The Black and Tan Treeing Walker Coonhound is a breed that's steeped in history and tradition. They originated in the United States in the 18th century as a hunting dog, specifically bred to track and tree raccoons and other small game.
Their distinctive black and tan coat pattern is a result of their breeding history, which involved crossing Foxhounds with other breeds to create a dog that was both fast and agile. This unique coat pattern is one of the breed's most recognizable features.
Black and Tan Treeing Walker Coonhounds are known for their intelligence and athleticism, making them a popular choice for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. They're also highly social dogs that thrive on interaction with their human family.
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Care and Maintenance
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are active dogs that require regular exercise to burn off their abundant energy. Daily activities like brisk walks, jogging, or playtime in a securely fenced yard are essential.
Their strong hunting instincts mean they may be prone to chasing small animals, so keeping them in a safe and controlled environment is crucial. Socialization is equally important, as they are typically sociable dogs.
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, with a short coat that only needs occasional brushing to remove dead hairs and dirt. They should be brushed about once a week.
Their teeth and nails need more frequent attention, with regular teeth brushing and nail trimming recommended. They should be brushed and trimmed respectively, aiming for once a week for teeth and about once a month for nails.
Regular ear cleaning is also important to prevent ear infections, which can be a vulnerability for this breed. You may want to keep the hair around their ears nice and short to make ear infections less likely.
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Size
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are a medium to large breed, and their size is one of their most distinctive features. Males stand 22 to 27 inches at the shoulder.
Their weight range is significant, typically falling between 50 to 70 pounds.
Hound Nutrition
To keep your Treeing Walker Coonhound in top shape, feeding them the right amount of food is crucial. The recommended daily amount is 1 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dogs, like people, are individuals, and they don't all need the same amount of food. A highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog.
The quality of the dog food you buy also makes a difference; the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog.
Try around two, maybe three cups of food a day to see what works best for your furry friend.
If you're unsure whether your dog is overweight, give them the eye test and the hands-on test.
You should be able to see a waist when looking down at your dog, and feel but not see their ribs without having to press hard when placing your hands on their back.
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Grooming
Grooming is a breeze for Treeing Walker Coonhounds, as their short coat only needs occasional brushing to remove dead hairs and dirt.
You can brush them once a week, or as needed, to keep them looking their best.
Their short coat also means they're relatively dirt-repellent, so you can just wipe them down weekly to remove debris and dead hair.
But don't forget to check their floppy ears weekly for wax, mites, and ticks - a quick wipe with a tissue can help prevent infections.
Nail trimming is also essential, aiming for once a month, depending on how quickly your pup's nails grow or how dirty they've gotten.
Regular ear cleaning, typically once a week, can help remove dirt, debris, and excess moisture that can lead to infections.
Brushing their teeth once a week can also help prevent dental problems.
Overall, grooming is a low-maintenance task that can be done in just a few minutes a week, making it a great opportunity to bond with your Treeing Walker Coonhound.
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Health and Lifespan
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are generally a healthy breed, but like any dog, they can be prone to specific health issues. Regular veterinary care, a nutritious diet, exercise, and proper grooming are essential for their well-being.
Hip dysplasia is a common health problem that can affect Treeing Walker Coonhounds. This condition can lead to discomfort, lameness, and arthritis, but maintaining a healthy weight, providing regular exercise, and proper nutrition can help reduce the risk and severity of hip dysplasia.
Ear infections are also a concern for Treeing Walker Coonhounds due to their long, pendulous ears. Regular ear cleaning and keeping the ears dry can help prevent infections.
Some Treeing Walker Coonhounds may be susceptible to eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) or cataracts, which can affect their vision. Regular eye examinations by a veterinarian can help identify and manage these conditions.
With proper care, Treeing Walker Coonhounds can enjoy a long and healthy life, typically living for 10-13 years.
Health Needs
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are generally healthy dogs, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health issues. Regular veterinary care is essential for their well-being.
To reduce the risk of hip dysplasia, a common condition in Treeing Walker Coonhounds, maintaining a healthy weight and providing regular exercise and proper nutrition is crucial. This can help prevent discomfort, lameness, and arthritis.
