When you look at the Walker hunting dogs, you will remember them the rest of your life. I had one here as part of our rescue unit, and to this day I hear his beautiful baying and the company of his gentle and sweet personality. Of course, he treed cats on the property—did not hurt them, mind you, but treed everything in sight because that is what they do best. Choosing Walker hunting dogs for hunting or an exercise companion is a joy in itself, as compared to other hunting dogs.

The Walker hunting dogs have quite a history, going clear back to the 1700 days of George Washington when his “Tennessee Lead” chased foxes across Virginia. The dog was carefully and meticulously bred by George Washington and his friend John W. Walker with the foxhound, continuing on for centuries. The Walker hunting dogs were the result of this careful breeding, with the goal of high quality hunting foxes. Today, they are popular with the deer hunters because of their lean bodies, and speed with quick movements. The origin of the English Foxhound is where the importance lies for the fastest and most agile of hunters.

One major requirement that is almost mandatory is top-notch quality training, something that is of the utmost need for this breed of hunting dog, the famous Walker hunting dogs–as when on the hunt they hear nothing but their own baying and the scent of the prey. Completely oblivious to the commands of the hunter, just like a basset or beagle, this dog cannot go to the field and hunt without the utmost training for basic commands and then on into high agility training. A few commands on sit or stay just won’t cut it, believe me. It would be almost impossible to stop them on your own, with their powerful shoulders, while weighing up to 70 pounds and over two feet high.

Several types of Walker hunting dogs have passed down into our hunting world, with the Treeing Walker the most popular for hunting rabbit, fox, raccoon, and sometimes large game such as bear or wild boar. As stated, their disposition is what has added to their popularity as a hunting dog. They love children and other dogs, and more than enjoy sleeping in the bottom of the bed during the night—a gentle giant with the heart of a cuddly bear. But be prepared for the multitude of bays that herald anything from someone at the door to the scent of a squirrel or cat outside, as each baying sound of the Walker hunting dogs sounds off to a different job.