If you are a dog lover or a hunting enthusiast, you've likely heard of the Treeing Walker Coonhound. This breed is highly popular in America, and for good reason. Their exceptional hunting skills, friendly demeanor, and loyal companionship make them a favorite among families and hunters alike.

Key Takeaways
- The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a highly popular breed in America.
- They are known for their exceptional hunting skills, friendly demeanor, and loyal companionship.
History of the Treeing Walker Coonhound
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a breed that originated in the United States. It developed from a combination of English Foxhounds and other American hunting breeds, such as the Walker Hound and the Virginia Hound. The breed was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1945 and later by the American Kennel Club in 2012.
The Treeing Walker Coonhound was first bred as a hunting dog, specifically for treeing prey such as raccoons or squirrels. The breed is known for its exceptional tracking ability and endurance, making it a popular choice among hunters across America. Due to its high energy and hunting instincts, the Treeing Walker Coonhound requires an active lifestyle and plenty of exercise.
History of the Name
The Treeing Walker Coonhound gets its name from its ability to track and "tree" prey, meaning it chases the prey and corners it in a tree until the hunter arrives. The "Walker" in its name pays homage to the breed's founder, Thomas Walker, who is credited with developing the breed in Kentucky in the early 1800s.
Throughout its history, the Treeing Walker Coonhound has remained a beloved breed among hunters and dog enthusiasts alike. Its popularity has only continued to grow over time, making it one of America's favorite hound breeds.
Traits of the Treeing Walker Coonhound
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a medium-sized dog breed that belongs to the group of hunting hounds. Originally bred in America, these dogs are known for their outstanding coon dog abilities and have become a popular choice among hunters and dog lovers alike.
What sets the Treeing Walker Coonhound apart from other hunting breeds is their athleticism, endurance, and keen sense of smell. They have a smooth and shiny coat that comes in various color combinations, usually black and tan, white and tan, or tri-color. With their long ears and soulful eyes, they exude an energetic and friendly personality that makes them a great companion.
Coon Dog Traits
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are bred for their exceptional coon dog abilities, which makes them a favorite among hunters. They are adept at tracking prey by scent and using their loud, distinctive baying to alert their owners to their quarry's location. Their highly developed sense of smell enables them to follow complex scent trails with ease, making them ideal for hunting in rough terrain.
Their hunting instincts come naturally and should be encouraged and honed through regular exercise and training. They are intelligent and quick learners, and positive reinforcement techniques work best when training them.
Medium-Sized Hunting Hound
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a medium-sized dog, standing between 20 and 27 inches tall and weighing between 45 and 80 pounds. Their athleticism and endurance allow them to keep pace with their owners during long hunting expeditions.
While they are hunting dogs, they also make great family pets. They are loyal and affectionate and get along well with children and other pets. They have a naturally friendly disposition, making them a great addition to any family.
However, they need regular exercise and activity to maintain their physical and mental health. Daily walks, playtime, and occasional runs or hikes are necessary to keep them happy and healthy.
Hunting with Treeing Walker Coonhounds.
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a highly skilled hunting dog with excellent trailing abilities. They are known for their incredible speed, agility, and endurance, which make them the perfect companion for hunters who require a dog that can keep up with the chase.
When hunting with a Treeing Walker Coonhound, it's important to give them plenty of space to roam and follow their instincts. They have a natural tendency to tree animals, especially raccoons, which makes them an ideal hunting dog for coon hunting enthusiasts.
Their excellent sense of smell and their natural instincts make them highly effective at tracking and locating game, and they are often used for hunting a variety of small and large game, including raccoons, squirrels, and even deer.
Training Tips for Hunting
When training your Treeing Walker Coonhound for hunting, it's important to focus on their natural instincts and abilities. Consistency is key, and you should start training your dog as early as possible to ensure that they develop the necessary skills and habits.
Here are a few training tips to help you get started:
- Teach basic obedience commands: Start with basic commands like "come," "sit," and "stay." These commands will help you maintain control over your dog while hunting.
- Practice tracking: Start by teaching your dog to track a scent trail. Place a scent rag or other object with a scent on it and encourage your dog to follow the trail. Once they are comfortable with this, start adding distractions to the trail to make it more difficult.
- Train for treeing: Introduce your dog to the concept of treeing and train them to recognize when an animal is treed. Use live animals, scents, or even decoys to help train your dog.
Remember that hunting with your Treeing Walker Coonhound requires patience, persistence, and a lot of practice. With consistent training and plenty of opportunities to practice their skills, your dog will become a highly skilled hunting companion.
The Treeing Walker Coonhound as a Companion
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is not just a hunting dog but can also be a wonderful addition to any family as a loyal and loving companion. While they may have a reputation as fierce hunters, they are also known for their affectionate nature and adaptability to family life.
