Treeing Walker Coonhound

Treeing Walker Coonhound

History

The Treeing Walker is a descendant of the English Foxhound, which Thomas Walker imported to Virginia in 1742. Sometime in the 1800's, a dog known as "Tennessee Lead," a stolen dog of unknown origin, was crossed into the Walker Hound. He was a powerful dog, excelling in game sense, drive and speed, and having a clear, short-chop mouth. The Treeing Walker was not recognized as its own breed until 1946. This direct lineage brings us this efficient hunter.

Description

The Treeing Walker Coonhound has powerful, mobile shoulders. The ears are large compared to the head. The upper lips hang well below the lower jaw. The forelegs are long, straight and lean. The smooth coat is fine and glossy and comes in a tri-color and a bi-color pattern. (Tri-color is preferred by breeders.) Although they come in tan and white, they must never be called "red," to distinguish them from the Redbone Coonhound.

Temperament

The Treeing Coonhound is good with children and gets along with other dogs. Training is accomplished with little trouble, as these dogs are able to learn from example. They are primarily working and hunting dogs but will also make a great companion dog. Working, to the Treeing Walker Coonhound, is not work but a sport and diversion. They thrive on consistent and ample attention. The Treeing Walker will be high-strung without enough mental and physical exercise. Loving and eager to please, the Treeing Walker is intelligent, skilled and confident. Some say they are the best breed for coonhound field trials because of their speed, ability to locate quickly and good treeing ability. They are swift with a very good sense of smell and a distinctive howl. Socialize at a young age.

Height, Weight

Height: 20-27 inches (51-69 cm.)

Weight: 50-70 pounds (23-32 kg.)

Health Problems

A relatively healthy breed.

Living Conditions

The Treeing Walker Coonhound is not recommended for apartment life. These scenthounds are too anxious to lie idly around a suburban home or condo. They are suitable for hot sunny climates.

Exercise

This very anxious and energetic dog has been bred for severe physical exercise. Coonhounds are born natural hunters, so they have a tendency to run off and hunt if they are not kept well-fenced while exercising on their own. They have no road sense at all, so they must be kept in a safe environment. They need to be taken on a daily, brisk, long walk or jog. Coonhounds who do not receive enough mental and physical exercise may become high strung and even destructive.

Life Expectancy

About 12-13 years.

Grooming

The Treeing is an easy care breed. An occasional combing and brushing is all that is needed. Check the ears regularly for any sign of infection and be sure to keep the inside of the ears clean. Bathe only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.

Group -- Hound

Recognition

CKC, UKC, NKC, APRI, ACR, DRA, AKC, NAPR

For More Information AKC or Coonhounds are the Pit Bulls of the South

Breeders Information: http://www.gundogbreeders.com/breeders-by-breed/treeing-walker-coonhound/