Ear infections are another common health issue in Treeing Walker Coonhounds, often caused by their long, pendulous ears trapping moisture and debris. Regular ear cleaning can help prevent infections.
Some Treeing Walker Coonhounds may be susceptible to eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) or cataracts, which can affect their vision. Regular eye examinations by a veterinarian can help identify and manage these conditions.
To keep your Treeing Walker Coonhound healthy, it's essential to provide regular veterinary check-ups, a well-balanced diet, and consistent exercise. This will help prevent common ailments and ensure your dog lives a long and healthy life.
Here are some common health issues that Treeing Walker Coonhounds may face:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Ear Infections
- Eye Conditions (PRA or Cataracts)
Dog Lifespan
A Treeing Walker Coonhound's lifespan is a significant consideration for any potential owner. They typically live for 10-13 years.
Hip dysplasia can be a concern for this breed. Polyradiculoneuritis, a creeping paralysis due to acute inflammation of the nerves, is also a potential issue. Ticks can pose a problem, so it's essential to regularly check the folds of their floppy ears for any critters, debris, or wax buildup.
Training and Behavior
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are highly trainable, responding well to positive reinforcement methods. They thrive on consistency and structure, making a schedule a must-have for these dogs.
They are intelligent and eager to please, which makes training a breeze. With patience and consistency, you can teach your Treeing Walker Coonhound to ring a bell at the door to let you know they need to go outside.
These dogs are naturally independent thinkers, which can make training a bit of a challenge. However, with the right approach and techniques, you can overcome this and develop a strong bond with your dog.
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Treeing Walker Coonhounds are known to be vocal, so if you live in an apartment building or have neighbors nearby, you may want to consider training your dog to be quieter. With the right training, they can learn to bark less and be a more considerate companion.
Their strong prey drive can sometimes get the best of them, especially around small pets like cats or rabbits. Early socialization and positive reinforcement can help them learn to coexist peacefully with other animals.
With children, Treeing Walker Coonhounds are generally gentle and patient, making them an excellent choice for families. However, as with any dog, supervision is crucial to ensure mutual respect and avoid accidental mishaps.
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are even-tempered and difficult to annoy, which makes them a great choice for families with kids. They are also known to be sensitive lovers of comfort, so be sure to provide them with a comfortable and cozy living space.
Their intelligence and problem-solving abilities make them adept at overcoming challenges in the field. However, they will also benefit from structure and consistency in their daily lives, especially in their first year.
By establishing a loose schedule for meal times, playtime, and other activities, you can help your Treeing Walker Coonhound feel secure and develop good habits. With time and patience, they will grow into a well-behaved and loyal companion.
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Hunting and Activity
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a natural-born hunter, bred to track and tree a variety of game, including raccoons, bobcats, and bears. They're also skilled at catching smaller animals like squirrels, black rats, opossums, and skunks.
These dogs are known for their speed, which makes them a popular choice for deer-hunting in states where it's legal. Their cold nose and intelligence also make them well-suited for hunting bobcats and cougars.
Treeing Walker Coonhounds require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Aim for about a mile of exercise per day, which can be broken up into shorter sessions throughout the day.
Without enough physical activity, these dogs can become bored and develop destructive behaviors like digging or excessive barking. Engaging their natural instincts through activities like scent work or tracking games can provide a valuable outlet for their energy.
If you live in a small space, a Treeing Walker Coonhound may not be the best fit for you. They need room to roam and exercise freely.
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General Information
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a driven and speedy game hunter that originated from English Foxhounds brought to colonial America. This breed was developed in the 19th century by John W. Walker and George Washington Maupin.
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is named after John W. Walker, a Kentuckian who helped develop the breed. Its unique name is a result of its heritage and the contributions of its founders.
The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in January 2012, making it the organization's 174th recognized breed.
History
The Treeing Walker Coonhound has a rich history that dates back to the colonial era in the United States.
This breed was developed from crosses of English Foxhounds, which were imported to the American colonies for fox hunting. The breed's foundation stock was a mix of Walker Hounds, Virginia Hounds, and other coonhound varieties.
The Treeing Walker Coonhound was first recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1905, but it wasn't until 1945 that it was fully recognized as a separate breed. It wasn't until 2012 that the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed, placing it in the Hound Group.
