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7 Shocking Secrets About The Redbone Coonhound Lab Mix (The Redbone Retriever)

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The Redbone Coonhound Lab Mix, often affectionately called the Redbone Lab or Redbone Retriever, is a fascinating and highly energetic hybrid dog that is gaining popularity among active families and outdoor enthusiasts. As of December 19, 2025, this mixed breed represents the best of both worlds: the tenacious, melodious scent hound and the sweet-natured, outgoing sporting dog. However, combining two such high-drive working breeds creates a dog with specific needs that are often underestimated by new owners. This comprehensive guide will reveal seven crucial facts you need to know before welcoming this loyal, red-coated companion into your life.

This dynamic crossbreed is not a typical couch potato; it is a powerful canine athlete whose ancestry is deeply rooted in American hunting traditions. Understanding the genetic blend of the Redbone Coonhound's focused tracking ability and the Labrador Retriever's enthusiastic retrieving instincts is the key to a happy and healthy partnership with your Redbone Lab.

Fact 1: The Redbone Lab’s Appearance and Size is a Genetic Lottery

When you cross a purebred Labrador Retriever with a Redbone Coonhound, the resulting puppies—the Redbone Lab—can inherit a wide range of physical traits, making their exact appearance a delightful surprise. Both parent breeds are considered medium-to-large dogs, so the mix will consistently fall into this size category, but the specific coat and build are variable.

  • Weight and Height: A Redbone Coonhound typically weighs between 45 and 70 pounds and stands 21 to 27 inches tall. A standard Labrador is slightly heavier, often reaching 55 to 80 pounds. The Redbone Lab Mix usually lands within the 50 to 75-pound range, with a height of 21 to 25 inches at the shoulder. They are muscular, athletic dogs built for endurance.
  • Coat and Color: The most striking feature of the Coonhound parent is its sleek, short, and deep mahogany-red coat. While the mix may inherit the Lab’s yellow, black, or chocolate genes, most Redbone Labs retain the Redbone Coonhound's signature solid red color. The coat is generally short and smooth, requiring minimal grooming.
  • Ears and Tail: The mix almost always inherits the Coonhound's long, droopy ears, which require regular cleaning to prevent ear infections. The tail is often carried high and used as a rudder during their high-speed pursuits, a trait inherited from both the hound and sporting group ancestry.

Fact 2: They are a High-Energy Blend of Hunter and Retriever

The temperament of the Redbone Coonhound Lab Mix is a perfect storm of two highly driven working dogs. This breed is not for the faint of heart or the sedentary lifestyle. They are intensely affectionate and loyal family pets, but their energy levels are through the roof.

  • The Scent Hound Drive: The Coonhound side contributes a powerful, almost obsessive, drive to follow a scent. Once their nose is down, the world disappears. This means off-leash training is extremely difficult, and a secure, high-fenced yard is mandatory. This strong prey drive is a critical factor for owners to manage.
  • The Labrador Playfulness: The Labrador Retriever influence ensures a sweet, outgoing, and playful disposition. They are generally excellent with children and other pets, provided they receive proper socialization from a young age. Their devotion makes them thrive on attention and family time.
  • The "Coonhound Bay": Owners must be prepared for the characteristic "bay" or howl of the Redbone Coonhound. This loud, deep vocalization is used to alert hunters and is a natural part of their communication. While a Lab mix might be less vocal, the bay is a distinct possibility and a major consideration for apartment living or close neighborhoods.

Fact 3: Training Requires Consistency and Positive Reinforcement

Training a Redbone Lab Mix requires patience, consistency, and a deep understanding of their dual nature. They are intelligent and eager to please (the Lab trait) but can also be stubborn and easily distracted by smells (the Coonhound trait).

  • Early Socialization is Key: Exposing your Redbone Retriever puppy to a wide variety of sights, sounds, people, and other dogs is essential to develop a well-adjusted adult dog.
  • Managing the Scent Drive: Focus on positive reinforcement training. Due to their hound heritage, training them *not* to hunt or follow a scent is an ongoing challenge. Focus on a strong recall command in controlled environments first. Many owners use long lines or tethers in open spaces to give the dog freedom without the risk of losing them to a scent trail.
  • Mental Stimulation: Because of their high energy levels and intelligence, they require more than just physical exercise. Incorporate scent work, puzzle toys, and training games to satisfy their need for mental stimulation. A bored Redbone Lab can quickly become a destructive dog.

Fact 4: Potential Health Concerns and Lifespan

The Redbone Coonhound Lab Mix generally enjoys a robust health profile, benefiting from the genetic diversity of a mixed breed. They have a typical lifespan of 10 to 15 years. However, they are still susceptible to the conditions common to their parent breeds, particularly those of the Labrador Retriever.

Key health concerns to monitor include:

  • Orthopedic Issues: Both parents are prone to Hip Dysplasia and Elbow Dysplasia, which are common joint conditions in large, active breeds.
  • Eye Conditions: Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a serious eye disease found in Labradors that can lead to blindness. Regular veterinary eye exams are crucial.
  • Obesity: Labradors are famously food-motivated, a trait the mix often inherits. Obesity is a major health risk that can exacerbate joint problems and reduce lifespan. Portion control and a consistent exercise routine are non-negotiable.
  • Bloat (Gastric Torsion): This life-threatening condition, where the stomach twists, is a risk for deep-chested dogs like the Redbone Lab. Feeding smaller meals throughout the day and limiting vigorous exercise immediately after eating can help prevent it.

Fact 5: Grooming is Surprisingly Low-Maintenance

Despite their active lifestyle, the Redbone Lab Mix is a relatively low-maintenance dog in terms of grooming. They possess a short, smooth coat that sheds moderately year-round.

  • Weekly Brushing: A quick weekly brushing with a rubber grooming mitt or shedding tool is usually sufficient to remove loose hair and distribute natural skin oils, keeping their coat healthy and shiny.
  • Ear Care: Due to their long, floppy hound ears, they are susceptible to moisture buildup and subsequent ear infections. Owners must check and clean their ears weekly with a vet-approved solution.
  • Dental Hygiene: Like all breeds, regular dental care is vital. Brushing their teeth several times a week helps prevent tartar buildup and gum disease.

Fact 6: They Are Not the Cheapest "Designer Dog"

While the Redbone Coonhound Lab Mix is not as established as some other "designer dog" breeds, demand for healthy, well-socialized puppies is growing. The price for a Redbone Coonhound puppy from a reputable breeder typically ranges from $300 to $1,500, depending on the breeder's reputation and the dog's lineage. Expect the price for the mixed breed to fall within or slightly below this range, with an average around $500 to $1,200.

However, the initial cost is only a fraction of the expense. The long-term cost of ownership includes premium food, veterinary check-ups, necessary joint supplements, and the cost of high-quality, durable toys to withstand their high energy and strong jaws.

Fact 7: The Ideal Home is Active and Experienced

The Redbone Retriever thrives in a specific environment. The ideal owner is someone who is active, outdoorsy, and experienced with high-energy working breeds. They do best in a home with a large, securely fenced yard where they can run, play, and burn off their considerable energy reserves. They are wonderful family pets, but their size and exuberance mean they may accidentally knock over very small children. The best fit for this loyal, energetic dog is a family committed to providing at least 60-90 minutes of vigorous exercise daily, combined with consistent training and mental challenges.

7 Shocking Secrets About the Redbone Coonhound Lab Mix (The Redbone Retriever)
redbone coonhound lab mix
redbone coonhound lab mix

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