Treeing Walker Coonhounds are medium-sized dogs known for their swift movements. The Treeing Walker Coonhound has long, muscular legs, powerful hindquarters, and a balanced body, which allows them to cover maximum ground with minimal effort easily.
These are not dogs to get if you’re looking for just a pet. However, if you are looking for great outdoor companions, these dogs are definitely for you to get. They love the outdoors, but make sure to keep them on a leash or keep him in a securely fenced yard.
Other than being highly active dogs, Treeing Walker Coonhounds loves human companionship. They make excellent cuddle companions at the end of a long day. Added to that, their sweet and gentle face will truly capture anyone’s heart.
Treeing Walker Coonhound Breed Statistics
| Dog Breed Group | Hound Group |
| Breed Size | Medium |
| Height | 22-27 inches (male); 20-25 inches (female) |
| Weight | 50-70 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12-13 years |
Treeing Walker Coonhound Breed Ratings
| Energy level | |
| Exercise needs | |
| Requires attention | |
| Playfulness | |
| Trainability | |
| Shedding | |
| Grooming | |
| Friendly with family | |
| Friendly with kids | |
| Friendly with strangers | |
| Friendly with other dogs | |
| Prey Drive |
History
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is another dog breed that was developed from the United States. They were developed from early English Foxhounds brought to America in the mid-1700s by Thomas Walker.
These English Foxhounds were then developed into the Virginia Hounds and further developed into Walker Hounds, named after Thomas Walker himself. By the 1800s, one Walker Hound was paired with a black-and-tan dog named Tennessee Lead, which resulted in the Treeing Walker Coonhounds.
It is believed that the Treeing Walker Coonhounds were mainly bred to help hunters track down raccoons. These dogs have impressive scenting abilities that can even track down animals up in a tree.
These dogs were originally called English Coonhounds, but breeders started breeding a dog with specific qualities to what they wanted, and they called them the Treeing Walker. By 1945, the United Kennel Club recognized the breed and referred to them as Walkers.
It was only in 2012 when the American Kennel Club recognized the breed for what it is today. They rank 137th as the most popular dog breed in the US, but they are considered the most popular among Coonhound varieties.
They are also often referred to as “The People’s Choice” because of their adoringly sweet demeanor.
Treeing Walker Coonhound Temperament
Treeing Walker Coonhounds have varying temperaments. Some are outgoing, and some also love indoors. Some can be friendly, while others are shy. But generally, Treeing Walkers are considered as smart, brave, and courteous dogs.
These dogs are mild-mannered indoors, but it’s always important to allow them to be outdoors and play. If you don’t give them an outlet where they can spend off their energy, they might get bored, which results in endless barking.
They are loving, and affectionate dogs to their family and they are an excellent fit for families with children. They are known to get along well with kids who know how to behave while toddlers need supervision. As for small pets, keep them away from Walkers. These dogs have strong prey instincts, so they tend to chase small animals.
Territorial and protective, Walkers are aloof with strangers. Expect them to bark when they see someone suspicious, and they’ll be alert at all times when someone new is at home.
It’s always best to socialize your dogs early, so they don’t become too aggressive. This also encourages a more stable temperament, which makes them more well-rounded too.
Training might come challenging, as these dogs are independent thinkers. They tend to do things their way, so it’s best always to have lots of patience when dealing with them.
Keep training sessions short but interesting. As much as possible, don’t be harsh on these dogs. Positive reinforcements through foods and praises are highly encouraged, so they become happy.
Care Requirements
- Nutrition: Treeing Walker Coonhounds only requires a high-quality and well-balanced diet, so they remain healthy. You should ensure that every meal contains a balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Remember only to buy high-quality ingredients if you’re serving homecooked meals to your dog. You can get protein from animal meat, fats from fish oils, and carbohydrates from whole grains or potatoes. You can add fruits and vegetables too for excellent sources of fiber. Remember to watch out for the number of calories you feed your dog. Ask your vet for a guide on how much to serve your dog daily, depending on their age and daily activity. For those giving dog food, always be reminded to check the label and ensure that the food doesn’t contain fillers, additives, and by-products. If your dog has any allergies, then make sure to stay away from those.
- Grooming: Treeing Walker Coonhounds are low maintenance dogs with short, smooth coats. These coats shed seasonally and will only require weekly brushing to remove any excess hair or dirt. Baths are given occasionally to maintain his beautiful appearance, but you can also wipe their coats regularly, so it’s always shiny. You should also clean their ears regularly to avoid ear infection. Nails should be trimmed regularly as well as long nails can cause pain and discomfort to your dog. We recommend making your grooming sessions fun, so your Treeing Walker would always look forward to it. It’s also a great bonding between both of you.
- Exercise: Treeing Walker Coonhounds are highly-energetic dogs that need regular but moderate exercise. Activities don’t have to be high-impact as daily long walks or a good run in a fenced yard should suffice. If you enjoy being outdoors, this dog breed will surely make an excellent running or hiking companion. They’re the happiest when you do things together, whether in the backyard chasing balls or inside your home watching television.
- Health: Treeing Walker Coonhounds are generally healthy dogs. However, like any other dog breed, they, too, are susceptible to several health conditions. As dog owners, it’s highly essential to be aware of what these are. Two significant diseases to watch out for are hip dysplasia and polyradiculoneuritis, while a minor concern is otitis externa.
- Lifespan: The life expectancy of Treeing Walker Coonhounds is 12-13 years.
Fun Facts about Treeing Walker Coonhounds
- Treeing Walker Coonhounds were developed in the USA around the 1800s.
- These dogs descended from English Foxhounds brought by Thomas Walker.
- They were developed by crossing a Walker Hound and a Black and Tan Dog, named Tennessee Lee.
- They were originally developed to hunt raccoons.
- The name “Treeing” came from their ability to chase animals into the trees.
- These dogs are dubbed as the “People’s Choice” among other coonhound breeds.
- They were fully recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2012.
Check Out Other Hound Dog Breeds:
Afghan Hound, American English Coonhounds, American Foxhound, Basenjis, Basset Hound, Beagle, Black and Tan Coonhound, Bloodhound, Bluetick Coonhound, Borzois, Cirnechi dell’Etna, Dachshund, English Foxhound, Grand Basset Griffon Vendeens, Greyhound, Harrier, Ibizan Hound, Icelandic Sheepdogs, Irish Wolfhound, Norwegian Elkhound, Otterhound, Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, Pharaoh Hounds, Plotts, Portuguese Podengo, Redbone Coonhound, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Salukis, Scottish Deerhounds, Sloughis, Whippet