Lemon Treeing Walker Coonhound: The Ultimate Guide To This Unique Breed

Bernita Mosciski 18 Jun 2025

Discover the fascinating world of the Lemon Treeing Walker Coonhound, a breed renowned for its agility, intelligence, and tracking abilities. This unique dog has a rich history that dates back to the early days of American hunting culture. Whether you're a seasoned dog enthusiast or considering adopting one, this comprehensive guide will provide everything you need to know about this remarkable breed.

The Lemon Treeing Walker Coonhound is not just any dog; it's a breed that stands out due to its distinct lemon-colored coat and incredible hunting prowess. Originally bred for treeing and tracking raccoons, this breed has become increasingly popular among hunters and families alike. Its friendly nature and adaptability make it an excellent choice for various lifestyles.

In this article, we'll explore the history, characteristics, care requirements, and much more about the Lemon Treeing Walker Coonhound. Whether you're interested in learning about its origins, grooming needs, or dietary preferences, this guide will serve as a valuable resource. Let's dive in!

History and Origin of Lemon Treeing Walker Coonhound
Physical Traits and Characteristics
Temperament and Behavior
Health Concerns and Lifespan
Grooming and Maintenance
Training and Socialization
Diet and Nutrition
Exercise and Activity Needs
Compatibility with Families and Other Pets
Conclusion and Final Thoughts

History and Origin of Lemon Treeing Walker Coonhound

The Lemon Treeing Walker Coonhound's history is deeply rooted in the American tradition of hunting and tracking. Developed in the United States, this breed is a result of careful breeding between English Foxhounds and other coonhound varieties. The "Walker" lineage, named after the famous hunter and breeder George Washington Maupin, played a significant role in shaping the modern-day Lemon Treeing Walker Coonhound.

This breed gained recognition for its exceptional ability to track and tree raccoons, making it a favorite among hunters. Over time, the Lemon Treeing Walker Coonhound has evolved into a versatile breed, suitable for both hunting and companionship. Its unique lemon-colored coat sets it apart from other coonhound varieties, making it easily recognizable.

Evolution of the Breed

Historically, the development of the Lemon Treeing Walker Coonhound was driven by the need for a dog that could excel in challenging terrains and climates. Breeders focused on enhancing traits such as speed, endurance, and scent-tracking abilities. Today, this breed continues to thrive, maintaining its reputation as a top-tier hunting dog while also gaining popularity as a family pet.

Physical Traits and Characteristics

One of the most striking features of the Lemon Treeing Walker Coonhound is its distinct coat coloration. While the "lemon" hue is the breed's hallmark, variations in shade and markings are common. This medium to large-sized breed typically weighs between 45 to 75 pounds and stands 20 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder.

Besides its coat, the Lemon Treeing Walker Coonhound boasts a well-proportioned body, muscular build, and long, floppy ears. Its expressive eyes and friendly demeanor make it an endearing companion. These physical traits contribute to its agility and stamina, essential qualities for a working dog.

Coat and Grooming Needs

The coat of a Lemon Treeing Walker Coonhound is short, smooth, and dense, providing protection against harsh weather conditions. Regular grooming is necessary to maintain its shine and health. Brushing the coat weekly helps remove loose hair and prevents matting, while occasional baths keep it clean and fresh.

Temperament and Behavior

The Lemon Treeing Walker Coonhound is known for its friendly, affectionate, and energetic temperament. This breed forms strong bonds with its family and thrives on human interaction. While it is an excellent watchdog, its friendly nature means it is not typically aggressive towards strangers or other animals.

Due to its high energy levels, this breed requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Without adequate outlets for its energy, the Lemon Treeing Walker Coonhound may become restless or develop destructive behaviors.

Behavioral Traits

Friendly and outgoing
Highly energetic and active
Intelligent and eager to please
Excellent at scent-tracking and hunting

Health Concerns and Lifespan

Like all dog breeds, the Lemon Treeing Walker Coonhound is prone to certain health issues. Some common concerns include hip dysplasia, ear infections, and obesity if not properly managed. Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet are crucial for maintaining the dog's health and well-being.

