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The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a breed of hound descended primarily from English and American Foxhounds. The breed originated in the United States when a stolen dog known as "Tennessee Lead" was crossed into the Walker hound in the 19th century. The treeing Walker coonhound was recognized officially as a breed by the United Kennel Club in 1945 and by the American Kennel Club in 2012.

The Treeing Walker Coonhound was bred primarily to hunt raccoons, but it is also used on other game such as squirrels, deer, bears, bobcats or cougars. The breed is vocal, with a distinctive bay that allows its owner to identify their hound from great distances. It has a clear, ringing voice that changes to a steady chop at the tree. Treeing Walker Coonhounds tend to do best in working homes.

History

The Treeing Walker Coonhound was developed in the 19th century. John W. Walker and George Washington Maupin, two breeders from Kentucky, are credited with the breed's initial development through the selective breeding of foxhounds. The Walker Coonhound, Treeing, was first recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1905 as a part of the English Coonhound breed, It was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in January 2012, making it the AKC's 174th recognized breed.

Characteristics

thumb|Treeing Walker Coonhound on leash

The Treeing Walker Coonhound may give an impression of a working dog. According to the UKC standard, it may stand 20 to 27 inches high at maturity, with weight in proportion.

The skull should be broad, with a long muzzle and long, hanging ears. Eyes are dark and have a soft expression. All four legs should be straight when viewed from the front or back, with cat-like, compact feet. In conformation shows, blindness or deafness is a disqualification.

The Treeing Walker Coonhound is bred primarily for the mouth, looks, and ability. It is first and foremost a hunting dog, although it may be kept as a pet. It is described as affectionate and good with children, but its energy requires an outlet and it must be trained.

The Treeing Walker Coonhound lives an average of 12 to 13 years. Hunting solo or in packs of two or more, they are used to track and tree bobcats, cougars, and bears. Individual hounds may be adept at catching small animals such as squirrels and rats. Because of their speed, Treeing Walker Coonhounds may also be used as deer-hunting dogs. The breed is best known for speed and intelligence, which can make it uniquely suited for tracking and treeing quarry.

See also

  • Dogs portal
  • List of dog breeds
  • Coonhound
  • Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore
  • Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie

Notes

References

  • Treeing Walker Coonhound Rarebreeds Article on Treeing Walker Coonhound
  • Video and more information on Treeing Walker Coonhounds
  • Continental Kennel Club – Treeing Walker Coonhound Standard
  • AKC – Treeing Walker Coonhound Standard