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Running Walker Hound

History

In many parts of Central Virginia, it is lawful for hunters to use dogs for deer hunting. As a result, many of the area shelters and rescue organizations are populated by a high number of hounds and hound mixes. Over the years, we’ve learned there are numerous breeds of deer hunting dogs and one of the most prevalent is the Walker hound.

Here at Caring For Creatures, some of the friendliest, sweetest, playful, and most fun dogs are those who are Walker hound mixes. Hence, we thought it would be interesting to research the background of the Walker hound.

Ed Wall of the New Bern Sun Journal writes: “To the uninformed, they rank low on the canine scale, perceived as mixed breeds whose sole function is to push deer out of the pine plantations and pocosins to openings where hunters wait. In many cases the uninformed don’t even realize that most deer dogs come from a specific breed—Walker hounds—and that many of those dogs have bloodlines that are longer and truer than those of the humans who own them. Sportsmen who really know hounds understand that Walkers are a unique and distinguished breed whose roots reach back to the beginnings of our country and beyond” (Wall).

In recent years, Walker hounds have been getting a lot of attention by not only dog enthusiasts, but sports enthusiasts as well. According to an article in the New Bern Sun Journal, the breed has a long history in America. George Washington’s own Tennessee Lead chased foxes across Virginia in the 1700s. His dog was given to him as a gift after the dog was stolen from a livestock dealer. General Washington and close friend John W. Walker began breeding the dog with foxhounds. “[Walkers] are the product of centuries of careful breeding and meticulous culling,” Wall states (Wall).

Walker hounds have grown more and more popular because deer hunters consider them the best “deer dogs.” They are the breed by which all other hounds are judged against for their lean body and quick, speedy movements.

Usually white, black and tan, with black saddle, Walkers are beautiful dogs. The males are about 22 to 25 inches in height. The females are a little smaller.

Joy, along with Parker have Walker traits.

Although the desire to hunt is inherent in the Walker hound, here at CFC, we feel these same qualities may be utilized in other activities. Think about it: those quick and speedy movements that hunters find appealing would actually be very suitable for those humans who jog or hike and are looking for a companion willing and able to keep up. Walker hounds typically possess a very sweet and endearing personality. We’ve learned they are just as comfortable snoring on a couch in front of the television as running a record-breaking mile.

So we invite you to take another look at hounds as family companions and not just prized hunting dogs with a long and distinguished history.