Please read the following information we have also posted the UKC Breed Standards on the 3 Breeds.
Just as the movie " Where the Red Fern Grows " depics coonhounds are very loyal hounds, and make for some of the very best companions. Most people say that Coonhounds just can not fit in with someone's normal everyday life but we disagree. Our hounds do everything with us just as any other breed of dog would. Coonhounds are an energetic breed as young dogs but seem to settle down with age. Coonhounds seem to have such great personalities and often are the life of our homes. When we take them out we get many comments about people wondering how we can stand them around the house. Truth is Redbones adapt to inside life well and love attention from people. As young dogs they can get into alot of trouble but with age these dogs become more then just a dog they become Mans Bestfriend, Coonhounds are GREAT with children and do well with other pets IF properly socialized and trained as young dogs. They do intend to get into trouble if not given the proper time to play and exercise time. Crate training is recommended for times your not around. Coonhounds are loud and do not do great in city life, however with proper training they have know problems.
These standards has been framed for three real purposes. First, to act as a guide for the Judges at all Shows. Second, to furnish suggestions for breeders for improving the breed, and to promote higher ideals for their breeding programs. Third, to advance this breed to a state of similarity throughout the country.
The Redbone Coonhound~
UKC BREED STANDARDS
HISTORY Years ago, most coon hunters who owned a red dog of unknown ancestry, but proven ability in tracking and treeing raccoons, called his dog a “Redbone”. Then a few serious breeders who were devoted both to the breed and the sport began a campaign of selective breeding to produce a hound with the necessary characteristics to make a superior coonhound that would breed true to type in color and conformation. The foundation stock of the modern day Redbone came from George F.L. Birdsong of Georgia, who was a noted foxhunter and breeder. He obtained the pack of Dr. Thomas Henry in the 1840’s. As is the case with most of the other coonhound breeds, the ancestors of the Redbone were foxhounds. A Bloodhound cross is said to have been made, and it’s also said that the blood of the Irish hounds was introduced later. This latter cross is said to account for the white chest and feet markings which still occasionally show up in Redbone pups today. The first dogs were commonly called “Saddlebacks”. The background color was red, and most of them possessed black saddle markings. By selective breeding, the black saddle was bred out and the solid red dogs became known as Redbone Coonhounds. The Redbone was the second coonhound breed to be registered with UKC, the first one being registered in 1902, two years after the American Black & Tan. Today, of the seven coonhound breeds, the Redbone is probably the most uniform as to type and size. They are coon hunting specialists but also proficient in trailing and treeing bear, cougar and bobcat. Often times, when used on big game, Redbones are hunted in packs. GENERAL APPEARANCE The Redbone is a medium-sized hound, with a rich, deep red colored coat. He is well-balanced and agile, making him adaptable to various types of hunting and terrain. Disqualifications: Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. CHARACTERISTICS This breed is characterized by its pleading eyes and “sweet” voice. They have a natural treeing instinct and make excellent water dogs. They are even tempered and affectionate with a strong desire to please. Disqualifications: Viciousness or extreme shyness. HEAD Moderately broad, and slightly domed in skull, proportionate to general body size. Muzzle is well balanced with the other features of the head, as long as the skull, with a straight nasal bone, never dish-faced or concave. The planes of the top skull and muzzle are parallel. Stop is well defined but not abrupt. The head gives the general impression of length rather than width. TEETH - Scissors bite preferred, even bite acceptable. Disqualifications: Undershot or overshot. EYES - Set fairly well apart in skull, brown to hazel in color, with the darker color preferred. Round in shape but not prominent. Expression is pleading. Disqualification: Blind. NOSE – Large, with well-opened nostrils. Black in color, fully pigmented. EARS - Set moderately low, firmly attached to head. Fine in texture, not stiff, and reaching near the end of the nose when stretched forward. Size in proportion to head. Disqualification: Blind. NECK Medium long, strong, slightly arched and held erect, denoting proudness. Throat clean, but slight fold of skin below angle of jaw is not objectionable. FOREQUARTERS Forelegs straight, with good bone, set well under body. Cleanly muscled for strength and