Grooming the Treeing Walker Coonhound
COAT
The Treeing Walker Coonhound has a short, smooth, dense coat designed for endurance, protection, and efficiency in the field. The hair lies close to the body and is glossy without being soft or silky. While the coat is short, it is not fragile—healthy coat condition depends heavily on skin care, proper bathing, and routine brushing.
Because the coat is tight and the skin active, residue buildup, improper products, and neglected brushing can quickly lead to dullness, odor, excessive shedding, or skin irritation. Correct grooming supports skin health first, with coat appearance following naturally.
CHARACTER
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are athletic, driven, and highly intelligent working dogs. Bred for stamina and independence, they are confident decision-makers and often more focused on scent and environment than handler input.
This independence means grooming routines should be calm, consistent, and predictable. Rushed handling or overly restrictive techniques tend to create resistance. When introduced correctly, most Walkers tolerate grooming well and benefit from regular physical handling as part of their overall care.
RECOMMENDED CINDRA GROOMING PRODUCTS
COMMON TREEING WALKER COONHOUND COAT PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Dull or flat-looking coat | Bathe with Texturizing Shampoo and rinse thoroughly to remove residue that dulls shine. |
| Excessive shedding | Brush weekly using a rubber curry or soft bristle brush. Lightly mist with Maxi Care to improve glide and lift loose hair from the coat. |
| Dry or flaky skin | Apply Reconstructor diluted during bathing to support skin without softening the coat. |
| Strong odor after outdoor work | Use Texturizing Shampoo as needed, focusing on thorough rinsing. Odor often comes from trapped oils and debris, not the dog itself. |
| Sensitive skin or irritation | Reduce bathing frequency, avoid heavy conditioners, and use Maxi Care sparingly between baths to maintain skin balance. |
HOW TO GROOM THE TREEING WALKER COONHOUND
Grooming the Treeing Walker Coonhound is straightforward but should never be careless. Parent club and breeder guidance emphasize skin health, routine maintenance, and restraint—this is a working coat, not a cosmetic one.
Brushing
Weekly brushing removes dead hair, distributes natural oils, and keeps skin healthy. Rubber curry brushes or soft bristle brushes work best. Brushing should be firm but not aggressive, following the direction of coat growth.
A light mist of Maxi Care can help lift loose coat and reduce static without leaving residue.
Bathing
Treeing Walker Coonhounds do not require frequent bathing unless actively hunting or exposed to heavy dirt. When bathing is necessary, use Texturizing Shampoo to cleanse effectively without stripping natural oils. Rinse until the coat feels clean and residue-free.
Conditioning
Short coats still benefit from conditioning—but only when done correctly. Use Reconstructor diluted and used strategically when skin or coat shows signs of stress. Avoid heavy conditioners that weigh down the coat or clog pores.
Ears, Feet, and Nails
Because of their long, pendulous ears, routine ear checks and cleaning are essential. Keep feet trimmed and nails short to support sound movement and prevent injury during work.
What Not to Do
- Do not shave the coat.
- Do not over-bathe or over-condition.
- Do not ignore skin health simply because the coat is short.
- Do not use heavy grooming products designed for long coats.