The Bluetick Treeing Walker Coonhound is a breed of dog that originated in the United States. It is a cross between a Black and Tan Coonhound and a Redbone Coonhound.
This breed was developed to hunt small game, particularly raccoons, and its name reflects its origins. The "Bluetick" refers to the distinctive blue-gray ticking on the dog's coat, while "Treeing" refers to the dog's ability to tree its quarry, meaning to chase it up a tree.
The Bluetick Treeing Walker Coonhound is a medium-sized dog with a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming. It is a relatively healthy breed with an average lifespan of 12-14 years.
Breed Characteristics
The Bluetick Treeing Walker Coonhound is a versatile and energetic breed. They're known to get along well with other pets and children, making them a great addition to many families.
Their size is a notable characteristic, with males weighing around 45-65 pounds and females weighing around 35-55 pounds.
One of the most distinctive features of this breed is their coat, which is a mix of black and blue ticking over a reddish-brown background.
You'll also notice that they have a short, smooth coat that's easy to maintain, which is a big plus for busy owners.
Here's a list of similar breeds to consider if you're interested in the Bluetick Treeing Walker Coonhound:
- Black and Tan Coonhound Dogs & Puppies
- English Coonhound
- Treeing Walker Coonhound
Care and Feeding
To keep your Bluetick Treeing Walker Coonhound happy and healthy, regular exercise is a must. Engage them in daily activities like brisk walks, jogging, or playtime in a securely fenced yard to burn off their abundant energy.
They need mental stimulation too, so try interactive games, puzzle toys, or obedience training sessions. These will keep them engaged and entertained.
Socialization is also crucial, as these dogs are typically sociable. Expose them to various people, animals, and environments from an early age to help them develop into well-rounded companions.
To ensure they're well-fed, provide 1 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Measure their food and feed them twice daily rather than free-feeding to keep them in good shape.
Dental hygiene is important, so brush their teeth regularly with dog-friendly toothpaste to maintain healthy gums and prevent dental issues.
Size
When you're considering bringing a Treeing Walker Coonhound into your life, it's essential to think about their size. Males stand 22 to 27 inches at the shoulder.
They can be quite tall, and their height can give you an idea of their overall build. Females, on the other hand, are slightly smaller, ranging from 20 to 25 inches at the shoulder.
Their weight can also vary, but on average, they weigh between 50 to 70 pounds. This can be an important consideration if you live in a small apartment or have limited space.
Feeding
Feeding your Treeing Walker Coonhound or Bluetick is more than just filling a bowl. The recommended daily amount is 1 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
To keep your dog in good shape, it's essential to measure their food and feed them twice daily rather than free-feeding. This helps prevent overeating and ensures they get the right amount of nutrients.
A highly active dog will need more food than a couch potato dog, so consider their activity level when deciding how much to feed. The quality of the dog food you buy also makes a difference, with better food going further in nourishing your dog.
Regular dental hygiene is also important, and brushing your dog's teeth with dog-friendly toothpaste is recommended to maintain healthy gums and prevent dental issues.
The Basics
The Coonhound is often referred to as a "big Beagle", but this is only partly true. They share some similarities with Beagles, like being generally cooperative and well-mannered, but these traits are happenstance from breeding for similar purposes.
Coonhounds are scent hounds, which means they typically follow their noses. This is where the similarities with Beagles end.
The Coonhound has a more serious demeanor than the Beagle, making them more suitable for tasks that require a working dog temperament.
Coonhound owners need a good sense of humor, as these dogs can be goofy and mischievous at times.
Hunting and Training
The Bluetick Treeing Walker Coonhound is a versatile hunting dog that excels in tracking and treeing various game, including raccoons, bobcats, and bears.
Their strong tracking instincts and cold nose make them a popular choice for hunting solo or in packs. They're also adept at catching small animals like squirrels, black rats, opossums, and skunks.
In addition to their hunting prowess, Treeing Walker Coonhounds are known for their intelligence and speed, which makes them well-suited for deer-hunting in states where it's legal.
However, their single-minded focus and stubbornness can be a challenge for owners, especially if they're not accustomed to hounds. This is often referred to as "nose deafness", where the dog's brain turns off when it catches a scent.
To overcome this, owners need to learn their dog's body language and recognize excitement levels to deter hunts before they begin. It's essential to understand that this behavior is a natural part of the breed's nature.
