Where the Red Fern Grows, was loved by readers and the audience of all age groups for its touching story. But two main characters who stole everyone’s heart with their devotion towards their human friend were the dogs: Old Dan and Little Ann. You can learn all about the dog breed in Where the Red Fern Grows below.
Where the Red Fern Grows dog breed
The dogs in Where the Red Fern Grows were Redbone Coonhounds. The breed originated in the United States. They came into existence in the 18th century as hunters wanted a furry companion suitable to catch the prey (mostly raccoons) in every terrain.
Redbone Coonhounds are medium-to-large hound dogs, weighing around 45-70 pounds. These dogs love vigorous activities like hunting and swimming.
Despite their hunting instincts, these kind dogs with stunning, deep red coats are great pet canines for families. They are not only loyal and friendly but also love the company of kids and other pets as well.
The Redbone Coonhound breed are high-energetic dog, which means they are always up for games or any outdoor activity like hiking, running, and so on. They need regular exercise to stay physically and mentally stimulated.
The best part is that aside from their exercise needs, they are low-maintenance dogs, as their short, smooth, and protective coat requires minimum care. Although they are a healthy breed, Redbone Coonhounds are prone to certain health conditions.
They could have Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), hip dysplasia, weight, and joint-related issues. Regular vet check-ups and keeping their weight in check can keep the dogs healthy for a long time. Based on genetics and health conditions, this breed can live up to 12-15 years.
What happens to the dog in Where the Red Fern Grows?
Where the Red Fern Grows is the story of two dogs and a boy. It was written by Wilson Rawls in 1961. In this autobiographical fiction (based on Rawls’ childhood in the Ozarks), both pet dogs die at the end.
Ten-year-old Billy, who is keen on having a pair of redbone coonhounds for coon hunting in the Ozarks. After seeing a magazine ad for the dogs, he works hard for the next two years to buy the them.
Billy Colman names the dogs Old Dan and Little Ann. And with the help of his grandfather, he trains the dogs for hunting. After the first hunting season, Billy and his pet pooches are hailed as the best hunters in the Ozarks.
After this, their saga continues. When Billy’s grandfather bets Rubin and Rainie Pritchard that Billy’s beloved canines can tree the legendary “ghost coon.” Old Dan and Little Ann prove him right, but Billy decides to leave the wise old coon alone. However, Rubin attempts to cut down the tree to claim the ghost coon, but is killed when he accidentally falls on his ax.
However, things turn tragic. On the return home a mountain lion attacks Billy, but Old Dan and Little Ann manage to kill it. However, Old Dan dies of his injuries.
Sad by losing her hunting partner, Little Ann loses the will to live. She starves herself to death, leaving Billy devastated. To console him, Billy’s father explains that God took Old Dan and Little Ann so that the family could stay together in a new town, as Billy would have never agreed to leaving the dogs behind in Ozarks.
On his last day in the Ozarks, Billy visits the grave of Old Dan and Little Ann only to find a giant red fern growing between them. The story ends with middle-aged Billy wishing to visit the Ozarks to see Old Dan and Little Ann’s graves and the red fern again.
The story was also adapted into a movie with the same name in 1974 (directed by Norman Tokar) and in 2003 (directed by Lyman Dayton and Sam Pillsbury).
