Rollicking Redbones

Both parents are imported from Ironwood Kennels in Irons, Michigan, and descend from long, well documented lines of champions in both hunting trials and the show ring. Stella, from a stronger hunting background, is more solidly built than Caleb, from a strong show background. (Feel free to google Ironwoodkennel.com and view their family histories, as well as information on their origins and champion backgrounds. Stella's parents are Star and Buck, and Caleb's parents are Jeannie and Red; you will need this information to delve into their family trees, which are depicted under each dog's description.) About Redbone Coonhounds: Originating in Georgia, the Redbone Coonhound can be traced to the late 1700's, when Scottish Immigrants introduced red foxhounds to the United States. They were later bred with the Bloodhound and imported Irish Foxhounds to achieve a faster dog with superior hunting abilities. First developed as a hunting dog of bear, bobcat, cougar, and raccoon, the Redbone Coonhound loves to swim, and is also an excellent companion and family pet. Fully grown, Redbones weigh between 60 and 80 pounds. According to "The Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds" (Second Edition, by D. Caroline Coile, Ph.D), Redbone Coonhounds "are very family oriented and make good inside dogs...they are active when on the hunt, but quiet inside. They have a loud, melodious voice when trailing (hunting) or excited. They're generally easygoing, gentle dogs that don't let much bother them, and they get along well with people, children, and dogs." From Dogster.com: "Though born and bred to hunt, Redbone Coonhounds make surprisingly relaxed, gentle and playful household companions, especially when socialized from an early age. As long as they get plenty of outdoor exercise, Redbone Coonhounds will be perfectly happy hanging around the house with the family. Keen and intelligent, they are also naturally curious: Make sure your back yard is fenced, and always keep your Redbone Coonhound on a leash in public." In our experience, the above description is quite accurate. Stella and Caleb live in the house with my husband, our seven year old son, a 13 year old Chihuahua, and me, and are beloved family members. They're comical, goofy, and affectionate, and love nothing more than to be with their human 'pack'. They're extremely gentle with children - as our young son and his friends can attest. We exercise Stella and Caleb daily to meet their energy requirements, which makes for calm, complacent dogs the rest of the time. Note: we always seek safe, secure areas such as fenced dog parks to exercise them, since, if they catch a scent, chances are that they'll follow their noses. We are looking for homes for the puppies that will treat them as part of the family, and we will only accept homes that are committed to providing them with the exercise that they require. They deserve it!