Breed Guidelines
 

CHARACTERISTICS

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.

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. Undershot or overshot are disqualifying faults.

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.

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.

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 cow-hocked. 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.

SIZE 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.

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