Treeing Walker Coonhounds form strong bonds with their owners and thrive on human companionship. They are friendly and social dogs that get along well with children and other pets, making them an ideal choice for families.
One thing to keep in mind is that Treeing Walker Coonhounds are active dogs and require daily exercise and mental stimulation. However, with adequate exercise and training, they can make excellent indoor companions and enjoy spending time relaxing with their owners.
Another aspect to consider is their grooming needs. While Treeing Walker Coonhounds have short, smooth coats that are easy to maintain, they can shed quite a bit. Regular brushing can help keep shedding under control and minimize the amount of hair on your furniture and clothing.
If you are looking for a loyal, affectionate, and adaptable companion, the Treeing Walker Coonhound may be the perfect match for your family. They are intelligent, social, and eager to please, making them great pets for first-time dog owners or experienced dog owners alike.
Training and Exercise Needs of a Treeing Walker Coonhound
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is an active breed that requires regular exercise and training to keep them physically and mentally fit. Without adequate exercise and stimulation, they may become bored and exhibit destructive behavior. If you’re considering a Treeing Walker Coonhound as a pet, it’s important to understand their training and exercise needs.
Training Tips
Training your Treeing Walker Coonhound should begin early in their life and be consistent. Positive reinforcement techniques such as praise and treats work well with this breed. They respond well to repetition, consistency and a clear hierarchy in their training relationship.
Tip: Start by training your puppy basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “down.” It’s important to train them to come to you reliably, as hunting breeds may tend to wander off chasing a scent. This way, if they get loose, you can call them back to you.
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are intelligent and highly trainable. However, you must have patience and understanding, as stubbornness may show from time to time. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, they will learn quickly and become well-behaved pets.
Exercise Needs
As a hunting breed, the Treeing Walker Coonhound requires a moderate amount of exercise. They need daily walks or runs to release their energy and keep them healthy. They also love to play and need plenty of outdoor activities to stay in shape. They enjoy being outside, so a fenced yard is ideal.
Tip: The Treeing Walker Coonhound loves to chase and track scent, so it’s a good idea to incorporate activities such as obedience or agility training, as well as scent games. This will keep your dog physically and mentally stimulated.
Consistent exercise and playtime are necessary to keep your Treeing Walker Coonhound in good shape. Without proper exercise and stimulation, they may become overweight or exhibit unwanted behaviors, like excessive barking and destructive chewing.
In Summary
Training and exercising your Treeing Walker Coonhound is important for their health and wellbeing. With proper training techniques and regular physical activity, you’ll have a well-behaved and happy pet. Remember to always be patient and consistent with your training. By doing so, you’ll create a strong bond and relationship with your dog.
Grooming the Treeing Walker Coonhound
The Treeing Walker Coonhound's short, dense coat requires minimal maintenance. However, regular grooming is still necessary to keep them clean and healthy.
Brushing your Treeing Walker Coonhound's coat once or twice a week will help remove any loose fur and prevent matting. Use a soft bristle brush or a grooming glove to gently brush their coat, paying particular attention to their underbelly, legs, and tail. Additionally, bathe them only when necessary with a mild dog shampoo to prevent drying out their skin.
Grooming Checklist: |
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Brush their coat once or twice a week |
Bathe only when necessary with a mild dog shampoo |
Check their ears weekly and clean them with a damp cloth |
Trim their nails every few weeks or as needed |
Brush their teeth daily to prevent dental issues |
It's also essential to check and clean your Treeing Walker Coonhound's ears weekly to prevent infection. Use a damp cloth to wipe away any dirt or debris, and avoid using cotton swabs.
In addition to regular brushing and ear cleaning, trimming their nails every few weeks or as needed is also important. Long nails can cause discomfort and even affect their gait. Lastly, brush their teeth daily to prevent dental issues and keep their breath fresh.

Health and Nutrition of Treeing Walker Coonhounds
Just like any other breed, Treeing Walker Coonhounds are prone to certain health issues. It's important to be aware of these conditions and take preventative measures to keep your furry friend healthy.
Health Condition | Description |
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Hip Dysplasia | A condition where the hip joint does not develop properly, causing pain and discomfort. |
Bloat | A serious and potentially life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood flow. |
Ear Infections | Treeing Walker Coonhounds have long, floppy ears that can trap moisture and debris, leading to infections. |
Eye Problems | Skin and eye allergies are common in this breed, and they can also be prone to cataracts and other eye conditions. |
Aside from regular visits to the vet, proper nutrition is essential to maintaining your Treeing Walker Coonhound's health. A balanced diet will provide them with the energy and nutrients they need to thrive. Consider feeding your pup high-quality dog food formulated for their breed and life stage. You can also supplement their diet with fresh fruits and vegetables as well as lean meats.
