Hound group
Treeing Walker Coonhound
“The people’s choice” coonhound — friendly, fast and full of voice.
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are fast, athletic scent hounds with a classic tricolour coat. They are friendly and affectionate with people and dogs, but need lots of exercise and have a loud, distinctive bay.
- Height
- 20–27 in51–69 cm
- Weight
- 50–70 lb23–32 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–13 years
- Size
- Large
- Group
- Hound
- Origin
- Southern United States
Coat: Short, smooth, glossy coat. Colours: Tricolour, White and black, White and tan.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Treeing Walkers are sociable, easygoing and affectionate. They love people and dogs and are usually gentle with children.
They are driven hunters with strong noses and a clear, ringing bay. Recall is difficult, and bored Walkers make noise and escape.
Living with a Treeing Walker Coonhound
Exercise
Needs 90 minutes or more of vigorous daily exercise, ideally tracking or long runs on a line.
Grooming
Minimal: a weekly brush, weekly ear cleaning and regular nail trims. Check for ticks after outdoor adventures.
Training
Fairly biddable for a hound; food-based training works well. Recall is unreliable.
Kids & other pets
Great with children and usually excellent with other dogs. Unsafe with cats and small pets unless raised with them.
Time alone
Bored Walkers bay and escape; secure fencing and exercise are essential.
Home fit
Best suited to a house with secure outdoor space; apartment living is hard on this breed and its neighbours.
Is a Treeing Walker Coonhound right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Treeing Walker Coonhound matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Treeing Walker Coonhound typically lives 12–13 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Hip dysplasia
Screened parents reduce the risk of joint disease.
Ear infections
Hanging ears need weekly cleaning.
Eye disease
Inherited eye conditions occur occasionally; exams help.
Ask a breeder for
- Hip evaluation
- Eye examination
Sources: OFA health testing guidance: Treeing Walker Coonhound; American Kennel Club breed standard. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $1,500–$3,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Food, medication and anaesthesia are dosed by weight, so every vet visit costs more for a big dog.
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
Treeing Walkers descend from Walker Foxhounds developed in Kentucky in the 1800s by John W. Walker and George Washington Maupin. A dog of unknown origin named Tennessee Lead added speed and drive.
Treeing Walkers were recognised as a separate breed by the UKC in 1945. They became one of the most popular hunting coonhounds and were recognised by the AKC in 2012.
Did you know?
- Treeing Walkers are nicknamed “the people’s choice” coonhound.
- The breed traces back to a dog called Tennessee Lead.
- Their bay is a clear, ringing chop.
Library guides for Treeing Walker Coonhound owners
Training
Come (Recall)
High chase drive makes a reliable recall essential.
Exercise & Play
Fetch
A fast way to meet a high exercise need.
Exercise & Play
Dog Road Work
Structured conditioning for high-stamina dogs.
Exercise & Play
Tug of War
An energy outlet that also builds impulse control.
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Treeing Walker Coonhound.
Grooming
Nail Clipping
Every dog needs regular nail care.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Are Treeing Walker Coonhounds good family dogs?
- Yes, for active families who can tolerate baying.
- Do Treeing Walkers bark a lot?
- They bay loudly and often.
- Can Treeing Walkers live in apartments?
- Usually not; they need space and exercise.