Why was the deep red coat color considered a functional selection criterion early in the Redbone's development?
Answer
The color provided excellent visibility against the dark green underbrush and shadows at night.
Breeders selected for the deep red or mahogany coat because it offered excellent visibility against the dark green underbrush and shadows common in Southern forests during nighttime hunts.
Related Questions
What was the primary historical purpose for which Redbone Coonhounds were valued before formal breed standards?Which two specific breeds are frequently cited as key contributors to the foundational lineage of the Redbone Coonhound?What functional attribute did the Irish Setter's ancestral contribution provide to the Redbone Coonhound?Why was the deep red coat color considered a functional selection criterion early in the Redbone's development?What characteristic defined the prolonged development focus of the Redbone Coonhound?What served as the strictest judge in determining the suitability of breeding stock during the Redbone’s formative years?Which geographical area is strongly tied to the creation and initial standardization of the Redbone Coonhound type?In what year did the United Kennel Club (UKC) formally recognize the Redbone Coonhound breed?When did the American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognize the Redbone Coonhound and place it in which group?What physical characteristic distinguishes the Redbone's selection criteria compared to the Treeing Walker Coonhound's emphasis on open ground running?