Treeing Walker Coonhound, purebred dog

Treeing Walker Coonhound

Also known as Walker Coonhound

Breed not recognized by the FCI
Height at the withers
51 to 69 cm
Weight
23 to 32 kg
Life expectancy
12 to 13 years
Daily activity
120 minutes
Origin
United States
FCI group
Not recognized
Is it right for me?
This breed is not recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale: no puppy can be registered with the French Kennel Club (LOF), and it is very rare in France. The information below comes from the breed clubs abroad that oversee it.

Who is it for?

Ideal for

  • a family with children
  • a sporty owner: running, hiking, canicross

Less suited to

  • an apartment: it needs space
  • a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
  • a sedentary life: plan on 120 minutes of activity a day
  • long absences: it struggles when left alone

Overview

An athletic, medium to large hound with a distinctive tricolor coat, bred to track raccoons and drive them up trees. Fast, tireless and intelligent, it has a powerful, recognizable voice.

IntelligentConfidentFriendlyEnergeticBraveAlert

History and origins

Descended from English Foxhounds brought to Virginia in 1742 by Thomas Walker. In the 19th century, Kentucky breeders, notably the Walker and Maupin families, added the blood of a fast dog of unknown origin, “Tennessee Lead,” to gain speed and scenting ability. It is not recognized by the FCI.

Health

Life expectancy is 12 to 13 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Ear infections
  • Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
  • Obesity

Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.

Coat and care

Short, smooth coat. Moderate shedding, minimal coat care.

All ratings

Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.

Lifestyle

Energy
Boundless, 5 out of 5
Apartment
Impossible, 1 out of 5
Home alone
Poorly, 2 out of 5

Family and sociability

With children
Good, 4 out of 5
With other dogs
Excellent, 5 out of 5
With cats
Caution, 2 out of 5
With strangers
Open, 4 out of 5

Training and temperament

Ease of training
Hard, 2 out of 5
For a first-time owner
Poor fit, 2 out of 5
Guarding instinct
Low, 2 out of 5
Prey drive
Very strong, 5 out of 5
Tendency to roam
Very high, 5 out of 5

Care and neighbors

Coat care
Minimal, 1 out of 5
Shedding
Moderate, 3 out of 5
Drooling
Rarely, 2 out of 5
Barking
Very vocal, 5 out of 5

Climate and health

Heat tolerance
Good, 4 out of 5
Cold tolerance
Average, 3 out of 5
Hardiness
Good, 4 out of 5

In our lists

Treeing Walker Coonhound FAQ

How big does the Treeing Walker Coonhound get?

The Treeing Walker Coonhound stands 51 to 69 cm at the withers and weighs 23 to 32 kg. It is a large dog.

Does the Treeing Walker Coonhound shed a lot?

It sheds moderately and its coat needs minimal care.

Can the Treeing Walker Coonhound live in an apartment?

It is not recommended: it needs space, ideally a house with a yard. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.

How much exercise does the Treeing Walker Coonhound need each day?

Allow about 120 minutes of activity a day: its energy is boundless. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.

Is the Treeing Walker Coonhound good with children?

Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.

How long does the Treeing Walker Coonhound live?

Life expectancy is 12 to 13 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and ear infections.

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Same size and similar ratings.

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