Treeing Walker Coonhound vs American Foxhound: Key Differences

The Treeing Walker Coonhound and American Foxhound have deep roots in early American history. Both breeds developed from English hounds brought to the colonies, but they took different paths to become the distinct breeds you see today. Let’s take a look at the similarities and differences between these two breeds.

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Physical Characteristics

The American Foxhound and Treeing Walker Coonhound have distinct physical traits. Their sizes, coats, and unique features set them apart. Let’s look at how these breeds differ in appearance.

Comparing Size and Build

• American Foxhounds are typically larger than Treeing Walker Coonhounds. An adult American Foxhound stands 21-25 inches tall and weighs 60-70 pounds. Treeing Walker Coonhounds are slightly smaller, measuring 20-27 inches in height and weighing 50-70 pounds.
• Both breeds have athletic builds suited for hunting. They have strong legs and deep chests. American Foxhounds often have a leaner appearance. Treeing Walker Coonhounds may look more muscular.
• These dogs are prone to hip dysplasia. Regular check-ups can help catch this issue early.

Coat and Grooming Requirements

Both breeds have short coats that are easy to maintain. They shed moderately throughout the year. Weekly brushing keeps their coats healthy and reduces loose hair.

American Foxhounds come in various colors:

• White
• Black
• Tan
• Red
• Blue

Treeing Walker Coonhounds have a specific tri-color pattern:

• White
• Black
• Tan

Neither breed needs frequent baths. A bath every few months is usually enough to keep them clean.

Notable Physical Differences

• American Foxhounds have longer ears that hang low. Their eyes are large and expressive. The muzzle is long and straight.
• Treeing Walker Coonhounds have slightly shorter ears. Their eyes are round and alert. The muzzle is square-cut and powerful.
• Treeing Walker Coonhounds often have more defined muscle tone. This is due to their tree-climbing hunting style. American Foxhounds may appear sleeker, built for speed over rough terrain.
• Both breeds have strong, straight tails. The Treeing Walker Coonhound’s tail might be slightly longer in proportion to its body.

Temperament and Personality

Treeing Walker Coonhounds and American Foxhounds have distinct personalities that shape their behavior as hunting dogs and family pets. Their temperaments differ in key ways that affect how they interact with people and other animals.

Temperamental Traits of Treeing Walker Coonhounds

Treeing Walker Coonhounds are known for their:

• High energy levels
  • Strong hunting instincts
  • Intelligence
  • Friendliness

These dogs need lots of exercise and mental stimulation. They’re smart and can learn commands quickly, but may be stubborn at times. Treeing Walkers are affectionate with their families and good with kids when properly socialized. Their loud, baying bark is part of their hunting style. This can be challenging in urban settings. Early training is important to manage their vocal tendencies.

American Foxhound Disposition and Character

American Foxhounds have a gentle, easygoing nature. They are:

• Patient and tolerant
  • Good with children and other dogs
  • Independent thinkers
  • Loving and loyal to their families

These hounds have a sweet disposition but can be reserved with strangers. They’re less vocal than Treeing Walkers but still have a musical howl. American Foxhounds are pack dogs at heart. They do well with canine companions. Their independent streak means they may not always come when called, especially if on an interesting scent trail.

Health and Longevity

Hound breeds like the Treeing Walker Coonhound and American Foxhound are generally healthy dogs. But they can face some health issues you should know about. Keeping these dogs fit and active is key to their well-being.

Common Health Concerns in Hound Breeds

• Hip dysplasia can affect both breeds. This joint problem can cause pain and limit mobility. Ear infections are another issue to watch for. Their long, floppy ears can trap moisture and dirt.
• American Foxhounds may develop thrombocytopathy, a blood clotting disorder. Treeing Walker Coonhounds can be prone to bloat, a serious stomach condition.
• Both breeds can live 10-13 years with proper care. Regular vet check-ups help catch and treat issues early.

