Dog Food Secrets

The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a crossbreed of the Tennessee Lead, a dog with an unknown origin, and the Walker Hound. It was not officially recognized as an independent dog breed until the mid 1940s. The breed directly descended from English Foxhounds which were first brought by Thomas Walker in Virginia in the year 1742.

The importation of foxhounds to Virginia was Thomas Walkers attempt to introduce the New World to the English foxhunting tradition. But the tradition did not become a popular practice until a couple of years later. Treeing Walker Coonhounds are natural born hunters.

They chase and catch squirrels, raccoons, opossums, skunks, roof rats, bobcats, and even bears. They are famous for their ability to tree their prey and when given the appropriate training, they will be able to bay distinctively, telling its human companion that the chase is over and the prey has been cornered. They are designed to be hunters and learn that skill on their own so they are not very good urban and suburban pets.

Dogs of this breed naturally love to be outdoors doing physical activities, are naturally untiring and are almost unstoppable but are efficient, warm, and friendly. They love athletic activities and warm climates and can often be seen running around and swimming. They are completely agile so you seldom see them sunbathing or taking a nap.

Average people would often mistake Walker Coonhounds for oversized beagles. Their shoulders are sturdy, legs lean and straight; their coats are of two or three colors and are typically short and smooth. Body width is usually at 20-28 inches and weight is at around 50-70 pounds and their ears are larger than their heads.

Coonhounds become restless when they lack physical and mental exercise. Owners thus have to make time taking them to walks or to a dog park where they can play and run around. Because they are lovers of the outdoor and outdoor activities, they are not very suitable for life in apartments.

Although they are hunting and working dogs by nature, they also make good companions as they can deal with children and other dogs quite well. Training Walker Coonhounds is easy as they are able to learn tricks and routines by example but they are classified as scent hounds so there will be times when they will follow their noses rather than follow their human trainer. Their howls are so distinct, owners can easily recognize their own pet when they hear them bay.

The average life span of Treeing Walker Coonhounds is at 12 to 13 years. Although they are not prone to major health issues, their ears should be regularly checked and cleaned to prevent infection. They also have to be bathed occasionally and the need for grooming is minimal for this particular dog breed.