The Treeing Walker Coonhound Shop
Treeing Walker Coonhound Breed Summary
Happy, Intelligent, Out-Going, Independent and Energetic
These dogs are thought to be descendants of English Foxhounds, which were brought to American during Colonial times. These dogs evolved to become both Virginia and Walker Foxhounds and thus, the parents of the Treeing Walker. It's thought that one dog in particular contributed to the development of the breed, he was called Tennessee Lead. He had a unique appearance that wasn't typical to the breed, but his fantastic drive, speed and clear, short voice made him the perfect candidate! The breed were originally called English Coonhounds but breeders started to give them qualities that became important and thus, the breed developed into the Treeing Walker.
| Kennel Club Group | Hound |
| Lifespan | 12 – 13 years |
| Height (at the withers) | Male 22in – 27in, Female 20in – 25in |
| Weight | 50lb - 70lb |
| Coat | Smooth, glossy coat |
| Color | Black, Brown or White |
| Eye color | Brown |
| Common health issues | Hip Dysplasia, Polyradiculoneuritis |
| Other Names | Treeing Walker |
Personality often varies from dog to dog with the Treeing Walker Coonhound. Some may be very confident in nature, whereas others may be a lot shyer. Additionally, others are very friendly and open-minded with others being very protective. One thing that can be agreed on however is that they are very happy and intelligent dogs, which means training is normally a walk in the park. However, they are independent thinkers and if they pick up a scent, they will quickly become distracted and more interested in finding the source of the sniff! They normally make fantastic companion dogs so long as you lead an active lifestyle as they absolutely love to explore and run around. They also do very well in competitions. These dogs normally love 'hoomans' and also get on well with children, although other pets are a no-go due to the breeds strong prey drive. But, for the right family, they make lovely additions!
The Treeing Walker Coonhound descended from the English Foxhound, which was also called English Coonhound. The “Walker” part of his name comes from John W. Walker, a Kentuckian who develop the breed. The other breeder responsible for the initial development of the breed was George Washington Maupin. During the Colonial era, Mr. Walker and Mr. Maupin imported and bred English Foxhounds. The dogs they bred were called Walker Hounds. In the 1800s they acquired a black and tan dog named Tennessee Lead, which was then crossed with the Walker Hound. The “Walker Hound” legend is that Tennessee Lead was stolen from a deer chase in Tennessee.Tennessee Lead was a rat-tailed, black and tan hound sold to Mr. Maupin. The ancestry origins of Tennessee Lead are unknown although it is clear that the exceptional speed of the Treeing Walker Coonhound came from this legendary dog. Mr. Walker and Mr. Maupin proceeded to use Tennessee Lead as a stud dog, producing valued litters. The new breed was first called the Walker Coonhound however, the name was later changed to the Treeing Walker Coonhound.
The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2012.