Golden Retriever vs Treeing Walker Coonhound

Which dog breed is right for you?

Golden Retriever

Size
55–75 lbs, 21–24 in
Lifespan
10–12 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Friendly Reliable Trustworthy Kind

Treeing Walker Coonhound

Size
50–70 lbs, 20–27 in
Lifespan
12–13 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Confident Friendly Smart Energetic

About the Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever was developed in the Scottish Highlands by Lord Tweedmouth during the mid-19th century, who crossed a Yellow Retriever with the now-extinct Tweed Water Spaniel to create the ultimate waterfowl hunting companion. Standing 21.5–24 inches tall and weighing 55–75 pounds, these iconic dogs wear a lustrous, water-repellent double coat in shades ranging from light cream to deep gold. Their gentle expression, athletic build, and flowing feathered coat have made them one of the three most popular breeds in America for decades running.

Temperament & Personality

Golden Retrievers are the gold standard of family dogs — trustworthy, patient, and endlessly forgiving with children of all ages. They possess an innate desire to please that makes them exceptionally trainable and a joy to live with, whether as a first-time owner's companion or a seasoned handler's working partner. Their friendly, tolerant attitude extends to strangers, other dogs, and household pets — they seem to genuinely believe every person and animal they meet is a friend.

Pros

  • Universally gentle temperament — consistently ranked among the best breeds for families with children
  • Highly intelligent and eager to please — excel in obedience, therapy, service, and search and rescue
  • Patient and forgiving nature makes them ideal for first-time dog owners
  • Social and friendly with virtually everyone — dogs, cats, strangers, and guests alike

Cons

  • Cancer affects approximately 60% of Golden Retrievers — the highest rate of any breed
  • Heavy shedding year-round with seasonal coat blows that cover furniture and clothing
  • Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, heart disease, and eye conditions
  • Mouthy breed — will carry and chew objects constantly, especially during puppyhood

There's a reason Goldens are America's favorite — find Golden Retrievers looking for homes on Puplister.

About the Treeing Walker Coonhound

The Treeing Walker Coonhound was developed in the United States from Walker Foxhounds in the mid-20th century, selectively bred for their exceptional ability to trail game and "tree" raccoons by chasing them up a tree and baying until the hunter arrives. These elegant, athletic hounds stand 20 to 27 inches tall and weigh 50 to 70 pounds, with a lean, muscular build and the classic tricolor pattern — white, black, and tan — reminiscent of their foxhound ancestry. Their short, smooth coat is dense and protective, well-suited for long hours working through brush and rough terrain.

Temperament & Personality

Treeing Walker Coonhounds are confident, intelligent, and affable — possessing a friendly, sociable nature that makes them enjoyable companions both in the field and at home. They are gentle with children, typically welcoming to strangers, and usually get along well with other dogs, especially those they've been raised with. Their hunting instincts run deep, however, and they can switch from couch potato to tireless tracker the moment an interesting scent crosses their path.

Pros

  • Friendly, easygoing temperament — excellent with families and other dogs
  • Low-maintenance coat needing only weekly brushing
  • Superb endurance for hiking, running, and outdoor adventures
  • Generally healthy breed with a lifespan of 12 to 13 years

Cons

  • Extremely vocal — loud baying and howling are a defining breed trait
  • Powerful scent drive makes off-leash reliability very challenging
  • Requires substantial daily exercise — bored Walkers can be destructive
  • Prone to ear infections and hip dysplasia

Treeing Walker Coonhounds bring athletic grace and a sweet disposition to any home — explore available listings on Puplister.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Golden Retriever and a Treeing Walker Coonhound?
The Golden Retriever is 55–75 lbs, 21–24 in sized while the Treeing Walker Coonhound is 50–70 lbs, 20–27 in sized. They differ in size (55–75 lbs, 21–24 in vs 50–70 lbs, 20–27 in), lifespan (10–12 years vs 12–13 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Golden Retriever or Treeing Walker Coonhound?
Golden Retriever is generally good with kids. Treeing Walker Coonhound is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Golden Retriever or Treeing Walker Coonhound?
The Golden Retriever has a lifespan of 10–12 years while the Treeing Walker Coonhound has a lifespan of 12–13 years.

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