Short History of the Breed

The Treeing Walker is a descendant of the English Foxhound, which Thomas Walker imported to Virginia in 1742. Sometime in the 1800's, a dog known as "Tennessee Lead," a stolen dog of unknown origin, was crossed into the Walker Hound. He was a powerful dog, excelling in game sense, drive and speed, and having a clear, short-chop mouth. The Treeing Walker was not recognized as its own breed until 1946. This direct lineage brings us this efficient hunter. This coonhound has retained the looks of its ancestors, the English Foxhound. An underlying sense of game coupled with untiring speed and manly drive makes this coonhound unstoppable. The coonhound lineage doesn't really stop at the Walker, for American hunters also employ other varieties as well. One such coonhound is known as the Running Walker. The Treeing Walker Coonhound is an efficient and reliable hunter of raccoons, squirrels, and possums. The Treeing Walker "trees" its prey, and can then sometimes virtually climb the tree to get at it. With a little training, however, it will merely bay its distinctive howl, telling the hunter that the prey has been cornered.

Physical Description and Size

Tall dog. Median weight of about 65 lbs. Most have black, brown, and white bodies.
The Treeing Walker Coonhound has powerful, mobile shoulders. The ears are large compared to the head. The upper lips hang well below the lower jaw. The forelegs are long, straight and lean. The smooth coat is fine and glossy and comes in a tri-color and a bi-color pattern. (Tri-color is preferred by breeders.)

Temperament

Very intellegent animal. Learns by example. Very eager to please. Can be a heavy chewer, if bored. Best idea to keep a lot of balls, rawhides, and dog puzzles to entertain them. Can become destructive if not taught proper manners.

The Treeing Coonhound is good with children and gets along with other dogs. Training is accomplished with little trouble, as these dogs are able to learn from example. They are primarily working and hunting dogs but will also make a great companion dog. Working, to the Treeing Walker Coonhound, is not work but a sport and diversion. They thrive on consistent and ample attention. High-strung but loving and eager to please, the Treeing Walker is intelligent, skilled and confident. Some say they are the best breed for coonhound field trials because of their speed, ability to locate quickly and good treeing ability. They are swift with a very good sense of smell and a distinctive howl. Socialize at a young age.

Dog Care

(exercise, grooming, diet)
Watch weight, if allowed they are good couch potatoes. Loves lying over the heating and air ducts.
Grooming is practically non-existant. Brush as needed, bathe when they get into something, trim nails often. Teeth could also use regular cleaning.

Health Issues and Life Expectancy

Watch for skin allergies which lead to ear infections.

Additional Resources

(Add your favorite chat rooms, blogs, web sites, clubs)
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/crewwcoons.html
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/treeingwalkercoonhound.htm


Coonhounds on WikFido:

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