If you're considering a Bluetick Treeing Walker Coonhound as a hunting companion, be prepared for a fun and rewarding experience. With the right training and understanding of their needs, you can develop a strong bond with your dog and enjoy many successful hunting trips together.
Here are some key characteristics to keep in mind when training a Bluetick Treeing Walker Coonhound:
- They have a strong prey drive and may become fixated on a scent
- They can be stubborn and single-minded when tracking quarry
- They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior
- They respond well to positive reinforcement training and consistent boundaries
Family and Living
Coonhounds are great with kids and make wonderful family dogs, but it's essential to remember that they can be a bit clumsy and might accidentally knock over or run over young children.
They're typically very patient and cooperative with kids, but caution is still necessary. This breed is affectionate and involved, always eager to be a part of the family.
As a family pet, they're playful and interactive, but they also love their comfort and can be mellow at home.
A fresh viewpoint: Are Basset Hounds Good with Kids
Family
Family dynamics can be unpredictable, but with the right furry companion, you can create a harmonious household. Coonhounds are good with kids and make good family dogs.
Their playful and interactive nature makes them a joy to be around, but caution is needed when it comes to young children who can get knocked down and run over. The Coonhound is typically very patient and cooperative with children.
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are remarkably sociable and affectionate, forming deep bonds with their human companions and thriving on being part of a close-knit pack. They're friendly and outgoing, displaying a gentle and accepting demeanor towards household pets and even strangers.
These dogs are highly trainable, eagerly responding to positive reinforcement methods, which makes them an incredibly rewarding and engaging companion. With proper socialization, they can get along well with other dogs and even small animals like cats.
In fact, Treeing Walker Coonhounds generally do well with children and other pets, making them an excellent choice for families. Their friendly and sociable nature enables them to form strong bonds with children, often displaying patience and tolerance.
Explore further: Can Pit Bulls Make Good Pets
Health
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are generally a healthy breed, but like any dog, they can be prone to certain health issues. Regular veterinary care, a nutritious diet, exercise, and proper grooming are essential for their well-being.
Hip dysplasia is a common issue in Treeing Walker Coonhounds, an abnormal hip joint formation that can lead to discomfort, lameness, and arthritis. Maintaining a healthy weight, providing regular exercise, and proper nutrition can help reduce the risk and severity of hip dysplasia.
Ear infections are another concern, especially with their long, pendulous ears. Moisture and debris can get trapped, creating a favorable bacterial or yeast growth environment. Regular ear cleaning and keeping the ears dry can help prevent infections.
Treeing Walker Coonhounds may also be susceptible to eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) or cataracts, affecting their vision. Regular eye examinations by a veterinarian can help identify and manage these conditions.
With proper care, including regular veterinary check-ups, a nutritious diet, exercise, and attention to grooming, Treeing Walker Coonhounds can enjoy a long and healthy life, typically living between 11 to 13 years.
Here are some common health issues that Treeing Walker Coonhounds may face:
- Hip dysplasia
- Ear infections
- Eye conditions (PRA or cataracts)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bluetick coonhounds good house dogs?
Yes, Bluetick Coonhounds can make great house dogs, but they do require regular exercise and a securely fenced yard to prevent wandering.
What two dogs make a Bluetick Coonhound?
The Bluetick Coonhound is a cross between the Grand Bleu de Gascogne hound and the English Foxhound. This unique blend of breeds gives the Bluetick Coonhound its distinctive characteristics and abilities.
Are bluetick coonhounds high maintenance?
Yes, bluetick coonhounds are considered high-maintenance due to their high energy levels and vocal nature. They require daily exercise and attention to thrive.
What are common issues with treeing walker coonhounds?
Treeing Walker Coonhounds may be prone to hip dysplasia, ear infections, and injuries from hunting or raccoon encounters. Regular care and monitoring can help prevent or manage these issues.
Is a Treeing Walker Coonhound a good family dog?
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are a great fit for families with children, but may not be suitable for households with small pets due to their hunting instinct
Sources
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) (ofa.org)
- desire to chase (hillspet.com)
- Rescue Me Adoption Database (Treeing Walker Coonhound) (rescueme.org)
- Northeast Coonhound Rescue (necoonhoundrescue.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)
- Coonhounds: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad ... (yourpurebredpuppy.com)
- Coonhound Breed Information (houndsong.com)
- Bluetick Coonhound Dog Breed Info (petfinder.com)
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