The Treeing Walker Coonhound was developed in Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee from English and American Foxhounds, to trail raccoons and hold them up a tree. The United Kennel Club recognized it as a separate breed in 1945, and the AKC followed in 2012. Expect a short, glossy tricolor coat, long hanging ears, soft dark eyes and a lean frame of 50 to 70 pounds.
At home, many Walkers are mellow, sociable and fond of the couch, but outdoors the nose takes over. In Tampa, the short coat handles the warm climate well, while the voice and the scent drive need a plan: a leash on every sidewalk and trail, solid fencing, and neighbors or housemates who can live with a booming bay.