Did you know that in certain parts of the United States, people organize annual treeing contests? Sounds strange, doesn’t it? But just wait until you hear this. The stars of these contests are neither people nor monkeys, but dogs. Yes, you heard it right! Dogs. And of all the canine contestants, Walker Coonhounds are often the unrivaled champions.
Walker Coonhounds are known for their unique ability to tree game: they can effortlessly pursue and corner their target up a tree. This often leaves people wondering if these treeing champions are dangerous, especially when it comes to interactions within a family setting. So, today, we’re going to delve deep into the psyche and behavior of the Walker Coonhound, and unveil if there’s a hidden danger behind the warm eyes and waggy tail.
First things first, the Walker Coonhound, also known as the Treeing Walker Coonhound, originally bred for hunting, carries a fascinating history. Named after Thomas Walker, the man who imported them to America in the 18th century, these dogs became famous for their hunting prowess and their distinctive bark that often echoes around hunting estates. Even today, they fancy a good chase, preferably with their nose to the ground and their tail up in the air.
Although they were bred for hunting, Walker Coonhounds aren’t your typical fierce, scary hunting dogs. Nope! They’re actually large, friendly animals with a gentle temperament and a special affinity for kids. That’s right. These dogs, with their big droopy ears and warm gaze, love nothing better than to snuggle up with family after a long day of sniffing and exploring, or even just playing fetch in the backyard.
But a dog is not just about the cuteness factor, they are living beings with their own quirks and behaviors. One of the Walker Coonhound’s distinctive qualities is its extraordinary sense of smell, second only to the Bloodhound. This really drives their instinctual need to follow a trail, no matter where it leads. Remember those treeing contests I mentioned earlier? This is their forte, they live for it.
By their nature, Walker Coonhounds are friendly, people-orientated dogs who crave interaction with their owners and family members. They are not known to be aggressive towards humans or other dogs. However, like any breed, their behavior can certainly be affected by poor training, neglect, or mistreatment.
The Walker Coonhound is a wonderfully energetic and vocal breed. They really love to talk! When they’re excited, expect a cacophony of barks, howls, and whines. To some, this may suggest aggression, but in reality, it’s just their way of expressing themselves. Training them to understand when it’s appropriate to be vocal can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible.
Maintaining their physical and mental well-being is critical for keeping aggression at bay. Walker Coonhounds are bred to a lead an active lifestyle. Pent up energy can often result in destructive behavior, be it chewing the furniture or barking persistently. Regular exercise and mental stimulation can keep these issues at bay.
It’s also important to know that Walker Coonhounds are not especially protective or territorial. So if you were thinking of adopting one as a guard dog, you might want to reconsider. But rest assured, their loud bark is often enough to deter any unwanted visitors. When well-socialized, these dogs are known for being good-natured and affable to almost everyone they encounter.
When it comes to other animals, it’s important to note that Walker Coonhounds have been known to chase smaller animals due to their hunting instincts. This is not usually a sign of aggression, but more of a deep-rooted desire to chase and tree game. They can be trained and socialized to live peacefully with other pets in the same household, but owners should be cautious in areas with small wildlife.
In conclusion, a Walker Coonhound, despite its distinctive hunting background and impressive vocal range, is not typically a dangerous dog. Every dog is a unique individual influenced by factors like socialization, training, and treatment. A well taken care of Walker Coonhound is a friendly, loving family pet, with plenty of energy to keep you on your toes.
