Treeing Walker Coonhound

The Tree Climbing Coonhound

            The Treeing Walker Coonhound originated in the United States, and was originally considered to be the same breed as the American English Coonhound.  At the request of individual breeders the United Kennel Club (UKC) recognized the Treeing Walker Coonhound in 1945 as its own breed.

            Treeing Walker Coonhounds stand between 20-27 inches at the withers and weigh between 50-70 pounds.  Their short, smooth coat can either be bicolor or tricolor, either white with either tan or black, or both.  The tricolor version is preferred.  Treeing Walker Coonhounds have a long tail and large ears in comparison to their head.

            Like all coonhounds, save the Plott Hound, the Treeing Walker Coonhound’s ancestors are the English Foxhounds.  Thomas Walker imported Foxhounds to Virginia in 1742, and developed a strain of dogs known as the Walker Foxhound.  In the early 19^th century a dog with unknown parentage known as Tennessee Lead was added to the breeding pool.  Tennessee Lead didn’t look anything like the dogs he was bred with, but he was a good hunter, and added much strength to today’s Treeing Walker Coonhound.

            The Treeing Walker Coonhound is not recommended for apartment or urban life.  They can make good companion dogs, however they need at least a yard with room to roam.  They get along well with children and other dogs, but should be socialized at a young age.  On the hunt their primary prey is rabbit, fox, raccoon, and squirrel, although sometime they are used to hunt bear.  They have been known to climb a tree to hold the prey for their hunter, although they can be trained to simply bay at the base of the tree.  The Treeing Walker Coonhound is an intelligent breed and fairly easy to train due to their desire to please.