Traits and Characteristics
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Sometimes called “the people’s choice” among coonhounds, the Treeing Walker is a moderately proportioned hound who can hike over rough terrain with good speed and endurance. Their gait is smooth, effortless, and ground-covering, with good reach and drive. Their coat is short, hard, and close—dense enough to provide some protection against weather. They have a clear, ringing bugle voice or a steady clear chop.
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Energy Level
Exercise Requirements
Playfulness
Affection Level
Friendliness to Dogs
Friendliness to Other Pets
Friendliness to Strangers
Watchfulness
Ease of Training
Grooming Requirements
Heat Sensitivity
Vocality
Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet.
Temperament
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a fairly energetic dog that often loves to hike and use their nose. They have a tendency to become oblivious to calls when they've found an interesting scent. Treeing Walker Coonhounds make excellent companions and members of the household. They are often loving and eager to please and tend get along well with everyone: strangers, dogs, and most other pets. They are not known for their obedience inclination. Their bark can be quite loud.
Upkeep
Treeing Walker Coonhounds need to get outside and stretch their legs, either with a long walk or jog or off-lead run in a safe area. They like to use their nose and enjoy nose work activities or games. The coat is basically wash and wear.
Health
- Major concerns: none
- Minor concerns: none
- Occasionally seen: CHD
- Suggested tests: hip
- Life span: 12–13 years
History
In the mid 1800s, Kentucky residents used Virginia Hounds, descendants of English Foxhounds, to track deer and gray fox, but these dogs were unsuccessful tracking the red foxes that began to appear in the region. Cousins John Walker and George Maupin were especially enthusiastic about tracking dogs during this time. In 1850, Maupin was given a dog that a traveler had spotted in the lead of a pack tracking deer. The traveler stole the dog, later known as Tennessee Lead, and gave him to Maupin. Lead was adept at tracking red foxes and it was he who began the Treeing Walker Coonhound breed. Later, his lines were mixed with dogs from other states, even Europe, with Walker’s sons taking over.
By 1900, Walker hounds were well known. Walker hounds tracked scents over ground and checked trees for scent, and then barked in response. Today the Treeing Walker Coonhound is often described as a “trailing hound that trees” rather than a “treeing hound that trails.” Known for their speed on the trail, these dogs are quick to pick up scents. The Treeing Walker Coonhound became a regular AKC breed in 2012.
