Ever heard of a dog that shadows its humans like a four-legged private detective and sings the most melodious howls? That’s a Walker Coonhound for you – an intelligent, outgoing, and hard-working breed from the United States. This breed’s most distinguishing feature is its excellent ability to sniff and hunt, second only to the Bloodhound. No squirrel, raccoon, or even a lurking pizza slice is safe from these super sniffers!
However, amidst all the fun and affection Walker Coonhounds bring into our lives, the dreaded ‘S’ word arises – shedding! As a potential owner or maybe a current owner of a Walker Coonhound, you might be wondering, “Does this breed shed a lot?” Let’s dive right in and answer that question for you!
Walker Coonhounds fall under the moderate shedding category. They shed less compared to breeds like Siberian Huskies and Golden Retrievers but a little more than short-haired breeds like Beagles and Boston Terriers. As Walker Coonhounds have a short, dense coat, shedding can be reasonable and predictable. Twice a year, in the spring and fall, Walker Coonhounds go through a ‘coat blow’ where they shed their old coat to make room for a new one.
But, don’t be discouraged! This period of shedding doesn’t last forever, and with a little help, your house doesn’t have to look like a cotton candy factory exploded. There are valuable steps you can take to manage your Walker Coonhound’s shedding and keep your home as fur-free as possible.
1) Regular Brushing: Brushing your Walker Coonhound’s coat daily helps remove the dead hair before it ends up on your floors, furniture, or your favorite black attire. A firm bristle brush is perfect for their short coat, while a rubber curry brush is excellent for ‘coat blow’ seasons.
2) Balanced Diet: Providing a balanced and nutritious diet can also reduce shedding. High-quality dog food with plenty of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids nourishes their skin and coat, reducing excessive shedding.
3) Regular Vet Checks: Regular vet check-ups are crucial. Sometimes excessive shedding can be an indication of underlying health problems like allergies or hormonal imbalances. A vet will be able to diagnose and guide you on such issues.
4) Professional Grooming: While not always necessary for breeds like Walker Coonhounds, during high shedding seasons, opting for professional grooming can help control the shedding.
So, while the Walker Coonhound will bless your home with more than just its character, luckily there are many ways to keep their shedding under control.
Now that we’ve busted the shedding mystery let’s not forget to appreciate the upsides of owning these fabulous hounds. Walker Coonhounds are incredibly loving, friendly, and intelligent dogs who are enthusiastic and will happily accompany you on your jogging or hiking trails. Their exceptional ability to trace scents makes them not just great hunting companions but also valuable dogs for search and rescue operations.
Their melodic voice can provide entertainment during long, quiet nights, and the unconditional love they shower their humans comes with no working days or office hours. So, while a couple of stray hairs may decorate your carpet or clothes, the joy and companionship Walker Coonhounds bring into a home make even shedding season all worth it.
Shedding is a part of owning a loving pet like the Walker Coonhound. But remember, every hair shed is also a tiny, fluffy testament of the love they have for you. So before you sigh at the sight of another furry tumbleweed across your carpet, remember the joyous companionship, endless good times, and unconditional love this unique, melodious hound brings into your home and heart. Trust us, it’s worth a little bit of fur.
