Treeing Walker Coonhound Dog Breed Guide
📍 Origin: United States
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is an American hunting breed developed to track and tree raccoons and other game with speed, stamina, and a powerful nose. It is a friendly and energetic dog that excels in the field and makes a loyal companion for active families.
| Breed | Treeing Walker Coonhound |
| Size | Large (50–70 lbs) |
| Height | 22–27 inches |
| Lifespan | 12–13 years |
| Temperament | Intelligent, Active, Confident |
| Energy Level | Very High●●●●● |
| Good With Kids | ✅ Yes |
| Grooming | Low Maintenance |
| Training | Good |
| Shedding | Moderate |
| Best For | Experienced Owners |
🐕 Treeing Walker Coonhound Overview
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a high-energy scent hound originally bred for hunting in the forests and hills of the American South. It has an athletic, well-muscled build, a loud and distinctive bugling voice, and an exceptional ability to follow a cold trail for miles. When properly exercised and socialized, it is an affectionate and devoted family dog, though its strong prey drive and vocal nature require an experienced owner.
📜 History & Origin
The Treeing Walker Coonhound traces its roots to the Walker Foxhound, which was developed in Kentucky in the 19th century by John W. Walker and George Washington Maupin. A dog of unknown origin known as Tennessee Lead was introduced into the Walker Foxhound line around the mid-1800s and dramatically improved the breed's treeing ability and cold-nose tracking. The breed was recognized as a distinct breed by the United Kennel Club in 1945 and later by the American Kennel Club in 2012 under the Hound Group.
👀 Size & Appearance
🐶 Male
- Weight: 50–70 lbs (23–32 kg)
- Height: 22–27 inches (56–69 cm)
🐕 Female
- Weight: 45–65 lbs
- Height: 20–25 inches
Coat type: Short, dense, and smooth
🧠 Temperament & Behaviour
With Children
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are generally excellent with children. Their patient, gentle nature makes them reliable family companions. Always supervise interactions with very young children.
With Other Dogs & Pets
Generally sociable with other dogs and pets when properly socialised from puppyhood. Early introductions are recommended.
🏃 Exercise Needs
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are high-energy dogs that require at least 90 minutes of vigorous exercise daily. This includes brisk walks, off-leash running, fetch, or swimming. Without adequate exercise, they can become destructive or develop behavioural problems.
⚠️ Apartment living: Not ideal. A house with a garden is strongly preferred.
🍗 Food & Diet Guide
🐶 Puppy (8 weeks – 12 months)
- Feed a large/medium breed puppy formula
- 3–4 small meals per day up to 6 months
- Reduce to 2–3 meals from 6 months onward
- Look for AAFCO "complete and balanced for growth" statement
- Avoid overfeeding — controlled growth prevents joint issues
🐕 Adult (Treeing Walker Coonhound)
- Daily amount: 2.5 to 3.5 cups of high-quality dry kibble split across two meals of quality dry kibble
- Split into 2 meals per day
- Choose AAFCO-compliant food for adult maintenance
- Monitor weight monthly — adjust portions as needed
- ⚠️ High obesity risk — measure portions carefully
Always consult your veterinarian for a feeding plan specific to your dog's age, weight, and health status.
🏅 Training Guide
Basic Commands
Start sit, stay, come, and leave it from day one. Positive reinforcement with treats works best. Keep sessions to 5–10 minutes.
Toilet Training
Take puppy outside every 2 hours and immediately after meals, play, and sleep. Reward immediately after they go outside.
Leash Training
Start with a flat collar and short sessions. Reward loose-leash walking. A front-clip harness helps dogs that pull.
Socialisation
Expose to different people, sounds, and environments between 8–16 weeks. This is the critical window for confident adult behaviour.
✂️ Grooming
Brushing
Weekly brush is usually sufficient.
Bathing
Bath every 4–6 weeks or when dirty. Over-bathing strips natural coat oils.
Nail Trimming
Trim nails every 3–4 weeks. If you hear clicking on hard floors, they are too long.
Ear Cleaning
Check ears weekly for redness, odour, or discharge. Clean gently with a vet-approved ear cleaner.
🩺 Health Problems
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Preventive Health Tips
- Annual vet checkups (twice yearly for dogs over 7)
- Keep vaccinations and deworming up to date
- Maintain a healthy weight — obesity worsens most conditions
- Ask your breeder for OFA/PennHIP health clearances on parents
⏱ Lifespan
The average Treeing Walker Coonhound lifespan is 12–13 years. Larger breeds tend to have shorter lifespans than smaller breeds. Individual lifespan depends heavily on genetics, diet, exercise, and veterinary care.
