Redfern Kennels

          On December 21, 2004, Disney released "Where the Redfern Grows" starring our dog, Baron. Click here for more information. 

~ The Redbone Story ~

          During the latter part of the 19th century red foxhounds were used, but were considered to be to slow and deliberate for the speedy game they pursued. A few serious breeders that were dedicated to the proven ability in tracking and treeing began a campaign of selective breeding to produce a hound with the necessary characteristics to make a superior coonhound and which would breed true to type in color and conformation. Breeders in America desired a hound with more speed and a cold nose. A unknown redhound is said to be crossed with a irish foxhound. The first dogs were "saddlebacks." The background color was red and most possessed black saddle-like markings. By selective breeding and bloodline crossing, the black saddle was bred out and the solid red colored dogs became Redbone Coonhounds. As with most coonhounds, the ancestors of the Redbone were foxhounds; because of this, some white markings on the chest and feet still occasionally showup in Redbone pups today. The foundation stock of today's modern day Redbone came from George F.L. Birdsong of Georgia. He obtained this pack from Dr. Thomas Henry in the 1840's. Some say this hound may have been named after an early breeder, Peter Redbone of Tennessee. Of the six coonhound breeds, the Redbone is probably the most uniform as to size and type. The breed is distinguished by a medium build, pleading eyes and sweet voice. The deep rich red color makes the redbone coonhound a very striking dog to look at.

          The Redbone is the second coonhound breed to be registered with the United Kennel Club ( UKC ), the first being the Black and Tan registered in 1902. Today this hound is used for hunting, companionship, search and rescue, show and even used in a therapy environment. The Redbone Coonhound is now registerable with the AKC.