SS1104 SIG 179 4/14/11 1:12 PM Page 187
Redbone Coonhound
History of the Redbone Coonhound
By Christine Smith
away. They are now and always have been a one man dog and will fight for their master. It is almost impossible for a stranger t o pick one of them up in the woods…” These traits make Redbone Coonhounds unique to the other Coonhound breeds as they were bred first for their looks; to be a solid flashy red dog, medium in size. And after achieving their goal, dedicated breeders focused on the hunting ability again. Thanks to hunters and breeders like Brooks Magill, Roy Blakesley and many more, the Redbone breed evolved into what we see today. W.B. Frisbee spoke the truth; Redbones are an American bred hound originating from the south. Their beau- tiful red coats, whether dark as
mahogany or a golden sheen of red, are a product of determined breeders who set out to produce a medium sized, solid red, eye-catching hound. As I said before, the history of the Redbone Coonhound is somewhat hid- den inside of the “Society” of great coon hunters, past and present. As Roy Blakesley says, “Thank the Lord there were enough good men interested in the breed to stay with it, and bring the breed to where it is today. The Redbone breed is the youngest breed of the old breeds of hounds, but are the oldest breed of tree hounds we have, were never used as trail hounds as a breed, were bred and used for tree game from the start.” And of course in his opinion, “The finest breed of tree hounds in the world.” ■
“Thank the Lord there were enough good men interested in the breed
to stay with it, and bring the breed to where it is today...
The finest breed of tree hounds in the world.”
S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE • A PRIL 2011 • 187
Powered by FlippingBook