The AKC has grouped all of the breeds that it registers into seven categories, or groups, roughly based on function and heritage. Breeds are grouped together because they share traits of form and function or a common heritage.
Characteristics – Called ‘the people’s choice’ among all coonhound breeds, the energetic Treeing Walker is perfectly suited for the task for which it was bred – tracking and treeing wild raccoons in their natural haunts. The breed’s competitive spirit makes it an ideal choice for competitive coonhound events where the breed excels. The Treeing Walker Coonhound is alert, intelligent, active, courteous, and courageous with extreme endurance and the desire to perform.
Ears – Should be set moderately low and of medium length, reaching or nearly reaching to the tip of the nose; oval or round at the tip, hanging gracefully towards the muzzle. Fault – short ears set high on the head. Eyes – large, set well apart with soft hound-like expression, pleading and gentle; dark in color, brown or black. Fault – yellow or light eyes, protruding or small.
Neck and Throat – clean with no excess of skin, neck of medium length, rising from the shoulders cleanly; strong but not loaded, smooth. Fault – short, thick neck carried in line with the shoulders; throatiness. Shoulder-blade sloping forward and downward at a 45 degree angle to the ground; presenting a laid back appearance, neither loaded nor heavy, providing freedom of movement and strength. Length of shoulder blade and upper arm to be equal. Chest and Ribs – Depth of chest is more important than width; descending to the approximate point of elbow. Ribs well sprung, never flat or slab-sided. Back and Loins – Strong, muscular back of moderate length; topline nearly level or sloping slightly from shoulder to rear. Faults – higher in the rear (hips) than at the withers, roached or sway-back.
Straight and parallel to each other, from elbow to pastern. Pastern, from the joint to the top of the foot is strong and distinct, slightly slanting but standing almost perpendicular to the ground. Faults – out at the elbow, crooked forelegs, weak pasterns, knuckling over. Feet – thick pads, well arched toes giving a ‘cat foot’ appearance, tight. No rear dewclaws. Front dewclaws may be removed. Fault- flat, splayed feet.
Smooth hair that is glossy and short, yet dense enough for protection while being a close and hard hound coat. Fault – too short or thin or too soft.
Muscular and powerful with great propelling leverage. Well muscled thighs of considerable length. Stifles well bent. Clean hocks. Legs viewed from the rear are parallel. Defined angulation denotes endurance and power.
Few things can quicken a coon hunter’s pulse like the sight of this swift tricolored hound in full stride—the long, muscular legs, the powerful and propulsive hindquarters, and the streamlined frame all working to cover maximum ground with minimum effort. Later, basking in the warmth of a campfire after an honest night’s work, this sweet-faced hound will look up and stir your soul with his gentle, pleading expression. Mercy, what a pretty picture! No wonder Treeing Walkers are called the People’s Choice.
The Treeing Walker Coonhound should be fed a high-quality dog food appropriate to the dog’s age and activity level. A hound who isn’t working can be prone to becoming overweight, so owners should monitor the dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Give table scraps sparingly, if at all, especially avoiding cooked bones and foods with overly high fat content. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet.
The Treeing Walker is a very low-maintenance breed. His short, smooth coat repels dirt and mud, and he will require only the occasional bath to maintain his handsome appearance. Wiping him down with a damp towel or a hound glove will keep him shining. His nails should be trimmed every couple of weeks, as long nails can cause the dog discomfort and structural problems. A hound’s ears should be cleaned regularly to keep them free of excess wax or debris and to check for any signs of ear infection. The Treeing Walker will look forward to grooming sessions as bonding experiences with the human whom he loves.
Like most coonhounds, the Treeing Walker is a high-energy breed who delights in stretching his legs in a good, long run. He is an excellent candidate for someone who wants a running or hiking companion. While most coonhounds can quite happily become couch potatoes, most will still appreciate long daily walks at a minimum. Romps in the backyard, chasing a ball, or playing with human or canine friends will help to keep him mentally and physically healthy. The Treeing Walker has a very high prey drive and should be on a leash for walks and hikes, as he may be unable to resist the instinct to pursue an interesting scent.