Proper nutrition is essential to maintaining your Treeing Walker Coonhound's health.
It's important to monitor your Treeing Walker Coonhound's weight and adjust their diet accordingly. Obesity can lead to a host of health issues, so it's crucial to keep them at a healthy weight. Additionally, make sure your dog has access to fresh, clean water at all times.
By staying informed about potential health issues and providing your Treeing Walker Coonhound with proper nutrition, you can ensure they live a long and healthy life.
Finding a Treeing Walker Coonhound Puppy
If you're interested in adding a Treeing Walker Coonhound to your family, it's important to find a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their puppies. Here are some tips to help you find your perfect puppy:
- Research breeders in your area through the American Kennel Club's website or other reputable sources.
- Avoid purchasing puppies from pet stores or online marketplaces, as these puppies often come from puppy mills or unethical breeders.
- Look for a breeder who conducts health screenings on their breeding dogs to ensure they are free from genetic health issues commonly seen in the breed.
- Ask to see the puppy's parents and their living conditions to ensure they are well-cared for and healthy.
- Consider the puppy's temperament and energy level to ensure they are a good fit for your lifestyle and household.
Remember, a quality breeder will care about the puppies they produce and will want to ensure they go to loving homes where they will receive the care and attention they deserve.
Training Tips for Your Treeing Walker Coonhound
Training a Treeing Walker Coonhound requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. These tips will help you shape your new pup into a well-behaved and obedient companion.
- Start with basic obedience training: Teach your Treeing Walker Coonhound basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel. Use positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, to reward good behavior.
- Socialize your pup: Introduce your Treeing Walker Coonhound to different people, animals, and environments. This will help them become well-adjusted and confident in any situation.
- Provide plenty of exercise: Treeing Walker Coonhounds are energetic dogs that require regular exercise. Take them on daily walks, runs, or hikes to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
- Train for their natural instincts: Treeing Walker Coonhounds are natural hunting dogs, so consider training them to hunt or participate in activities like agility and obedience trials. This will give them an outlet for their energy and instincts.
- Use positive reinforcement: Reward good behavior with treats and praise, and avoid using punishment or physical force. This will help build a strong bond between you and your pup and create a positive learning environment.
- Be consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to training a Treeing Walker Coonhound. Use the same commands and training methods consistently to avoid confusing your pup.
- Seek professional help: If you're struggling with training, consider working with a professional dog trainer who has experience with Treeing Walker Coonhounds. They can provide tailored training plans and advice to help you and your pup succeed.
Remember, training is an ongoing process that requires patience and persistence. With time and consistent effort, your Treeing Walker Coonhound will become a well-behaved and enjoyable companion.
Socializing Your Treeing Walker Coonhound
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are social animals and enjoy being around people and other dogs. However, without proper socialization, they can become timid, aggressive or overly dependent on their owners.
The best time to start socializing your Treeing Walker Coonhound is when they are young puppies, ideally between 3 and 14 weeks old. During this time, they are most open to new experiences and will learn how to interact with other dogs and humans.
One way to socialize your puppy is to take them to obedience classes. This will give them the opportunity to interact with other puppies and learn basic commands while supervised by a professional trainer. Additionally, taking your puppy to dog parks or on walks in areas with other friendly dogs can help them learn how to behave around other dogs.
It is important to remember that socialization does not end once your puppy reaches a certain age. Continue exposing your Treeing Walker Coonhound to new experiences throughout their life. This can include introducing them to different people, environments, and situations. Doing so will help them become well-adjusted and happy adult dogs.
Lastly, always supervise your Treeing Walker Coonhound when they are interacting with other dogs, especially if they are meeting for the first time. Watch for signs of aggression or fear and intervene if necessary. With proper socialization, your Treeing Walker Coonhound can become a well-behaved and social companion.
Common Myths and Misconceptions about Treeing Walker Coonhounds
As with any popular dog breed, there are a number of myths and misconceptions surrounding the Treeing Walker Coonhound that have been perpetuated over the years. In this section, we'll take a closer look at some of the most common misconceptions about these beloved hounds and set the record straight.
Myth: Treeing Walker Coonhounds are aggressive towards people and other animals.
This is a common misconception about many hunting dog breeds, including the Treeing Walker Coonhound. However, the truth is that these dogs are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, and are generally great with both people and other animals, including cats and other dogs. Of course, like any dog, proper socialization is key to ensuring that they get along well with others.
Myth: Treeing Walker Coonhounds are difficult to train.
While Treeing Walker Coonhounds can be a bit stubborn at times, they are generally eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. With a little patience and consistency, these dogs can learn a wide range of commands and tricks, making them highly trainable.
