Breed Characteristics
Treeing Walker Coounhounds are medium-sized dogs, with a distinctive appearance that sets them apart from other coonhounds. They typically weigh between 50 and 70 pounds, and they stand between 20 and 27 inches tall at the shoulder. These dogs have a short, dense coat that is either black, blue, or tan in color, and white on the underbelly – in fact, they look a lot like oversized Beagles. The hair on their face is usually longer than the hair on their body, and they have a long tail and floppy ears.
Temperament
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are known for their even, friendly temperament and loyalty, which makes them loving companions and protective family pets. It is an intelligent and active breed that loves to be outdoors. They are also known for their treeing ability, which makes them excellent hunting dogs. On top of that, they are good with children and get along well with other pets.
Bark
The Treeing Walker Coonhound’s bark has been described as sounding “like a gunshot”. This loud, sharp bark is one of the Coonhound’s most distinctive features. The powerful bark helps them to track and tree their prey, but they don’t generally abuse it, so you don’t have to worry too much about Treeing Walker Coonhounds being potentially too noisy.
Health
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a relatively healthy breed of dog. However, like all breeds of dogs, they are susceptible to certain health conditions. Some of the most common health problems that affect these dogs include hip dysplasia, injuries from the field, and ear infections. It’s important to get your Treeing Walker Coonhound checked out by a veterinarian regularly to catch any potential problems early. And always remember to choose a reputable breeder before getting a puppy, as they will not breed dogs that carry the faulty genes.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a common health problem in Treeing Walker Coonhounds. It is a condition that affects the hip joints, and can cause pain and mobility problems. It is most common in large breed dogs, and can be hereditary or caused by environmental factors. Environmental factors include obesity and lack of exercise. There is no cure for hip dysplasia, but there are treatments available that can help make your dog more comfortable. If you are concerned that your dog may have hip dysplasia, please consult your veterinarian.
Common Injuries
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is also prone to a number of injuries that can occur while hunting. One of the most common injuries is a twisted ankle. This can happen when the dog jumps down from a high place or runs too fast on difficult terrain. Another common injury is a sprained ankle, which can occur when the dog steps in a hole or gets his foot caught in some other obstacle. These injuries can be very painful and can take a while to heal properly. In addition, the Treeing Walker Coonhound is also prone to injuries to his spine and hips. This can happen when he jumps from high places or twists his body in an awkward way while hunting.
Ear Infections
Ear infections are common in the Treeing Walker Coonhound due to their floppy shape. Symptoms include discharge from the ear, redness and swelling of the earflap, and a strong odor. Treatment typically includes antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications. If left untreated, ear infections can cause permanent damage to the ear canal and lead to hearing loss.
Care Requirements
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a relatively easy breed of dog to take care of. However, there are a few things to be mindful of if you wish to create the best circumstances for your Treeing Walker Coonhound puppy.
Physical Activity
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are high energy dogs that need plenty of exercise and stimulation. Without enough physical activity, they can become bored and destructive. A good daily workout is important for keeping your Coonhound healthy and happy. Some good exercises include playing fetch, going on walks, or hiking. They love to run and play and will do best in a home with a large yard or access to a park or forest. This breed is not well suited for apartment living.
Grooming
These dogs also need to be brushed on a regular basis to remove any dead hair and debris from their coat. When it comes to grooming your Treeing Walker Coonhound, you will want to start by brushing their coat with a firm bristle brush. You should also make sure to check their ears regularly and clean them if necessary. In addition, you will need to trim their nails on a regular basis, as they can become overgrown and cause pain for your dog otherwise. Treeing Walker Coonhounds do not need to be bathed frequently, but you should give them a bath every few months to keep their coat clean and healthy.
Training
To train your Treeing Walker Coonhound, start by teaching it basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Once your dog masters these commands, you can begin to teach it more specific hunting skills. For example, you can teach your dog to track a scent, to tree an animal, and to bay (bark loudly) when it has found its prey. You can also teach your dog to use special hunting equipment, such as a tracking collar or a GPS system. With patience and consistency, you can train your Treeing Walker Coonhound to be a skilled hunting dog.
The History of the Treeing Walker Coonhound
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a breed designed specifically to tree (or chase) raccoons and squirrels, to which it owns its name. The breed was developed in Kentucky, United States in the early 19th century by John W. Walker and George Washington Maupin. It was bred as a cross between the English Foxhound and an obsolete breed called Tennessee Lead, creating the so-called Walker Hound. It was then developed into the Treeing Virginia Hound, and later renamed as the Treeing Walker Coonhound as a tribute to one of the breed’s creators. The Treeing Walker Coonhound was recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1945 and by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2012.
Trivia
Here’s a couple of trivia tidbits about the breed that not everyone knows about:
- The Treeing Walker Coonhound is the state dog of Tennessee.
- These dogs are often used in movies and TV shows as hunting dogs.
- The Treeing Walker Coonhound is related to the Bluetick Coonhound and the Redbone Coonhound.
- They are a scent hound, which means they use their sense of smell to track prey.
Summary
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is an excellent hunter and companion. They are gentle and loving with children, and also have a very playful streak, meaning they will ideally have an owner that enjoys spending time outdoors hiking and playing in the park. However, as with any dog breed, it is important to properly train and socialize the Treeing Walker Coonhound when they are young so that they grow up to be well-behaved members of the family. Thanks for reading!
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