Quick Answer
Treeing Walker Coonhounds have a strong prey drive. They are bred to hunt and tree raccoons and other small to medium-sized game, and their instinct is to pursue and bring down their quarry. This strong drive is a key characteristic of the breed.
Origins and Breeding
The Treeing Walker Coonhound was developed in the United States in the late 18th century by crossing the English Foxhound with the Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound. This breeding resulted in a dog with a strong prey drive, excellent tracking ability, and a loud, persistent bay. The breed was designed to tree game, allowing hunters to follow the dog and make the kill. Treeing Walker Coonhounds are bred to be intense, focused hunters, with a strong instinct to chase and pursue prey.
Hunting Style and Technique
When hunting with Treeing Walker Coonhounds, it’s essential to use a controlled, steady approach to allow the dogs to work effectively. This typically involves allowing the dogs to lead the way, following their baying and tracking ability to locate the quarry. The hunter should then use the dogs as a guide to move closer to the tree, taking care to observe the animal’s behavior and body language to ensure a safe shot. In ideal conditions, the dogs will tree the game, allowing the hunter to make the kill. The breed excels at hunting raccoons and bears, with a typical 90% success rate in treeing raccoons on the first night of the hunt.
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