Treeing Walker Coonhound Canine Breed: Images, Details, Characteristics, Maintenance, and More
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The Treeing Walker Coonhound, a medium-to-large-sized canine with a compact, dense coat, has its roots in American and English Foxhounds. Initially bred in the 19th century, this breed was developed by crossing the Tennessee Lead with the Walker Hound. Renowned for their exceptional hunting abilities, Treeing Walker Coonhounds make fantastic companions in the field.
Breed Overview
Height
20-27 inches
Weight
50-70 pounds
Lifespan
12-14 years
Colors
Black, white, and tan tricolor; black and white bicolor
Suitable for
Active individuals, families with older children, and hunters
Temperament
Friendly, sociable, energetic, intelligent, confident
Height
20-27 inches
Weight
50-70 pounds
Lifespan
12-14 years
Colors
Black, white, and tan tricolor; black and white bicolor
Suitable for
Active individuals, families with older children, and hunters
Temperament
Friendly, sociable, energetic, intelligent, confident
It’s not uncommon for people to mistake Treeing Walker Coonhounds for larger Beagles due to their similar facial features and long, floppy ears. Both breeds sport a tricolor coat, but Treeing Walkers are noticeably taller and heavier than Beagles. Training these dogs tends to be simple enough, making them ideal companions. Treeing Walkers are renowned as being affectionate and loyal towards their owners and family members alike. While they may be a bit on the noisy side and crave human company, this breed has undoubtedly earned its nickname as “the people’s choice.”
Characteristics
Energy
Health
Sociability
Trainability
Lifespan
Health Conditions
The Treeing Walker Coonhound generally lives 12 to 14 years, and they may be susceptible to hip dysplasia and ear infections. Regular exercise, ear cleaning, and veterinary care can keep them healthy.
Minor Conditions
Ear Infections
Obesity
Minor Skin Conditions
Serious Conditions
Hip Dysplasia
Elbow Dysplasia
Bloat (Gastric Torsion)
Polyradiculoneuritis
Choosing a Treeing Walker Coonhound Puppy: What to Consider
If you’re considering bringing a Treeing Walker puppy into your life, rest assured that you can find one at a reasonable price. Many individuals choose these canines for their loving and lively nature, while others may be interested in their hunting prowess. In the latter case, seeking out a trustworthy breeder is essential, as purebred Treeing Walker Coonhounds from skilled hunting lineages tend to be more expensive.
Although locating a Treeing Walker Coonhound in a shelter might prove challenging, it’s always worth inquiring. Keep in mind, though, that this breed may not be suitable for apartment dwellers, as these energetic dogs require ample space to stretch their legs. Additionally, their strong hunting instincts mean they’re not ideal companions for smaller pets, which could be at risk.
Temperament and Intelligence of the Treeing Walker Coonhound
The Treeing Walker Coonhound boasts numerous positive temperament qualities, such as their affectionate nature and enthusiasm for play. However, it’s important to note that this breed is quite sensitive and doesn’t cope well with being left alone. As a Treeing Walker owner, you can expect to have a loyal companion by your side throughout their life. This breed isn’t suited for apartment living, as their innate wanderlust drives them to roam and explore their surroundings, making confined spaces less than ideal.
Furthermore, Treeing Walker Coonhounds are known for their intelligence, which generally makes them fairly easy to train. That being said, their occasional stubbornness can pose challenges for first-time dog owners. These clever canines tend to respond more positively to training and commands when guided by an experienced owner.
Assessing the Suitability of Treeing Walker Coonhounds for Families
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are a wonderful choice for families, as they are quite affectionate and full of love. However, it is important for these dogs to be part of an active household, since they require at least an hour of exercise daily. Without proper physical activity, they may become bored and resort to destructive behaviors. Engaging in long walks or playing fetch can effectively satisfy your Treeing Walker’s exercise needs.
These dogs are also fantastic playmates for children, but it’s essential to never leave a child unsupervised during playtime.
Although not an aggressive breed, Treeing Walkers can sometimes forget their medium-large size and accidentally knock over a child while playing. When it comes to strangers, these dogs may initially be a touch guarded, but they are not actively unfriendly, merely cautious. Treeing Walkers will eventually warm up to new people, making them not the best choice for guard dogs.
Treeing Walker Coonhounds’ Compatibility with Other Pets
When socialized early, Treeing Walker Coonhounds can coexist peacefully with other dogs. However, they may encounter issues when interacting with different types of pets, such as cats. These dogs possess a strong tracking and hunting instinct, which may cause them to view cats as potential prey. Consequently, introducing a Treeing Walker Coonhound into a home with a cat may not be the wisest decision due to their heightened prey drive.
