Understanding the Treeing Walker Coonhound
The Treeing Walker Coonhound stands out as a versatile, energetic, and intelligent breed with deep American roots. Descended mainly from English and American Foxhounds, this breed's story begins in the 19th century United States. A pivotal moment came when a dog named Tennessee Lead was introduced into the Walker hound line—an event that shaped the breed's future. John W. Walker and George Washington Maupin of Kentucky are credited with developing the early lines through careful selection of foxhounds. Originally called the Walker Hound, these dogs were bred specifically to hunt raccoons.
Breed Recognition and History
The United Kennel Club (UKC) officially recognized the Treeing Walker Coonhound as its own breed in 1945. Much later, in 2012, the American Kennel Club (AKC) also granted recognition. Over time, their exceptional hunting skills have made them a favorite among hunters and competitors alike.
Physical Characteristics
- Size: Males stand 22–27 inches at the shoulder; females are slightly smaller at 20–25 inches.
- Weight: Both sexes typically weigh between 50–70 pounds.
- Coat: Their short, smooth, dense coat comes in tricolor or bicolor patterns—most commonly white with black and tan markings.
- Features: The breed has a broad skull, long muzzle, long hanging ears, dark expressive eyes, muscular legs, and compact cat-like feet.
This streamlined build gives them both speed and endurance—the perfect combination for long days in the field.
Hunting Abilities
Bred primarily for hunting, these coonhounds possess remarkable stamina and an extraordinary sense of smell. They're especially valued for tracking and treeing prey such as raccoons (their specialty), but also squirrels, deer, bears, bobcats, and cougars. Hunters appreciate their clear bay—a ringing bark that shifts to a steady chop when they've treed their quarry—making it easy to locate them during hunts.
The Treeing Walker Coonhound's speed and intelligence have earned it top spots in competitive hunting events across the country.
Temperament and Personality
- Intelligent
- Confident
- Friendly
- Sociable
- Active
This breed is known for being good with children and other dogs—especially when socialized early on. They're even-tempered and rarely aggressive toward people or other dogs. With proper introductions (and supervision), some can coexist peacefully with cats or small pets; however, their strong prey drive means caution is always wise around smaller animals.
Lifestyle Needs: Exercise & Living Arrangements
If you're considering bringing home a Treeing Walker Coonhound, be ready for action! These dogs require vigorous daily exercise—running, hiking, or playing in a secure area are all excellent outlets. At least an hour of activity each day keeps them happy (and prevents boredom-related mischief). They thrive in active households or with owners who enjoy outdoor adventures or dog sports like field trials.
Their loud bark—a trait bred for communication during hunts—may not suit apartment living or homes with close neighbors. They need space to move and room to express themselves vocally.
Grooming & Health Care
- Coat Care: Their short coat is low-maintenance; occasional baths suffice but regular brushing helps manage shedding.
- Ears: Pay special attention to ear cleaning due to their large floppy ears—they're prone to infections if neglected.
- Nails: Trim regularly to keep feet healthy.
Apart from routine ear care, grooming needs are minimal compared to many breeds.
The average lifespan is 12–13 years. Common health issues include hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and ear infections. Responsible breeders screen for these problems; routine veterinary checkups help catch any issues early on.
Dietary Needs
A high-quality diet matched to age, size, and activity level keeps these hounds fit. Working or highly active individuals may need more calories; non-working pets should avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity. Always provide fresh water—and count treats as part of daily calories!
Training & Socialization
The Treeing Walker Coonhound learns quickly but retains an independent streak typical of hounds. Patience pays off: positive reinforcement methods work best. Early socialization ensures they become reliable companions at home or in public settings.
The Family Companion Side
This breed isn't just about work—they love family time too! After an active day outdoors, they're content snuggling on the couch with you. When their physical and mental needs are met, they're calm housemates who show affection generously.
Main Breed Traits Recap
- Height: 22–27 inches (male), 20–25 inches (female)
- Weight: 50–70 pounds
- Lifespan: 12–13 years
- Main colors: Tricolor (white/black/tan)
- Main strengths: Friendly temperament; high energy; excellent scent tracking; loyal companion; low grooming needs except ears
If you're seeking an intelligent partner for outdoor adventures—and have time for daily exercise—the Treeing Walker Coonhound could be your perfect match!
