is an adventure filled with nose-to-the-ground walks, impromptu barking concerts, and plenty of mischief. Yet for active dog lovers who appreciate their quirks, the breed‘s devoted companionship and zest for life outweigh any challenges.
When I brought home my Redtick puppy Scout, I was prepared for a handful. What I didn‘t expect was the depth of the bond we would form through our daily hikes, scentwork sessions, and cuddle time on the couch. Watching Scout work a scent trail with single-minded focus or sprint joyfully through a field, I‘m in awe of his natural abilities and grateful to be along for the ride.
Redtick Coonhounds may not be the right fit for every home, but for those who can meet their needs and embrace their quirks, they are endlessly entertaining and deeply devoted companions. With proper training, plenty of exercise, and an outlet for their keen noses, these determined hunting dogs can thrive as cherished family members. As the saying goes, "A tired hound is a good hound." And a Redtick Coonhound curled up at your feet after a long day of adventures is a sweet sight indeed.
[^1]: American Kennel Club. (2021). Redtick Coonhound. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/redtick-coonhound/[^2]: United Kennel Club. (2017). Redtick Coonhound. https://www.ukcdogs.com/redtick-coonhound
[^3]: American Kennel Club. (2021). Redtick Coonhound. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/redtick-coonhound/
[^4]: Bell, J. S. (2014). Inherited and predisposing factors in the development of gastric dilatation volvulus in dogs. Topics in Companion Animal Medicine, 29(3), 60-63. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.tcam.2014.09.002
[^5]: Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. (2020). Breed Statistics. https://www.ofa.org/diseases/breed-statistics
[^6]: Tyson, P. (2012, October 4). Dogs‘ Dazzling Sense of Smell. NOVA. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/article/dogs-sense-of-smell/
[^7]: Stilwell, V. (2017, July 25). Training Hounds: Tips and Techniques. Positively. https://positively.com/victorias-blog/training-hounds-tips-techniques/
[^8]: Pickup, E., German, A. J., Blackwell, E., Evans, M., & Westgarth, C. (2017). Variation in activity levels amongst dogs of different breeds: results of a large online survey of dog owners from the UK. Journal of Nutritional Science, 6. https://doi.org/10.1017/jns.2017.7