Important Considerations for Owning a Treeing Walker Coonhound
As a proud pet parent, it’s essential to understand that owning a Treeing Walker Coonhound, like any other pet, is a privilege. To ensure their happiness and well-being, you must consider if you can provide everything they need to thrive before welcoming one into your home. This is a breed that will relish time with you, so make sure you have the space and time in your life to give your Coonhound the necessary attention and love.
Nutritional and Dietary Needs of Treeing Walker Coonhounds
A Treeing Walker Coonhound’s dietary needs can fluctuate based on their activity level. For instance, if your hound participates in hunting, they’ll require a protein-rich diet to sustain their energy. On the other hand, a non-hunting Treeing Walker will need less food. Paying attention to their daily activity can help you determine the appropriate amount of food for your dog. High-quality dog food containing ample protein and healthy fats is an excellent choice for this breed. Some owners may also opt for raw food diets.
Be mindful of portion control, as Treeing Walkers are prone to weight gain. Additionally, treats should be offered in moderation to maintain a healthy lifestyle for your dog.
Exercise Demands for a Healthy Treeing Walker Coonhound
As a lively breed, Treeing Walker Coonhounds relish in activities like running, exploring, and playing games that involve chasing. To maintain their health and prevent weight gain, these energetic canines should ideally receive a minimum of one hour of daily exercise.
Training Essentials for Your Treeing Walker Coonhound
As a breed, Treeing Walker Coonhounds are generally quite easy to train, thanks to their friendly nature and intelligence. However, their smartness can sometimes make them a bit stubborn, which might pose a slight challenge for first-time owners of such dogs. To overcome this, it’s important to approach training with firm patience while guiding your lovable hound.
Grooming Your Treeing Walker Coonhound: What’s Required
As a Treeing Walker Coonhound owner, you’ll be pleased to know that their grooming needs are minimal due to their sleek, short coat. To maintain a healthy shine, simply wipe them down with a damp cloth or towel. These dogs also shed very little. However, it’s essential to pay attention to their ears, as their long, floppy nature can conceal excessive wax buildup and other debris, potentially leading to infections. Ticks are also known to favor ears as a hiding spot, so it’s crucial to check them consistently. Overall, your Treeing Walker Coonhound is among the simpler breeds to groom.
Comparing Male and Female Treeing Walker Coonhounds
In general, male Treeing Walker Coonhounds tend to be a bit taller and heavier than their female counterparts. However, both genders display similar trainability and temperament, making them equally delightful companions for dog owners.
Fascinating Fact About the Treeing Walker Coonhound: Number 1
Originally, Treeing Walker Coonhounds were developed in the 1800s to help hunters track raccoons, which were highly valued for their fur and meat. These dogs were specifically bred for their agility, enabling them to pursue raccoons and other small animals up trees, where they would typically try to escape from predators.
Fascinating Fact About the Treeing Walker Coonhound: Number 2
Did you know that the Treeing Walker Coonhound has an incredible ability to climb trees? These dogs were specifically bred for hunting, and they won’t let their prey escape simply because it has climbed a tree. This is the origin of the “treeing” part of their name. When they engage in “treeing,” these determined pups will surround the tree, barking up at the animal that has climbed it. Even a 6-foot-tall tree presents no challenge for a Treeing Walker Coonhound to scale.
Fascinating Fact About the Treeing Walker Coonhound: Number 3
Did you know Treeing Walker Coonhounds possess two distinct barks? When on the hunt, they produce a bugle-like bark to signal they’ve picked up an animal’s scent. As soon as their quarry is cornered or trapped, these clever canines switch to a choppier bark to keep their human companion informed.
Concluding Thoughts on the Treeing Walker Coonhound Breed
The Treeing Walker Coonhound has earned its title as “the people’s choice” among dog breeds due to its loyal, affectionate, and friendly nature. These dogs thoroughly enjoy playing and exercising with their owners in the great outdoors. However, they can also be sensitive, somewhat clingy, and rather vocal at times. Before considering a Treeing Walker Coonhound, it’s important to assess whether your lifestyle can meet the needs of this particular breed.
This dog may not be suitable for those living in apartments, having cats or other small pets, or being away from home for the majority of the day. On the other hand, if you reside in a house with a yard, lead an active lifestyle, and spend most of your time at home, then the Treeing Walker Coonhound could be a fantastic pet and faithful companion for you.
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