Treeing Walker Coonhound is a descendant of Foxhound. The breed is still used for hunting raccoons especially at night. This breed is renowned for its eagle like sharp eyes, cheetah like speed and lion like brave heart. If you want a pet dog that remains still inside home, this is not the right choice for you.
This dog is full of vigor and needs opportunity to pursue its hunting talent. If you want a dog that excels at Coonhound event, this is the best breed for you. The breed needs constant companionship and plenty of physical activities to be happy. If you don’t want to hunt with the dog, involve your dog in activities that involve tracking or searching.
The dog makes best hiking partner and it loves to go adventure with you. The only drawback of owing them is that they have loud shrill voice and tends to be stubborn in nature. The dog has a musty scent so it needs to bath frequently but still you have to develop the habit to live with that. The tricolor coat white, black and tan gives the dog classic beauty.
Treeing Walker Coonhound Origin
Treeing Walker belongs to colonial period in America. The breed has got its name from Thomas Walker who brought Foxhounds to Virginia in 1742.
The accurate crosses that contributed to its development are unknown but it is believed that the breed is a descendant of English Foxhound and American Foxhound. Walkers are tenacious hunters with bodacious and confident personality.
Characteristics
- The breed belongs to America and is a hunt dog.
- It has a classic and glossy coat which is tricolored - white, black and tan.
- Life expectancy of the breed is 12 to 13 years.
- They weigh around 23–32 kg.
- They are 56–69 cm tall.
- They are human oriented dogs and should not be left alone.
- The dog has a loud voice and it is incredibly vocal.
- They are not odorless dogs. You need to bath it every 5-7 weeks.
- They are easy to maintain.
- The dog is child friendly. They love to play with kids.
- They get along with other pets and dogs easily.
- It is not a hypoallergenic breed.
- Average cost of the puppy is $600 - $900 USD.
- They have strong prey drive; non-canine animals should be kept away.
Appearance
People often gets confused with this dog to ‘large beagles’ because of their similar appearance. Walker breed has athletic appearance. It is solidly built up yet has a compact body. The breed’s bones are well developed and light. Its eyes are almond shaped, brown and expressive.
It has flat ears which look like floppy fall in side direction of its face. Its muzzle is wedged shape with a definite stop. Nostrils are wide and nose should be black in color. Back should be straight and muscular. Its legs are well formed, thin and long. Its tail is sleek, long and gets curved towards the end.
Size and Weight
Ideal height of the male breed is 56–69 cm and female should be 51–64 cm tall. They should weigh around 23–32 kg irrespective of gender.
Coat and Color
The dog has a smooth and glossy coat. Its hair is short. Coat should lie close to its skin. Mostly the dog is tricolored - white as ground color with black and tan marking.
Temperament
- Personality - The dog has a sweet and affectionate personality. They are the most sought after dogs for active lifestyle. The dog is a tenacious and focused hunter. It loves children to the moon and back. Hunting is its first love and playing outside with kids is its second love. Inside home they remain even tempered and will not mind curling over the couch. This breed loves to interact with other animals and dogs. Except non-canine animals and cats, they are amicable with every living being.
- Behavior - The dog has a strong drive to hunt and kill. Small animals should be wary of this breed. When the dog has caught a scent of any animal, its focus will be to hunt it down without caring about traffic. It is advisable to have a high fenced yard to keep the dog as well as outside animal safe. The dog forms strong bonds with families which mean they shouldn’t be left alone for long hours. Because of their high energy level, they are best suitable for farm life.
- Activities Requirements - As they are hunting dogs, they are bestowed with sharp mind, agility and endurance. Nothing can make the dog happier than providing it opportunity to track, retrieve and hunt. If you are unable to do so enroll your dog in Coonhound’s organization where the dog will use its skills and develop competitive spirit with other fellow dogs. Provide your dog 1-2 hours of vigorous activities so that it can live calmly inside home. The dog loves to go on hike, ride, walk and run with master.
- Trainability - This breed is highly trainable. You just need to provide the dog motivation to learn skills. Motivation can be in the form of treats, appreciation, play etc. They are easy to train because they have the desire to please humans. Expose your dog to different person and sound, so that it can get used to them. No bark command is also necessary to be taught.
Feeding
One and half cup of quality food is sufficient for this breed. If the training or physical exercise is hectic you can feed it half cup more. Always keep fresh and clean water near to the dog’s place so that it never gets thirsty. “BARF’’ is said to be best for this breed. Barf diet means feeding raw meet to your dog rather than cooked in oil.
Lifespan
The dog can live up to 12 to 13 years.
Health Issues
It is not a hypoallergenic dog. This breed is prone to suffer from cherry eyes, polyradiculoneuritis, allergies etc.
Grooming
It is a low maintenance dog with easy-care coat. It sheds lightly, once or twice brushing in a week is sufficient to keeps its coat mats and debris free. You need to bath the dog as needed or after every 4-6 weeks.
Check its ears for any signs of infection and wax built up because they have flat and heavy ears. Clean its ears with vet approved solution only. Brush its teeth weekly so that its teeth and gums remain healthy. Trim its nails, if it doesn’t wear off naturally.
Habitat
They thrive in a house accompanied with yard. They can live in apartment if they are given plenty of exercise and love. The dog can tolerate moderate cold and hot temperature.
Pet Names
- Zuzu
- Lillo
- Casilas
- Drake
- Denver
- Sofia
Things To Consider Before Buying
Pros
- It is a skillful and focused hunter.
- It is a social dog that gets along with other canine animals easily.
- It has a low maintenance coat.
Cons
- Barking can be major problem.
- The dog tends to suffer from separation anxiety, if not given time and affection.
- It is not a hypoallergenic breed.