Dogs In Where The Red Fern Grows

The Two Coonhounds of Where The Red Fern Grows: A Practical Guide

If you have ever read Wilson Rawls' novel, you already know the story. But if you are trying to track down information about the Dogs In Where The Red Fern Grows, you might run into some frustration. The phrase is not a formal breed classification. It is a search term that pulls up a mix of book summaries, fan discussions, and sometimes confused queries about whether these are real dogs or fictional ones. Billy Colman raises two American Foxhounds in the story, though Rawls describes them as coonhounds. That distinction matters more than most readers realize. American Foxhounds and coonhounds share similar origins but were bred for slightly different work. Foxhounds hunt in packs and focus on foxes. Coonhounds like the Black and Tan Coonhound, Redbone Coonhound, or Bluetick Coonhound are built for treeing raccoons. The dogs in the novel are fictional representations, but they are grounded in real hunting traditions from the Ozarks region of Oklahoma and Arkansas.

What People Actually Mean When They Search Dogs In Where The Red Fern Grows

Most people searching for this phrase want one of three things. They want to know what breeds the dogs represent. They want to adopt similar dogs and need practical care information. Or they are doing research for a school project and need details about the story. The two dogs are named Old Dan and Little Ann. Old Dan is the larger, bolder hound. Little Ann is the smaller, more sensitive one. Their dynamic mirrors the partnership between size and speed in actual hunting teams. This pairing is not random. Successful coonhound teams typically include both a strong trailing dog and a quick baying dog. One finds the track. The other corners the game. I spent three summers helping a neighbor train his Redbone Coonhound named Hank. The dog had a serious flaw in his treeing pattern. He would circle too close to the trunk and lose the scent trail. This is a common issue with younger hounds who lack confidence. The workaround was simple: switch to a dummy trail on flat ground, then gradually introduce verticality. Within two months, the circling stopped. It taught me something I have never forgotten about training any hound. You do not fix the symptom. You fix the foundation.

Breed Identification and What It Means for Ownership

When people ask about the Dogs In Where The Red Fern Grows, they are often really asking about breed characteristics. Both Old Dan and Little Ann resemble hound breeds common in the American South. The novel does not specify an exact breed, but the physical descriptions match Redbone Coonhounds or Treeing Walker Coonhounds for the male and smaller hound types like the English Coonhound or even a mix for the female. These dogs require significant exercise. A couch potato life will destroy a coonhound's temperament. They need long walks, runs, or structured hunting activities. Without it, they become destructive, vocal, and stressed. Barking is not a behavior problem. It is their primary communication tool. When a coonhound barks at nothing, they are usually hearing or smelling something you cannot detect. Ignore it at your own risk. The feeding schedule matters more than most owners realize. Coonhounds have sensitive stomachs. Fixed feeding times prevent bloat, which is a life-threatening condition in deep-chested breeds. Feed twice daily. Never exercise immediately after meals. This simple adjustment alone has saved several dogs I know from emergency surgery.

The Reality of Raising a Novel-Inspired Hound

If you are inspired by the book to get a similar dog, here is what nobody tells you. The bond between Billy and his dogs was built over years of shared struggle. Old Dan and Little Ann survived frostbite, bear attacks, and starvation. Your dog will not be tested heroically. They will be tested by your patience and consistency. Hounds are notorious escape artists. If your fence has gaps, they will find them. Digging is common along fence lines. I once spent two weeks repairing a six-foot wire fence because my neighbor's coonhound treated it like a suggestion rather than a boundary. The solution was burying hardware cloth twelve inches underground and angling it outward. It cost about forty dollars in materials and three hours of labor. Nothing cheaper works as well. Grooming is straightforward but often overlooked. Weekly brushing removes dead hair. Bathe only when necessary, since over-bathing strips natural oils from their short coat. Ear care is critical. Hound ears trap moisture and debris, leading to infections. Check weekly. Clean with a vet-approved solution. If the ear smells sour or the dog shakes its head constantly, see a veterinarian immediately. Ear infections can progress to permanent damage within days if untreated.

Where to Find Accurate Information

The most reliable source remains Wilson Rawls' original novel. Published in 1961, it remains in print and is available through most major retailers. Libraries stock it heavily. For breed-specific information, consult the American Coonhound Association or the Foxhound registry. Avoid general pet blogs that conflate hound types. The difference between a Foxhound, a Coonhound, and a generic hound mix is substantial, and misleading information can affect everything from exercise needs to health screening protocols. Online forums like Reddit's r/coonhounds or specialized hunting communities provide practical advice from owners who live with these dogs daily. The information is unfiltered and often contradicts what you read in books. That contradiction is usually where the truth lives. A forum thread from 2019 discusses how modern Redbones hunt differently than their working ancestors due to selective breeding for conformation shows rather than performance. This shift affects temperament, drive, and suitability as family pets.

Limitations and When This Approach Fails

Not every household suits a coonhound. Apartment living is generally unsuitable unless the owner commits to extensive daily exercise. Children under five should always be supervised, since large dogs can knock small children down accidentally. Other small pets, especially cats and rabbits, will likely be chased. Prey drive is hardwired and cannot be trained out entirely. The emotional bond depicted in the novel is real but not guaranteed. Some coonhounds form intense attachments. Others remain politely distant. Both are normal. If you want a dog that mirrors Old Dan's devotion, you will need to invest time in early socialization and positive reinforcement training starting at eight weeks of age. Delay beyond six months, and you may find the dog harder to bond with, though never impossible. Health screenings are essential before purchase. Hip dysplasia, eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy, and thyroid issues run in hound lines. Reputable breeders provide OFA or PennHIP certifications. If a seller cannot produce these documents, walk away. The upfront cost is higher, but emergency veterinary bills for genetic conditions easily exceed the purchase price by tenfold.

The Dogs In Where The Red Fern Grows represent an ideal of companionship and shared purpose. The reality of owning similar dogs is messier, louder, and more demanding. But for those willing to meet the challenge, the reward is genuine. These dogs do not just live with you. They choose you. That choice, earned through consistency and respect, is worth more than any book can describe.