Treeing Walker Coonhound

The history of the Treeing Walker Coonhound is closely intertwined with the settlement of the American continent. The breed originated from English Foxhounds, brought to Virginia in 1742 by Thomas Walker. These dogs became the foundation for the famous “Walker hounds,” prized for their speed and hunting prowess.

A pivotal event in the breed’s formation occurred in the 19th century. A dog named “Tennessee Lead,” stolen but later returned, was crossed with hounds from the Walker line. This dog, with its black-and-tan coat, significantly influenced the breed’s development, adding endurance and unique working qualities. Initially, Walker Coonhounds were registered as American English Coonhounds, but breeders insisted on their recognition as a separate breed due to their exceptional “treeing” abilities — driving prey up a tree and holding it there until the hunter arrived.

In 1945, the United Kennel Club (UKC) officially recognised the Treeing Walker Coonhound as a distinct breed, paying homage to its unique qualities. The American Kennel Club (AKC) did so much later, in 2012. Today, this breed is known as the “people’s choice” among Coonhounds for its speed, intelligence, and ability to quickly switch to a fresh scent, ensuring successful hunting.

The Walker Coonhound is the embodiment of grace and strength. The dog has a strong, athletic, but not overly massive body, with ideal proportions for speed and endurance. Its movements are light and fluid, a characteristic feature of all hounds.

• Coat: Short, smooth, glossy, and dense. It perfectly protects the dog from bad weather and dirt, which is important during hunting.
• Colour: The most common is tri-colour (white, black, and tan). Bi-colour variants — white with black or white with tan — are also found. Preference is given to dogs with large “patches” of colour, rather than fine ticking.
• Head: Proportional to the body, with a long skull. Muzzle is medium length, square.
• Eyes: Large, dark in colour (brown or hazel), with a soft, friendly expression.
• Ears: Long, pendulous, set at eye level. They are soft to the touch and give the dog a characteristic “hound” appearance.
• Tail: Set high, strong, scimitar-shaped. The dog carries it proudly, especially when on a trail.

The temperament of the Treeing Walker Coonhound is a unique combination of two opposites. When hunting, he is a fearless, passionate, and incredibly focused pursuer. His main goal is to find and tree the prey. At this moment, the dog becomes independent, making decisions in a flash. His famous “singing” is not just barking; it’s a whole system of signals for the hunter: one voice means the trail has been picked up, another, short and choppy, means the prey is treed.

At home, however, the Walker Coonhound transforms into a gentle and loving family member. He adores being the centre of attention, lying on the sofa next to his owner, and participating in all family affairs. These dogs are known for their kindness towards children, though due to their energy, they are better suited for families with older children who know how to handle animals. They get along well with other dogs, especially if raised together, as they are naturally pack animals. However, their hunting instinct can pose a threat to cats and other small household pets, so introductions require caution and control.

The Walker Coonhound is predominantly a healthy and hardy breed, which is attributed to its working origins. However, like any breed, it has a predisposition to certain ailments. Responsible breeders always test their dogs for hereditary diseases.

1. Hip Dysplasia: This is a common problem among medium and large breeds. Improper joint development can lead to pain, lameness, and arthritis. It is important to maintain a healthy weight for your dog and provide moderate but regular exercise.
2. Ear Infections (Otitis): Long, pendulous ears create ideal conditions for bacteria and fungi to multiply, as they limit air circulation. It is necessary to regularly inspect and clean their ears, especially after swimming or walks in damp weather.
3. Eye Diseases: Some lines may be prone to cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy. Annual examination by a veterinary ophthalmologist is recommended.
4. Hypothyroidism: Insufficient thyroid gland activity can lead to weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems. It is diagnosed with a blood test and treated with hormone therapy.

Prevention is the key to a long and healthy life for your beloved pet. Regular vet visits, a balanced diet, weight control, and sufficient physical activity will help avoid many problems.