speed. Pasterns strong and straight, nearly vertical with just enough slope to absorb shock. Length of leg from elbow to ground is approximately one-half the height at withers. Shoulders sloping, clean and muscular. BODY Chest is both deep and broad, and ribs are well sprung for plenty of lung space. Topline is slightly higher at withers than at hips. Back is strong and straight, loin muscular and slightly arched, with moderate tuck up. Overall proportion (measured from point of shoulder to point of buttocks and withers to ground) is square or slightly longer than tall. HINDQUARTERS Thighs well muscled and strong. Rear legs straight from hip to foot when viewed from behind, never cowhocked. Dewclaws removed. Moderate angulation at stifle and hock to balance with forequarter. Rear pasterns short and strong. FEET Cat-like. Compact, and well padded, with strong, well arched toes and stout, well set nails. TAIL Set slightly below the line of the back, moderate in length, with a slight brush. COAT Typical short, close, glossy, hound type coat. COLOR Solid red preferred, small amount of white on brisket or feet not objectionable. Disqualification: Albinism. HEIGHT AND WEIGHT Height at withers for adult males, 22 to 27 inches. For adult females, 21 to 25 inches. Weight proportionate to size and medium build. GAIT The well balanced and agile Redbone moves freely and easily at a reasonable speed with head and tail carried well up. ELIMINATING FAULTS (A dog with an Eliminating Fault is not to be considered for placement in a bench show/conformation event, nor are they to be reported to UKC.) Males under 22 inches or over 27 inches. Females under 21 inches or over 25 inches. (Entries in Puppy Class are not to be eliminated for being undersize.) DISQUALIFICATIONS Undershot or overshot. Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Albinism. Deaf. Blind. |
The Treeing Walker Coonhound~UKC BREED STANDARDS
HISTORY The Treeing Walker was developed from certain strains of English Walker Foxhounds. The credit for the development of the Walker Foxhound goes to two men - George Washington Maupin and John W. Walker. Both men were from Kentucky. Before that time, Thomas Walker of Albemarle County, Virginia, imported hounds from England in 1742. George Washington, who was an avid fox hunter, also imported several hounds from England in 1770. These dogs became the foundation strains of the “Virginia hounds”, which were developed into the Walker hound. At least one major outcross was made in the 19th century that was to forever influence the breed. Strangely, the outcross was with a stolen dog from Tennessee of unknown origin, known as Tennessee Lead. Lead didn’t look like the Virginia strain of English Foxhounds of that dog, but he had an exceptional amount of game sense, plenty of drive and speed, and a clear, short mouth. Walkers were first registered with UKC as part of the English Coonhound breed. Then in 1945, at the request of Walker breeders, UKC began registering them as a separate breed - first as Walkers (Treeing) and then later as Treeing Walkers. GENERAL APPEARANCE The Treeing Walker is a well-balanced, symmetrical, graceful hound well known for his ability to run and tree a variety of game on varying kinds of terrain. Disqualifications: Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. CHARACTERISTICS Energetic, intelligent, active, courteous, composed, confident, fearless and kind. This breed has a super abundance of sense and is capable of great endurance. Excellent trailing, hunting and treeing instinct and ability. Voice is preferably a clear, ringing bugle or a steady, clear chop. Noticeable change in voice at tree. Disqualifications: Viciousness or extreme shyness. HEAD Head is in pleasing proportion to the body. Skull is broad and full, slightly rounded, with a prominent occiput. Muzzle is rather long, tapering slightly to end, medium square, with flews sufficient to give a rather squared off appearance. Nasal bone is straight. Stop is medium, defined but not abrupt. TEETH - Scissors bite preferred, even bite acceptable. Disqualifications: Undershot or overshot. EYES - Moderately large and prominent, and set well apart in skull. Color is dark, brown or black, giving a soft, open expression. Disqualification: Blind. NOSE - Rather large and prominent, with black pigment preferred. White or pink spots inside the nostril or on the outside of the nose are acceptable. A slightly sloping nostril is not objectionable. EARS - Medium length and set moderately low, the ears hang gracefully, with a tendency to roll when the head is raised. Slightly round or oval at the tip, and soft and velvety to the touch. Disqualification: Deaf. NECK Neck is medium in length, strong yet graceful, rising freely from the shoulders to carry the head well up. Throat is clean and free from folds of skin; however, a slight wrinkle below the angle of the jaw is allowable. FOREQUARTERS Forelegs are