Myth: Treeing Walker Coonhounds need a lot of space and exercise.
While Treeing Walker Coonhounds are certainly energetic and love to run and play, they can adapt well to apartment or city living, as long as their exercise needs are met through daily walks and playtime. These dogs are highly intelligent and benefit greatly from mental stimulation, so puzzle toys and interactive games are a great way to keep them entertained and engaged.
Myth: Treeing Walker Coonhounds are only good for hunting.
While Treeing Walker Coonhounds were originally bred for hunting and are still used for this purpose today, they also make wonderful family pets. These dogs are known for their loyalty and affectionate nature, and are great with kids and other pets. They thrive on human companionship and make excellent indoor dogs, as long as their exercise and mental stimulation needs are met.
Now that we've debunked some of the most common myths and misconceptions about Treeing Walker Coonhounds, it's clear to see why these dogs are such a beloved breed in America. With their friendly personalities, trainability, and adaptability, they make wonderful companions for families and individuals alike.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Treeing Walker Coonhound breed is undoubtedly one of America's favorite hound breeds due to its exceptional hunting abilities, loyal and affectionate nature, and adaptability as a companion dog. While they are highly skilled hunters, they also make loving family pets that thrive on human interaction and attention.
When considering a Treeing Walker Coonhound as a pet, it's crucial to understand their specific training, exercise, and grooming needs, as well as their dietary requirements for optimal health. Finding a reputable breeder and selecting a healthy puppy is also essential.
Through proper training and socialization, Treeing Walker Coonhounds can become well-behaved and obedient pets. It's important to debunk the common myths and misconceptions surrounding the breed and focus on providing accurate information to potential owners.
Overall, the Treeing Walker Coonhound breed is an exceptional choice for pet owners searching for a loyal, affectionate companion that also possesses excellent hunting abilities. With proper care and attention, they can make great additions to any household.
FAQ
Q: What is a Treeing Walker Coonhound?
A: A Treeing Walker Coonhound is a breed of medium-sized dog that is known for its hunting abilities, particularly in treeing raccoons. They are often referred to as America's favorite hound breed.
Q: Where did the Treeing Walker Coonhound originate?
A: The Treeing Walker Coonhound is an American breed that originated from crosses between the English Foxhound, the Walker Hound, and the Virginia Hound.
Q: What are the traits of a Treeing Walker Coonhound?
A: Treeing Walker Coonhounds are medium-sized dogs with an athletic build. They are known for their excellent scenting abilities, endurance, and agility. They are also friendly, intelligent, and loyal.
Q: Are Treeing Walker Coonhounds good hunting dogs?
A: Yes, Treeing Walker Coonhounds are highly regarded as hunting dogs. They have a strong prey drive and excel in trailing and treeing raccoons. Their endurance and determination make them invaluable to hunters.
Q: Can a Treeing Walker Coonhound be a good companion dog?
A: Absolutely! While they are natural hunters, Treeing Walker Coonhounds can also make wonderful companion dogs. They are known for their loyalty, affectionate nature, and adaptability to family life.
Q: What are the exercise needs of a Treeing Walker Coonhound?
A: Treeing Walker Coonhounds have high energy levels and require regular exercise to keep them stimulated and physically fit. Daily walks, runs, and playtime in a secure area are recommended.
Q: How often should I groom my Treeing Walker Coonhound?
A: Treeing Walker Coonhounds have short, dense coats that require minimal grooming. Regular brushing, bathing as needed, and routine care such as nail trimming and ear cleaning are sufficient.
Q: Are there any health concerns specific to Treeing Walker Coonhounds?
A: Like all dog breeds, Treeing Walker Coonhounds may be prone to certain health conditions. Common concerns include hip dysplasia, ear infections, and bloat. Regular vet check-ups and a balanced diet are essential for their overall health.
Q: How do I find a reputable Treeing Walker Coonhound breeder?
A: When looking for a Treeing Walker Coonhound puppy, it's important to do thorough research and only buy from reputable breeders. Ask for health clearances, visit the breeder's facility, and inquire about their breeding practices.
Q: What are some training tips for a Treeing Walker Coonhound?
A: Training a Treeing Walker Coonhound requires consistency, positive reinforcement, and patience. Focus on reward-based training methods, and teach them basic commands such as sit, stay, and recall.
Q: Why is socialization important for Treeing Walker Coonhounds?
A: Socializing Treeing Walker Coonhounds from a young age is crucial to their well-rounded development. It helps them become confident, well-behaved dogs and ensures they get along well with other dogs and humans.
Q: What are some common myths and misconceptions about Treeing Walker Coonhounds?
A: There are several myths surrounding Treeing Walker Coonhounds, such as being aggressive or difficult to train. In reality, they are friendly and trainable dogs with a strong desire to please their owners.