Treeing Walker Coonhounds are an ancient breed, with roots dating back to the 1700s. They were originally bred to hunt raccoons.
Their name "Treeing" refers to their ability to "tree" their prey, meaning they can drive animals up a tree. Treeing Walker Coonhounds are known for their loud baying howl.
These dogs are a medium to large breed, with males weighing between 50-65 pounds. They have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming.
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are a relatively healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues. Hip dysplasia and eye problems are two common issues that can affect them.
On a similar theme: Catahoula Leopard Dog Health Problems
Breed Characteristics
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities, making them a great addition to families with kids. They have a high affection level and are very social dogs.
In terms of size, Treeing Walkers are medium to large dogs, weighing between 50-70 pounds and standing around 20-27 inches tall. Their tricolor fur is short, glossy, and easy to maintain.
A Treeing Walker Coonhound's temperament is marked by its high energy level and prey drive, which can cause it to be quite vocal at times. They are also highly intelligent and trainable, but can be independent and stubborn at times.
Here is a summary of the breed's characteristics:
Fun Facts
The Treeing Walker coonhound is a relatively new breed, recognized by the American Kennel Club only in 2012.
One of the unique aspects of this breed is its ability to locate and tree raccoons in nighttime coonhunts. In fact, Treeing Walkers are given two hours to find and tree as many raccoons as they can, and they earn points for their efforts.
Treeing Walkers have a range of barks, including a distinctive sound to let their owners know they've treed an animal. This bark can be loud, long, and booming, or short and high-pitched, depending on the situation.
Appearance
Treeing Walker coonhounds are medium-sized dogs, weighing between 50-70 pounds, with males usually weighing more.
Their height typically ranges from 20-27 inches.
Their tricolor fur, featuring black, tan, and white colors, is a distinctive characteristic of the breed.
These colors often appear in larger spots or blotches rather than small specks of color.
Their short, half-inch long fur is harsh and protects their skin, especially when they venture into the woods to hunt.
Their coat sheds mostly in the spring and fall.
Treeing Walkers have a square head and big, floppy hound ears that need regular cleaning.
A long tail matches their long legs, and their soft, lovable eyes are a sweet feature of the breed.
Their powerful hind legs and well-muscled thighs are built for hunting and chasing prey.
Highlights
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a friendly and affectionate breed that makes a great companion for families and individuals alike. They're known for being high-energy dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Their high energy level is matched by their high prey drive, which can cause them to be quite vocal at times. This means they need plenty of opportunities to run, play, and engage in activities that challenge their minds.
A unique perspective: Dog Food for High Energy Dogs
Treeing Walkers are intelligent dogs that respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. They thrive on consistency and a structured schedule, which helps them learn and grow.
Their intelligence and trainability make them a great breed for first-time dog owners, as they're relatively easy to train and can learn a variety of commands and behaviors.
Here are some key highlights of the Treeing Walker Coonhound breed:
- Exceptional hunter with excellent tracking abilities
- Sleek and agile build, ideal for active individuals or families
- Lively and energetic, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation
- Friendly and social temperament, getting along well with children and other pets
- Low-maintenance coat, requiring minimal grooming efforts
- Intelligent and trainable, responding well to positive reinforcement methods
Overall, the Treeing Walker Coonhound is a wonderful breed that makes a great addition to any family or household. With their friendly and affectionate nature, high energy level, and intelligence, they're sure to bring joy and companionship to their owners.
Traits
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a medium-sized dog with a body built for the hunt. Their smooth, glossy fur is short but built for protection and repels dirt and mud.
They have powerful hind legs and well-muscled thighs, ready to propel them on to their next catch. This athletic build makes them agile in the field, combining speed and agility.
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are known for their friendly and social temperament, often getting along well with children and other pets. They're a great choice for active families who enjoy outdoor activities.
Their short coat is low-maintenance, requiring minimal grooming efforts, which is a practical advantage for many owners. This makes them a great choice for busy people who don't want to spend hours grooming their dog.
These hounds are intelligent and receptive to training, especially when using positive reinforcement methods. With patience and consistency, they can learn to obey commands and behave well in public.
Here are some key traits of the Treeing Walker Coonhound breed:
- Exceptional Hunter: Renowned for their excellent tracking abilities.
- Sleek and Agile: Combining speed and agility in the field.
- Lively and Energetic: Spirited and energetic dogs.
- Friendly and Sociable: Known for their friendly and social temperament.
- Easy to Groom: Low-maintenance coat.
- Trainable: Intelligent and receptive to training.
- Determination: Exhibit determination when tracking scents.
Health and Care
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are generally healthy dogs, but like any breed, 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, which can lead to discomfort, lameness, and arthritis. Maintaining a healthy weight and providing regular exercise can help reduce the risk and severity of hip dysplasia.
