Treeing Walker Coonhound

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Treeing Walker Coonhound

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The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a breed of hound descended from the English and American Foxhounds, and it is often called “the people’s choice” dog. The Treeing Walker is a moderately proportioned hound who can hike over rough terrain with good speed and endurance, and this breed was bred to hunt raccoons mainly. 

Other Names Treeing Walker, Walker Coonhound, Walker Hound
Color Black, Tri-Colored, White
Height Males: 22-27 inches. Females: 20-25 inches.
Weight Males: 50-70 pounds. Females: 50-70 pounds.
Life Span 12-13 years
Personality Smart, Brave, Courteous
Exercise Regular Exercise
Origin
Popularity #129
Groom Needs Occasional
Kids Friendly Yes
Dog Friendly Yes
Watch Dog
Family Dog Yes
Litter Size 4-6

Treeing Walker Coonhound Pictures

Treeing Walker Coonhound Video

Introduction

Delightful around the house and fierce on the tail of a quarry in the field is the Treeing Walker Coonhound. They are calm and friendly dogs padding on cat-like feet. Their short, dense coat is smooth and glossy, appearing in bi-color and tri-color varieties. White with black and tan is  the preferred tri-colored combination, while black or tan with white is acceptable for a bi-color variety. Treeing Walker Coonhound was bred primarily to hunt raccoons, although modern dogs have assumed a good rapport in the family as domestic dogs. 

The American Kennel Club has classified them under the Hound Group, of which their long and well-muscled legs are built for explosive sprints in a hot chase after prey. Although they can be difficult and stubborn, Treeing Walker Coonhounds are renowned people pleasers. 

A standard male stands 23-27 inches at the shoulder and is likely to weigh 50-70 pounds. A similar female measures up to 21-25 inches from shoulder to paw, weighing around 50-70 pounds. Treeing Walker Coonhounds have an average lifespan of 11-13 years.

Living with Treeing Walker Coonhound

The Treeing Walker Coonhound has a short coat that doesn’t need much upkeep. The dog’s smooth coat repels dirt and mud, and give the dog an occasional bath whenever his ‘doggy odor’ becomes noticeable. And weekly brushing and wiping your dog down after a hunt will keep the dog’s coat healthy. Check and clean the ears every week for the signs of infection, irritation, or wax buildup. Brush your dog’s teeth several times a week to keep fresh breath and prevent gum disease. Besides, trim the nails every couple of weeks, because long nails may cause the dog discomfort and structural problems.

An adult Treeing Walker Coonhound requires more than two hours of physical activity and training every day to stay healthy. Like most coonhounds, the Treeing Walker is a high-energy breed who delights in stretching his legs in a good, long run. So the Treeing Walker is a good choice for someone who wants a running or hiking companion. Although most coonhounds can happily become couch potatoes, most still prefer to walk for at least a long time every day. The exercise options can be in the form of romping in the backyard, chasing a ball, or playing with human or canine friends. Enough exercise is helpful to keep the dog mentally and physically healthy. And it is important to ensure that the dog should be on a leash for walks and hikes as he has a very high prey drive, or he may be unable to resist the instinct to pursue an interesting scent.

Feeding depends on if you’re using your Treeing Walker Coonhound to hunt. The dog will need higher protein and fat intake in order to aid endurance, energy and muscle mass. If your dog is going to be more of a family pet, then he won’t need as much fat or protein. 

More importantly, the food amount should depend on the dog’s weight, size, age, and activity level. 

Some dogs are easy to get overweight, so you need to watch their calorie consumption and weight level all the time. Treats may be an important aid in training, but excessive intake can lead to obesity. Also, owners need to distinguish which human food is safe for dogs and which are not. If you have any problems with your dog’s weight or diet, just consult from your veterinarian.

Treeing Walker Coonhounds are prone to the following health conditions: hip dysplasia, ear infections, Ticks burrowing under their floppy ears, Injuries from the field, including scratches or bites from raccoons, etc. 

Major concerns: ear infections

Minor concerns: none

Occasionally seen: CHD

Suggested tests:

Hip Evaluation

Thyroid Evaluation

Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Total Annual Cost: $3239

Cost is estimated for the first year and may vary depending on many factors, such as dog food, health care, leash, collar, licensing, possible fencing, crates, training and obedience classes, dog-walking, grooming, treats, toys, flea, tick, and heart-worm meds, microchips, etc.

Treeing Walker Coonhounds are intelligent and can learn quickly with the help of experienced owners who understand their high energy and hunting instincts. Although they are eager to please their people, they also have a stubborn, independent streak. If an owner doesn’t understand the dog, it is very difficult for him to train the Coonhound. 

They are easy to become bored and are food motivated, so it is helpful to keep training sessions interesting and provide abundant rewards in the form of dog treats. Besides, advanced obedience training is important for this breed as it keeps them active and mentally challenged. They are excellent candidates for raccoon hunting training and competitions, most dog sports, and agility raining. 

History

The Treeing Walker Coonhound has an interesting origin, being descended from old English and American Foxhounds. Around the middle of the 17th century, groundworks for the development of the Treeing Walker Coonhound were laid by one John W. Walker (who was a breeder in Virginia) and George Washington Maupin, both Kentucky breeders. The ancestors of the Treeing Walker Coonhound were called Walker Hounds, after John W. Walker, and were primarily employed in hunting raccoons, although they preyed on bigger games as well. These dogs (the Walker Hounds) are believed to have descended from some English Foxhounds imported into America in the colonial era. Originally known as The Walker Coonhound, Treeing variety, the breed was developed from a cross with a stolen dog, whose origin was unknown, the Tennessee Lead.

In the 1800s, the Tennessee Lead (with ‘black and tan’ coat) was bred with Walker’s breed (Walker Hounds). The Walker Coonhound, Treeing, emerged and was recognized as a variety of the English Coonhound breed in the early 1900s. Soon, the Americans formed their own breed and broke away from the linkage to the English Coonhound, naming theirs the Treeing Walker Coonhound. After this development, it was recognized as a separate breed by the United Kennel Club in 1945. The word “Coonhound” indicated a dog that was bred to hunt raccoons, while the “Treeing” part suggests that the dog would scout around a tree if its quarry should climb it. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the Treeing Walker Coonhound in 2012.

Helpful Information

Breed Club: NATIONAL TREEING WALKER COONHOUND ASSOCIATION

Breed Club Link: https://sites.google.com/view/ntwca/home

Breed Club Rescue: 

Breed Club Rescue Link: https://sites.google.com/view/ntwca/rescue