Treeing Walker Coonhound
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The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a breed of hound descended primarily from English and American Foxhounds. The breed originated in the United States when a stolen dog known as "Tennessee Lead" was crossed into the Walker Hound in the 19th century. The Treeing Walker Coonhound was recognized officially as a breed by the United Kennel Club in 1945 and by the American Kennel Club in 2012. The breed was bred primarily to hunt raccoons, but it is also used on other game such as squirrels, deer, bears, bobcats or cougars.
The breed is vocal, with a distinctive bay that allows its owner to identify their hound from great distances. It has a clear, ringing voice that changes to a steady chop at the tree. Treeing Walker Coonhounds tend to do best in working homes.
History
The breed was developed in the 19th century by Kentucky breeders John W. Walker and George Washington Maupin through selective breeding of foxhounds. Originally called Walker Hounds, they were used for raccoon hunting. In 1852, a stolen black and tan dog named Tennessee Lead was crossed into the Walker line, significantly influencing the breed.
The United Kennel Club first recognized it in 1905 as part of the English Coonhound breed, later renaming it Treeing Walker Coonhound and granting full separate recognition in 1945. The American Kennel Club recognized it in January 2012 as its 174th breed. In 2026, it became the official state dog of Kentucky.
Characteristics
The Treeing Walker Coonhound looks like a working dog, standing 20 to 27 inches tall at maturity with a weight that matches its frame, usually between 50 and 70 pounds. Males tend to be heavier than females. It has a broad skull, a long muzzle, and long ears that hang down. Its dark eyes give a soft expression, and all four legs are straight when seen from the front or back.
The feet are compact and cat-like. In conformation shows, a dog that is blind or deaf cannot compete. The coat is smooth, fine, and glossy, coming in tricolor (white with black and tan, which is preferred) or bi-color patterns like black and white or tan and white. On the trail, this hound produces a clear bay that shifts to a distinct chop when it trees its quarry.
Its temperament is kind, but it becomes fearless and courageous during a hunt. Bred mainly for its voice, appearance, and skill, it is first a hunting dog but can live as a pet. It is affectionate and good with children, though its high energy needs an outlet and proper training. Lifespan averages 12 to 13 years.
These dogs are loving, intelligent, confident, and enjoy human company. They are tireless and intense on a scent, yet mellow and sensitive at home. They get along with other dogs and children, are even-tempered, and with training can live peacefully with cats and other small animals.
Hunting
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is popular for hunting medium-sized arboreal prey such as raccoons and opossums, using its strong tracking instincts. It hunts solo or in packs, also tracking and treeing bobcats, cougars, and bears.
Some individuals catch small animals like squirrels and rats. Its speed makes it suitable for deer hunting. It is the most popular hound for competition coon hunts, valued for speed and intelligence in tracking and treeing quarry.
Did You Know?
- The Treeing Walker Coonhound was first recognized by the UKC in 1905 as part of the English Coonhound breed, then as a separate breed in 1945.
- It became the AKC's 174th recognized breed in January 2012.
More in Dog Breeds Originating in the United States
Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Treeing Walker Coonhound (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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