Treeing Walker Coonhound
- Origin
- United States
- Type
- Scenthound
- Size
- Large
- Height
- 51–69 cm (20–27 in)
- Weight
- 23–32 kg (50–70 lb)
- Coat
- Short, smooth, fine and glossy
- Colors
- Tricolor (white with black and tan), or black and white, or tan and white
- Life span
- 12–13 years
- Status
- Recognised by the UKC and AKC
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is an American hound descended mainly from English and American Foxhounds. It was bred above all to hunt raccoons, following the scent until the animal climbs a tree and then holding it there for the hunter. It is also used on squirrels, opossums, deer, bears, bobcats and cougars.
History
The breed took shape in the 19th century. Two Kentucky breeders, John W. Walker and George Washington Maupin, are credited with its early development through selective breeding of foxhounds; their dogs were known as Walker Hounds. In 1852 a stolen black and tan dog called Tennessee Lead was crossed into the line and had a great influence on what followed.
The United Kennel Club first recognized the dogs in 1905 as part of the English Coonhound breed. The name later became Treeing Walker Coonhound, and the UKC recognized it as a separate breed in 1945. The American Kennel Club followed in January 2012, making it that club’s 174th breed. In 2026 it was chosen as the official state dog of Kentucky.
Appearance
Under the UKC standard the dog stands 20 to 27 inches (51 to 69 cm), with weight in proportion, commonly 50 to 70 lb (23 to 32 kg). Males are larger than females. The skull is broad, the muzzle long and the ears long and hanging. The eyes are dark with a soft expression. The legs are straight and the feet compact and cat-like.
The smooth coat is fine and glossy. Tricolor, white with black and tan markings, is preferred; black and white or tan and white dogs are also accepted.
Temperament
Treeing Walkers are loving, intelligent and confident, and they enjoy people. On a scent they are tireless and intense; at home they are mellow and fond of comfort. They get along well with children and other dogs and are hard to provoke. With training they can live with cats and other small animals.
The breed is vocal. On the trail it has a clear, ringing bay that changes to a steady chop once the quarry is treed, so an owner can tell from far off which hound is calling and what it is doing. Known for speed and intelligence, it is the most popular hound in competition coon hunts.
Care and health
This is first and foremost a hunting dog. It can be kept as a pet, but its energy needs an outlet and it must be trained. The breed lives 12 to 13 years on average.
Facts on this page were checked against Wikipedia and may have changed since.