The Walker Hound is a versatile and energetic breed that requires regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They need at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, which can be a mix of walking, running, and playtime.
Their short coats are easy to maintain, but they do shed heavily twice a year, so be prepared for regular grooming. They are also prone to ear infections, so keep an eye on those adorable floppy ears.
To keep your Walker Hound happy and healthy, make sure to provide them with plenty of physical and mental stimulation. This can include obedience training, agility training, and even just playing fetch in the park.
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Health and Care
Running Walker Hounds are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. Regular veterinary care, a nutritious diet, exercise, and proper grooming are essential for their well-being.
Ear infections are a common health problem in Running Walker Hounds. Their long ears can trap moisture and debris, creating an environment for bacterial or yeast growth. Regular ear cleaning and keeping their ears dry can help prevent infections.
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Hip dysplasia is another potential issue that can affect Running Walker Hounds. This condition 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.
To keep your Running Walker Hound healthy, it's essential to provide regular exercise and mental stimulation. Daily activities like brisk walks or playtime in a securely fenced yard can help burn off their energy. Engaging them in interactive games, puzzle toys, or obedience training sessions can also provide mental stimulation.
A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining your Running Walker Hound's overall health. Providing fresh water and a quality, nutritionally balanced canine diet can help prevent obesity and other health issues. Be mindful of treats and other extra food to ensure your dog doesn't overeat.
Here are some common health problems that Running Walker Hounds may face:
- Hip dysplasia
- Ear infections
- Eye problems
Regular veterinary check-ups, a nutritious diet, exercise, and attention to grooming can help prevent or manage these health issues.
Physical Characteristics
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a medium to large-sized breed of dog with a sleek, athletic build. They have a muscular and athletic body, with a deep chest and strong, straight legs.
Their height varies by sex, with males standing 22-27 inches tall at the shoulder, and females standing 20-25 inches tall. Males typically weigh 50-70 pounds, while females weigh 40-60 pounds.
Their coat is short, dense, and glossy, with a typical tricolored pattern featuring a black saddle or blanket on the back and white markings on the legs, chest, and face. The third color is usually tan or brown, and it can appear on the dog's head, ears, and legs.
Their head is long and narrow, with a slightly domed skull and a strong, straight muzzle. Their ears are set high on the head and are long and droopy.
Here's a quick rundown of the breed's size and weight:
Their eyes are medium-sized, dark brown, and have a friendly and alert expression.
Temperament and Personality
The Running Walker Hound is a breed that's full of energy and enthusiasm. They have a high instinctual drive to hunt and track, making them particularly adept at tracking foxes and coyotes.
Their friendly and outgoing nature makes them great companions for families with children. In fact, they're known to be patient and tolerant with kids, making them a great choice for families with young ones.
One thing to keep in mind is that they can be a bit too active and determined for some families. They require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
Here are some key personality traits to consider:
- Friendly: They love spending time with people and are generally very friendly with strangers.
- Loyal: They form strong bonds with their human family and are fiercely loyal.
- Energetic: They have a high energy level and require plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy.
- Intelligent: They're highly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods.
- Independent: They have a strong independent streak and can be quite stubborn at times.
- Vocal: They're a vocal breed and will often bay or bawl when on the hunt.
- Affectionate: They love to be around people and enjoy cuddling with their owners.
Overall, the Running Walker Hound is a breed that's full of life and energy. With the right training and exercise, they can make wonderful companions for active families.
Exercise and Activity
The Running Walker Hound is a high-energy breed that requires a lot of exercise to stay happy and healthy.
They need at least 60-90 minutes of exercise each day, which can include walks, runs, hikes, or other forms of physical activity.
Long walks and runs are always appreciated by these hounds, and they're also skilled at scenting competitions.
If they don't get enough exercise, they might resort to problem behaviors, such as being excessively vocal or destructive.
These dogs are best for active owners, as they prefer to exercise with their humans.
They have a high prey drive, so they should always be on a leash when out, or let loose in a secure area with a high fence.
