The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a breed of hound descended from the English and American Foxhounds. The breed originated in the United States when a stolen dog known as "Tennessee Lead" was crossed into the Walker Hound in the 19th century. The Treeing Walker Coonhound was recognized officially as a breed by the United Kennel Club in 1945 and by the American Kennel Club in 2012.
A male Treeing Walker Coonhound
Treeing Walker Coonhound on leash
A Treeing Walker Coonhound exhibiting "treeing" behavior (the dog pictured is outfitted for a walk, not hunting)
Coon hunting is the practice of hunting raccoons, most often for their meat and fur. It is almost always done with specially bred dogs called coonhounds, of which there are six breeds, and is most commonly associated with rural life in the Southern United States. Coon hunting is also popular in the rural Midwest. Most coon hunts take place at night, with the dogs being turned loose, trailing and putting the raccoon up a tree without human assistance. Once the raccoon is in the tree, with the dog at the base, it is referred to as "treed", with "treeing" being the active verb form.
Coon hunters in Virginia, circa 1907
A Treeing Walker Coonhound puppy
A Redbone Coonhound treeing a raccoon at night
The Bluetick Coonhound is one of six breeds of scenthound specifically bred to hunt raccoons