Treeing Walker Coonhound climbs into AKC's breed list

RALEIGH, N.C. — The American Kennel Club (AKC) added the Treeing Walker Coonhound to its list of 174 recognized dog breeds.

The Treeing Walker Coonhound was originally bred as a hunting partner and historically hunted raccoons. The breed assisted its owner in the hunt by "treeing" animals and announcing to the hunter with its bark that it had found prey.

The Treeing Walker is a powerful dog, excelling in game sense, drive and speed, and having a clear, short-chop mouth, according to the AKC.

The Treeing Walker was not recognized as its own breed until 1946. This coonhound has retained the looks of its ancestors, the English Foxhound.

Treeing Walkers measure about 22 to 27 inches tall for males and 20 to 25 inches for females. Weight should be proportional to the dog's height.

The breed is generally healthy, but some have been diagnosed with hip dysplasia. More often, Treeing Walkers will sustain injuries in the field while hunting, and its floppy ears can make the dog susceptible to ear infections.

The Treeing Walker is known as a "fast and sensible hunter with superb endurance," according to AKC. The breed's coat is short, glossy and tri-colored with white, black and tan, and requires minimal upkeep. Intelligent, confident and sociable with family and friends, AKC says the Treeing Walker thrives with regular exercise.

And coonhounds are bred to communicate, so potential owners should be warned about the volume of the dog's bark, which can carry for miles in the woods. Treeing Walkers are anxious and energetic, and breed clubs don't recommend the breed for apartment life.