Treeing Walker Coonhounds are descendants of English Foxhounds imported into the United States before the Revolutionary war. These English Hounds gave birth to Virginia Hounds and eventually to the oldest, Walker Hounds, from which the Treeing Walker was developed. An outcross to a dog of unknown ancestry known as “Tennessee Lead” was added to bring some gameness to the breed. The Treeing Walker was grouped with English Coonhounds until 1945, when Walker breeders established distinctive breeding programs.
Breed Standard
This dog is called “the peoples choice” amongst coonhounds for a good reason. The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a treeing and trailing dog top-rated in competitive coonhound events. The dogs have straight, lean legs, a deep chest, a strong, muscular, level back, and a moderately long, high-set tail carried up in a curve, like a saber. Its head is broad with a medium-length, square muzzle and a black nose. Its ears are moderately low-set, which reaches nearly to the tip of the nose when pulled forward and hanging gracefully toward the muzzle. The large, wide-set ears in brown or black give the dogs a gentle and soft expression.
Breed Facts
| Energy level |  | Watchdog ability | |
| Exercise requirements | | Protection ability |  |
| Playfulness |  | Grooming requirements | |
| Affection level | | Cold tolerance | |
| Friendliness toward dogs |  | Heat tolerance | |
| Friendliness toward other pets | | Friendliness toward strangers | |
| Ease of training |  |
- Popularity: Uncommon
- Family group: Scenthound
- Country of Origin: United States
- Date developed: 1800s
- Original purpose: Fox hunting
- Current purpose: Hunting raccoon, bear, and other game; nite hunt competitions
- Other names: None
Activity level: High. These dogs are agile and fast, tireless workers that need plenty of daily running within a safe fenced area. When the dogs follow a scent, They hit it at top speed and ignore your commands to return. The dogs can also scale fencing; therefore, fencing needs to be at least six feet high.
Grooming: Requires weekly brushing, and shedding is minimal.
Color: These dogs are mostly tricolor, either white with black and tan markings or black with white and tan markings. White with than or black spots is also seen.
Coat: Smooth, glossy, short, stiff, close-fitting, and protective.
Group: Hound.
Year recognized by the AKC: The Treeing Walker Coonhound became a regular breed of the AKC in 2012.
Treeing Walker Coonhound Temperament
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a determined, courageous hunter who makes an excellent family companion for owners ready to provide enough physical and mental exercise. The dogs can become destructive without proper activities. They are calm, quiet house dogs that enjoy nothing more than a long snooze on a comfortable sofa if you exercise them regularly. They are even-tempered, affectionate, and tolerant; they also get along well with other dogs and children.
Thus, you will not have to be concerned about biting. They respond very well to training because they are intelligent and eager to please. The best way to train the dogs is through positive reinforcement sessions and plenty of patience and love. Treeing Walkers can also be manipulative and opportunistic if owners fail to provide leadership consistently. This hound is a very vocal breed that will bark impulsively when it detects an exciting track.
These hounds are energetic dogs that love to hunt and use their nose. Treeing Walkers are not known for their obedience inclination. Their bark and whining can be pretty loud.
Health
- Main concerns: none
- Minor problems: none
- Rarely seen: CHD
- Recommended tests: hip
- Life span: 12 to 13 years
- Weight: 45 to 65 pounds
- Height: male – 23 to 28 inches; female – 20 to 25 inches
Breeder and Buyer’s Advice
Look for Treeing Walker Coonhound puppies for sale from reputable breeders. Visit the parent club’s website for a list of approved breeders in your area, or you can visit the AKC website.
Parent club: Southeastern Treeing Walker Coonhound Association
