The Treeing Tennessee Brindle is a medium sized hunting dog used to tree squirrels, raccoons, and other animals. They are somewhat smaller than other treeing hounds, yet are able to tree all types of game while remaining sociable with humans and other pets.
The Treeing Tennessee Brindle is a Cur dog, meaning it comes from an unknown bloodline and was likely originally bred with a mix of unknown dog types.
| Type | Lifespan | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purebred | 10-12 yrs. | 18-24 in. | 30-50 lbs |
Griffon Bleu De Gascogne185% Similar
Australian Cattle Dog277% Similar
Blue Lacy371% Similar
Bavarian Mountain Hound471% Similar
Alpine Dachsbracke569% Similar
Standard Schnauzer665% Similar
Dalmatian764% Similar
Mountain Cur864% Similar
Black Mouth Cur963% Similar
Saluki1062% SimilarBelow are the general characteristics of the Treeing Tennessee Brindle:
Treeing Tennessee Brindles are highly skilled hunting dogs. Their exceptional scenting skills and high intelligence makes them an ideal hunting companion for any owner in need of a locating, trailing, and treeing dog.
The breed is is very courageous and will attempt to tree any animal without retreat. They have a strong character always giving the job their very best. Part of the breed standard of Treeing Tennessee Brindles is they way they "sing" while on the trail. During the hunt the breed has a unique bark which sounds similar to a mix between singing and crying.
Despite the word "Brindle" being in the breed's name, it is of more importance for the dog to show the breed's hunting skills than meet the coloring standard. Because of this it is not uncommon to see black Treeing Tennessee Brindles with tan/brindle markings.
Treeing Tennessee Brindles originated from a Cur breed called "Brindle Curs" (also called "Old Brindle Curs"). The original Brindle Curs were treeing dogs with a tiger-striped and black coat found throughout the Appalachian Mountain and Ozark regions. They were highly favored by their owners for their incredible hunting and treeing skills.
The breed didn't gain public interest until the 1960's when Rev. Earl Phillips came across the breed and decided to start an organization to "preserve and promote" the breed. Rev. Phillips later founded the Treeing Tennessee Brindle Breeders Association in 1967 and created a breeding stock and breed standards to preserve the breed. The original breeding stock used by the Treeing Tennessee Brindle Breeders Association came from Brindle Curs from across the country, but mostly from the Ozarks and Appalachian Mountains.
Treeing Tennessee Brindles are medium sized dogs with a soft short brindle coat. It is not uncommon for the coat coloring to be a tiger striped pattern. They are smaller than other treeing hounds and are muscular and appear well built for speed.
There are few color variations for the breed. The coat can be either brindle or black with brindle trim. Some Treeing Tennessee Brindles will have white marking on their feet and chest.
Treeing Tennessee Brindles are between 16 and 24 inches tall from the ground to shoulder and weigh between 35-50 pounds. Their weight and height are in proportion with each other.
The Treeing Tennessee Brindle has a strong hunting instinct and is very intelligent and fast. They can be laid back, but are very energetic so they will need frequent exercise if kept indoors.
The breed is very loyal and obedient, but can be particularly sensitive to neglect or abuse. Because of this they should be trained with a firm yet gentle hand as too much neglect will cause the dog to permanently lose his/her hunting spirit.
They are people friendly, however their high energy can make them challenging for the elderly and young children.
As hunting dogs, they are very alert and will bark to alert their family of strangers which makes them a good watch dog.
Treeing Tennessee Brindles are great companion dogs for families with and without children. The breed does best with older children since Treeing Tennessee Brindle's energy may overwhelm smaller children.
Treeing Tennessee Brindles do well with other canine pets, however they are not a good choice for cats or other small animals kept as pets.
The Treeing Tennessee Brindle does well with expected strangers, however an unexpected guest may be unwelcome by the dog. Fortunately the breed is very gentle (even though they can appear aggressive at times), so they are not a physical threat for guests.
Below are pictures of the Treeing Tennessee Brindle dog breed.
The Treeing Tennessee Brindle requires moderate maintenance to meet their high energy levels and desire to track and hunt. Their short coats are easy to keep clean and require weekly brushings and infrequent baths.
As a treeing hound, you can expect the dog to be very vocal. In fact, one of the breed standards is their unique bark. This is another good reason why this breed is not the ideal apartment or small neighborhood dog.
Treeing Tennessee Brindles are an average shedder and require weekly brushings to remove any dead or tangled hair. They do not need to be bathed frequently, but should be if they become dirty or develop an odor.
The Treeing Tennessee Brindle is a high energy dog and a simple walk will not satisfy this breed's energy requirements. The breed does best with an active owner who frequently goes hunting, hiking, and/or camping or with someone who has a large amount of property the dog can use to satisfy his/her tracking instincts.
Since the breed was bred to live outdoors they are very active and require a home with room to roam. Because of this, they are not suitable for apartment life nor in homes with small yards. When at home they prefer to remain outdoors.
The breed does best in environments similar to the climate of the Ozarks and Appalachian Mountains. Since the breed is an outdoor dog breed it should be provided with a proper shelter and warmth on cooler days.
Due to the breed's Cur past, there are no known health issues associated with Treeing Tennessee Brindles.
The following dog breed registries and organizations recognize the Treeing Tennessee Brindle as a dog breed:
