People usually start looking up the Treeing Walker Coonhound when they’re weighing up a high-energy hound for family life—or trying to understand why a dog is so driven by scent, so vocal, and so hard to keep contained without the right setup.
This is a breed built to run, trail, and “tree” game, then announce it with a carrying voice. That heritage shapes everything: exercise needs, training approach, and what sort of home actually suits them.
Quick facts
- Height: Males 56–69 cm at the shoulder; females 51–64 cm1
- Weight: Commonly around 23–32 kg (50–70 lb), with dogs expected to be in proportion to their height and working condition1, 2
- Coat: Short, smooth, glossy, dense enough for protection in scrub and briars1
- Colours: Tri-colour (white/black/tan) preferred; some white-and-tan or white-and-black accepted depending on standard1
- Typical nature: Energetic, intelligent, kind; bred for endurance and a strong trailing instinct1
- Vocalising: Bred to “speak” on trail and at tree; many individuals are naturally loud and persistent3
- Life expectancy: Often reported around 11–13 years (varies with genetics, weight, workload, and care)4
History and origin
The Treeing Walker Coonhound developed in the United States from foxhound-type dogs selected for speed, nose, and a style of hunting that ends with game driven up a tree, then held there by voice until the hunter arrives.3
In kennel club terms, recognition is often reported in two steps: the United Kennel Club (UKC) began registering the breed as separate in 1945, while the American Kennel Club (AKC) granted full recognition in 2012.2, 3
What they look like (and why it matters)
Treeing Walkers are athletic, deep-chested scent hounds built for long hours of forward motion rather than short bursts. The body is lean and functional, with a smooth, close coat that sheds dirt easily after a run through rough country.1
Those long ears and the shape of the head are part of classic scent-hound design, but they also mean owners should be realistic about routine ear care—especially after wet weather, swimming, or time in long grass.
Temperament: companion first, hunter always
In the home, many Treeing Walkers are steady, social dogs who enjoy being near their people. Outside, the nose tends to take over. Once a scent is found, attention can narrow and recall can become unreliable unless it has been trained carefully and reinforced over time.1
The breed standard describes an energetic, intelligent, confident hound with substantial endurance and strong instinct for trailing and treeing.1
Vocal behaviour
Treeing Walkers were selected to be heard in the woods. That’s part of the job: a clear, carrying voice that helps a handler locate the dog and the tree.3
In a suburban setting, that same instinct can show up as:
- baying when they catch a scent through a fence line
- frustration noise when under-exercised or under-stimulated
- alerting to movement, wildlife, and unfamiliar sounds at night
Training: practical, patient, and built around the nose
They’re bright dogs, but scent hounds are often “environment-led” learners: the world is interesting, and food or praise has to compete with it. Training works best when it’s consistent, reward-based, and started early, with plenty of short repetitions in low-distraction places before you ask for reliability outdoors.
Focus on skills that keep everyone safe:
- Recall (and a strong emergency recall cue)
- Loose-lead walking and calm starts (so the first minute of every walk isn’t a tug-of-war)
- Settle on a mat for recovery time indoors
- Crate or pen comfort if you need safe management while you build habits
Exercise and enrichment needs
This is a high-drive working hound. Many adults need at least an hour of purposeful exercise most days, and often more, with mental work layered in. A slow sniffy walk can be as tiring as a run, because scenting is effortful work for a dog bred to process odour all day.
Good, low-drama enrichment tends to look like:
- structured scent games (find-it trails, hidden treats, scent boxes)
- tracking-style games in a safe area
- short training sessions that end before the dog switches off
- food puzzles and scatter feeding to slow the mind down
Health considerations
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are often robust, but they can still develop the same issues seen in many medium-to-large athletic breeds.
Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition where the hip joint forms abnormally, leading to joint laxity and, over time, osteoarthritis. Genetics play a role, and growth rate, nutrition, and exercise during development can influence risk and severity.5, 6
Signs can be subtle at first—stiffness after exercise, reluctance to jump, a “bunny-hop” gait—so early veterinary assessment matters if anything looks off.5
Ear infections (otitis externa)
Ear infections are common in dogs and often have underlying causes such as allergies. Long, floppy ear flaps can reduce airflow and create a warmer, moister environment that predisposes some dogs to problems, especially after swimming or bathing.7
If you notice head shaking, odour, redness, discharge, or pain, it’s a vet visit—not a home-cleaning project.
Grooming and coat care
The short coat is easy to maintain: weekly brushing usually keeps shedding manageable and helps you spot ticks, grass seeds, and minor injuries after bushy walks. The UKC standard describes the coat as smooth, glossy and dense enough for protection—so it tends to be practical rather than delicate.1
Bathe as needed (not on a strict schedule), rinse well, and dry the ears carefully after water exposure. Nail trims matter too: a fit, active dog can still end up with overlong nails if most exercise is on soft ground.
Living with a Treeing Walker Coonhound: what tends to go well (and what doesn’t)
Often a good match if you have…
- time for daily exercise plus training and scent enrichment
- secure fencing and a plan for containment (because a good nose will travel)
- tolerance for noise, or enough space that it won’t strain neighbour relations
Often a poor match if you need…
- a reliably quiet dog
- a “set and forget” pet with minimal exercise needs
- off-lead freedom in unfenced areas without significant training and ongoing management
Choosing a dog: breeder, rescue, and the questions that matter
Whether you’re adopting or buying, look for evidence of steady temperament and realistic management of working instincts. Ask about:
- hip screening and family history of lameness or arthritis
- any chronic ear or skin issues (often linked with allergies)
- what the dog does when it catches a scent (does it range far, does it bay, how is recall?)
- how the dog behaves when left alone and when visitors arrive
If you’re looking at a young dog, remember you’re not buying today’s behaviour—you’re buying the adult version of it, with more speed, more confidence, and a stronger nose.
Final thoughts
A Treeing Walker Coonhound is best understood as a capable working animal that can also be a warm companion. When their daily need to move, sniff, and problem-solve is met, they often settle well and live comfortably alongside family life. When it isn’t, the breed’s natural tools—voice, stamina, and single-minded tracking—tend to spill into the home in ways that are hard to ignore.
References
- United Kennel Club (UKC) — Breed Standards: Treeing Walker Coonhound
- United Kennel Club (UKC) — Treeing Walker Coonhound (registration history and standard)
- American Kennel Club (AKC) — Press release: Treeing Walker Coonhound joins AKC family (recognition and breed notes)
- Continental Kennel Club (CKC) — Treeing Walker Coonhound (life expectancy and overview)
- Merck Veterinary Manual (Pet Owner Version) — Hip dysplasia in dogs
- Merck Veterinary Manual (Professional Version) — Hip dysplasia in dogs
- American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) — Otitis externa (predisposing factors including floppy ear flaps; underlying causes)
- Purina — Treeing Walker Coonhound breed profile (height/weight range and general traits)
Veterinary Advisor, Veterinarian London Area, United Kingdom