Some are shy, some are confident but they are every bit hound. The Treeing Walker Coonhound is an offshoot of the English Coonhound and is very well known for his passion to hunt and a short, clear bark.
Physical Traits
Area of Origin: United Kingdom
Used for: Hunting, companion
Average Life Span: About 12-13 years
Color: White with black and tan markings; black with white and tan markings
Coat: Smooth and shiny
Average Height: 20-27 inches
Average Weight: 50-70 pounds
Group: Hound
History and Domestication
A descended of the English Coonhound, it gets its name from Thomas Walker who imported the breed to Virginia in 1742. It was somehow crossed with a lost dog known as “Tennessee Lead”, a powerful dog with excellent drive to hunt. The coonhound though retained the looks of its English ancestors. The Treeing Walker Coonhound is well known for his ability to drive raccoons and possums up the trees.
Standard Physical Characteristics
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a medium-sized dog with mobile and powerful shoulders. The ears are larger when compared with head. The upper lips hang below the jaw. The long and straight forelegs are lean. The coat id often tricolored or bicolor but must never be ‘red’ to distinguish him from Redbone Coonhound.
Care, Grooming and Health
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is an easy care breed. An occasional brushing of the coat will keep it in good state. Check the ears regularly to ensure they are clean and keep them free of infections. Bathe them as necessary. This breed sheds moderately.
This is an energetic and anxious breed and needs severe physical exercise. They should be walked daily or taken on jogs and runs but make sure they are always leashed. As they are born hunters, it is their natural instinct to follow prey and so they might run off. They also have absolutely zero road sense and hence must be kept in a safe environment. This is a fairly hardy breed.
Living Conditions
Certainly not a breed recommended for an apartment living. These dogs are very active and will not lie down idly in an apartment or condo. They need large yards where they can run all they want. They are also suited for hot and sunny climate.
Temperament
They are primarily hunting and working dogs but make great companions too. For them work is not just ‘work’ but a diversion and sport. They get along with children and other pets very well. These dogs are quick and intelligent and hence learn very quickly. Training them is not very difficult. They also need consistent attention and thrive on it. Intelligent, skilled and loving, they love to please their people and get their attention. Many people prefer breeding them for field trials due to their speed, good treeing ability and a sharp nose. They have a distinctive howl and are very alert. However, as with other breeds they too need to be socialized from an early stage.
