Information on AKC Treeing Walker Coonhound Puppies
Treeing Walker Coonhound Breed Standard
Contact: AKC Treeing Walker Association, Richard Lee Fink II, 8041 Upper Twin Rd., South Salem, OH 45681; phone: (740) 626-2302
Head
Skull: Head carried well up. Occiput bone prominent,
cranium broad and full. Head in pleasing proportion to body. Ears-Of
medium length set moderately low. Should hang gracefully, inside part tipping
toward muzzle. Should not be too pointed at tip, but slightly round or oval, soft
and velvety, hanging with a tendency to roll when head is raised. In proportion
to head and body. Eyes-Moderately prominent, set well apart. Open,
soft and expressive. Dark in color, brown or black. Muzzle: Medium
square, rather long. Slightly tapering with flews sufficient to give a rather
square appearance. Stop not too prominent, not too abrupt. Nostrils-Rather
large, prominent and black. A slightly sloping nostril not objectionable. Faults-Other
colors. Teeth-Should meet; not overshot or undershot. Faults-A
very flat skull, narrow across the top. Excess of dome. Eyes small, sharp and
terrier-like: too protruding. Muzzle long and snipy, cut away below eyes too much,
or very short. Roman nosed, or upturned, giving a dish-faced expression. Ears
short, set high or with a tendency to rise above the point of origin.
Body, Neck, and Throat
Neck rising free and light from
the shoulders. Strong in substance yet not loaded. Of medium length. Throat
should be clean and free from folds of skin. A slight wrinkle below the angle
of the jaw, however, is allowable. Faults-A thick, short neck carried
on a line with the top of the shoulders. Throat showing dewlaps and fold of skin.
Too "throaty."
Shoulders, Chest, and Ribs
Shoulders sloping, clean, muscular.
Not loaded or heavy in appearance. Conveying the idea of freedom of action, springiness,
with activity and strength. Chest should be deep for lung space.
Look for depth rather than width. Well spring ribs. Back ribs should extend well
back, about a three-inch flank allowing springiness. Faults-Straight, upright
shoulders. Chest Disproportionately wide, or with lack of depth. Flat ribs.
Back and Loins
Back moderately long, muscular and strong.
Loins broad and slightly arched. Faults-Very long, swayed
or roached back. Flat, narrow loins.
Forelegs
Straight, with a fair amount of bone. Pastern
short and straight.
Feet
Solid, compact, well padded, a cat-like appearance. Well-arched
toes, strong nails for quick get away. Faults-Out at elbow. Knees knuckled
over forward or bent backward. Forelegs crooked. Feet long, open, or spreading.
Hips, Thighs, Hindlegs, and Feet
Hips and thighs strong
and well muscled, giving abundance of propelling power. Stifles
strong and well let down. Hocks firm, symmetrical and moderately
bent. Feet close and firm. Faults-Cowhocks, or straight hocks.
Lack of muscle and propelling power. Open feet.
Tail
Set rather high. Strong at root. Tapering, moderately long without
flag. Carried free, well up, saber-like. Curved gracefully up and forward. Faults-Too
long. Rat-tail. Entire absence of brush.
Coat
Smooth haired. Glossy, fine, yet dense enough for protection. A
close, hard, hound coat. Faults-Short, thin coat, or of soft quality.
Color
Tri-colored is preferred, white-black-tan. White may be the predominant
color, with black spots and tan trim; or black may be the predominant color with
white marking and tan trim, such as saddle back, or blanket back. White with tan
spots or white with black spots may be accepted. Faults: Any other color
combination will be penalized when shown.
Symmetry or Conformation
Of great importance. Denotes quality. Faults-Poor
Conformation.
Voice
Preferably a clear, ringing, bugle voice, or a steady, clear chop.
Noticeable change at tree.
Height
Slightly more at shoulders than at hips. Shoulders should measure:
Males, 22" to 27", Females, 20" to 25".
Weight
Should be in proportion to dog's height. Working dogs not to be
penalized when shown if slightly under.
Qualitative Characteristics
Energetic, intelligent, active, courteous,
composed, confident, fearless, kind, graceful in pose and while active. Super
abundance of sense, endurance, trailing, hunting and treeing instinct and ability.
Notice
Working dogs will not be penalized under any conditions for scars or blemishes
due to hunting injuries.
