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Smart, brave, determined, and a hunter through and through – the Treeing Walker Coonhound is not called “The People’s Choice” for nothing!
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a breed of medium-sized, powerful dog that originated in the United States of America.
Learn more about this highly intelligent and good-natured hunting dog breed here.
Description
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is one of the six Coonhound breeds under the hound group.
The breed descended from the English and American Foxhounds. And they were first developed in the United States in the mid-1700s when a stolen hound called “Tennessee Lead” was crossed with a Walker Foxhound.
The breed’s name came from the fact that they were bred to track raccoons and chase them up into trees. However, don’t let the “walker” in the breed’s name fool you!
The Treeing Walker Coonhound are notable for their exceptional hunting skills greatly emphasized by their incomparable scenting power, speed, and stamina.
While they mainly hunt raccoons, they’re also used to track and hunt other games such as deer, bears, bobcats, or cougars.
The breed is also very vocal and they vocalize in different ways to communicate while on the hunt. And they have a distinctive bay that allows its owner to identify them from great distances.
Furthermore, they are often referred to as “The People’s Choice” among coonhound breeds because they are more strategic when hunting. They will abandon an older scent trail for a newer and fresher one, resulting in more catches.
Their smooth, fine coat usually comes in tri or bi-color patterns. Although Walker dogs come in tan and white, it is important that they are never called “red” so they can be distinguished from the Redbone Coonhound.
Height and Weight
Both the male and female members of the Treeing Walker Coonhound breed normally stand at a height of 20 to 27 in at the withers, and weigh approximately 50 to 70 lbs.
Temperament
The breed is mainly a working and hunting dog, though may also make an excellent companion pet.
Treeing Walker Coonhounds, in general, are loving dogs that tend to be eager to please their masters. They can also get along well with children and bond with other canines.
Although to keep these dogs accustomed to people and various environments, early socialization is highly recommended.
They are known for their unwavering determination and amazing work ethic. So, working for Walker dogs is not work, rather a kind of sport as well as diversion. The breed thrives well on ample consistent attention.
So, the lack of mental and physical stimulation can make these active coonhounds high-strung. So, they do well in active and/or working homes.
While they are naturally independent, Treeing Walkers are also highly intelligent, skilled, and confident. So, training them is easy as they can quickly learn from example.
Their versatility as hunting dogs is what makes them such an amazing breed. They work well with a pack but can also hunt by themselves.
Furthermore, because of the breed’s exceptional speed, treeing skills, and ability to quickly locate, some believe that Walker dogs are the most outstanding breed when it comes to coonhound field trials.
Grooming
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are not demanding when it comes to coat care requirements because they are moderate shedders.
Combing and brushing their glossy coat on an occasional basis would already suffice their grooming needs. And bathing is only required as needed.
Furthermore, checking their ears regularly is recommended to keep them from acquiring ear infections.
Health Concerns
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are a relatively hardy breed. In fact, they have an average lifespan of 12 to 13 years.
However, some have been diagnosed with hip dysplasia. And they can sustain injuries when hunting in the field since raccoons are capable of doing damage to a dog.
Best Environment
Members of the Treeing Walker Coonhounds are not suitable as apartment dogs. They are too anxious to simply lie around a condo or suburban home.
The breed is recommended to dwell in areas with a hot climate and sunny weather. Because of these scenthounds’ excessive energy reserves, rigorous physical exercise is necessary to keep them calm and stable-minded.
Taking them out for long brisk walks or jogs everyday is highly advisable to prevent the breed from becoming destructive.
