Treeing Walker Coonhound: The Ultimate Hunting Dog and Family Companion

Have you ever wondered about the origins of one of America’s most distinctive hunting breeds? The Treeing Walker Coonhound, a high-energy and intelligent dog, has been captivating hunters and dog lovers alike for centuries.

Descended from the English and American Foxhounds, this unique breed originated in the United States during the 19th century. We’ll explore how a stolen dog named Tennessee Lead played a crucial role in the breed’s development, leading to its official recognition by the United Kennel Club in 1945 and the American Kennel Club in 2012. Join us as we investigate into the intriguing area of the Treeing Walker Coonhound, uncovering its rich history, distinctive traits, and enduring popularity among hunting enthusiasts.

Overview of the Treeing Walker Coonhound

The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a medium to large-sized breed known for its exceptional hunting abilities and friendly temperament. These intelligent and confident dogs are primarily bred for hunting raccoons but are also used for other game.

Origin and History

The Treeing Walker Coonhound originated in the United States, specifically in the Virginia region, during the mid-1700s. This breed descended from English and American Foxhounds, with a important contribution from a stolen dog known as Tennessee Lead in the 19th century. The breed’s development focused on improving its treeing and tracking abilities, making it an excellent choice for raccoon hunting. The United Kennel Club officially recognized the Treeing Walker Coonhound in 1945, followed by the American Kennel Club in 2012, solidifying its status as a distinct breed.

Physical Characteristics

Treeing Walker Coonhounds possess a muscular, well-proportioned body with a distinctive tricolor coat. Males typically stand 22-27 inches tall at the shoulder, while females measure 20-25 inches. Their weight ranges from 50-70 pounds, with males generally being larger than females. The breed’s coat is short, dense, and glossy, featuring a black saddle pattern, white legs, and a tan muzzle and eyebrows. They have long, drooping ears and a strong, slightly domed skull. Their eyes are large and dark brown, giving them an alert and intelligent expression. The breed’s tail is set high and carried upright when alert, adding to their distinctive appearance.

Temperament and Personality Traits

Treeing Walker Coonhounds possess a unique blend of friendliness, courage, and intelligence. These traits make them excellent hunting companions and loving family pets. Let’s explore their temperament and personality in more detail.

Energy Level and Exercise Needs

Treeing Walker Coonhounds are high-energy dogs with a strong prey drive. They require important daily exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being. A typical exercise routine for these dogs includes:

• Long walks or jogs (45-60 minutes)
• Off-leash playtime in a securely fenced area
• Scent work or tracking activities
• Swimming (if they enjoy water)
• Agility training or obstacle courses

Without adequate exercise, Treeing Walker Coonhounds may become restless, vocal, or destructive. Their hunting instincts drive them to explore and track scents, so providing mental stimulation through puzzle toys or scent games is crucial. Regular exercise helps channel their energy positively, promoting a calmer demeanor at home.

Compatibility with Children and Other Pets

Treeing Walker Coonhounds generally exhibit good compatibility with children and other pets when properly socialized. Their friendly and even-tempered nature makes them excellent family dogs. Key points to consider:

• Patient and gentle with children
• Thrive in active households
• May be too energetic for very young children
• Generally get along well with other dogs
• High prey drive may cause issues with smaller pets

Early socialization and training are essential to ensure positive interactions. Supervise playtime between Treeing Walker Coonhounds and young children to prevent accidental injury due to the dog’s size and energy level. While they typically coexist well with other dogs, their strong hunting instincts may lead them to chase smaller animals. Proper introduction and consistent training can help mitigate potential issues with other pets in the household.

Care and Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance are essential for keeping Treeing Walker Coonhounds healthy and happy. These energetic dogs require exact attention to their grooming, nutrition, and overall health needs.

Grooming Requirements

Treeing Walker Coonhounds have short, smooth coats that are relatively easy to maintain. Weekly brushing with a soft-bristled brush or hound glove removes loose hair and distributes natural oils. Bathe these dogs every 4-6 weeks or as needed, using a dog-exact shampoo. Trim their nails regularly, ideally every 2-3 weeks, to prevent overgrowth and discomfort. Clean their ears weekly with a veterinarian-approved solution to prevent infections, as their long, droopy ears are prone to trapping moisture and debris. Brush their teeth 2-3 times a week to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent dental issues.

