Treeing Tennessee Brindle information and care

The Treeing Tennessee Brindle is a loyal, vocal, active, and intelligent American working Cur-type dog originally developed for their hunting skills. They need a lot of exercise, but at home, they tend to be mellow and easy-going.

Characteristics of the Treeing Tennessee Brindle

History of the Treeing Tennessee Brindle

The Treeing Tennessee Brindle (TTB) is a Cur-type dog that is native to the United States. These are dogs that have been bred specifically for their tree hunting skills. They track the scent of the animal and then chase it up into a tree to make it easier for the hunter to access. The Treeing Tennessee Brindle is known for its loud, baying bark which it uses to alert the hunter that they have successfully found their quarry.

While Cur dogs have been around for hundreds of years, the TTB was only specifically introduced in the 1960s. The Rev. Earl Phillips wrote a column for a magazine about hunting dogs. This resulted in him making contact with owners of Brindle Curs across the country that, like the Plott Hound, were being commended for their hunting abilities. But these brindle dogs specifically showed a particular aptitude for treeing and were a little smaller too.

This led to the Treeing Tennessee Brindle Breeders Association being formed in 1967. A group of passionate Brindle Cur owners started selectively breeding these dogs in an effort to continue to hone their treeing skills, color and size.

The United Kennel Club recognized the Treeing Tennessee Brindle in 2017. It has been accepted for recording in the Foundation Stock Service for the American Kennel Club but has not yet been formally AKC registered yet.

Treeing Tennessee Brindle Care

Although the Treeing Tennessee Brindle is still predominantly used as a working dog for hunters, they can make excellent pets too.

They do need a decent amount of exercise to satisfy their in-built working drive and energy levels. Providing they get this, though, they are known for being extremely laid back when in the home environment. They are loyal to a fault and enjoy curling up at the feet of their owner, or if they are allowed, on the sofa.

Their gentle disposition around the home means they are well suited to living with an active family that has children. They are generally affectionate and very loving towards respectful children and other dogs in the household.

Because they have been bred specifically for their hunting prowess, it means they can have a high prey drive. They may not be a breed best suited to living with small furry pets or cats. If you do plan this, then careful supervision and introductions will be required.

The TTB is an expert vocalizer. They have been bred to alert their hunter owners to the fact that they have trapped their quarry. Their tendency to bay and howl can be common in the home environment too. You may need to work on rewarding quiet behavior to ensure this natural tendency doesn't get out of control.

The TTB will suit a family that enjoys hiking and spending time in the great outdoors - they love to be active. They are also intelligent and eager to please and are known for enjoying competitive dog sports, like agility. Of course, if you want to get involved in scent work trials, the Treeing Tennessee Brindle would make an excellent partner for this activity.

The breed has a short, easy to maintain coat that does not shed excessively. They will benefit from a good weekly brushing to lift out dead hair and keep the coat healthy, but, other than that, they are not high maintenance.

Common Health Problems

The Treeing Tennessee Brindle, like many Cur dogs, is known for being a hardy and healthy breed. Given they are a relatively new breed in their own right, they are not known for having any particular inheritable health conditions.

Good breeders will, however, perform hip checks and sometimes even ophthalmic screening on potential parents to detect any potential eye or hip dysplasia issues.

Diet and Nutrition

Treeing Tennessee Brindles do tend to be rather food motivated. This can be great for training using positive reinforcement methods, but you do have to watch out for over-feeding.

Obesity is a major health problem in dogs in the United States. It can contribute to a host of serious conditions, but is something that can easily be prevented with a healthy and properly portion-controlled diet.

Hiking and Climbing With your dog

Where to Adopt or Buy a Treeing Tennessee Brindle

TTBs are still relatively rare. If you have your heart set on one, you could have to go onto a waiting list or travel further afield to secure a puppy. Don't let your enthusiasm make you overlook the importance of doing your research, though. It is important to find an ethical and reputable breeder that has raised the puppies in a nurturing home environment with mom by their side.

If you are just attracted to a Cur or Coonhound type breed, don't rule out the option of adoption. There are lots of dogs with similar traits to the Treeing Tennessee Brindle looking for their forever homes in shelters and specialist rescue organizations, like Coonhound Rescue, across the country. Adoption can be a hugely rewarding experience.

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

If you are interested in dogs similar to the Treeing Walker Coonhound you could also consider the following breeds:

• Plott Hound
• Treeing Walker Coonhound
• Bluetick Coonhound

There are lots of wonderful dog breeds out there. By doing your research, you will find one that will be best suited to having a forever home with you.