Treeing Walker Coonhound

by Amy Tokic

Published: November 13th, 2013

About Treeing Walker Coonhound

Weight

50-70 lb

Lifespan

11-13 years

Group

AKC Hound Group

Best Suited For

Families with children, active singles, houses with yards, farms/rural areas, hunters

Temperament

Gentle, even-tempered, confident, intelligent

Comparable Breeds

American Foxhound, English Foxhound

Height

20-27 inches

Treeing Walker Coonhound Basics

If you’ve got room in your life for a very active companion, you may find the dog you’re looking for in the Treeing Walker Coonhound. Also known as the English Coonhound, the Treeing Walker Coonhound is passionate about hunting. But that doesn’t mean that he also doesn’t make an excellent family pet. He just needs plenty of daily exercise to keep him happy and out of trouble.

Don’t be surprised if your dog routinely chases raccoons and squirrels up a tree – he’s just following his instincts. He loves children and other dogs, but he may not get along with the family cat, as he loves the chase (and your cat might not appreciate that). Suitable for both first-time and experienced owners, the Treeing Walker Coonhound is a great addition to households that have room for them to run around. Please read on to learn more about this breed.

If you’ve got room in your life for a very active companion, you may find the dog you’re looking for in the Treeing Walker Coonhound.

Origin

Brought to Virginia by Thomas Walker in 1742, the Treeing Walker Coonhound looks a lot like its ancestor, the English Foxhound. But this breed served a different purpose – this hunting dog trees its prey (small game such as raccoons and opossums) and lets its owner know with a distinctive bay that can be heard from a long distance.

The Treeing Walker Coon is known for its ability to run at great speeds, which makes it a success at field trials. As a hunting companion, he’s priced for his keen nose, distinctive bark and tireless endurance.

Pedigree

An American breed, the Treeing Walker Coonhound is descended from American and English Foxhounds.

Food / Diet

Feeding depends on if you’re using your Treeing Walker Coonhound to hunt. He will need higher protein and fat intake in order to aid endurance, energy and muscle mass. If your dog is going to be more of a family pet, then he won’t need as much fat or protein. Whether you’re going with a high-quality dry kibble or a homemade diet, be sure to monitor quantity to match exercise levels.

This is an intelligent breed, so you’ll find the Treeing Walker Coonhounds easy to train.

Training

This is an intelligent breed, so you’ll find the Treeing Walker Coonhounds easy to train. You’ll need to provide consistent training throughout their lifetime. But you’ll find the process to be as rewarding as he does, as he wants to please you. By using praise and treats as rewards, you’ll be pleased with the outcome. These dogs do not respond to harsh treatment – in fact, it will cause trust issues and may cause your dog to become shy.

You’ll find that your Treeing Walker Coonhound will master the basics and will be read to tackle advanced obedience or agility training. This can help use up some of the excess energy these dogs are famous for.

Weight

A medium- to large-sized breed, the Treeing Walker Coonhound weights between 50 and 70 pounds.

Temperament / Behavior

Loving, intelligent and confident, the Treeing Walker Coonhound makes a wonderful family pet as well as an exceptional hunting dog. After a day of hunting, he’ll still want to play with kids. Be sure to include him in all of your activities, especially those that include children and other dogs. He’ll make a fine addition to a multi dog household, but he may want to chase the family cat. At the end of a busy day, he’s quite ready to join you on the couch for a cuddle.

This breed was made to hunt, so small animals best beware around the Treeing Walker Coonhound. Your house will be safe from dangerous squirrels and raccoons! Thanks to that keen nose, he’ll follow a scent and disregard everything else going on around him. This can cause problems if your dog takes off and won’t listen to commands to come back. Keep a close eye on him and keep him on a leash when he’s not in a fenced-in area.

Treeing Walker Coonhounds are known to develop separation anxiety if left alone too long. Exercise can help curb this issue, but these dogs do best in a household where someone is home.

Common Health Problems

A relatively healthy breed, the only problem the Treeing Walker Coonhound may suffer from is polyradiculoneuritis (paralysis due to acute inflammation of the nerves).

Life Expectancy

The Treeing Walker Coonhound has an average lifespan of 11 to 13 years.

Exercise Requirements

This is a dog that’s known for its endurance, so you need to be active to keep up with him. The Treeing Walker Coonhound has plenty of energy to burn, so expect to be outside with him for one to two hours of vigorous exercise every day. But this can be a great way to get the whole family out for exercise – go for hikes, walks or jogs with your dog. Or let the kids take him out in the back yard for an extended game of fetch. Because he needs so much activity, this breed needs room to run around, so you’ll need a backyard to keep him happy.

Treeing Walker Coonhounds also do well in agility and field competitions. This is a good way for your dog to expend his massive energy reserve.

Loving, intelligent and confident, the Treeing Walker Coonhound makes a wonderful family pet as well as an exceptional hunting dog.