Nutrition and Feeding Guidelines

Treeing Walker Coonhounds require a balanced diet to support their high energy levels and maintain optimal health. Feed them high-quality dog food appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Adult Treeing Walker Coonhounds typically need 2-3 cups of dry food per day, divided into two meals. Adjust portions based on their individual metabolism and exercise routine. Avoid overfeeding, as these dogs can become overweight if their caloric intake exceeds their energy expenditure. Provide fresh, clean water at all times. Consult with a veterinarian to determine the best diet plan for your Treeing Walker Coonhound, considering factors such as age, weight, and any exact health concerns.

Health Concerns

While generally healthy, Treeing Walker Coonhounds are prone to certain health issues. Hip dysplasia, a genetic condition affecting the hip joint, can occur in this breed. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight help minimize the risk. Ear infections are common due to their long, floppy ears; regular cleaning and drying after swimming or bathing can prevent these issues.

Bloat, a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists, is a concern in deep-chested breeds like Treeing Walker Coonhounds. Feed smaller, more frequent meals and avoid vigorous exercise immediately after eating to reduce the risk. Eye problems, including progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts, can affect the breed. Regular veterinary check-ups, including eye examinations, are crucial for early detection and management of these health concerns.

Training and Activities

Treeing Walker Coonhounds require comprehensive training and captivating activities to thrive. Their high energy and intelligence demand a structured approach to exercise and mental stimulation.

Hunting and Treeing Abilities

Treeing Walker Coonhounds excel in hunting and treeing various game. Their exceptional trailing instincts and endurance make them ideal for tracking bear, mountain lion, and bobcats. These hounds are equally proficient at hunting smaller prey like raccoons and squirrels. Their clear, ringing bugle or steady chop voice changes noticeably when treeing game, alerting hunters to their location. Treeing Walkers perform efficiently in packs or as individuals, with some excelling at catching smaller prey. Their speed and tracking abilities make them valuable in deer hunting where legal. The breed’s versatility across different terrains showcases their adaptability and strong hunting instincts.

Training Techniques

Training Treeing Walker Coonhounds requires consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement. Start socialization early to ensure they interact well with other animals and people. Use reward-based methods to encourage desired behaviors and maintain their confidence. Focus on obedience training to channel their energy and intelligence productively. Carry out scent work exercises to hone their natural tracking abilities. Use “find it” games and puzzle toys to provide mental stimulation and prevent boredom. Incorporate recall training to ensure they return when called, especially during off-leash activities. Address their high prey drive through impulse control exercises. Use agility training to challenge them physically and mentally. Consistency in commands and expectations is crucial for effective training outcomes.

The Treeing Walker Coonhound as a Family Pet

Treeing Walker Coonhounds make excellent family pets for those who can meet their unique needs. These intelligent and affectionate dogs thrive in active households that can provide ample exercise and mental stimulation.

Living Space Considerations

Treeing Walker Coonhounds require spacious living environments to accommodate their high energy levels. A large, securely fenced yard is ideal for these dogs to run and play. They’re not well-suited for apartment living due to their size and exercise needs. Treeing Walker Coonhounds need at least a mile of exercise daily, including long walks, runs, or hikes. Without adequate space and activity, they may become restless and exhibit destructive behaviors. Families considering this breed should ensure they have sufficient outdoor space or access to parks and hiking trails to meet the dog’s exercise requirements.

Socialization Needs

Early and consistent socialization is crucial for Treeing Walker Coonhounds to develop into well-adjusted family pets. These dogs are generally good with children and other dogs when properly introduced and socialized from a young age. Expose Treeing Walker Coonhounds to various people, animals, and environments during their formative months to foster confidence and adaptability. Their strong prey drive may pose challenges with smaller pets, so supervised interactions are essential. Regular positive experiences with different stimuli help these hounds become more versatile and comfortable in various situations. Participating in obedience classes or group training sessions can further enhance their social skills and reinforce good behavior around other dogs and people.

Conclusion

The Treeing Walker Coonhound stands out as a remarkable breed with a rich history and unique traits. These dogs excel in hunting and make loving family pets when given proper care and attention.

Their high energy levels and intelligence require dedicated owners who can provide ample exercise and mental stimulation. With the right training and environment these hounds can thrive as both working dogs and companions.

For those seeking an active loyal and versatile canine partner the Treeing Walker Coonhound offers a perfect blend of skill and affection. It’s no wonder they’ve captured the hearts of hunters and families alike.