The Treeing Walker Coonhound grew out of Virginia and Kentucky foxhound lines in the 1700s and 1800s, developed to trail a raccoon and hold it up a tree. The United Kennel Club recognized it as its own breed in 1945, and the AKC followed in 2012. Expect a glossy tricolor coat, long ears and soft, pleading eyes on a lean dog of 50 to 70 pounds.
Many Walkers are sweet, sociable and happy on the couch, but the trail instincts stay. The bay is loud, the nose can override recall, and a fresh scent can send a dog over a low fence. Dogs vary, yet a Walker is a breed to plan around: sturdy fencing, a leash outdoors and a household that finds a booming voice endearing.