straight, with a fair amount of bone and a short, straight, slightly sloping pastern. Length of leg from elbow to ground is approximately one-half the height at the withers. Shoulders are sloping and cleanly muscled without a heavy or loaded appearance. BODY Chest is deep rather than broad, giving lung space. Ribcage is well-sprung and long, extending well back. Back is moderately long, muscular, level and strong. Loins short, broad and slightly arched. Tuck-up moderate. Overall proportion (measured from point of shoulder to point of buttocks and withers to ground) is square or slightly longer than tall. HINDQUARTERS Hips and thighs are strong and well muscled, for an abundance of propelling power. Stifle and hock joints are strong and firm, with moderate angulation. Legs are straight from hip to foot when viewed from behind. Dewclaws removed. FEET Solid, compact and well padded, with a cat-like appearance. Toes are well arched with strong nails. TAIL Strong at root, moderately long and tapering, without flag. Set rather high and carried free, well up and saber like with a graceful forward curve. COAT Smooth, glossy and fine, yet dense enough for protection. A close, hard, hound coat. COLOR Tri-colored (white-black-tan) is preferred. White may be the predominant color, with black spots and tan trim; or black may be the predominant color with white markings and tan trim, such as saddle back, or blanket back. White with tan spots, or white with black spots is acceptable. Any other color combination is to be penalized in the show ring. Disqualification: Albinism. HEIGHT AND WEIGHT Height at withers for adult males, 22 to 27 inches. For adult females, 20 to 25 inches. Weight should be in proportion to size and working condition. Eliminating Faults: Males under 22 inches or over 27 inches. Females under 20 inches or over 25 inches. (Entries in Puppy Class are not to be eliminated for being undersize.) GAIT The Treeing Walker moves with good reach and drive, showing good balance. Hackney (high stepping) movement is a fault. ELIMINATING FAULTS (A dog with an Eliminating Fault is not to be considered for placement in a bench show/conformation event, nor are they to be reported to UKC.) Males under 22 inches or over 27 inches. Females under 20 inches or over 25 inches. (Entries in Puppy Class are not to be eliminated for being undersize.) DISQUALIFICATIONS Undershot or overshot. Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Albinism. Deaf. Blind. |
The Bluetick Coonhounds~
UKC BREED STANDARDS
HISTORY It is most likely that the Bluetick is principally descended from the quick foxhounds of England with some introduction of the blood of various French hounds which were used for hunting big game. The French dogs were known as being very cold nosed. George Washington received five such French hounds from General Lafayette. Blueticks were originally registered with UKC as English. In 1946, at the request of the Bluetick fanciers, UKC began registering Blueticks as a separate breed. GENERAL APPEARANCE The Bluetick Coonhound should have the appearance of a speedy and well-muscled hound. He has a neat body that is well proportioned; not clumsy or chunky in build. He has a glossy coat, and clear, keen eyes, with a typical pleading hound expression, never wild or cowering. As a Scenthound, the Bluetick’s natural position of the head and tail in motion is parallel to the ground; the tail is not curled over the back or dropped between legs. Disqualifications:Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. CHARACTERISTICS The Bluetick is active, ambitious and speedy on the trail. It should be a free tonguer on trail, with a bawl, squall, chop or bugle voice when striking and trailing, with a distinct changeover on tree of bawling, chopping, or combination of both, and be willing to be hospitable to both men and dogs which are around them. Disqualifications:Viciousness or extreme shyness. HEAD The head is broad between the ears, with a slightly domed skull. Total length of head from occiput to end of nose is 9 to 10 inches in males, and 8 to 9 inches in females. The stop is prominent. The muzzle from the stop to the end of the nose should be well proportioned in width with the skull, with depth of flews well covering the lower jaw. Depth of foreface should be 3 to 4½ inches. EYES - Rather large, set wide apart at the stop. Round in shape, and dark brown in color, but not lighter than light brown. Eyelids are tight and close fitting. No excess third eyelid should be apparent. Expression is a typical pleading hound expression, never wild or cowering. Disqualification:Blind. TEETH – A scissors bite is preferred; an even bite is acceptable. Disqualifications:Undershot or overshot. NOSE - Fully pigmented, bIack in color; with well-opened nostrils. EARS – The ears are attached slightly below top of skull, but set low enough on head to be devoid of erectile power. Should be thin, with a slight