Treeing Tennessee Brindle
Quick Summary
Athletic hunting companion with distinctive brindle coat. Best for active owners who can provide exercise and mental stimulation. Excellent choice for rural or suburban living.
Contents
Weight Range
30-50 lbs
♂ Male: 30-50 lbs
♀ Female: 30-50 lbs
Height Range
41-61 inches
♂ Male: 16-24"
♀ Female: 16-24"
Life Expectancy
10-12 years
Average lifespan with proper care and nutrition
Intelligence
Rank #85
Average Intelligence
Breed Group
Foundation Stock Service
Originally bred for Developed in Tennessee during the mid-20th century, these dogs excelled at treeing game, particularly raccoons and squirrels
Compatibility Ratings
Behavior & Training
Physical Characteristics
| Male Height | 16"-24" |
| Female Height | 16"-24" |
| Male Weight | 30-50 lbs |
| Female Weight | 30-50 lbs |
| Coat Length | 1/5 |
| Drooling Level | 3/5 |
Cost & Ownership
Cost Category
Initial costs include purchase price, basic supplies, and vaccinations. Monthly expenses cover quality food, routine vet care, and preventative medications. Consider potential hunting training costs.
Training & Socialization
Training Difficulty
Alert and intelligent with strong hunting instincts. Shows friendly disposition towards family but maintains independent nature. High energy levels require proper outlet through exercise and activities.
Social Needs
Forms strong bonds with family members and generally good with other dogs. Can tolerate moderate alone time if properly exercised. Benefits from regular social interaction and companionship.
Breed Overview
Treeing Tennessee Brindle dogs showcase a distinctive brindle coat pattern with athletic, medium-sized builds. These agile hunters possess keen tracking abilities and remarkable tree-climbing skills. Their alert expressions and muscular frames reflect their heritage as accomplished hunting companions. Friendly yet determined, they combine intelligence with natural hunting instincts.
Key Highlights
Pros
- ✓ Excellent hunting companion
- ✓ Loyal family dog
- ✓ Low grooming needs
- ✓ Athletic and agile
Cons
- ✗ High exercise needs
- ✗ Strong prey drive
- ✗ May be vocal
- ✗ Independent nature
Breed Characteristics
| Temperament | Friendly, Alert, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | Regular Exercise |
| Trainability | |
| Grooming Needs | Weekly Brushing |
| Shedding | Occasional |
Exercise & Nutrition
Exercise Requirements
Requires 60-90 minutes of daily exercise including tracking activities, hiking, and vigorous play. High-intensity exercise sessions should be combined with mental stimulation through scent work and hunting-style games.
Diet & Nutrition
Requires 2-3 cups of high-quality dry food daily, divided into two meals. Active hunting dogs may need additional calories. Special attention to joint-supporting nutrients recommended for this athletic breed.
Feed high-quality protein-rich food suitable for active hunting breeds. Daily intake should be adjusted based on activity level and size. Two meals daily recommended with fresh water always available.
Environment & Living Space
Living Requirements
Adapts well to rural or suburban settings with secure fencing. Needs adequate space for exercise and exploration. Thrives in moderate climates but can handle various weather conditions.
Requires secure fencing and adequate outdoor space for exercise. Adapts to suburban or rural environments but needs room to run and explore. Not ideal for apartment living.
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
History & Origin
Bred in Tennessee by Rev. Earl Phillips and others who sought to develop a skilled hunting dog with distinctive brindle coloring. The breed emerged from various hunting dog lines and was selected for their treeing abilities.
Historical Purpose
Developed in Tennessee during the mid-20th century, these dogs excelled at treeing game, particularly raccoons and squirrels. Their brindle coat pattern became a defining characteristic.
Fun Fact
Their unique brindle coat pattern was specifically bred for visibility during hunting in Tennessee forests.
Grooming & Maintenance
Special Considerations
Needs secure fencing due to hunting instincts. Regular exercise essential. Weekly grooming sufficient but attention to ears and dental care important.