Treeing Walker Coonhound
Size
Giant
Life Expectancy
12-13 years
Trainability
★★★★★
Energy
★★★★★
About the Treeing Walker Coonhound
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a medium to large-sized breed known for its agility, speed, and keen sense of smell. They have a slender, athletic build with a short, smooth coat that typically features a combination of black, tan, and white markings. This breed is known for its friendly and outgoing personality, making them excellent companions and family pets. They are intelligent, eager to please, and highly trainable, though they can exhibit a stubborn streak. Treeing Walker Coonhounds are highly energetic and require regular exercise, thriving in active households where they can participate in outdoor activities. Additionally, they are known for their vocal nature, often barking or howling in response to stimuli or when they catch a scent.
History
The Treeing Walker Coonhound originated in the United States in the 18th century, developed primarily for hunting purposes. The breed is a descendant of the English Foxhound and was bred for its ability to track and tree raccoons and other small game. The 'Treeing' in its name refers to the breed's instinct to chase game up trees, where they will then bark to alert hunters to their location. Over time, they became popular among hunters for their speed, endurance, and exceptional scenting ability. The breed gained recognition in the early 20th century and was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2012. Today, they are still used for hunting but also make wonderful family pets due to their sociable nature.
Temperament
- Friendly
- Energetic
- Intelligent
- Loyal
- Vocal
Breed Characteristics
Detailed Traits
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are excellent with children
Very social with other dogs
Highly trainable
Very energetic breed
Frequent barking tendency
Moderate shedding
Low grooming requirements
Treeing Walker Coonhound Care Guide
Daily Care
- Provide a balanced diet suitable for active dogs
- Ensure fresh water is available at all times
- Groom regularly to manage shedding
- Check ears for debris and clean as needed
- Regularly brush teeth to maintain dental health
Exercise Needs
- Require at least 1 hour of vigorous exercise daily
- Enjoy activities like running, hiking, and playing fetch
- Benefit from mental stimulation through training and interactive toys
- Daily walks are essential for physical and mental health
Health Considerations
- Prone to hip dysplasia
- Can develop ear infections due to floppy ears
- Regular veterinary check-ups are important
- Watch for signs of obesity due to their love for food
- May have a predisposition to certain genetic conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the temperament of the Treeing Walker Coonhound?
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is known for its friendly, energetic, and outgoing personality. They are generally good-natured and can be very affectionate with their families.
How much exercise does a Treeing Walker Coonhound need?
Treeing Walker Coonhounds require a significant amount of exercise, ideally at least 1-2 hours a day of vigorous activity such as running, hiking, or playing fetch to keep them healthy and happy.
Are Treeing Walker Coonhounds easy to train?
Treeing Walker Coonhounds can be somewhat challenging to train due to their independent nature and strong hunting instincts. Consistent, positive reinforcement training methods work best.
What are common health concerns for Treeing Walker Coonhounds?
Common health concerns for Treeing Walker Coonhounds include hip dysplasia, ear infections, and certain eye conditions. Regular veterinary check-ups are important to monitor their health.
Are Treeing Walker Coonhounds suitable as family pets?
Yes, Treeing Walker Coonhounds can be suitable family pets, especially in active households. They are generally good with children and can get along well with other dogs if properly socialized.
Fun Facts About Treeing Walker Coonhounds
The Treeing Walker Coonhound originated from the cross-breeding of Foxhounds and other hound breeds in the United States, primarily developed for hunting raccoons and other tree-dwelling animals.
Known for their remarkable speed and agility, Treeing Walker Coonhounds have a unique 'treeing' instinct, allowing them to track and signal when a game is located in a tree, often by barking continuously until the hunter arrives.
In 2018, a Treeing Walker Coonhound named 'Sophie' won Best in Show at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, showcasing the breed's versatility beyond hunting.
These dogs are known for their exceptional sense of smell, capable of detecting scents from miles away, which makes them not only great hunters but also potential candidates for search and rescue missions.
Diet and Nutrition
Treeing Walker Coonhounds should be fed a balanced diet that meets their energy needs, typically high in protein and moderate in fat. Adjust portions based on activity level, age, and weight.
Recommended Foods
- High-quality dry kibble with real meat as the first ingredient
- Wet dog food with high protein content
- Home-cooked meals with lean meats, vegetables, and grains (consult with a vet)
- Limited ingredient diets for sensitive stomachs
Foods to Avoid
- Chocolate
- Grapes and raisins
- Onions and garlic
- Avocado
- Alcohol
- Caffeinated beverages
Special Considerations
Treeing Walker Coonhounds may be prone to obesity if not properly managed. Monitor weight regularly and adjust food intake accordingly. Some individuals may have food sensitivities, so a hypoallergenic diet may be needed.
Training Guide
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Basic training should include obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel. Positive reinforcement methods, such as treats and praise, are effective. Early socialization is crucial to help them become well-rounded adults, as they can be prone to being independent and stubborn if not properly guided.
Advanced Techniques
- scent work training to enhance their natural tracking abilities
- agility training for physical exercise and mental stimulation
- advanced obedience training to refine commands in distracting environments
Common Challenges
- stubbornness or independence, which can make them resistant to commands
- high energy levels that require consistent exercise and engagement
- prey drive that may lead them to chase small animals, requiring training to manage this instinct
Grooming Guide
Treeing Walker Coonhounds have a short, dense coat that requires minimal grooming. Regular brushing helps to remove loose hair and dirt. They are generally low-shedding, but they do benefit from occasional baths to keep their coat healthy and clean.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Brush the coat with a hound grooming mitt or a soft-bristle brush to remove loose hair and dirt.
- Step 2: Check the ears for dirt and wax buildup; clean them gently with a vet-recommended ear cleaner.
- Step 3: Trim the nails to prevent overgrowth; use a nail clipper designed for dogs.
- Step 4: Bathe the dog as needed using a mild dog shampoo, ensuring all soap is rinsed out thoroughly.
- Step 5: Dry the dog with a towel or a pet-safe dryer, if necessary.
Required Tools
- Hound grooming mitt or soft-bristle brush
- Dog ear cleaner
- Dog nail clippers
- Mild dog shampoo
- Towels or pet-safe dryer