American Foxhound vs Treeing Walker Coonhound: What’s the Difference?

The American Foxhound is one of the two breeds of foxhound (American and English) that were mainly bred to hunt foxes by scent. The Treeing Walker Coonhound descended from the American and English Foxhounds and was primarily bred to hunt raccoons and other game such as bears, deer, and cougars. 

The American Foxhound and the Treeing Walker Coonhound are difficult to distinguish because they differ primarily in behavior rather than appearance. Nevertheless, you can easily tell the two apart in a hunting setting.

Foxhounds and coonhounds share common ancestors (hounds brought from Europe to the Americas during colonial times). While in Europe, hounds were used to chase deer and foxes. Fortunately, the desirable game did not scale trees to escape the hounds. However, in the Americas, all the desirable game climb trees to escape the hounds.

Therefore, American hunters selectively bred those hounds that barked at the treed game and looked for scent on trees. The coonhound breeds originated from the children of this selective breeding (bluetick, black and tan, leopard, English, redbone, Plott, and treeing Walker).

This article examines the key differences between the American Foxhound and the Treeing Walker Coonhound. Read on for more information.

Comparing American Foxhound vs Treeing Walker Coonhound

Are American Foxhounds High Maintenance?

American Foxhounds are amiable and undemanding hounds that easily get along with children, other dogs, and even cats. However, potential owners should be aware of specific considerations. Additionally, these hounds also have strong historical ties to Revolutionary-era heroes and the grand estates of old Virginia.

Foxhounds are generally friendly with children and tend to be sociable with other dogs. However, they require a substantial amount of exercise and may not always exhibit high obedience.

Therefore, foxhounds are best suited for experienced owners who understand their unique requirements and reside in rural areas where they can meet their exercise needs.

The Key Differences Between American Foxhounds and Treeing Walker Coonhounds

The American Foxhound and the Treeing Walker Coonhound share common traits. Although they both have a common ancestor, they differ in many ways. The key differences between the two hounds include their hunting behavior, size, and temperament.

Let’s discuss all these differences in detail.

American Foxhound vs Treeing Walker Coonhound: Size

Treeing Walker Coonhounds are slightly heavier than American Foxhounds. Male American Foxhounds stand between 22 and 25 inches tall to the withers and weigh 45 to 65 pounds, while females are about 21 to 24 inches tall and weigh around 40 to 60 pounds. Their legs are long and straight-boned when viewed from the front or back.

Mature male Treeing Walker Coonhounds measure between 22 and 27 inches tall, while females are approximately 20 to 25 inches. The average weight range for both sexes is 50 to 70 pounds.

American Foxhound vs Treeing Walker Coonhound: Temperament

These dogs generally have a friendly temperament. They are calm, pleasant, loyal, and enjoy spending time with children. However, American Foxhounds may act shy and restrained around strangers. In some cases, they may become aggressive when they feel threatened. It’s common to find them acting timid or sheepish in unfamiliar surroundings.

In contrast, Treeing Walker Coonhounds are typically confident and intelligent, and they enjoy interacting with humans and other animals. They sometimes tend to be stubborn. They are relentless hunters who immediately focus and begin casting for scent when taken for a hunt.

American Foxhound vs Treeing Walker Coonhound: Purpose

The two breeds are scent hounds. American Foxhounds were primarily bred to hunt foxes by scent. They did not necessarily need to check tree trunks for scent. In a less formal circle, American Foxhounds are sometimes referred to as “running hounds” due to their hunting behavior as opposed to “treeing” hounds.

On the contrary, Treeing Walker Coonhounds were mainly bred to hunt raccoons and other game, such as coyotes, cougars, bears, deer, and foxes. Unlike the American Foxhounds, Treeing Walker Coonhounds were selectively bred to look for scent on trees and bark at the treed game, holding it there for the hunter.

American Foxhound vs Treeing Walker Coonhound: Common Health Problems

Both breeds are generally healthy and not prone to many diseases. Besides, they rarely carry hereditary diseases. However, American Foxhounds are prone to obesity. One of the most common issues that can also arise with this breed is thrombocytopathy, or platelet condition, which often results in excessive bleeding from minor cuts. Foxhounds are also susceptible to hip dysplasia due to their long legs.

Treeing Walker Coonhounds can also develop hip dysplasia, which occurs when the hip joint doesn’t properly form during growth. Besides this, they can develop ear infections because their floppy ears usually trap moisture and debris. It’s important to check and clean their ears frequently.

American Foxhound vs Treeing Walker Coonhound: Lifespan

Both breeds are highly active and have long lifespans. The American Foxhound lives an average of 10 to 12 years, while the Treeing Walker Coonhound’s lifespan is generally between 12 and 13 years.

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