The Walker Coonhound, an interesting breed with outranking canine IQ. Ever heard of it? No?
Well, here’s a fun fact to kick us off: This suave canine, popularly known as “Walker,” doesn’t derive its name from its adept walking ability as many would think but is named after John W. Walker, who along with George Washington Maupin, developed the breed in the 19th Century.
The Walker Coonhound is an intelligent and versatile hunter, originally bred to hunt raccoons. However, don’t be fooled into thinking that a good hunting dog has a one-track mind. Apart from their hunting prowess, Walkers are also smart, friendly, and filled with boundless energy, making them ideal companions for both indoor and active outdoor lifestyles.
But, how smart is a Walker Coonhound? Is it possibly, the smartest dog breed? The answer may surprise you. Despite not topping the charts as the most intelligent dog breeds – a title held firmly by Border Collies – Walker Coonhounds are definitely recognised for their extraordinary hunting skills, keen sense of smell, and sharp intellect.
How smart they are can be broken down into two categories: adaptive intelligence and working & obedience intelligence. Adaptive intelligence refers to how well a dog learns from past experiences to solve problems, while working & obedience intelligence reflects the dog’s ability to follow orders and perform tasks.
In Stanley Coren’s book, “The Intelligence of Dogs,” he ranks dogs based on these two dimensions of dog intelligence, with Border Collies topping the list. While walker hounds might not rank as high as Border Collies, they are in no way lagging. Their incredible nose, for instance, is an adaptive advantage, allowing them to follow a scent that is several days old.
Besides that, they have keen working intelligence and instincts, making them excellent problem solvers and especially great working dogs. This intelligence extends to their house training as well. With firm and consistent training methods, these dogs can easily understand and follow house rules.
Initially bred as hunting dogs, Wallkers are instinctively smart when it comes to tracking scents. A Walker Coonhound with a scent is a dog with a mission. They can easily track the scent – whether to a tree or den – and corner their quarry until the hunter arrives.
This breed displays several intellectually stimulating behaviours including independence, tenacity, and focus on tasks. However, like any other breed, their intelligence depends highly on training. Walkers have a naturally high energy level and strong prey drive. This can be harnessed with proper training and early socialization to make them obedient, adaptable and problem-solving dogs. Imagine that! A dog that could win you over with its abundant charm and also help solve queries!
Considered friendly and easy-going, Walkers are generally good-natured dogs who can adapt well to family life. Their high energy and athleticism make them ideal pets for a household that enjoys outdoor activities. When it comes to social interactions though, they can be a little reserved and could take some time to open up to strangers due to their protective instincts.
Well, that’s Walker Coonhound for you. Born smart, sharp, and witty. However, remember the intelligence of a dog is not the only noble trait. Loyalty, emotional responsiveness and the ability to ‘connect’ with humans are equally significant. Given proper training, socialization, love, care, and consistency, a Walker Coonhound could one day become your most loyal companion, partner-in-crime, and adventure buddy.
In conclusion, while Walker Coonhounds may not be the smartest dog ever, they certainly have their unique intelligence, and they surely bring their own charm to the table. The breed’s intelligence, combined with its friendly and hard-working nature, makes it an all-rounder choice. So, the next time someone asks, “Is Walker Coonhound the smartest dog?” You can answer without hesitation, “Maybe not the smartest, but certainly one of the coolest dogs around.” And who can resist cool?