AKC

The American Kennel Association says this about the breed: “Called “the people’s choice” of the coonhound breeds, the energetic Treeing Walker is perfectly suited for the task for which it was bred – tracking and treeing wild raccoons. The breed’s competitive spirit makes it an ideal choice for competitive coonhound events.” The AKC first recognized this breed in 2012.

Coat

Smooth and shiny, the Treeing Walker Coonhound’s coat is white with black spots and tan markings or black with white markings and tan trim (saddleback). You can expect moderate, year-round shed, so brush your dog weekly to get rid of loose and dead fur.

Puppies

As with most puppies, socialization should begin early with Treeing Walker Coonhounds. They will take to their owners and family quickly, but need to meet new people and animals. If not properly socialized, your dog may develop anxiety and fearfulness issues as they grow into adulthood.

Photo credit: mclondicek/Flickr; Esturcke/Wikimedia

Amy Tokic

Amy Tokic, Editor of PetGuide.com, is a passionate animal lover and proud pet parent of Oscar, a Shih Tzu/Chihuahua cross, and Zed, a Japanese Chin. Her love of animals began in kindergarten, when she brought her stuffed dog Snoopy into class with her every day. Now, she writes about her adventures in pet ownership and tirelessly researches products, news and health related issues she can share with other animal enthusiasts. In her free time, Amy loves perusing used book and record stores, obsessing over the latest pet products available and chasing squirrels with wild abandon (a habit attributed to spending too much time with her pooches).

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Treeing Tennessee Brindle

Treeing Tennessee Brindle Basics If you are looking for an intelligent dog with a unique appearance and advanced hunting skills, the Treeing Tennessee Brindle may be the right dog for you. These dogs have an attractive brindle coat that sets them apart from other breeds – they are also intelligent and respond well to training. The Treeing Tennessee Brindle has a naturally lean frame with loose skin and a straight tail along with drop ears and an alert expression. These dogs have an attractive brindle coat that sets them apart from other breeds – they are also intelligent and respond well to training. Origin The Treeing Tennessee Brindle is a fairly new breed with its development having only begun in the United States during the early 1960s. When Reverend Earl Phillips became aware of brindle curs while researching for a column he was writing for a hunting dog magazine, he began to contact owners and fanciers of the breed. Reverend Philips discovered that this brindle cur was highly valued for its hunting abilities and, in 1967, he spearheaded a movement to preserve and promote the breed. On March 21, 1967, the Treeing Tennessee Brindle Breeder’s Association was founded and stock was gathered from the area between the Appalachian Mountains and the Ozarks. Today, the breed is still part of the AKC Foundation Stock Service and will be accepted for recognition once the minimum number of registered dogs is met. Pedigree

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What to Do If Your Dog Ingested Something They Shouldn't?

It’s no secret dogs are nosy – especially when they suspect food is involved. They’ll have no problem jumping on the counter, digging through trash, or “sneakily” stealing stuff off your coffee table if given a chance. Not only that this type of behavior can be really irritating for the owner, but it is also downright dangerous. Dogs can easily swallow something that could cause serious health issues – a tiny object that can cause choking, a hazardous chemical, or some human food that is poisonous to them. In either of these cases, the owner should be prepared and alert as acting quickly is crucial when your pet eats something that they shouldn’t have. But what exactly do you need to do if this happens? What is the course of action to help a dog who ingested something they simply should not? Let’s go over it.What to Do If Your Dog Ingested Something They Shouldn't: Step By Step ExplainedIf your dog has ingested something they shouldn't have, it's important to act quickly. Every second counts in this case so don’t panic even if that’s your first instinct. Going into panic mode never helps and can only make things worse. Instead, try to assess the situation and figure out what has been ingested so you can act accordingly. Here are some general guidelines to follow, but keep in mind that you should always consult with your veterinarian for advice tailored to your specific situation.It is imperative to stay calm. It's understandable to feel scared and panicked, but it's crucial to stay composed. Panicking can make it difficult to think clearly and take appropriate action. Take a deep breath, strengthen your resolve and act.Always try to identify the substance or item ingested, if it’s possible to do so very quickly. This information can be helpful for your veterinarian to provide accurate advice. Do you notice any small objects missing? Any open containers or something similar? Quickly try to find the clues.It goes without saying that it is always crucial to call your veterinarian immediately. Provide them with details about what your dog ingested, the amount, and any symptoms your dog is experiencing. After all, they are professionals who know how to deal with these situations in an efficient manner and will give you the guidelines suited to your situation.Keep in mind not to induce vomiting. Inducing vomiting can be dangerous in some situations and should only be done under the guidance of a veterinarian. Certain substances or items can cause more harm if brought back up. Unless instructed otherwise, don’t do it.Disperse with the panic and fears, and follow the advice of your veterinarian to the letter. Your veterinarian will provide specific instructions based on the substance ingested. Follow their advice carefully, whether it involves inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal, or other measures.It is important to monitor your dog and their behavior. Keep a close eye on them for any changes in behavior, signs of distress, or dangerous symptoms. Be prepared to provide this information to your veterinarian. Sometimes, nothing will show at first, but could later on. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend immediate action, such as going to an emergency veterinary clinic. Follow their advice promptly, or if you see that your dog is in danger, do so as fast as possible.

