A smart, brave, and sensible hunter, the Treeing Walker Coonhound is a genuine American favorite, nicknamed "The People’s Choice." Don’t let the name fool you— Walkers are runners and are capable of covering a lot of ground in a hurry.
Treeing Walker Coonhounds make exceptional family dogs for those with active lifestyles. This breed is valued by hunters for their focus and efficiency in the field and at home they have energy to spare and want to be included in all family activities. Treeing Walker Coonhounds enjoy children tremendously and will never turn down a romp in the yard. They get along well with other dogs, though the family cat could be in peril, as Coonhounds have strong chasing instincts. At the end of a day of hunting or playing, the Walker Coonhound will want to curl up on the couch for some affection and relaxation. They are easy to train, and make a fine family companion for both first time and experienced dog owners.
The Treeing Walker Coonhound should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). A hound who isn’t working can be prone to becoming overweight, so owners should monitor the dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
The Treeing Walker is a very low-maintenance breed. His short, smooth coat repels dirt and mud, and he will require only the occasional bath to maintain his handsome appearance. Wiping him down with a damp towel or a hound glove will keep his coat shining. His nails should be trimmed every couple of weeks, as long nails can cause the dog discomfort and structural problems. A hound’s ears should be cleaned regularly to keep them free of excess wax or debris and to check for any signs of ear infection. The Treeing Walker will look forward to grooming sessions as bonding experiences with the human he loves.
The Treeing Walker is overall quite a healthy breed, and responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions such as hip dysplasia and eye anomalies. Be sure to always check the dog’s ears when he comes in from outside, as ticks love to burrow beneath the coonhound’s floppy ears. Removing excess ear wax and debris and checking the ears at least weekly will help you to avoid common ear infections.
Recommended Health Test from the National Breed Club:
Let’s unpack the name a word at a time. “Treeing” refers to a hound trailing the scent of his quarry until the quarry scurries up a tree for safety, with the hound camping out below and barking, vigorously and distinctively, for as long as it takes for the gun-toting hunter to arrive. “Walker” is Thomas Walker, of Virginia, who in the mid-1700s was a pivotal figure of the breed’s early development. “Coonhound” is a dog developed to “tree” raccoons and, sometimes, bigger game.