Coat Care

The Coonhound’s short coat doesn’t require daily brushing. It’s sufficient to brush it once a week with a rubber brush or grooming mitt to remove dead hairs and maintain its shine. They shed moderately. Bathe your dog only when necessary, if they get very dirty. Frequent washing can disrupt the skin’s natural oil layer. After every walk in the woods or fields, thoroughly check your dog for ticks and other parasites.

Physical Exercise

This is the most crucial aspect of owning the breed. The Walker Coonhound was bred for long-distance running. He needs at least 1-2 hours of intense activity daily. This can include long walks, running, games, or specialised training. Without sufficient exercise, the dog becomes restless, destructive, and may start barking incessantly. This breed, like the Canadian Eskimo Dog, needs “work” for a happy life.

Training a Treeing Walker Coonhound is an interesting, yet challenging, process. They are highly intelligent and eager to please their owner, but their independent hunting nature often takes over. They can be stubborn, especially when something captures their interest outdoors. Scent is their primary sense, and if they catch an intriguing smell, it’s almost impossible to “switch off” that instinct.

The key to success is early socialisation and consistent training, based on positive reinforcement. Start introducing your puppy to different people, sounds, places, and other animals as early as possible. Use treats and praise to encourage correct behaviour. Training sessions should be short, engaging, and varied to prevent the dog from getting bored. It’s crucial to teach him the “Come!” command and practise it to perfection, but even then, it’s not advisable to let a Coonhound off-leash in an unfenced area.

The diet of an active dog like the Walker Coonhound must be high-quality and balanced. The foundation of their diet should be high-quality animal protein (meat, fish, offal).

You can choose one of two feeding types:

• Ready-made dry food: Choose super-premium or holistic class foods for active dogs of medium and large breeds. The composition should contain at least 25-30% protein.
• Natural diet: The diet should consist of raw or cooked meat, porridges (buckwheat, rice), vegetables, fermented dairy products (cottage cheese, kefir), and eggs. With this type of feeding, it is essential to add vitamin and mineral complexes, after consulting with a veterinarian.

It’s important not to overfeed your dog, as the breed is prone to gaining excess weight, which puts additional strain on their joints. Divide the daily food allowance into two meals. Always ensure access to fresh drinking water.

The Treeing Walker Coonhound is one of several Coonhound breeds, each with its own distinctive features. Understanding these differences will help you make the right choice.

• “Singing” Dogs: The Coonhound’s voice is not just a bark. It’s a melodic “song” that can change depending on the hunting situation. An experienced hunter always knows what their dog is doing just by hearing its voice.
• Masters of “Treeing”: The name “Treeing” comes from their unique ability to drive prey up a tree and keep it there, barking continuously, until the hunter arrives.
• Night Hunters: Since raccoons are nocturnal, Coonhounds were bred to work in the dark, relying on their phenomenal sense of smell and hearing.
• “The People’s Choice”: Among raccoon hunters in the USA, the Treeing Walker Coonhound is considered the most popular breed due to its speed and efficiency.

Is the Treeing Walker Coonhound suitable for apartment living?

Absolutely not. This is a very energetic breed that requires space. Ideal conditions for them are a private house with a large, securely fenced garden. Life in an apartment without the opportunity for daily extensive exercise will lead to behavioural problems.

Do they shed much?

Their shedding is moderate and doesn’t cause much trouble. Regular brushing once a week will help keep the amount of hair in your home under control.

Can you keep a Coonhound with a cat?

This is possible, but requires great caution. If a Coonhound puppy grows up with a cat, they can become friends. However, the hunting instinct can awaken at any moment, so never leave them together unsupervised. Introductions with an adult dog should be gradual and controlled.

How much does a Treeing Walker Coonhound puppy cost?

The price of a puppy can vary greatly depending on pedigree, breeder reputation, and the working qualities of the parents. In the UK, prices for a Treeing Walker Coonhound puppy from a reputable breeder typically range between £1,000 and £2,500. It’s important to choose a verified breeder who cares for the health and socialisation of their dogs, rather than chasing a low price.