The Treeing Walker Coonhound, or Treeing Walker for short, gets its name from its hunting style. They’re a hunting dog that chases game into trees. Known for speed, endurance, and a powerful sense of smell, this Southern breed has a long history as a skilled hunting companion.
Take a look at these Treeing Walker Coonhound fun facts to learn more about this breed.
They’re a Truly Southern Breed
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is as Southern as biscuits and gravy, magnolia trees, and William Faulkner. The breed’s development began when a dog of unknown origin named “Tennessee Lead” was crossed with a Walker Foxhound. That breed was named for Thomas Walker, a Virginia breeder who played a key role in the breed’s development in the mid-1700s.
They Were Bred to Hunt Raccoons
The Treeing Walker was originally bred to track raccoons—that’s where the name “Coonhound” comes from—and chase them up into trees. The Treeing Walker’s keen nose and superior speed and endurance make them an excellent hunter, even at night, when raccoons are active.
They Have a Loud and Expressive Voice
Similar to the Beagle, the Treeing Walker vocalizes in different ways to communicate while on the hunt. They make a bugle-like sound while tracking, so their master can easily follow them. When they trap an animal in a tree, they switch to a short, choppy bark.
They’re Known as ‘the People’s Choice’
There are many different coonhound breeds, but the Treeing Walker has been referred to as “the people’s choice” among coonhounds. Many hunters think these dogs are the best for competitions because they’re more “hot-nosed,” meaning they’ll abandon an older scent trail for a fresher one, resulting in more catches.
Treeing Walkers Are Versatile Hunters
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are versatile, in that they can hunt by themselves or cooperate with a pack. They can also be used to hunt larger prey that hide in trees, such as bobcats, cougars, and even small bears.
They’re a Coonhound Breed
The American Kennel Club recognizes six Coonhound breeds, including the Treeing Walker. Others include the American English, Black-and-Tan, Bluetick, Plott Hounds, and Redbone Coonhounds. The American Leopard Hound, though FSS, is also considered a Coonhound, but does not yet have full AKC recognition.
They’re ‘Treeing’ Experts
The term “Treeing” in their name comes from the hunting method where dogs chase animals up trees. Dogs don’t climb the trees—they force animals to climb them. This allows their hunters to take a better look at their game and inevitably, catch them. Sometimes these were raccoons, but sometimes also bigger game.
They Became an FSS Breed in 1995
On the road to AKC breed recognition, many breeds are categorized as FSS (Foundation Stock Service) breeds first. The Treeing Walker Coonhound became an FSS breed in 1995, and they became an AKC recognized breed 17 years later.
They Were Recently Recognized
The breed was fully recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2012, 17 years after it entered the FSS. This makes the breed a relatively recent addition, despite its long history.
They’re People Dogs
Although bred for hunting, Treeing Walker Coonhounds are affectionate and social dogs. They’re often very close with their owners, and are even good with children. They may be cautious around strangers at first, but if they warm up to you, they won’t leave your side. But it doesn’t stop there: most Treeing Walkers are good with other dogs, too.