Learn More about Your Treeing Walker Coonhound

The Treeing Walker Coonhound gained recognition as an independent dog breed in the mid 1940s. The breed is an offshoot of the Tennessee Lead, a dog whose origins cannot be traced, and the Walker Hound. It is a direct descendant of the English Foxhounds imported by Thomas Walker of Virginia in 1974.

Thomas Walker brought the foxhounds to Virginia in an attempt to introduce and establish the foxhunting tradition in America. However, it was not until a few years later before a great number of the population practiced it. Roof rats, squirrels, raccoons, skunks, opossums, bobcats, cougars, and bears " these are only some of the Treeing Walker Coonhounds favorite prey.

They chase and catch squirrels, raccoons, opossums, skunks, roof rats, bobcats, and even bears. They are famous for their ability to tree their prey and when given the appropriate training, they will be able to bay distinctively, telling its human companion that the chase is over and the prey has been cornered. They are designed to be hunters and learn that skill on their own so they are not very good urban and suburban pets.

Although dogs of this breed are unstoppable and seem to never get tired, they are totally efficient and naturally affectionate. Treeing Walker Coonhounds love warm climates and are naturally athletic so they fancy swimming and running around. Because they are one with the other breed of dogs that are remarkably agile, you will almost never find them sunbathing or lying around to take naps.

Walker Coonhounds coats smooth, short, and are bicolor or tricolor. They have sturdy shoulders and lean, straight legs and they usually weigh 50-70 pounds with body width that is at around 20-28 inches. They have ears that are larger than their heads and most people would usually mistake them for oversized beagles.

Coonhounds prefer the outdoors and physical activities so they cannot live well in apartments. If owners are living in apartments, they have to see to it that they can take their dogs on regular walks and have them play and run around in open spaces regularly. Treeing Walker Coonhounds become uneasy without physical and mental exercise.

Although they are hunting and working dogs by nature, they also make good companions as they can deal with children and other dogs quite well. Training Walker Coonhounds is easy as they are able to learn tricks and routines by example but they are classified as scent hounds so there will be times when they will follow their noses rather than follow their human trainer. Their howls are so distinct, owners can easily recognize their own pet when they hear them bay.

Treeing Walker Coonhounds live for 12 to 13 years. They hardly develop major health issues and needs very minimal grooming. Walker Coonhounds need occasional bathing and their ears should also be cleaned and checked for infection regularly.

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