The average lifespan of a Lemon Treeing Walker Coonhound is around 12 to 15 years. With proper care, including regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and routine medical care, these dogs can live long, fulfilling lives.

Preventive Care

To minimize the risk of health problems, it's essential to work with a reputable breeder who conducts necessary health screenings. Additionally, maintaining a consistent exercise routine and monitoring the dog's weight can help prevent obesity-related issues.

Grooming and Maintenance

Grooming a Lemon Treeing Walker Coonhound is relatively straightforward, thanks to its short coat. However, regular maintenance is still necessary to ensure the dog's comfort and appearance. Brushing the coat weekly and checking the ears for signs of infection are essential grooming tasks.

Bathing should be done as needed, typically every few months or when the dog gets dirty. Nails should be trimmed regularly to prevent overgrowth, and teeth should be brushed weekly to promote good dental health.

Grooming Tips

Brush the coat weekly to remove loose hair
Check and clean ears regularly to prevent infections
Trim nails every few weeks
Brush teeth weekly for dental hygiene

Training and Socialization

Training a Lemon Treeing Walker Coonhound requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. This intelligent breed responds well to reward-based training methods, such as treats and praise. Early socialization is crucial to help the dog become comfortable around people, other animals, and various environments.

Due to its strong hunting instincts, this breed may require extra focus on recall training to ensure it comes back when called. Training sessions should be engaging and varied to keep the dog interested and motivated.

Socialization Benefits

Proper socialization helps the Lemon Treeing Walker Coonhound develop into a well-rounded and confident dog. Exposing the dog to different experiences, sounds, and situations from an early age can prevent fearfulness or aggression later in life.

Diet and Nutrition

A balanced diet is essential for the health and well-being of a Lemon Treeing Walker Coonhound. High-quality dog food that provides the necessary nutrients for an active breed is recommended. Portion control is important to prevent overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and related health issues.

Consulting with a veterinarian or a professional dog nutritionist can help tailor a diet plan specific to the dog's age, size, and activity level. Fresh water should always be available, and treats should be given in moderation.

Nutritional Requirements

High-quality protein for muscle development
Healthy fats for energy and coat health
Carbohydrates for sustained energy
Vitamins and minerals for overall health

Exercise and Activity Needs

The Lemon Treeing Walker Coonhound is an energetic breed that requires substantial daily exercise. A minimum of 60 to 90 minutes of physical activity, including walks, runs, and playtime, is recommended. Engaging in activities such as agility training or scent work can also provide mental stimulation and fulfillment.

Without adequate exercise, this breed may become bored, leading to destructive behaviors such as chewing or digging. Providing a safe, enclosed area for the dog to run and explore is ideal for meeting its exercise needs.

Exercise Ideas

Long walks or hikes
Off-leash playtime in a secure area
Agility courses
Scent-tracking games

Compatibility with Families and Other Pets

The Lemon Treeing Walker Coonhound is generally a family-friendly breed, known for its gentle and affectionate nature. It gets along well with children and other pets, especially when properly socialized from a young age. However, due to its strong prey drive, it may not be suitable for homes with small animals such as cats or rabbits unless carefully introduced and supervised.

As a social breed, the Lemon Treeing Walker Coonhound enjoys being part of family activities and thrives in environments where it receives plenty of attention and companionship.

Living with Other Pets

Introducing a Lemon Treeing Walker Coonhound to other pets should be done gradually and under supervision. Positive reinforcement and patience are key to ensuring harmonious relationships between the dog and other animals in the household.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Lemon Treeing Walker Coonhound is a remarkable breed that combines beauty, intelligence, and versatility. Whether you're looking for a skilled hunting partner or a loyal family companion, this breed has much to offer. With proper care, training, and attention, the Lemon Treeing Walker Coonhound can bring joy and companionship to any home.

We encourage you to share your experiences with this breed in the comments below or explore other articles on our site for more information about dogs and pet care. Thank you for reading, and happy dog parenting!

References:

American Kennel Club (AKC)
United Kennel Club (UKC)
Coonhound Breeder Associations

Meet the Lemon Treeing Walker Coonhound A Rare Hound Breed

Treeing Walker Coonhound DogGear

Treeing Walker coonhound Dog breed characteristics & care

How They Really Feel