Are Collagen Chews Good for Dogs?

Are you searching for a tasty treat to keep your pup occupied? Have you heard the warnings made by experts about the potential dangers of rawhide chews and are struggling to find a healthy alternative for your dog? A newer type of dog chew is gaining popularity in the pet world, beloved both by pets and their parents alike. Let’s discuss the benefits of collagen chews and why this would be a great option for your dog. What Are Collagen Chews? Before we get into the benefits, we’ll start with the basics. What exactly is a collagen chew? Like rawhide, a collagen chew is a dried animal product. However, it is made from the inner layer of a cow's skin instead of the hide. This may seem like a minor difference, but it makes the product much easier to digest, making it safer for pet parents concerned about the risk of obstructions associated with rawhide. Collagen chew products are available in various forms, including flat chews, sticks, traditional bone shapes, and rings. Each variation of the chew ranges in size, thickness, and, therefore, chew difficulty level. Do Vets Recommend Collagen Sticks? Yes! Many veterinarians recommend collagen chews as a healthy alternative to rawhide. This healthy and natural chew option offers many health benefits, including joint issues and dry skin. Most collagen chews are made from all-natural ingredients and are free from fillers, artificial colors, and artificial flavors, making them a healthy replacement for your dog’s favorite rawhide bones.Is Collagen Better Than Rawhide? While both collagen chews and rawhides are long-lasting chew options, collagen chews address many of the health concerns related to rawhide. If your dog loves rawhide chews, this is a great alternative. Like rawhides, collagen chews are long-lasting. However, if your dog swallows a portion of the chew, its digestibility makes it less likely that you will find yourself at an emergency vet paying for surgery to remove an obstruction.

New Bill Will Eliminate Housing Barriers for Pet Owners In California

California tenants with pets rejoice - a new bill that stops landlords from denying housing to pet owners is in the works!The chair of the California Legislative Renters Caucus, Matt Haney, has introduced legislation that would compel landlords to accept tenants with pets. The bill, AB 2216, will insist that landlords have reasonable reason(s) for not allowing a pet in the rental unit. The biggest change, however, is that the bill prevents property owners from asking about pet ownership before the tenant’s application has been approved.The new bill, which is sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States, aims to solve a big problem in the rental world - a surplus of tenants with pets and a lack of landlords willing to rent to them.California has one of the highest number of tenants in the country, and close to 70% of them are pet owners. Alas, under current law, only around 30% of all rentals are pet-friendly. The lack of pet-friendly housing is causing almost a million tenants to keep pets in their rentals hidden from their landlords. This solves nothing. On one hand, landlords are left without adequate coverage for potential damages. On the other hand, pet owners are left living in constant fear of being kicked out of their homes. Andrea Amavisca, a senior legislative advocate at the California Immigration Policy Center, told the LA Times that she and her partner spent over a month looking for a two-bedroom rental in Sacramento that would allow for a small cattle dog mix.“Landlords that initially liked our application would suddenly stop answering our calls once they found out we had a dog. Or others would require a pet deposit close to $1,000 that would put the unit totally out of our budget.”Amavisca added it felt unfair that almost every landlord had a different pet policy with varying fees they could change as they pleased. Some landlords charged only $20 a month while others asked for four-figure cleaning deposits. The new bill doesn’t address fees and doesn’t prevent landlords from excluding certain types of pets. Haney’s legislation defines a common household pet as a domesticated animal, such as a cat or dog, that is kept in the home for pleasure rather than commercial uses. While pet owners are relieved to hear about the legislation, property owners are already expressing their concerns. The biggest issue is that landlords will be forced to take on pets, and the increased risk of potential property damage that comes with pets, without a pet deposit as a safeguard. Haney explained that exceptions would be made for landlords with reasonable excuses for not allowing pets on their property. “What we see too often is just these blanket prohibitions of pets with no good reason for it, with no required justification for it and no protection of pet owners, who represent the majority of California’s renters, to be able to access housing just like anyone else,” said Haney.According to Jenny Berg, California director for the Humane Society of the United States, extra fees and bans add to the overcrowding crisis in animal shelters nationwide. “One of the reasons why people relinquish their pets is because they can’t find affordable housing or housing at all that can accommodate their pets,” she said. Haney’s bill could make a massive change, as it would remove the barriers tenants face when looking for housing for them and their four-legged companions.“We want a renter to be considered first and decision made about whether they meet the requirements for the apartment,” said Haney. “And then, after that fact, they disclose that they have a pet. And only if there’s a reasonable rationale to deny them, that would be allowed.” Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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