History of the Treeing Walker Coonhound Breed The development of the Treeing Walker Coonhound is credited to Thomas Walker and George Washington Maupin. The history of most coonhounds recognized by the UKC is deeply rooted in the lineage of the dogs imported by these two men. Thomas Walker of Albemarle County, Virginia imported the English foxhound to Virginia in 1742. George Washington Maupin, from Kentucky, also imported several hounds from England in 1770. These dogs became the foundation for the Virginia hounds that were developed into the Walker hound. Sometime in the 1800s, the lineage of the Walker hound split from the ancestry they share with other coonhounds, when “Tennessee Lead�?was crossed into the Walker Hound breed. Tennessee Lead was a stolen dog from Tennessee of unknown origin. Lead was a powerful dog with excellent drive, speed, and hunting skills. He didn’t look like the Virginia strain of English foxhounds either, notably different was his clear, short mouth. Initially registered with the UKC as part of the English coonhound breed, the Walkers were registered of their own right in 1945, first as Walkers (Treeing) and later as Treeing Walkers. The Treeing Walker breed excels in its ability to run and tree game. Some Treeing Walkers can literally climb the tree after its prey, however it can be trained to simply howl to let its owner know that the prey is cornered. Size and Appearance of the Treeing Walker Coonhound Treeing Walker Coonhounds resemble a Basset hound, with its long ears and square muzzle. It has straight forelegs, a sloping muscular body, with its tail held high. This breed has a clear, ringing bark or steady chop with a noticeable change when it has cornered its prey. This coonhound can be tri-colored of black, white, and red or bi-colored. Treeing Walker Coonhound Temperament The Treeing Walker has been known to be high-strung, however it is highly trainable and aims to please. It is primarily a hunting dog, however it is still an excellent choice for a family pet; it is good with children and other pets. To this coonhound, its job as hunter is too much fun to be considered work. Hunting is more of a sport or a hobby to the breed. Training is easy, due to its intelligence, and because it thrives on attention and consistency. Confident, active, and courteous all describe this one of a kind hunting companion. Treeing Walker Coonhound Recommended Maintenance The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a low-maintenance breed that requires only an occasional brushing to remove dead hair. Its ears should be checked for cleanliness and signs of infection, and it should be bathed only when necessary. Apartment living is inappropriate for this active working dog. It requires strenuous exercise daily both on and off the leash. It must be kept in a well-fenced yard, or it will run off after prey. Treeing Walkers have no traffic sense, so they must be kept in a safe environment. This breed enjoys warmer climates. It should be socialized as a puppy. Treeing Walker Coonhound Health �?Life span: 12-13 years
�?Major concerns: none
�?Minor concerns: none
�?Occasionally seen: --
�?Suggested tests: --
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