roll, taper well towards a point, and reach well towards the end of the nose when pulled forward. Well attached to head to prevent hanging or backward tilt. Disqualification:Deaf. MUZZLE - From stop to end of nose should be square, well proportioned in width with the skull, with depth and flews well covering the lower jaw. Depth of 3 to 4½. NECK Muscular and of moderate length, rising with a slight taper from shoulder to head that allows the head to be carried well up but not vertical (goose necked). Throat clean, with only a slight trace of dewlap. FOREQUARTERS Shoulders clean and sloping, muscular, but not too broad or rough, giving the appearance of freedom of movement and strength. FORELEGS - The forelegs are straight from shoulders to feet, well boned, and muscular, with strong straight pasterns. Forelegs should appear straight from either side or front view. BODY The chest should show considerable depth (extending well down toward the elbow), rather than excessive width, to allow plenty of lung space. The forechest is moderate fairly even with the point of the shoulders. Girth of chest for males 26 to 34 inches, for females 23 to 30 inches. Ribs are long and well sprung, tapering gradually toward a moderate tuck-up. Back is muscular and firm, slightly lower at hips than at withers. Loin is broad, well muscled and slightly arched. Proportion (measured from point of shoulder to base of tail and withers to ground) is square or slightly longer than tall. HINDQUARTERS Hips are strong and well muscled, not quite as wide as rib cage. HIND LEGS - Hind legs are straight from hip to foot when viewed from behind. The hocks strong and moderately bent when viewed from the side. Thighs have ample muscular development for an abundance of propelling power. Breeching full and clean down to hock. FEET Round (cat-like), with well-arched toes. Pads are strong, hard and thick. The size of the feet should be proportionate to the size of the dog. TAIL Set on slightly below the line of the back, strongly rooted, and tapering to a moderate length. In balance to the overall length of the hound. Well coated but without flag. Carried gaily, slight curve or parallel to ground, but not turned forward over the back or dropped between legs. COAT Medium coarse, and laying close to the body, appearing smooth and glossy. Not too rough or too short. GAIT A smooth lithe gait is essential. The action of the Bluetick Coonhound is a strong, driving, smooth gait. The over-all appearance in motion should be that of effortless power, endurance, speed, agility, smoothness and grace. When viewed from the front, the front legs must reach well out in front in straight lines, with pasterns strong and springy as if to pull in the ground. Hackneyed motion is not desired, nor is paddling or weaving. The rear legs follow the front legs, which give forceful propulsion, thus the Bluetick moves in a straight pattern forward. When viewed from the side there should be a noticeable drive, with a ground-covering stride. HEIGHT AND WEIGHT Height at withers for adult males, not less than 22 inches or more than 27 inches. Height at withers for adult females, not less than 21 inches or more than 25 inches. Ideal weight for males 55 to 80 pounds; females 45 to 65 pounds, to be in proportion to the size of the hound Eliminating Faults: Males under 22 inches or over 27 inches. Females under 21 inches or over 25 inches. (Entries in Puppy Class are not to be eliminated for being undersize.) COLOR Preferred color is a dark blue, thickly mottled body, spotted by various shaped black spots on back, ears and sides. Preference is to more blue than black on body. Head and ears predominantly black. With or without tan markings (over eyes, on cheeks, chest and below tail), and red ticking on feet and lower legs. Red may be eliminated as to the desire of the breeder, as well as the amount of black on the body and the tan head coloring. A fully blue mottled body is preferred over light ticking on the body. There should be more blue ticking than white in the body coat. Disqualification:Albinism. ELIMINATING FAULTS (A dog with an Eliminating Fault is not to be considered for placement in a bench show/conformation event, nor are they to be reported to UKC.) Males under 22 inches or over 27 inches. Females under 21 inches or over 25 inches. (Entries in Puppy Class are not to be eliminated for being undersize.) DISQUALIFICATIONS Undershot or overshot. Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Albinism. Deaf. Blind. |
NOTICE
Working dogs are not to be penalized under any conditions for scars or blemishes that are due to hunting injuries. Females that have raised several litters and show dropped udders are also not to be penalized.
Working dogs are not to be penalized under any conditions for scars or blemishes that are due to hunting injuries. Females that have raised several litters and show dropped udders are also not to be penalized.