Here are some key exercise and activity requirements of the Running Walker Hound:
- At least 60-90 minutes of exercise per day
- Off-leash time in a safe and secure area, such as a fenced yard or dog park
- Mental stimulation through puzzle toys, obedience training, or other activities
- Hunting or tracking activities, such as tracking, lure coursing, or other dog sports
- Training and socialization to channel their energy in a positive direction
They're not well-suited to apartment living or homes with limited outdoor space, so they need plenty of room to run and play.
Their high activity levels and distinctive howl may be disturbing for other apartment dwellers.
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Training
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a smart breed, but they can also be stubborn and independent, making early training and socialization crucial.
To effectively train your Treeing Walker Coonhound, it's essential to use positive reinforcement, as they respond well to it.
Consistency and patience are key when training a Treeing Walker Coonhound, as they can be strong-willed at times.
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General Information
The running walker hound is a medium-sized breed with a muscular build. They have a short, glossy coat.
Their ears are floppy and set moderately low, reaching nearly the tip of their nose. This unique feature makes them quite adorable.
Their large brown eyes have a soft, pleading expression, which is sure to melt your heart.
Breed Maintenance
The Running Walker Hound's coat is naturally weather resistant, but it's only necessary to bathe them on an as-needed basis, as frequent bathing can strip their coat of its protective oils.
Regular brushing is a must to remove dirt and debris, control shedding, and keep their coat healthy and shiny. A weekly brushing with a slicker brush, firm bristle brush, or a grooming glove should do the trick.
Their ears are prone to ear infections, so it's essential to check them regularly to ensure they're clean, dry, and free from odor.
Hip dysplasia is another common issue that can affect Running Walker Hounds, making it crucial to secure pet health insurance to avoid high veterinary care costs.
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Weekly brushing with a firm bristle brush or a grooming mitt is usually sufficient to remove loose hair and prevent matting in their short, dense coat.
Regular nail trimming is also necessary to prevent overgrowth, discomfort, and potential injury, with monthly trimming typically being adequate, but individual dogs may require more or less frequent trimming based on their activity level and nail wear.
Regular ear cleaning, typically once a week, can help remove dirt, debris, and excess moisture from their ears, which are prone to ear infections due to their pendulous nature.
Living with a Running Walker Hound
Living with a Treeing Walker Coonhound is a joyful experience, thanks to their high affection level and friendly nature. They thrive on human interaction and love being part of the family.
Their high energy level means they require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. A daily run or playtime is a must to keep them entertained and tired out.
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are kid-friendly and get along well with other pets, making them a great addition to families with multiple children and dogs.
Their trainability is high, which means they respond well to positive reinforcement training and are relatively easy to teach new tricks.
One thing to keep in mind is their tendency to bark, which can be quite vocal at times. This is due to their high prey drive and energy level.
Here's a quick rundown of what you can expect from a Treeing Walker Coonhound's personality:
Similar Breeds
If you're looking for breeds that share similarities with the running walker hound, you should consider the English foxhound.
The English foxhound is known for its strong prey drive and athletic ability, much like the running walker hound.
The Harrier is another breed that's often compared to the running walker hound due to its similar size and hunting style.
They're both medium-sized dogs that excel at hunting small game.
The Basset Hound's calm and gentle nature is a stark contrast to the running walker hound's high energy level.
However, they do share a similar love for long walks and outdoor activities.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Plott Hound Hunting
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a treeing walker and a running walker?
Treeing Walkers were bred for their ability to tree game, while Running Walkers lack this instinct. This difference in breeding led to distinct characteristics between the two breeds.
Sources
- Running Walker Foxhound | Dog Breed Facts and ... (wagwalking.com)
- desire to chase (hillspet.com)
- https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/treeing-walker-coonhound/ (akc.org)
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/treeing-walker-coonhound/ (akc.org)
- http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/TreeingWalkerCoonhound.pdf (akc.org)
- Treeing Walker Coonhound Puppies and Dogs (adoptapet.com)
- United Kennel Club (ukcdogs.com)
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