Tips for a Longer, Healthier Life
- Feed a balanced, high-quality diet appropriate for age and size
- Maintain a healthy weight throughout life
- Regular exercise matched to age and health status
- Annual vet visits for early detection of health issues
- Dental care — dental disease affects overall health significantly
💷 Puppy Price
United States
Pedigree AKC-registered puppy from health-tested parents
Europe
Pedigree FCI-registered puppy from health-tested parents
United Kingdom
Pedigree KC-registered puppy from health-tested parents
Estimated Monthly Cost (UK)
Prices vary by breeder, location, and pedigree quality. Always buy from a health-tested, reputable breeder — never from puppy farms.
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Active outdoor families
- Experienced dog owners
- Hunters and tracking sport enthusiasts
- Excellent with children
❌ Cons
- Apartment dwellers
- First-time dog owners
- Owners with limited time for exercise
- Requires significant daily exercise
- Prone to obesity — portion control essential
🆚 Treeing Walker Coonhound vs Other Breeds
✅ Treeing Walker Coonhound wins at
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is generally faster and more agile on the trail, making it preferred for competitive coon hunting.
✅ American English Coonhound wins at
The American English Coonhound tends to have a slightly calmer temperament indoors and may adapt better to a dual role as a house pet.
✅ Treeing Walker Coonhound wins at
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is faster and covers more ground, excelling in open terrain and competitive hunts.
✅ Bluetick Coonhound wins at
The Bluetick Coonhound has a stronger cold nose and is better suited for methodically working out a very old or difficult scent trail.
🏠 Who Should Own a Treeing Walker Coonhound?
✅ Great Choice If You Are:
- Active outdoor families
- Experienced dog owners
- Hunters and tracking sport enthusiasts
- A family with children
❌ Consider Another Breed If:
- Apartment dwellers
- First-time dog owners
- Owners with limited time for exercise
- You live in a small apartment without outdoor access
- You have a very sedentary lifestyle
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Treeing Walker Coonhound good for families?
Yes, the Treeing Walker Coonhound is generally good with families, including children, as it is affectionate, playful, and social by nature. It typically gets along well with other dogs, especially when raised alongside them, though its strong prey drive means supervision around small pets is advised. Active families who can provide ample daily exercise and outdoor time will get the most out of this breed.
How much does a Treeing Walker Coonhound puppy cost?
In the United Kingdom, a Treeing Walker Coonhound puppy from a reputable breeder typically costs between 800 and 1,500 GBP, though the breed is uncommon and availability may be limited. In Pakistan, prices generally range from 40,000 to 90,000 PKR depending on the breeder and lineage. In India, expect to pay between 30,000 and 70,000 INR, with prices varying by region and import status.
Is Treeing Walker Coonhound easy to train?
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is intelligent but not considered easy to train for the average owner, as its independence and powerful scent drive can make it easily distracted during obedience sessions. It responds best to positive reinforcement methods, consistency, and short training sessions that hold its interest. Early socialization and basic obedience training from puppyhood are strongly recommended to establish good habits before the dog matures.
What food is best for a Treeing Walker Coonhound?
A high-quality dry kibble formulated for large, active breeds is the best foundation for a Treeing Walker Coonhound's diet, providing the protein and fat levels needed to support its energy demands. Adults typically need 2.5 to 3.5 cups per day split across two meals, though active hunting dogs may require more during the season. Because this breed is prone to weight gain when under-exercised, portions should be measured carefully and treats kept to a minimum.
Does Treeing Walker Coonhound bark a lot?
Yes, the Treeing Walker Coonhound is a very vocal breed known for its loud, melodious baying and bugling, which it uses instinctively when it picks up a scent or spots prey. This level of vocalisation makes it a poor fit for urban environments, close-quarters housing, or neighbors with low noise tolerance.
Can a Treeing Walker Coonhound live in an apartment?
No, the Treeing Walker Coonhound is not suited to apartment living due to its high exercise requirements, powerful voice, and need for space to run and explore. It is best kept in a home with a large, securely fenced yard and regular access to open land for off-leash activity.
🏆 Final Verdict
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is best suited to experienced dog owners who understand the breed's specific needs. With a lifespan of 12–13 years, high energy demands, and low maintenance grooming requirements, the Treeing Walker Coonhound is a wonderful family dog.
If you can meet their exercise, training, and care needs, the Treeing Walker Coonhound will reward you with years of loyal companionship.