The spelling of "walker foxhound" follows English phonetic patterns fairly closely. The word "walker" is pronounced ['wɔːkə], with stress on the first syllable, and the "a" sound represented by the letter "a" (rather than a digraph like "au" or "aw"). "Foxhound" is pronounced [ˈfɒksˌhaʊnd], with stress on the second syllable, and the "ou" sound represented by the letters "ou". The word is a compound noun, containing two nouns, each with its own stress pattern.
A walker foxhound is a breed of dog characterized as a large, sturdy, and athletic canine with a strong hunting instinct. This breed is specifically renowned for its ability to track and pursue foxes, making it well-suited for hunting purposes and participating in field trials. Similar to other foxhound breeds, the walker foxhound is classified as a scent hound, meaning it primarily relies on its acute sense of smell to locate and trail its quarry.
Physically, the walker foxhound possesses a well-muscled body, long and straight legs, a deep chest, and a lean frame. Their slightly domed skull is adorned with wide-set, rounded eyes that exude an alert and intelligent expression. The breed exhibits pendulous ears that are folded towards the nose, capturing scent molecules and heightening their sense of smell.
Walker foxhounds are known for their friendly, outgoing, and sociable nature, which makes them suitable for various environments, including family homes and outdoor settings. They tend to display exceptional stamina, endurance, and energy levels, requiring regular exercise to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. Due to their strong hunting instinct, it is advisable to keep them in a secure and controlled environment to prevent them from wandering off in pursuit of a scent.
In conclusion, the walker foxhound is a remarkable breed that excels in tracking and hunting tasks. Its physical and behavioral traits make it a well-rounded companion, highly valued for its scenting capabilities, loyalty, and sociability.
The term "Walker Foxhound" is a combination of a surname and a breed name.
The "Walker" part refers to Thomas Walker (1758-1824), a renowned American foxhound breeder who was instrumental in developing the Walker Foxhound breed. Thomas Walker lived in Albemarle County, Virginia, and is credited with creating a unique and distinctive line of American foxhounds.
The "Foxhound" part refers to the breed itself. Foxhounds are a type of dog bred for fox hunting. They possess a keen sense of smell, endurance, and strong hunting instincts.
Therefore, "Walker Foxhound" is a term used to describe a specific line of American foxhounds that originated from the breeding efforts of Thomas Walker.