The Treeing Walker is a versatile hunting breed that's perfect for families who love the outdoors. They're highly energetic and require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Treeing Walkers are medium-sized dogs with a muscular build and a short, dense coat that requires minimal grooming. They're a great choice for families with small children, as they're patient and gentle.
Treeing Walkers are naturally good swimmers and love to play in the water. They're also excellent at climbing trees, thanks to their strong legs and agile bodies.
Treeing Walkers are a relatively healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian can help prevent or catch any potential problems early on.
About the Treeing Walker
The Treeing Walker is a beloved breed with a rich history. They were developed in the United States in the mid-1700s by crossing English Foxhounds with other hound dogs.
Their strong work ethic and ability to swiftly follow a scent on the hunt make them a prized companion for hunters. They're known for holding their quarry in a tree until the hunters arrive, signaling to them with their booming voices.
The Treeing Walker Coonhound's foundation stock was a mix of Walker Hounds, Virginia Hounds, and other coonhound varieties, making them a versatile and skilled tracker. They're often used to hunt raccoons and other games, and their sleek and agile build makes them swift and resourceful in the field.
Here are some key characteristics of the Treeing Walker Coonhound:
Their friendly and sociable nature makes them a great choice for families, and they're known to form strong bonds with their owners.
History
The Treeing Walker Coonhound's history dates back to the American colonial era when European hunting hounds were brought over and bred with local dogs to create versatile and skilled trackers.
These early dogs were a mix of English Foxhounds, Walker Hounds, Virginia Hounds, and other coonhound varieties. Thomas Walker, a renowned breeder, played a significant role in developing the breed by selecting and breeding his hounds for their exceptional tracking ability and stamina.
The breed's foundation stock was a cross of Walker Hounds, Virginia Hounds, and several coonhound variations. This mix of breeds helped create a dog that was capable of locating and treeing raccoons.
The Treeing Walker Coonhound was eventually recognized as a distinct breed by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1945. It was classified within the UKC's coonhound group, distinguishing it from other breeds like the Bluetick and Redbone.
The breed's popularity grew in the southern United States, particularly among coon hunters who valued their keen sense of smell and tireless work ethic. Today, Treeing Walker Coonhounds continue to excel as hunting dogs and are cherished companions for many.
Overview
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a beloved breed known for its exceptional tracking abilities, friendly nature, and energetic personality. They are renowned for their ability to "tree" their prey, which typically includes raccoons and other smaller mammals.
With a sleek and agile build, Treeing Walker Coonhounds are swift and resourceful in the field, demonstrating an unwavering determination when trailing scents. They are also known to form strong bonds with their families, get along well with children and other pets, and are often described as lively and energetic companions.
They typically stand between 20 to 27 inches tall and weigh between 50 to 70 pounds, making them a medium-sized breed. Their short coat is low-maintenance, making them practical pets for owners seeking a breed that's easy to groom.
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are intelligent and trainable, but can be willful at times. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. A securely enclosed outdoor space is also essential to prevent them from escaping or getting into trouble.
Here are some key characteristics of the Treeing Walker Coonhound breed:
Physical Characteristics
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a medium to large-sized dog, with a well-proportioned athletic build. This makes them perfect for agility and endurance.
Males typically stand between 22 to 27 inches at the shoulder, while females stand between 20 to 25 inches. They weigh between 50 to 70 pounds.
Their tricolor fur is a distinctive feature, with black, tan, and white colors coming in bigger spots or blotches rather than small specks. Their short, half-inch long fur is harsh to protect their skin.
Proportion & Substance
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a medium to large-sized dog, with a body that's well proportionate and displays an athletic build. This breed is built for agility and endurance, making it perfect for its role as a hunting dog.
Its athletic build is thanks to the fact that it's not overly heavy or stocky, allowing it to move quickly and easily through the wilderness. This makes it an ideal companion for hunters who need a dog that can keep up with them.
The Treeing Walker's physical traits are well-suited for its role as a hunting dog, allowing it to thrive in its environment.
Size
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a medium to large breed, and their size is one of their most distinctive features. Males stand 22 to 27 inches at the shoulder, and females, 20 to 25 inches.
Their weight is also quite impressive, with males weighing 50 to 70 pounds.
Appearance
Treeing Walker coonhounds are medium-sized dogs, typically weighing between 50-70 pounds, with males usually weighing more.
They stand around 20-27 inches tall, making them a relatively compact breed.
Their distinctive tricolor fur features black, tan, and white colors, often in bigger spots or blotches rather than small specks.
Their short, half-inch long fur is harsh to protect their skin, and it sheds mostly in the spring and fall.
A square head, big floppy hound ears, and a long tail are all characteristic features of this breed.
Those soft, lovable eyes are sure to melt your heart!
Colors and Markings
Treeing Walker puppies are adorable, and their colors and markings are just as charming. The preferred coloration of the Treeing Walker Coonhound is tri-colored, although white may be the dominant color with black marking and tan trim.
In fact, white hounds with tan spots or black spots are also acceptable, but all other colors/combinations are not. This means you can expect to see a variety of tri-colored puppies, but only certain combinations are recognized as standard.
