Easy
Redbone Coonhound
The Redbone Coonhound is a beautiful deep-red American scenthound bred for treeing a wide variety of game from raccoons to mountain lions. Their short, dense, glossy red coat is one of the most striking in the hound group and one of the easiest to maintain. Regular ear care is the primary ongoing grooming concern for this breed.
Coat Type
Short, Dense, Glossy Red Hound Coat
Groom Every
Every 6-8 weeks
Styles Available
3 cuts
Cuts & Styles
Grooming Styles
1
Standard Hound Bath
A thorough bath with a sheen-enhancing shampoo to bring out the rich red coat color, rubber mitt finish, nail trim, and ear cleaning.
2
Color-Enhancing Groom
A bath using a red or chestnut coat-enhancing shampoo followed by a conditioning rinse to maximize the depth and richness of the breed's characteristic deep red coat.
3
Natural Hound
Weekly rubber mitt brushing and ear cleaning between professional baths. All that is needed to maintain a clean, well-cared-for Redbone.
Expert Advice
Care Tips
- Use a color-enhancing shampoo formulated for red or auburn coats to maintain the depth and richness of the Redbone's mahogany-red coat — generic shampoos can make the coat appear dull over time.
- Clean ears weekly without exception — the Redbone's long, floppy ears and tendency to hunt in wet conditions make this breed susceptible to chronic otitis externa. Early, consistent maintenance is far less costly than treating established infections.
- The short, glossy coat is naturally self-cleaning; a rubber grooming mitt used twice weekly between baths is sufficient to remove loose coat and maintain the bright red sheen.
- After hunts, inspect the entire coat surface by parting it and examining the skin for ticks — the dense, deep red coat conceals parasites well against the background color.
- Nail trimming may be needed less frequently for active field Redbones that hunt on hard terrain, but inspect monthly — nails on dogs kept on soft ground grow quickly.
Recommended Tools
What you'll need
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
BrushThe gold standard for poodles and doodles. Features long pins that penetrate deep into dense coats to remove tangles and fluff the hair.
$60 - $75
Miller's Forge Quality Nail Clipper
Nail CareUsed by professional groomers worldwide. Made of high-quality Italian stainless steel with a heavy-duty spring for clean, sharp cuts.
$10 - $15
Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
BrushAn excellent entry-level brush that's easy to clean. Great for removing loose fur and detangling shorter coats.
$15 - $25
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Deep Dives
Redbone Coonhound Grooming Guides
Summer Grooming
Heat management, coat care, and seasonal tips.
Read guide
Winter Coat Care
Cold-weather protection and moisture balance.
Read guide
Shedding Season
Survive the seasonal blowout without losing your mind.
Read guide
Prevent Matting
Detangle, prevent, and protect their coat year-round.
Read guide
Best Brushes
The right tools for this specific coat type.
Read guide
Nail Trimming
Safe nail care frequency and technique.
Read guide
Ear Cleaning
Prevent infections with proper ear care.
Read guide
Bathing Guide
How often to bathe and which products to use.
Read guide
Grooming Cost
What professional grooming should cost for this breed.
Read guide
Hypoallergenic
Shedding, dander, and allergy-friendly coat care.
Read guide
First-Time Owner
Grooming basics for new owners of this breed.
Read guide
Skin & Allergies
Itchy skin, hot spots, and coat-sensitive care.
Read guide
Dental Care
Oral hygiene tied to coat and skin health.
Read guide
Flea & Tick
Parasite prevention without damaging the coat.
Read guide
Pro vs DIY
When to groom at home and when to hire a pro.
Read guide
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