Treeing Walker Coonhound

Smart, Brave, Courteous

Few things can quicken a coon hunter’s pulse like the sight of this swift, tricolored hound in full stride—the long, muscular legs, the powerful and propulsive hindquarters, and the streamlined frame all working to cover maximum ground with minimum effort. Later, basking in the warmth of a campfire after an honest night’s work, this sweet-faced hound will look up and stir your soul with his gentle, pleading expression. Mercy, what a pretty picture! No wonder Treeing Walkers are called the People’s Choice.

Let’s unpack the name a word at a time. “Treeing” refers to a hound trailing the scent of his quarry until the quarry scurries up a tree for safety, with the hound camping out below and barking, vigorously and distinctively, for as long as it takes for the gun-toting hunter to arrive. “Walker” is Thomas Walker, of Virginia, who in the mid-1700s was a pivotal figure of the breed’s early development. “Coonhound” is a dog developed to “tree” raccoons and, sometimes, bigger game.

Characteristics – Called ‘the people’s choice’ among all coonhound breeds, the energetic Treeing Walker is perfectly suited for the task for which it was bred – tracking and treeing wild raccoons in their natural haunts. The breed’s competitive spirit makes it an ideal choice for competitive coonhound events where the breed excels. The Treeing Walker Coonhound is alert, intelligent, active, courteous, and courageous with extreme endurance and the desire to perform.

The Treeing Walker Coonhound should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). A hound who isn’t working can be prone to becoming overweight, so owners should monitor the dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

The Treeing Walker is a very low-maintenance breed. His short, smooth coat repels dirt and mud, and he will require only the occasional bath to maintain his handsome appearance. Wiping him down with a damp towel or a hound glove will keep his coat shining. His nails should be trimmed every couple of weeks, as long nails can cause the dog discomfort and structural problems. A hound’s ears should be cleaned regularly to keep them free of excess wax or debris and to check for any signs of ear infection. The Treeing Walker will look forward to grooming sessions as bonding experiences with the human he loves.

Like most coonhounds, the Treeing Walker is a high-energy breed who delights in stretching his legs in a good, long run. He is an excellent candidate for someone who wants a running or hiking companion. While most coonhounds can quite happily become couch potatoes, most will still appreciate long daily walks at a minimum. Romps in the backyard, chasing a ball, or playing with human or canine friends will help to keep him mentally and physically healthy. The Treeing Walker has a very high prey drive and should be on a leash for walks and hikes, as he may be unable to resist the instinct to pursue an interesting scent.

The Treeing Walker Coonhound is very intelligent and eager to learn. These hounds love to please their people, but they also have a stubborn, independent streak. This can make them seem difficult to a trainer who doesn’t understand the coonhound brain. Keeping training lessons fun and entertaining and praising good behavior and jobs well done with treats as well as effusive praise will result in a hound who is a joy to live with.

The Treeing Walker is overall quite a healthy breed, and responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions such as hip dysplasia and eye anomalies. Be sure to always check the dog’s ears when he comes in from outside, as ticks love to burrow beneath the coonhound’s floppy ears. Removing excess ear wax and debris and checking the ears at least weekly will help you to avoid common ear infections.