Strategies for Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle

• Exercise is crucial for these active hounds. Aim for at least an hour of activity daily. This can include walks, runs, or play sessions.
• Watch their diet to prevent weight gain. Overweight dogs are at higher risk for health problems. Feed them high-quality dog food in proper portions.
• Keep their ears clean and dry to avoid infections. Check and clean them weekly. Brush their teeth regularly to maintain good oral health.
• Mental stimulation is important too. Provide toys and games that challenge their minds. This helps keep them happy and healthy overall.

Exercise and Activity Levels

Treeing Walker Coonhounds and American Foxhounds are high-energy breeds that need lots of exercise. They have intense drives to run and hunt, so keeping them active is key.

Understanding the Energy Needs of Hounds

• Both Treeing Walker Coonhounds and American Foxhounds have high energy levels. These dogs were bred to hunt for hours, so they need plenty of physical activity.
• American Foxhounds typically need more exercise. They can run up to 20 mph and require very high levels of activity daily.
• Treeing Walker Coonhounds have medium to high energy. They need regular exercise but may not be quite as intense as Foxhounds.
• Without enough activity, these hounds can become bored and destructive. Plan for at least 1-2 hours of exercise per day.

Satisfying High Exercise Requirements

To meet their exercise needs, try these activities:

• Long walks or jogs (30-60 minutes)
• Off-leash running in a fenced area
• Hiking trails
• Swimming
• Fetch games

Treeing Walker Coonhounds can run up to 28 mph, so they excel at activities like lure coursing. Mental stimulation is also important. Use puzzle toys or scent games to engage their sharp noses. You can split exercise into two sessions if needed. Just ensure your hound gets enough activity each day to stay happy and healthy.

Training and Socialization

Training and socializing Treeing Walker Coonhounds and American Foxhounds require specific techniques due to their hunting instincts. These breeds need consistent, patient training and early socialization to become well-behaved companions.

Effective Training Techniques for Hounds

• Treeing Walker Coonhounds and American Foxhounds are intelligent but independent breeds. Use positive reinforcement methods to keep them engaged. Reward good behavior with treats, praise, and play.
• Short, frequent training sessions work best for these hounds. Their strong sense of smell can distract them, so train in areas with few scents at first.
• Use commands like “leave it” and “come” to manage their prey drive. Practice recall regularly, as both breeds may ignore you when they catch an interesting scent.

The Importance of Early Socialization

• Start socializing your hound puppy as early as possible. Expose them to various people, animals, and environments to prevent fearfulness or aggression later in life.
• Take your pup to puppy classes, dog parks, and on walks in different areas. This helps them become well-adjusted adults.
• Socialize them with other dogs and pets in your home. This is especially important if you have cats or small animals, as hounds have a strong prey drive.
• Address any signs of separation anxiety early. Both breeds can become attached to their owners and may struggle when left alone. Gradually increase alone time and provide mentally stimulating toys.

Hunting and Tracking Capabilities

Treeing Walker Coonhounds and American Foxhounds are renowned for their exceptional hunting and tracking skills. These breeds excel in different aspects of the hunt, from scent detection to endurance.

Bred for Performance: Prey Drive and Endurance

Both breeds have strong prey drives, but they differ in their hunting styles. Treeing Walker Coonhounds are known for treeing their prey, especially raccoons. They’ll chase game up a tree and bark until hunters arrive. American Foxhounds, on the other hand, are built for endurance. They can run for hours, making them ideal for long fox hunts. Their stamina allows them to cover vast distances without tiring.

When it comes to prey, Treeing Walker Coonhounds are more versatile. They can hunt various game, including:

• Raccoons
• Bears
• Deer
• Cougars

American Foxhounds primarily focus on foxes, but they can adapt to other game too.

The Art of Scent Tracking

Both breeds are exceptional scent hounds with powerful noses. American Foxhounds have a slight edge in scent tracking over long distances. Their noses are finely tuned to follow a fox’s scent trail for miles. Treeing Walker Coonhounds excel at following fresh scents and tracking treed game. They’re skilled at distinguishing individual scents, even in areas with multiple animal trails.

In hunting trials, both breeds showcase their tracking abilities. You’ll often see them:

• Following scent trails
• Locating hidden game
• Working in packs to corner prey

Their loud, distinctive voices help hunters locate them during the chase. This trait is especially useful in dense forests or at night.