BT Walker (Boxer & Treeing Walker Coonhound Mix): Info, Pics, Facts

The BT Walker is a hybrid cross of the purebred Treeing Walker Coonhound and the Boxer. They have short, coarse hair laid close to their sides. They are hardworking dogs, and their coat is designed to be outside in any weather and still be protected.

The BT Walker has a great deal of energy. They need to be moving around and doing something all the time. They’re not suitable for apartment living, even if you have a small backyard. They have boundless energy and are solely at their best when they have a job.

They’re not aggressive and are playful and happy, though they can be protective. They make excellent guard dogs because of their alert and territorial nature.

BT Walker Puppies

 

The Treeing Walker Coonhound and the Boxer. They can both be found in shelters. If adopting one of these dogs or one of their hybrids, like the BT Walker, is what you want, check out your local animal shelters.

A BT Walker puppy is energetic and a joy to own, but they’re not as common as their parents. However, you may be able to find one at a rescue center or shelter. Otherwise, you can research your area’s Treeing Walker Coonhound and Boxer breeders. Buying from a reputable breeder is always more expensive, and for a good reason.

Ethical breeders ensure the puppies are healthy and provide the necessary care for newborn puppies. Don’t try to find the cheapest breeder in your area. Breeders who can sell their puppies for cheap don’t invest it back into the dogs’ care and maintenance. They might even be part of a puppy mill. It is good to know what sort of business you support.

When you welcome a BT Walker into your family, expect to have a loyal dog by your side. They are very affectionate but tend to be quite vocal so consider this before making your decision.

3 Little-Known Facts About the BT Walker

1. The Nickname of the Treeing Walker Coonhound Is “The People’s Choice.”

Treeing Walker Coonhounds are incredibly likable and useful. They were first developed in the middle of the 1700s in Virginia. “Treeing” is when the dog chases their prey, following their scent until it scurries into a tree. The dog diligently stays under the tree, barking and bellowing to get the hunter’s attention. However long it takes for the gun-toting hunter to arrive is how long the dog stands watch.

“Walker” is derived from the man who developed the dogs, Thomas Walker. He was the most critical figure in the early development of the breed. “Coonhound” comes from the generation of the dog that chased raccoons.

2. The BT Walker Has a High Prey Drive.

The Coonhound is the ultimate hunting dog, but the Boxer also has hunting in their blood. They have less endurance and energy but are still used for flushing out prey in fields.

The Boxers received their name for the way that they fight other dogs. They jump up to use their front paws and “punch” their opponent. Both dogs are fearless and have territorial qualities that make them good at hunting, guarding, and protecting.

3. These Dogs Combine the Seriousness of a Police Dog With a Hunter.

The AKC records the Boxer as one of the first dogs used on the American police force. Like many dogs with the mental capacity and determination to work for the police, they were developed in Germany.

They were first used on farms for many purposes. Boxers prefer to have a job to complete, and being a farm dog suited them. However, during the late 1800s, they were used in the military. This incorporation was a good choice for the military because the German army used them during World War I.

Their association with the Germans decreased their popularity during and after the World War. It didn’t affect them too much since, after the war, they quickly became popular again as a quality family dog.

Temperament & Intelligence of the BT Walker 🧠

The BT Walker is not a dog for just anyone. While they have quite a few good traits, they have characteristics that make them difficult for some people to own. Their excellent traits include their affection and loyalty. They are full of life and just as full of love for their families. They protect them and shower them with cuddles and kisses whenever they can.

They recognize when they are on the job and take those moments much more seriously. The negative traits include their affinity for loudly vocalizing whenever they think you need to know something, which is all the time.

Their barking is challenging to train out of them because it has been ingrained in their DNA. They can also be quite stubborn. With a high prey drive, it is difficult to have these dogs around other, smaller animals.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

These dogs make excellent family dogs. They typically do better in a household with older children. That is only because of their boundless energy. They may knock younger children over by playing too rough or actively.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Early socialization is essential for the BT Walker. Depending on the training in their first years, they can swing one way or another in their territorial tendencies. However, they are also quite friendly. Having another medium-sized or large breed dog will keep them happy and provide exercise during days when you don’t have not enough time.

Since they have such a high prey drive, they are not suitable to have around smaller animals. Be careful when introducing them to cats and small mammals, especially. It is not typical for them to be aggressive, but they love the chase.

Things to Know When Owning a BT Walker

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

The BT Walker has a high metabolism and needs large portions for a medium-sized dog. They need 3 cups of food each day, more if they get a substantial amount of exercise. It’s best to use high-protein dog food to fuel their energetic body. Although you can look on the dog food bag for feeding instructions, you can also talk to your vet to develop a healthy diet for your BT Walker.

Exercise 🐕

BT Walker pups are classed as high-energy dogs. They need plenty of space to run around or a great deal of time outside. If they do not receive adequate exercise, they will become destructive.

If you like to walk or run with your pup, an average of 14 miles during the week should be the goal. If you want to hunt, having them running the fields with you is enough to satisfy them. You can also take them to dog parks for exercise.

Training 🦮

BT Walkers are typically easier to train. They have a high amount of intelligence that allows them to quickly grasp new ideas and commands. They can be stubborn at times, but their desire to stay active and make you happy overpowers this most of the time.

Grooming ✂️

Although BT Walker needs a great deal of maintenance when it comes to exercise, their grooming makes them easier to manage. They have short, coarse coats that grow close to their bodies. They do not shed often, so they only need brushing a couple of times during the week.

BT Walkers don’t produce a strong doggy smell. Thus, they should only need a bath every month or so or when they are filthy. They have partially floppy ears that you can clean out once a week to avoid ear infections. Make sure to dry them after cleaning so moisture does not get trapped inside.

Often, the BT Walker receives enough exercise to wear their nails down naturally. However, if they don’t, check them every few weeks and give them a trim.

Health and Conditions ❤️

The BT Walker is a hardy hybrid and does not typically suffer from many diseases. They can live for quite a few years and do so with vigor. You should take them to the vet at least once a year or more often, depending on your pup’s age. The vet will help catch and diagnose any potentially dangerous problems as early as possible.

Male vs. Female

There are no recognizable differences between males and females. However, fixing your BT Walker can reduce hormone-driven behaviors like mounting and marking.

Final Thoughts

The BT Walker is a unique dog. They make excellent hunting companions and thrive when they have a job. An apartment setting will not suit them, and they need more space to run around than a small backyard.

They can quickly fit into any loving family, and since they are so energetic, they should be carefully observed around little kids. The BT Walker is a good choice if you are looking for love and loyalty packaged into a reliable, working dog.

Related Reads:

• Pitahoula (Catahoula & Pitbull Mix)
• Neo Daniff (Neapolitan Mastiff & Great Dane Mix)
• Sharberian Husky (Shar Pei & Siberian Husky Mix)

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Featured Image: TeePeeCo, Shutterstock