The Treeing Walker Coonhound is one of the most popular and competitive of America’s six AKC-recognized coonhound breeds — a fast, athletic, and hot-nosed treeing hound developed specifically to locate, chase, and tree game with extraordinary speed and stamina. AKC-recognized since 2012, the Treeing Walker is prized throughout the American South for its competitive coonhound performance. Its characteristic tri-color coat and loud, clear voice make it one of the most recognizable American hunting hounds.
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Treeing Walker Coonhound
Lifespan12 - 13
Average Price$300 - $1,000
Weight23 - 3220 - 27
Height56 - 6951 - 64
PedigreeYes
Health tests availableOFA Hip Dysplasia Evaluation (recommended for breeding animals), OFA CAER Eye Evaluation (recommended), Weekly ear cleaning protocol (elevated infection risk in pendant-eared coonhounds), General health screening by licensed veterinarian
NicknamesWalker, Walker Coonhound, TWC
Pros
One of America’s most popular coonhound breeds — fast, competitive, and capable across multiple species
AKC-recognized (2012) with authentic American hunting heritage tracing to Virginia foxhound lines
Sweet-tempered, intelligent, and loyal at home when adequately exercised
Very affordable and accessible for hunting hound enthusiasts
Cons
Extremely loud, persistent baying voice is a breed characteristic that creates major management challenges outside rural hunting environments
Very high exercise demands that exceed what most suburban owners can practically provide
Scent drive makes off-leash recall essentially impossible in open environments on an active trail
Pack-oriented breed that benefits significantly from canine companionship; sole dogs can develop problematic vocal behavior
The Treeing Walker Coonhound descends from the Walker Foxhound, developed in the 19th century by John W. Walker and George Washington Maupin of Kentucky from the English Foxhound and Virginia Hound lines. The breed’s speed and hot-nosed scenting ability — enabling it to race game quickly to a tree rather than methodically tracking at a slower pace — distinguished it from other coonhound types. The breed was established as a distinct type within the UKC for decades before seeking and receiving AKC recognition in January 2012, making it the AKC’s 174th recognized breed. The National Treeing Walker Coonhound Association serves as the AKC parent club.
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a medium to large hound standing 51 to 69 cm at the shoulder and weighing 20 to 32 kg. The build is clean, athletic, and built for speed — the Treeing Walker is the fastest of the coonhound breeds, and its lean, functional conformation reflects this priority. The coat is dense, smooth, and glossy, in the tri-color (white, black, and tan) pattern that is the breed’s signature. The overall impression is of a swift, clean-legged, and distinctly handsome American hunting hound.
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is alert, intelligent, and confident — the AKC describes it as “courageous” with “extreme endurance.” At home, it is sweet-tempered, sensitive, and genuinely affectionate with its family. On the trail, it is a relentless, vocal, and self-directed hunting machine. This dual nature — gentle companion at home, competitive and driven working hound in the field — defines the Treeing Walker’s character.
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is trainable for hunting and basic household manners with consistent positive reinforcement. Recall in open environments on a live trail is not achievable regardless of training; the scent drive is primary. Early socialization and vocal management are the most important behavioral priorities for companion placement.
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is typically sweet and gentle with children, reflecting its loyal, pack-oriented character. Active rural families with children who participate in hunting or outdoor activities will find it a devoted companion. Its baying voice and very high energy require active management in family settings.
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is generally a healthy and robust breed. Hip dysplasia can occur; OFA evaluation is advisable. Ear infections are a consistent management concern given the long pendant hound ears; weekly cleaning is essential. A healthy Treeing Walker Coonhound typically lives 12 to 13 years.
The Treeing Walker Coonhound thrives in rural settings with access to hunting land and an active working role. The baying voice means it is genuinely unsuitable for suburban neighborhoods without active vocal management training. Weekly ear care is the most important routine health maintenance task.
The Treeing Walker Coonhound's short, dense, tricolor coat requires only weekly brushing with a rubber grooming glove or soft bristle brush to remove loose hair. The coat is naturally weather-resistant and low-maintenance. However, the pendulous ears require weekly checking and cleaning with a veterinarian-approved solution — moisture and debris accumulate easily in the ear canal, and ear infections are common in this breed. Trim nails every three to four weeks; brush teeth several times per week. Professional grooming is not required.
Very high daily exercise demands consistent with a fast treeing hunting hound. 90 minutes or more of vigorous daily activity at minimum, ideally through genuine hunting or field trailing. The Treeing Walker’s speed and endurance means suburban exercise routines are substantially inadequate.
Feed the Treeing Walker Coonhound approximately three cups of high-quality dry kibble per day divided into two to three meals. Choose a formula appropriate for large active hounds with a quality protein source. The breed, AKC-recognized since 2012, has high endurance from its coonhound heritage; hunting-season dogs need considerably more food than companion dogs. Monitor body condition monthly — a fit Treeing Walker should be lean with a visible waistline. Average US puppy price: $400 to $800 from reputable breeders.
Treeing Walker Coonhound puppies from AKC-registered parents in the United States typically cost $300 to $1,000. Working-line dogs from proven hunting stock are the most valuable. The National Treeing Walker Coonhound Association maintains breeder resources. Lancaster Puppies features Treeing Walker listings from established US hunting breeders.
Contact the National Treeing Walker Coonhound Association for breeder referrals. Request OFA hip evaluations for breeding animals. Be completely honest about your living environment, lifestyle, and ability to meet the breed’s extraordinary exercise demands before purchasing. Lancaster Puppies is an excellent resource for finding established Treeing Walker Coonhound breeders across the American South.