Is the American English Coonhound or the Treeing Walker Coonhound better for families with children?

The Treeing Walker Coonhound tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

Which sheds more, the American English Coonhound or the Treeing Walker Coonhound?

The American English Coonhound and Treeing Walker Coonhound shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the American English Coonhound or the Treeing Walker Coonhound?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is American English Coonhound or Treeing Walker Coonhound bigger?

American English Coonhound and Treeing Walker Coonhound are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, American English Coonhound or Treeing Walker Coonhound?

Both bark a similar amount (very high).

Which is better for apartment living, American English Coonhound or Treeing Walker Coonhound?

For apartment or apartment living, American English Coonhound and Treeing Walker Coonhound are an even match — either can work well.

American English Coonhound vs Treeing Walker Coonhound

American English Coonhound vs Treeing Walker Coonhound: full comparison

Trait	American English Coonhound	Treeing Walker Coonhound
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	High	Very High
Good with children	High	Very High
Grooming needs	Low	Low
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Very High	Very High
Protectiveness	Medium	Low
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	12 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The American English Coonhound is a large and powerful breed that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. By comparison, the Treeing Walker Coonhound is a large and powerful breed that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The American English Coonhound is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The American English Coonhound needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The Treeing Walker Coonhound needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The American English Coonhound is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, is very vocal and barks readily — something to weigh if you have close neighbors and suits families with children particularly well. The Treeing Walker Coonhound is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, is very vocal and barks readily — something to weigh if you have close neighbors and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. On guarding instinct, American English Coonhound announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas Treeing Walker Coonhound shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, American English Coonhound and Treeing Walker Coonhound are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Treeing Walker Coonhound has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Treeing Walker Coonhound has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, American English Coonhound has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, American English Coonhound and Treeing Walker Coonhound are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the American English Coonhound if you want a more protective, watchful guardian.

Choose the Treeing Walker Coonhound if you want the more child-friendly companion, you want a more outgoing, sociable dog, or you want a longer-lived breed.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the American English Coonhound or the Treeing Walker Coonhound better for families with children?: The Treeing Walker Coonhound tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the American English Coonhound or the Treeing Walker Coonhound?: The American English Coonhound and Treeing Walker Coonhound shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the American English Coonhound or the Treeing Walker Coonhound?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is American English Coonhound or Treeing Walker Coonhound bigger?: American English Coonhound and Treeing Walker Coonhound are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, American English Coonhound or Treeing Walker Coonhound?: Both bark a similar amount (very high).
Which is better for apartment living, American English Coonhound or Treeing Walker Coonhound?: For apartment or apartment living, American English Coonhound and Treeing Walker Coonhound are an even match — either can work well.