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Treeing Tennessee Brindle: Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Treeing Tennessee Brindle

Height: 16–24 inches
Weight: 30–50 pounds
Lifespan: 12–15 years
Colors: Brindle, black with brindle
Suitable for: Active dog owners, hunters looking for treeing dogs
Temperament: Highly intelligent, sensitive, loyal, determined, courageous, athletic

Treeing Tennessee Brindles are hunting dogs that specialize in hunting prey that seek refuge in trees. Treeing Brindles are classified as curs and have records in the Foundation Stock Services, which is a program designed by the American Kennel Club to keep breeding and bloodline records for new and unrecognized dog breeds.

The term ‘cur’ has many meanings, but its modern use describes treeing hound-type dogs originally designed for hunting and working purposes. Treeing Tennessee Brindles are one of the most sought-after curs around, and they excel in treeing and farming work. Let’s take a look at what makes the Treeing Tennessee Brindle a highly sought-after hunting dog:hepper-dog-paw-divider 5

Treeing Tennessee Brindle Puppies

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

When looking for Treeing Brindle puppies, make sure the breeder provides documentation to ensure that the cur hound you’re getting is a Treeing Tennessee dog and not a brindle-colored hound mix. Although they’re not technically a registered breed, there are enough specialized breeders around to find a true Treeing Tennessee Brindle puppy.

You can also try your luck at a dog shelter. Treeing Tennessee Brindles might not be common in shelters, but you can always ask for a mixed dog that resembles them. You’ll be saving lots of money, and you can change a dog’s life at the same time by adopting.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Treeing Tennessee Brindle

1. Treeing Tennessee Brindles Are Vocal.

Treeing Tennessee Brindle dogs may be known for baying loudly when they’ve treed their quarry, but they’re also quite vocal indoors. They may bark and howl if they require attention, especially if they’re not being exercised enough.


2. Treeing Tennessee Brindles Can Herd Livestock.

Even though it’s in their name, Treeing Tennessee Brindles are capable of other working lifestyles, such as herding livestock. They’re easy to train and are very smart. They’re often well-suited for farming and other working-based jobs.


3. Treeing Tennessee Brindles Were Developed in 1960.

Like other North American curs, Treeing Tennessee Brindles were created with carefully selective breeding hounds and curs. The first real development of this Treeing breed was in the early 1960s, with clear records of bloodlines and lineage for breed recognition purposes.

treeing tennessee brindle outside
Image Credit: StockSnap, Pixabay

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Temperament & Intelligence of the Treeing Tennessee Brindle Dog 🧠

Treeing Tennessee Brindle dogs are athletic hunting dogs with a great disposition and are considered relatively easy to train. Their sensitive nature makes them more aware of their surroundings, but they can also be fun and playful. Dogs like Treeing Tennessee dogs can be well-mannered, but they require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to achieve this. Their high energy levels and playfulness make them ideal pets for active families, especially families that spend a lot of time hiking and outdoors.

Like most hunting and hound dogs, Treeing Tennessee Brindle dogs are highly intelligent dogs. They were bred for their natural treeing instinct, but they can also excel in obedience and agility. They are eager to please and enjoy learning, which makes them easier to handle compared to other hounds. Since they’re friendly with other dogs, advanced obedience classes can be a great way to test your Brindle’s intelligence and trainability.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

Yes, Treeing Tennessee Brindles can be excellent family dogs if they get adequate exercise and attention. Treeing Tennessee Brindles can keep up with kids of all ages, though they do better with older and calmer children. Since they have a sensitive side, Treeing Brindles may not do well with younger or more rambunctious children.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Treeing Tennessee Brindles can get along with other dogs quite well, especially if raised together in a “pack” at home. However, they are not recommended to live with cats and small animals due to their strong prey drive. While they can get along with the house cat, it would be stressful for both the Brindle and the cat. If you have smaller animals, we recommend looking for a breed more suitable for your household.

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Things to Know When Owning a Treeing Tennessee Brindle Dog

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Tennesee Treeing Brindle dogs are high-energy, working dogs that need a calorie-rich, high protein dry kibble diet with vitamins and minerals for optimal nutrition. Look for foods formulated for working and hunting dogs to ensure your Brindle will get the nutrients they need daily. They aren’t prone to weight gain like some breeds are, so be sure to feed your Treeing Brindle the correct amount. We recommend consulting a veterinarian who has experience with hunting dogs for the best result.

Exercise 🐕

Due to their hunting nature, Treeing Tennessee Brindle dogs have high levels of energy that will need to be burned off every day. Mile-long walks, hiking in the woods, and canine sports are ways to keep your Treeing Brindle content. Treeing dogs benefit significantly from having off-leash roaming, so consider having a fenced-in area for your puppy to enjoy without worry.

Treeing Brindles can do well with competitive sports like freestyle frisbee and agility, which are also great ways to bond with them. Many cities hold canine competitions, so it may be something to consider as your puppy starts to grow. Before beginning a high-impact sport like agility, consult your veterinarian to ensure your dog is healthy enough to participate.

Treeing Tennessee Brindle
Image Credit: Maria Sivtseva, Shutterstock

Training 🦮

Treeing dogs like the Tennessee Brindle are designed to learn quickly, so training shouldn’t be too tricky with this breed. Consistent and confident training is crucial to your Treeing Tennessee Brindle. Since they can be a handful for first-time dog owners, a professional dog trainer with experience with hound dogs can guide you in training your new Brindle puppy.

Obedience puppy classes are a great way to teach your new Treeing Tennessee Brindle puppy the basic commands while socializing with other dogs and people. Contact your local humane society for information on upcoming group puppy classes to get started as soon as possible. Since Treeing Brindles are extremely smart, your puppy may become the top student within a few classes.

Grooming ✂️

Grooming is easy with the Treeing Tennesse Brindle dog’s shorthaired coats, but they are considered moderate shedders. Gently brushing their coats out once a week and bathing them monthly will help keep their fur in prime condition, which in turn helps reduce excess shedding.

Health and Conditions ❤️

Since Treeing Tennessee Brindle dogs haven’t been around for too long, there aren’t many health conditions they’re predisposed to. The most common problems affect other large breeds, such as hip dysplasia, patella luxation, and cancer. They’re also prone to eye and ear infections that can lead to more serious conditions if left untreated. Otherwise, Treeing Tennessee Brindles are known for being sturdy, healthy dogs.


Male vs Female

Except for height and weight differences, male and female Treeing Tennessee Brindles have similar temperaments. Females are smaller than males, but otherwise, there are little differences. Therefore, choosing between a female and male Treeing Tennessee Brindle is a personal preference.

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Final Thoughts

While not a recognized AKC breed, the Treeing Tennessee Brindle dog is considered an established breed by many dog enthusiasts. These intelligent hunting dogs are friendly and loyal canines that have the potential to be great family dogs, but their exercise needs must be met daily. With their sensitive and loving personalities, Treeing Tennessee Brindles are quickly becoming popular among dog owners and hunters.


Featured Image Credit: 67453, Pixabay

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