Treeing Walker Coonhound Guide: Size, Temperament, Training and Adoption
Overview
The Treeing Walker Coonhound belongs to the Hound Group and is listed by AKC as originating in the United States. It descends from English Foxhounds, including hounds that Thomas Walker imported to America. It is known for running and treeing game across varied terrain.
Where did the Treeing Walker come from?
The breed descends from English Foxhounds that Thomas Walker brought to America in 1742. UKC first registered these dogs within the English Coonhound breed and began registering them as a separate breed in 1945, at the request of Walker breeders. AKC recognized the breed in 2012.
How big does a coonhound get? Treeing Walker Coonhound size
AKC places the breed in its large size category and publishes a height of 22 to 27 inches for males and 20 to 25 inches for females. AKC gives a weight of 50 to 70 pounds.
Treeing Walker Coonhound temperament and personality
AKC describes the breed as smart, brave and courteous. VCA says that on the hunt they are alert, intense and loud, yet at home they tend to be calm, affectionate and fond of pillows and blankets. VCA also reports an even temperament that often suits children, along with strong bonds to their families.
Exercise needs
VCA advises a long walk or jog every day, because without enough exercise these dogs can become anxious, high-strung and destructive.
Do coonhounds shed? Grooming
VCA calls them average shedders with a short, smooth coat that needs a good brushing about once a week, with baths only when necessary. Checking and cleaning the ears frequently helps avoid infections.
How to train a Walker Coonhound
VCA describes these hounds as highly intelligent, fast learners that sometimes look for loopholes, so consistency is important. They respond well to positive reinforcement but are sensitive, so harsh discipline tends not to work. VCA suggests teaching good manners, discouraging jumping up, and teaching a quiet command because loud baying is in their nature.
Health and coonhound lifespan: how long do coonhounds live?
AKC gives a general life expectancy of 12 to 13 years for the Treeing Walker Coonhound. VCA calls the breed healthy and hardy but says it can be prone to ear infections. VCA adds that they tend to eat anything that smells good and advises against rawhide because it may cause digestive disorders. Ask a veterinarian which health checks make sense for an individual dog.
Questions to ask about Treeing Walker Coonhound rescue
Given the breed's energy and voice, ask the caring organization how much daily exercise the dog is used to and how it handles being left alone. Also ask whether the dog is comfortable with children and other dogs, since AKC rates the breed highly for both.
AKC breed facts
These are the American Kennel Club’s general facts and 1 to 5 ratings for the Treeing Walker Coonhound as a breed. General tendencies don’t establish any one dog’s ancestry, personality or health; ask the listing organization about the dog you are considering.
- AKC group
- Hound Group
- AKC recognition year
- 2012
- Height (AKC published)
- 22-27 inches (male), 20-25 inches (female)
- Weight (AKC published)
- 50-70 pounds
- General life expectancy
- 12-13 years
- AKC size category
- Large
AKC general breed ratings (1 to 5)
- Energy: 5 of 5
- Mental enrichment: 5 of 5
- Trainability: 5 of 5
- Grooming frequency: 1 of 5
- Shedding: 3 of 5
- Vocalization: 4 of 5
- Drooling: 3 of 5
- Adaptability: 4 of 5
- Playfulness: 4 of 5
- Watchful or protective tendency: 3 of 5
- Affection toward family: 5 of 5
- Openness toward strangers: 3 of 5
- AKC child compatibility rating: 5 of 5
- AKC dog compatibility rating: 5 of 5
Health screenings AKC lists for the breed
Breeding evaluations AKC names for the breed; they are not a diagnosis or a testing plan for any one dog.
- Hip Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
- Thyroid Evaluation
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (opens in a new tab), retrieved November 4, 2026 (snapshot akc-2026-11-04).
Written by Lily's Second Chance with AI assistance from the sources listed under References. Facts were checked automatically against those sources on November 7, 2026.
References
- Breed Standards : Treeing Walker Coonhound | United Kennel Club (UKC) (opens in a new tab), United Kennel Club, checked November 7, 2026
- Treeing Walker Coonhound | VCA Animal Hospitals (opens in a new tab), VCA Animal Hospitals, checked November 7, 2026
- Treeing Walker Coonhound - AKC breed profile (snapshot akc-2026-11-04) (opens in a new tab), American Kennel Club, checked November 4, 2026
