How to Identify a Treeing Walker Coonhound: A Comprehensive Guide
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a distinctive and athletic breed known for its unwavering determination and melodious bay. Originally bred for hunting raccoons and other game, these hounds possess a unique blend of physical characteristics and temperament that set them apart from other breeds. If you’re trying to identify a Treeing Walker Coonhound, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the key features to look for, providing detailed instructions and explanations to help you make an accurate assessment.
## Understanding the Treeing Walker Coonhound Breed
Before diving into the specific characteristics, it’s essential to understand the general breed standard and purpose of the Treeing Walker Coonhound. This breed was developed in the United States from English Foxhounds, with a focus on speed, endurance, and the ability to ‘tree’ game, meaning to chase it up a tree and then alert the hunter with a distinctive baying sound.
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are known for their intelligence, trainability, and friendly disposition, making them excellent hunting companions and family pets for active households. However, their strong hunting instincts and high energy levels require consistent training and plenty of exercise.
## Key Physical Characteristics
Identifying a Treeing Walker Coonhound relies on a combination of physical traits. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to look for:
### 1. Size and Build
* **Height:** Male Treeing Walker Coonhounds typically stand between 22 and 27 inches tall at the shoulder, while females range from 20 to 25 inches.
* **Weight:** Males generally weigh between 50 and 70 pounds, and females between 45 and 65 pounds. It’s important to note that these are just guidelines, and individual dogs may vary.
* **Build:** Treeing Walker Coonhounds possess a well-proportioned, athletic build. They should be muscular and agile, with a deep chest and a slightly tucked-up abdomen. Their bodies are designed for endurance and speed in the field.
**How to Assess:** Use a measuring tape to check the dog’s height at the highest point of the shoulder blades (withers). Visually assess the dog’s overall proportions, looking for a balance between muscle and leanness. Run your hands along the dog’s ribs; you should be able to feel them without excessive pressure, indicating a healthy weight.
### 2. Head and Facial Features
* **Head:** The head of a Treeing Walker Coonhound is moderately sized, with a slightly domed skull. It should be proportionate to the dog’s body, neither too large nor too small.
* **Muzzle:** The muzzle is long and square, with a well-defined stop (the indentation between the forehead and muzzle). It should be strong and powerful, allowing the dog to effectively track and tree game.
* **Eyes:** The eyes are a crucial identifier. They are typically large, round, and expressive, with a pleading or soulful look. The color usually ranges from dark brown to hazel. Avoid dogs with overly light or piercing eyes, as this is not typical for the breed.
* **Ears:** The ears are long, pendulous, and set moderately low on the head. They should reach at least to the end of the nose when pulled forward. The ears are soft and velvety to the touch.
* **Nose:** The nose is black and well-pigmented, with wide nostrils for enhanced scent detection.
**How to Assess:** Observe the overall shape and proportions of the head. Gently feel the skull to assess its shape. Pay close attention to the eyes, noting their size, shape, color, and expression. Examine the ears, ensuring they are long, soft, and correctly positioned. Check that the nose is black and well-developed.
### 3. Coat and Color
* **Coat:** The Treeing Walker Coonhound has a short, dense, and glossy coat. It should lie close to the body, providing protection from the elements while hunting in various terrains. The coat should be easy to maintain with regular brushing.
* **Color:** The most common color pattern is a tricolor combination of white, black, and tan. The white is typically dominant, with black patches and tan markings on the head, legs, and around the ears. Some Treeing Walker Coonhounds may also be bi-colored, with combinations of white and tan or white and black.
**How to Assess:** Feel the texture of the coat to ensure it is short, dense, and glossy. Examine the color pattern closely, paying attention to the distribution of white, black, and tan markings. Be aware that variations in the color pattern are possible, but the basic tricolor or bi-color combination should be present.
### 4. Tail
* **Tail:** The tail is moderately long, strong, and set on high. It is carried gaily, usually in a slight curve or saber-like fashion, but never curled over the back. The tail acts as a rudder, helping the dog maintain balance while running and navigating through dense underbrush.
**How to Assess:** Observe the length, thickness, and set of the tail. Watch how the dog carries its tail while moving; it should be held upright but not curled over the back. Feel the tail to ensure it is strong and well-muscled.
### 5. Gait
* **Gait:** The Treeing Walker Coonhound has a smooth, effortless gait, characterized by long strides and efficient movement. They should be able to cover ground quickly and easily, with good reach and drive.
**How to Assess:** Watch the dog walk and run, paying attention to its overall movement. Look for a fluid, coordinated gait with good extension of the legs. The dog should appear agile and athletic, without any signs of lameness or stiffness.
## Temperament and Behavior
While physical characteristics are essential for identification, temperament and behavior also play a significant role. Treeing Walker Coonhounds are generally known for the following traits:
* **Intelligence:** They are intelligent dogs, eager to please and relatively easy to train, especially with positive reinforcement methods.