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The breed's name "Treeing Walker Coonhound" comes from its ability to tree small game like raccoons, and its association with the Walker Hound breed.
One of the breed's pioneers was Lester Nance, an Indiana farmer who purchased a Walker hound named King in 1932 for just $25, which he paid with cash and two sacks of pig feed.
The Treeing Walker Coonhound's development was also influenced by a stolen black and tan dog named Tennessee Lead, which was crossed into the Walker Hound in the 1800s.
John W. Walker and George Washington Maupin are credited with developing the breed in the 19th century, and the breed was further refined in the 20th century.
The breed's exceptional tracking ability, endurance, and determination have made it highly sought after by professional hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.
The Treeing Walker Coonhound's friendly nature and affectionate disposition have also made it a popular family pet.
The breed's name is a nod to its development by John W. Walker, who bred English Foxhounds and called them Walker Hounds.
Fun Facts
The Treeing Walker coonhound is a relatively new breed, recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2012. This is a pretty recent addition to the world of dog breeds.
Treeing Walkers are known for their nighttime coonhunts, where they have two hours to locate and tree as many raccoons as they can. They earn points for finding those raccoons, but can lose points if the judge and hunter arrive to find no raccoon in the tree.
Treeing Walkers use different kinds of barks to communicate with their owners, including one to let them know they've treed an animal. This bark can be loud, long, and booming, or short and high-pitched.
Here are some common barks used by Treeing Walkers:
- Loud, long, and booming barks to alert their owners to a treed animal
- Short and high-pitched barks to let their owners know they've found something
Notes
In hunting terminology, a fresh track is considered "hot" and an older track is referred to as "cold". This distinction is crucial for hunters to determine the age of a track and plan their hunt accordingly.
Hounds are a type of dog used for hunting, and they can be further categorized into scenthounds, sighthounds, cur-type hunting breeds, and miscellaneous breeds.
Scenthounds are a type of hound that relies on their keen sense of smell to track their prey. This includes breeds such as Coonhounds and Bassets.
Here are some examples of dog breeds that are considered hounds:
- Anglo-French hounds
- Bassets
- Coonhounds
- Feists
- Lurchers
In the United States, several dog breeds originated from hounds, including Coonhounds, Curs, and Feists. These breeds were developed for hunting and are known for their unique characteristics and abilities.
Rescue Groups
If you're considering adopting a Black and Tan Treeing Walker Coonhound, you're in luck because these wonderful dogs are still available for adoption.
You can make a difference by choosing to adopt one of these dogs instead of buying from a breeder.
Unfortunately, Black and Tan Treeing Walker Coonhounds still reach shelters and rescue organizations.
A great place to start your search is with breed-specific rescue groups, such as the Northeast Coonhound Rescue.
Another option is to contact American Black and Tan Coonhound Rescue for assistance.
If you're having trouble finding a breed-specific rescue, you can also try the Rescue Me Adoption Database for Treeing Walker Coonhound.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Treeing Walker Coonhound a good family dog?
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are a wonderful family pet, especially with children, but may not be suitable for households with small pets due to their hunting instinct
What are some negatives about coonhounds?
Coonhounds require regular exercise, can be prone to chasing small animals, and may exhibit stubbornness. They also shed heavily and can be noisy, with a distinct odor.
Sources
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) (ofa.org)
- desire to chase (hillspet.com)
- Rescue Me Adoption Database (Treeing Walker Coonhound) (rescueme.org)
- American Black and Tan Coonhound Rescue (coonhoundrescue.com)
- Northeast Coonhound Rescue (necoonhoundrescue.org)
- National Treeing Walker Coonhound Association (google.com)
- standard (ukcdogs.com)
- the original (westminsterkennelclub.org)
- the original (rarebreed.com)
- "Treeing Walker Coonhound Dog Breed Information - Continental Kennel Club" (ckcusa.com)
- "New Dog Breeds: Treeing Walker Coonhound Is Newest AKC Member - TIME.com" (time.com)
- "Treeing Walker Coonhound Dog Breed Information" (akc.org)
- Share on Pinterest (pinterest.com)
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- registered by the AKC in 2012 (akc.org)
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