The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a breed of hound descended from the English and American Foxhounds. The breed originated in the United States when a dog is known as “Tennessee Lead,” was crossed into the Walker Hound in the 19th century. The Treeing Walker Coonhound was recognized officially as a breed by the United Kennel Club in 1945 and by the American Kennel Club in 2012.
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a phenomenal hunter and working dog. These hardy hounds were built with unmatched speed and stamina in their respective category. This American breed is mainly used today as a working/hunting dog, but can still make a wonderful companion.
The Treeing Walker Coonhound was bred primarily to hunt raccoons, but it is also used on other game such as deer, bear or mountain lion. The breed is vocal with a distinctive bay that allows its owner to identify their hound from great distances. It has a clear, ringing voice that changes to steady chop at the tree. Walker hounds are gentle, calm, friendly dogs who make great house pets.
History
The Treeing Walker Coonhound was developed in the Colonial era from crosses of English Foxhounds. Two breeders from Kentucky, John W. Walker, and George Washington Maupin, are given credit for the breed’s initial development. The dogs they bred were referred to as Walker Hounds and were used to hunt raccoons. In the 1800s, a stolen black and tan dog named Tennessee Lead was crossed into the Walker Hound. Tennessee Lead was of unknown origin, but he greatly influenced the Walker. The Walker Coonhound, Treeing, was first recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1905 as a part of the English Coonhound breed, at the request of breeders. The name was later changed to Treeing Walker Coonhound, and it was fully recognized as a separate breed in 1945. It was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in January 2012, making it the AKC’s 174th recognized breed.
Hunting
The Treeing Walker Coonhound’s strong tracking instincts make it popular as a hunting dog, primarily for raccoons. Hunting solo or in packs of two or more, they are used to track and tree raccoons, bobcats, cougars, and bears. Individual hounds may be adept at catching small rodents such as squirrels, roof rats, opossums, and skunks.
Because of their speed, Treeing Walkers may be used as deer dogs in states where hunting of antlered animals with dogs is legal.
Although Walker is best known as a coonhound, it is not as cold-nosed as other coonhounds. It is the most popular hound for competition coon hunts since it will forego an older track for a fresher one, thereby upping the number of raccoons caught in a shorter amount of time.
Here are some additional interesting points about the Treeing Walker Coonhound breed:
Hunting Ability: As their name suggests, Treeing Walker Coonhounds were originally bred for hunting raccoons. They are known for their excellent scenting ability and their strong desire to pursue and tree their quarry. They are also effective at tracking other game such as squirrels, opossums, and even larger prey like bears.
Athleticism: Treeing Walker Coonhounds are highly athletic and require regular exercise to stay in top physical condition. They excel in activities such as agility, tracking, and scent work. They are also skilled at treeing, which involves following the scent of prey up a tree and baying until the hunter arrives.
Temperament: Treeing Walker Coonhounds are known for their friendly and outgoing temperament. They are social dogs that enjoy being around people and other animals. They are also highly intelligent and responsive to training.
Size: Treeing Walker Coonhounds are a medium to large-sized breed, with males typically weighing between 50-70 pounds and females weighing between 45-60 pounds. They have a lean, muscular build that allows them to move quickly and efficiently while hunting.
Coat: Treeing Walker Coonhounds have a short, dense coat that is easy to maintain. They come in a variety of colors, including tricolor, red and white, and white and black.
Vocalization: Treeing Walker Coonhounds are known for their loud and distinctive baying, which is used to alert their human hunting companions to the location of the prey. While this can be a desirable trait for hunting, it can also be a challenge for owners in suburban or urban areas where noise complaints may be an issue.
Overall, the Treeing Walker Coonhound is a versatile and athletic breed that excels in hunting and other outdoor activities. Their friendly temperament and intelligence also make them great family pets for those who have an active lifestyle and enjoy spending time outdoors.