Treeing Walker Coonhounds may also be susceptible to ear infections, especially with their long, pendulous ears. Regular ear cleaning and keeping the ears dry can help prevent infections.
To keep your Treeing Walker Coonhound healthy, it's essential to provide regular exercise, including daily activities like brisk walks, jogging, or playtime in a securely fenced yard. This will help burn off their abundant energy and provide mental stimulation.
Here are some essential health checks to consider for your Treeing Walker Coonhound:
- Hip evaluations
- Elbow evaluations
- Eye examinations (for progressive retinal atrophy or cataracts)
- Thyroid checks
By following these health checks and providing proper care, you can help your Treeing Walker Coonhound live a long and healthy life. Regular dental hygiene is also crucial, and regular teeth brushing with dog-friendly toothpaste can help maintain healthy gums and prevent dental issues.
Health
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.
Maintaining a healthy weight through proper nutrition and exercise can help reduce the risk and severity of hip dysplasia, an abnormal hip joint formation. This condition can lead to discomfort, lameness, and arthritis.
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are susceptible to ear infections due to their long, pendulous ears, which can trap moisture and debris. Regular ear cleaning and keeping the ears dry can help prevent infections.
Some Treeing Walker Coonhounds may be susceptible to progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) or cataracts, affecting their vision. Regular eye examinations by a veterinarian can help identify and manage these conditions.
To ensure the health of your Treeing Walker Coonhound, it's essential to have regular veterinary check-ups and follow a nutritious diet. You should also pay attention to grooming, including regular ear cleaning and eye examinations.
Here are some recommended health evaluations for Treeing Walker Coonhounds:
- Hips
- Elbows
- Eyes
- Thyroids
Asking your breeder about your puppy's health and that of her parents is crucial in understanding the potential health risks.
Care
Treeing Walker Coonhounds require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Daily activities like brisk walks, jogging, or playtime in a securely fenced yard are essential to burn off their abundant energy.
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to reduce the risk and severity of hip dysplasia, an abnormal hip joint formation that can lead to discomfort, lameness, and arthritis. Regular veterinary care and proper nutrition can also help prevent this condition.
Socialization is equally important, as Treeing Walker Coonhounds are typically sociable dogs. Early and ongoing exposure to various people, animals, and environments can help them develop into well-rounded companions.
Their short coat has minimal grooming needs, but they do require regular ear cleaning and keeping their ears dry to prevent infections. This is especially important due to their long, pendulous ears.
Here are some essential care tips to keep your Treeing Walker Coonhound happy and healthy:
- Provide regular exercise, such as brisk walks or playtime in a securely fenced yard.
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce the risk of hip dysplasia.
- Keep their ears clean and dry to prevent infections.
- Offer regular veterinary care, including eye examinations to monitor for progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) or cataracts.
- Provide a nutritious diet and engage them in interactive games, puzzle toys, or obedience training sessions to provide mental stimulation.
Regular dental hygiene is also important, and regular teeth brushing with dog-friendly toothpaste can help maintain healthy gums and prevent dental issues.
Feeding
Feeding your dog the right amount of food is crucial for their health and well-being. A Treeing Walker Coonhound needs 1 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
You should measure your dog's food and feed them twice daily rather than free-feeding. This helps keep them in good shape.
A highly active dog will need more food than a less active one. The quality of the dog food also makes a difference, with better food going further towards nourishing your dog.
To check if your dog is overweight, give them the eye test: you should be able to see a waist. Then, do the hands-on test: place your hands on their back, thumbs along the spine, and fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see their ribs without having to press hard.
Grooming
The Treeing Walker Coonhound has a short, smooth coat that's easy to care for and repels mud and dirt.
Occasional bathing or wiping with a damp towel or glove is plenty to keep them shiny.
Weekly brushing will also help remove any loose hair. Regular nail trimming is essential to prevent overgrowth, discomfort, and potential injury.
Monthly nail trimming is typically 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 pendulous ears.
Maintaining good dental hygiene is important for their overall long-term health, including at-home teeth brushing and professional dental cleanings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Treeing Walker Coonhound cost?
The cost of a Treeing Walker Coonhound can range from $600 to $6,000, depending on the breeder or adoption route you choose. Adoption through shelters or rescue organizations may be a more affordable option.
Sources
- https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/treeing-walker-coonhound
- https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/dog-breeds/treeing-walker-coonhound
- https://www.wisdompanel.com/en-us/dog-breeds/treeing-walker-coonhound
- https://www.dogbreedinfo.com/treeingwalkercoonhound.htm
- https://www.thesprucepets.com/treeing-walker-coonhound-dog-breed-profile-4775543
Featured Images: pexels.com