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

The BT Walker is a hybrid cross of the purebred Treeing Walker Coonhound with the Boxer breeds. They have short, coarse hair laid close to their sides. They are hardworking dogs, and their coat speaks to this, being 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. These dogs do not suit apartment living, even if you have a small backyard. They have boundless energy and are solely at their best when they have some sort of job.

These dogs do not combine their energy with aggression, but instead, they are playful and happy, though they can be protective. They make excellent guard dogs because of their alert nature and the fact they can sometimes be territorial.

BT Walker Puppies

The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a more common dog, as is 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.

Buying from a reputable breeder is always more expensive and for a good reason. Ethical breeders will make sure the puppies’ health is good and will provide the necessary care for newborn puppies. Don’t try to find the cheapest breeder in your area for whatever breed you have an interest in. Many times, breeders who can sell their puppies for little money don’t invest it back into the dogs’ care and maintenance. They might even work as 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 also 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.”

These dogs are incredibly likable and useful. They were first developed in the middle of the 1700s in Virginia. Their long name has meaning in each word to describe what the dog can do and their history.

“Treeing” is when the dog chases their prey, following their scent until it scurries up 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 this 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 to chase raccoons. These are the kinds of prey they were made to chase after.

2. The BT Walker has a high prey drive.

The Coonhound is made as a sort of ultimate hunting dog, but the Boxer has it in their blood as well. They have less endurance and energy but were still used for flushing out prey in fields.

The Boxer 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 of the dogs that have the mental capacity and determination to work for the police, they were developed in Germany.

They were first used on farms for many different purposes. Boxers prefer to have some sort of job to do, and being a farm dog suited them. However, during the late 1800s, they were brought into the force. This incorporation ended up being 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, though, 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 a difficult dog for some people to own.

Their excellent traits include their overall affection and loyalty. These dogs 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, though, 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. This 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 tend to knock younger children over by playing too rough or actively.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Early socialization is essential with the BT Walker. They can swing one way or another in their territorial tendencies, mostly depending on the training in their first years. That said, they are also quite friendly. Having another medium-sized or large breed dog around helps run and play out some of their energy during days that you might not have enough time.

Since they have such a high prey drive, they are not good 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 do love the chase.

Things to Know When Owning a BT Walker

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

The BT Walker has a high metabolism and needs quite a bit of food each day for only a medium-sized dog. They need 3 cups of food each day, more if they get a substantial amount of exercise.

With breeds like this one, you want to find a food that has a high protein content. Some dog foods are marketed specifically for high-energy dogs. It is best to invest if you know your dog needs adequate fuel every day.

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 likely 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, only having them outrunning the fields with you is enough to keep them satisfied.

Consider taking them to dog parks for their exercise. It helps to run them out, as well as socialize them.

Training 🦮

These dogs are typically easier to train. They have a high amount of intelligence that allows them to grasp new ideas and commands quickly. 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 a brushing a couple of times during the week.

These dogs don’t produce a strong doggy smell. Thus, they should only need a bath every month or so or when they are filthy. The dogs have partially floppy ears. Clean them 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. Go 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 in this breed.

Final Thoughts

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

These pups quickly fit into any family dynamic. Since they are so energetic, they should be carefully observed around little kids.

These dogs are 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)

Featured Image: TeePeeCo, Shutterstock