Here's a breakdown of the standard markings you might see on a Treeing Walker puppy:
It's worth noting that these markings can affect the overall appearance of your puppy, so it's essential to consider what type of marking you prefer when choosing your new furry friend.
Health and Care
Treeing Walker puppies are generally healthy, but like any dog, they can be prone to certain health issues. Their average lifespan is 12 to 13 years, but with regular veterinary treatment, a nutritious diet, and good grooming, many can thrive beyond these years.
Hip dysplasia, ear infections, and eye conditions are potential health risks to be aware of. Regular veterinary check-ups and monitoring can help identify these issues early on.
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Treeing Walker puppies require regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and socialization to become well-adjusted and confident adults. Crate training and exercise are also essential for their development.
Here's a list of common health issues to watch out for:
- Hip Dysplasia: an abnormal hip joint formation that can lead to discomfort and arthritis
- Ear Infections: caused by moisture and dirt trapped in their long, pendulous ears
- Eye Conditions: such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) or cataracts, which can impair vision
- Hypothyroidism: a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone, leading to symptoms like weight gain and lethargy
Regular ear cleaning and keeping the ears dry can help prevent ear infections. Regular eye examinations by a veterinarian can help identify and manage eye conditions.
Health
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a generally healthy breed, but like any dog, it can be prone to certain health issues. The average lifespan of this breed is 12 to 13 years, but with regular veterinary treatment, a nutritious diet, and proper care, many can thrive beyond these years.
Some potential health risks include hip dysplasia, which can lead to arthritis and mobility issues. Hip dysplasia is characterized by improper hip joint development, and maintaining a healthy weight, providing regular exercise, and proper nutrition can help reduce the risk and severity of this condition.
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Ear infections are another common issue, especially with the breed's long, pendulous ears. Regular ear cleaning and keeping the ears dry can help prevent infections. I've seen many dogs develop ear infections due to neglecting this simple task.
Eye conditions, such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) or cataracts, can also affect the breed. Regular eye examinations by a veterinarian can help identify and manage these conditions. It's essential to catch these issues early on to prevent vision loss.
Here's a rundown of the common health issues that Treeing Walker Coonhounds may face:
- Hip Dysplasia: an abnormal hip joint formation that can lead to discomfort, lameness, and arthritis.
- Ear Infections: caused by moisture and debris getting trapped in the ears, creating a favorable environment for bacterial or yeast growth.
- Eye Conditions: progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) or cataracts that can impair vision.
Regular veterinary care, a nutritious diet, exercise, and proper grooming are essential for maintaining the health and well-being of your Treeing Walker Coonhound. With proper care, this breed can enjoy a long and healthy life.
Care
Caring for a Treeing Walker Coonhound requires attention to their physical and emotional needs. Regular veterinary check-ups and vaccinations are essential to ensure their well-being.
These dogs need plenty of exercise to burn off their abundant energy. Daily activities like brisk walks, jogging, or playtime in a securely fenced yard are a must. Engaging them in interactive games, puzzle toys, or obedience training sessions can also provide mental stimulation.
Proper grooming is crucial, particularly for their floppy ears. Regular ear cleaning and keeping the ears dry can help prevent infections. A quick wipe with a tissue will help keep them clean.
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are generally healthy, but they may be prone to specific health issues. Common health problems include hip dysplasia, ear infections, and eye conditions. Regular veterinary care, a nutritious diet, exercise, and proper grooming can help prevent or manage these conditions.
Here are some key health issues to watch out for:
A nutritious diet is essential for maintaining their overall health. Consult your veterinarian on the best food for your Treeing Walker Coonhound. Don't forget to brush their teeth regularly to prevent dental issues.
Socialization is also crucial for their emotional well-being. Exposing them to various people, animals, and environments can help them become well-adjusted and confident adults.
Are Hounds Hypoallergenic?
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are not considered hypoallergenic, as they shed moderately and produce dander that can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.
If you're allergic and considering bringing a Coonhound into your home, it's essential to spend time around the breed before making a decision.
Some Hounds, like the Treeing Walker Coonhound, are not suitable for households with allergy sufferers.
However, this doesn't mean all Hounds are created equal when it comes to allergies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do treeing walker coonhounds cost?
Treeing Walker Coonhounds can cost between $600 and $6,000, depending on various factors such as bloodlines, training, and breeder reputation. If you're considering bringing one home, let's discuss what to expect and how to find a reputable breeder.
Do treeing walker coonhounds make good pets?
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are a great choice for families with children, but may not be suitable for households with small pets due to their hunting instinct. They make wonderful family pets for the right household.
What is the life expectancy of a Treeing Walker Coonhound?
Treeing Walker Coonhounds typically live for 12 to 13 years, requiring a long-term commitment as a pet. With proper care, they can thrive for over a decade.
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 potential health issues.
Sources
- https://showsightmagazine.com/dog-breeds/treeing-walker-coonhound/
- https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/treeing-walker-coonhound
- https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/dog-breeds/treeing-walker-coonhound
- https://www.dogbreedinfo.com/treeingwalkercoonhound.htm
- https://www.thesprucepets.com/treeing-walker-coonhound-dog-breed-profile-4775543
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