The treeing walker coonhound is a medium-large hound dog breed native to the United States that has a short, low-maintenance coat and long, floppy ears. This hound dog generally makes a loving and loyal companion, and, when it gets enough daily physical activity, it can be quite mellow in the house.

Characteristics of the Treeing Walker Coonhound

The treeing walker coonhound typically has a very friendly and affectionate personality. It enjoys the company of people, including kids, and it usually can coexist well with other dogs. Its temperament also is marked by its high energy level and prey drive, which can cause it to be quite vocal at times. 

History of the Treeing Walker Coonhound

The treeing walker coonhound descends from English foxhounds mixed with other hound dogs. Development began in the United States in the mid-1700s, and the breed really started to take shape in the 1800s. 

These dogs were prized for their strong work ethic and ability to swiftly follow a scent on the hunt. They would hold their quarry—often a raccoon—in a tree until the hunters arrived, signaling to them with their booming voices.

The dog was classified as an English coonhound until 1945. At that point, the United Kennel Club recognized it as a distinct breed. The American Kennel Club follow suit in 2012.

Treeing Walker Coonhound Care

As hunting dogs, these dogs have incredible strength, speed, and stamina. They need lots of exercise every day to challenge them both physically and mentally. They also require training and socialization from a young age to be well-mannered dogs. Fortunately, their short coat has minimal grooming needs.

Exercise

These dogs are best for active owners, as they prefer to exercise with their humans. Provide them with at least one to two hours of physical activity per day. If they don’t get enough exercise, they might resort to problem behaviors, such as being excessively vocal or destructive. 

Running and hiking are ideal activities to do with your coonhound, along with an active game of fetch. Dog sports, such as tracking and agility, can help to challenge your dog mentally as well as physically. 

Note that these hounds will quickly take off after a scent when given the chance. So you must either keep them on leash at all times when you’re out, or let them loose in a secure area with a high fence. Their ability to chase prey into trees means they can be experts at scaling fences.

Grooming

This hound’s short coat sheds a moderate amount and is effective at repelling dirt. Brush weekly to remove loose fur. You might notice an increase in shedding seasonally, at which time you’ll want to brush a couple times per week to capture the loose fur. 

Only occasional baths are necessary, depending on how dirty your dog gets. Rubbing your dog down with a wet towel can help to keep it clean between baths. Check your dog’s nails roughly once a month to see whether they need a trim. And aim to brush its teeth daily.

Furthermore, these dogs’ long, floppy ears need some extra attention to make sure they stay healthy. Check the ears at least weekly for excess wax, debris, redness, and other abnormalities. And always check them after outdoor time in nature, as ticks can hide in and around the ears.  

Training

These dogs typically excel when it comes to training. They are bright and eager to please, though they also can be stubborn and strong-willed at times. But they respond well to positive training methods. It’s important to be consistent with your commands to prevent bad habits from forming.

Start training and socialization as young as possible. Take your dog to a puppy obedience class when it meets the age requirement, and introduce it to different people, other dogs, and various situations. 

Due to this breed’s high prey drive, it doesn’t always do well with smaller household pets, including cats, that it might mistake for prey. However, careful training and growing up around these animals can result in them coexisting peacefully.

Common Health Problems

Treeing walker coonhounds are generally a healthy breed overall, but they are prone to some hereditary health issues, including:

• Hip dysplasia
• Ear infections and other issues
• Eye problems

Diet and Nutrition

Always provide your dog with fresh water. And feed a quality, nutritionally balanced canine diet. Most owners feed two measured meals per day. But you should discuss the quantity and type of food with your vet, as this can vary depending on age, activity level, and other factors. Be mindful about treats and other extra food to ensure your dog doesn’t overeat.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Treeing Walker Coonhound

While this breed is not incredibly common, it’s still worth checking local animal shelters for a treeing walker coonhound in need of a home. Likewise, see whether you have any coonhound-specific rescue groups in your area. If you’re looking for a reputable breeder puppy, expect to pay around $600 to $6,000, depending on bloodline and other factors.

For further information to help you find a dog, check out:

• Treeing Walker Breeders & Fanciers Association
• Treeing Walker Coonhound Rescue
  

Treeing Walker Coonhound Overview

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

Before acquiring a treeing walker coonhound, make sure to do diligent research first. Talk about the breed with veterinarians, owners, rescue groups, and reputable breeders. And try to spend some time with the dogs in person. 

If you’re interested in similar breeds, check out:

• American foxhound
• Beagle
• Bluetick coonhound

There’s a whole world of potential dog breeds out there—with a little research, you can find the right one to bring home!