* **Sociability:** They are friendly and sociable dogs, typically getting along well with people, including children. However, early socialization is crucial to ensure they are comfortable around strangers.
* **Energy Level:** They have a high energy level and require plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. Daily walks, runs, or play sessions are essential.
* **Hunting Instincts:** They have strong hunting instincts and a keen sense of smell. They may be prone to chasing small animals, so a secure yard is necessary.
* **Vocalization:** They are vocal dogs, known for their distinctive baying sound. This bay is used to alert the hunter when they have treed game. Excessive barking can be a concern if not properly managed.
**How to Assess:** Observe the dog’s behavior in various situations. Is it friendly and approachable? Does it exhibit signs of intelligence and trainability? Does it have a high energy level? Does it display strong hunting instincts? Be mindful of its vocalization patterns.
## Distinguishing Treeing Walker Coonhounds from Other Coonhound Breeds
Several coonhound breeds share similar characteristics, making identification challenging. Here’s how to differentiate Treeing Walker Coonhounds from other common coonhound breeds:
* **Black and Tan Coonhound:** Black and Tan Coonhounds are larger and more muscular than Treeing Walker Coonhounds. They have a distinctive black and tan coat and a more solemn expression.
* **Bluetick Coonhound:** Bluetick Coonhounds are known for their mottled blue-gray coat. They are typically heavier and more robust than Treeing Walker Coonhounds.
* **Redbone Coonhound:** Redbone Coonhounds have a solid red coat. They are generally more laid-back and less vocal than Treeing Walker Coonhounds.
* **Plott Hound:** Plott Hounds are known for their brindle coat and fearless nature. They are more muscular and have a more powerful build than Treeing Walker Coonhounds.
**Comparison Table:**
| Feature | Treeing Walker Coonhound | Black and Tan Coonhound | Bluetick Coonhound | Redbone Coonhound | Plott Hound |
| ——————- | ————————- | ———————– | ——————- | —————– | —————– |
| **Size** | Medium | Large | Medium-Large | Medium | Medium-Large |
| **Coat Color** | Tricolor/Bicolor | Black and Tan | Mottled Blue-Gray | Solid Red | Brindle |
| **Build** | Athletic | Muscular | Robust | Lean | Powerful |
| **Temperament** | Energetic, Friendly | Dignified, Calm | Energetic, Loyal | Laid-Back, Gentle | Fearless, Driven |
| **Vocalization** | Vocal | Moderate | Vocal | Moderate | Vocal |
## Important Considerations
* **Age:** Puppies may not exhibit all the typical characteristics of the breed. As they mature, their physical traits and temperament will become more defined.
* **Mixes:** Mixed-breed dogs may inherit characteristics from multiple breeds, making identification more complex. Genetic testing can help determine a dog’s breed composition.
* **Individual Variation:** Individual dogs may vary within the breed standard. Not all Treeing Walker Coonhounds will perfectly match the descriptions provided in this guide.
* **Expert Opinion:** If you’re unsure about a dog’s breed, consult with a veterinarian, experienced dog breeder, or breed-specific rescue organization. They can provide valuable insights and assistance.
## Step-by-Step Identification Guide
Here’s a simplified, step-by-step guide to help you identify a Treeing Walker Coonhound:
1. **Observe Size and Build:** Is the dog of medium size, with an athletic build? Males are typically 22-27 inches tall and weigh 50-70 pounds, while females are 20-25 inches tall and weigh 45-65 pounds.
2. **Examine Head and Facial Features:** Does the dog have a moderately sized head with a long, square muzzle? Are the eyes large, round, and expressive, with a dark brown to hazel color? Are the ears long, pendulous, and set moderately low on the head?
3. **Assess Coat and Color:** Does the dog have a short, dense, and glossy coat? Is the color pattern tricolor (white, black, and tan) or bicolor (white and tan or white and black)?
4. **Evaluate Tail:** Is the tail moderately long, strong, and set on high? Is it carried gaily, usually in a slight curve or saber-like fashion?
5. **Observe Gait:** Does the dog have a smooth, effortless gait, characterized by long strides and efficient movement?
6. **Consider Temperament and Behavior:** Is the dog intelligent, friendly, and energetic? Does it display strong hunting instincts and a tendency to vocalize?
7. **Compare to Other Coonhound Breeds:** How does the dog compare to other coonhound breeds like Black and Tan Coonhounds, Bluetick Coonhounds, Redbone Coonhounds, and Plott Hounds?
## Conclusion
Identifying a Treeing Walker Coonhound requires careful observation and attention to detail. By understanding the breed’s unique physical characteristics, temperament, and behavior, you can confidently distinguish it from other breeds. Remember to consider individual variation and consult with experts if you’re unsure. With practice and knowledge, you’ll become adept at recognizing these remarkable hounds.