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is very intelligent and eager to learn. These hounds love to please their people, but they also have a stubborn, independent streak. This can make them seem difficult to a trainer who doesn’t understand the coonhound brain. Keeping training lessons fun and entertaining and praising good behavior and jobs well done with treats as well as effusive praise will result in a hound who is a joy to live with.
As with most larger breeds, hip dysplasia sometimes occurs in the breed. Some eye problems are possible as well, but the breed is overall quite healthy. Be sure to always check the dog’s ears when he comes in from outside, as ticks love to burrow beneath the coonhound’s floppy ears. Removing excess ear wax and debris and checking the ears at least weekly will help you to avoid common ear infections.
Recommended Health Test from the National Breed Club:
Characteristics – Called ‘the people’s choice’ among all coonhound breeds, the energetic Treeing Walker is perfectly suited for the task for which it was bred – tracking and treeing wild raccoons in their natural haunts. The breed’s competitive spirit makes it an ideal choice for competitive coonhound events where the breed excels. The Treeing Walker Coonhound is alert, intelligent, active, courteous, and courageous with extreme endurance and the desire to perform.
Ears – Should be set moderately low and of medium length, reaching or nearly reaching to the tip of the nose; oval or round at the tip, hanging gracefully towards the muzzle. Fault – short ears set high on the head. Eyes – large, set well apart with soft hound-like expression, pleading and gentle; dark in color, brown or black. Fault – yellow or light eyes, protruding or small.
Neck and Throat – clean with no excess of skin, neck of medium length, rising from the shoulders cleanly; strong but not loaded, smooth. Fault – short, thick neck carried in line with the shoulders; throatiness. Shoulder-blade sloping forward and downward at a 45 degree angle to the ground; presenting a laid back appearance, neither loaded nor heavy, providing freedom of movement and strength. Length of shoulder blade and upper arm to be equal. Chest and Ribs – Depth of chest is more important than width; descending to the approximate point of elbow. Ribs well sprung, never flat or slab-sided. Back and Loins – Strong, muscular back of moderate length; topline nearly level or sloping slightly from shoulder to rear. Faults – higher in the rear (hips) than at the withers, roached or sway-back.
Straight and parallel to each other, from elbow to pastern. Pastern, from the joint to the top of the foot is strong and distinct, slightly slanting but standing almost perpendicular to the ground. Faults – out at the elbow, crooked forelegs, weak pasterns, knuckling over. Feet – thick pads, well arched toes giving a ‘cat foot’ appearance, tight. No rear dewclaws. Front dewclaws may be removed. Fault- flat, splayed feet.
Smooth hair that is glossy and short, yet dense enough for protection while being a close and hard hound coat. Fault – too short or thin or too soft.
Muscular and powerful with great propelling leverage. Well muscled thighs of considerable length. Stifles well bent. Clean hocks. Legs viewed from the rear are parallel. Defined angulation denotes endurance and power.
| Description | Standard Colors | Registration Code |
| BLACK | Check Mark For Standard Color | 007 |
| TRI-COLORED | Check Mark For Standard Color | 380 |
| WHITE | Check Mark For Standard Color | 199 |
| Description | Standard Markings | Registration Code |
| BLACK SPOTS | Check Mark For Standard Mark | 080 |
| BLACK SPOTS, TAN TRIM | Check Mark For Standard Mark | 081 |
| BLANKET-BACK | Check Mark For Standard Mark | 084 |
| SADDLE-BACK | Check Mark For Standard Mark | 083 |
| TAN SPOTS | Check Mark For Standard Mark | 085 |
| WHITE MARKINGS, TAN TRIM | Check Mark For Standard Mark | 082 |
