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View 8 More +The Treeing Tennessee Brindle is an attractive hunting breed with a friendly personality. They are a strong and healthy dog that is relatively new in the canine world but is getting more popular every day. If you have a chance to get one of these dogs but would like to learn more about them first, keep reading as we discuss their appearance, history, diet, grooming needs, and more!
Breed Overview
Height:
16–24 inches
Weight:
30–50 pounds
Lifespan:
10–12 years
Colors:
Black, brindle
Suitable for:
Hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, active families
Temperament:
Intelligent, energetic, loyal, friendly, vocal
What makes the Treeing Tennessee Brindle stand out from other breeds is their brindle coat pattern, which gives them an almost tiger-like appearance. They also have the amazing ability to chase practically any prey up a tree, and their small size means they are suitable for any living environment. These dogs are amazingly intelligent, are easy to maintain, and get along well with other pets. The only thing that new owners need to worry about is their distinctive loud barking that might bother close neighbors.
Treeing Tennessee Brindle Characteristics
Treeing Tennessee Brindle Puppies
Treeing Tennessee Brindle puppies are energetic and curious and start to show signs of intelligence and a friendly personality early. At this stage, you will want to start socializing them with as many people, places, and things as possible to help them feel more comfortable around those things as adults. It’s also a good time to get them into training and grooming routines.
Finding a Treeing Tennessee Brindle can be somewhat challenging, as they are relatively new and still gaining popularity. However, you can ask around at your local pet stores, animal shelters, and vet offices to see if there are any breeders in your area, or you can check online to see if you can find one for sale. Always do your research before spending any money to ensure that the breeders are respectable and put the health of the dogs ahead of profits.
Treeing Tennessee Brindle Origin & History
Breeders in the American Southeast developed the Treeing Tennessee Brindle breed to hunt raccoons, squirrels, and other small game in the 1960s. Rev. Earl Phillips, a writer for a national hunting dog magazine, was heavily involved in their development, and on March 21, 1967, the Treeing Tennessee Brindle Breeders Association was started and then recognized by the State of Illinois.
Since 1995, the Treeing Tennessee Brindle has been part of the Foundation Stock Service, which is an optional breed registry offered by the American Kennel Club (AKC) for purebreds that are not yet recognized. The AKC has allowed the Treeing Tennessee Brindle to compete in companion events since January 1, 2010.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Treeing Tennessee Brindle
The Treeing Tennessee Brindle is a strong dog that loves to work, and they are eager to please, which can make them great fun to have around. They are loyal and protective, often forming strong bonds with their family members, including children. They enjoy being part of family activities, and they thrive on interaction. They are also intelligent, and their eager-to-please attitude makes them easy to train, especially if you get them into a routine as a puppy. They love to communicate and will not hesitate to alert you to anything unusual, so they make great watchdogs.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪
Treeing Tennessee Brindles make great companions for children and adults. They form strong bonds with family members and have a protective nature that will help keep others safe. Their playfulness and energy make them ideal for children, and their intelligence helps them adapt to routines and boundaries more easily. However, they can be quite expressive and vocal, which can make them unsuitable for noise-sensitive areas.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽
The Treeing Tennessee Brindle generally gets along well with other pets, especially if they spend time with them as puppies, and they can be a good choice for multi-pet households. However, they have a strong hunting and treeing instinct, which can cause them to chase after smaller animals, like rabbits, rodents, and even cats.
Things to Know When Owning a Treeing Tennessee Brindle
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
Your Treeing Tennessee Brindle will need high-quality commercial dog food with real meat like chicken or turkey listed as the first ingredient. Avoid brands with something else listed first, as these may not be as nutritious, and brands that contain artificial colors and preservatives, as these are more likely to lead to allergic reactions and other health problems. You also want to limit treats to no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake to reduce the risk of weight gain.
Exercise 🐕
The Treeing Tennessee Brindle is a high-energy dog that will need 60–90 minutes of exercise each day to stay healthy and happy. Activities can include long walks, jogs, hikes, or play sessions in a securely fenced area where they can run freely. They will also need plenty of mental stimulation, as their high intelligence can cause them to become easily bored, which can lead to misbehaving. You can break the exercise into multiple sessions, and scheduling these regularly can help get you both into a healthy routine.
Training 🎾
The Treeing Tennessee Brindle is intelligent and eager to please, so they can learn a wide range of tricks fairly quickly. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are essential parts of training, and it can be a good idea to hold your sessions after exercising, as it will burn off excess energy and help them stay focused. Get your dog into a routine while they are still a puppy, and taking steps to curb barking can also be a good idea.
Grooming ✂️
The short coat of your Treeing Tennessee Brindle is easy to maintain and will only require weekly brushing to keep it looking its best. They will only require an occasional bath with a high-quality pet shampoo if they get dirty. Their nails will need occasional trimming if you hear them clicking on the floor, and you will need to pay special attention to the ears to ensure that they are clean and dry, to prevent wax buildup and ear infections. Manually brushing their teeth with pet-safe toothpaste is also crucial to help reduce the risk of dental disease.
Health and Conditions 🏥
- Ear infections
- Obesity
- Hip dysplasia
- Heart disease
Minor Conditions
- Ear infections are more common in the Treeing Tennessee Brindle because their ears are floppy and will hold in moisture, which will enable bacteria to grow. Signs can include head scratching and head shaking, a bad odor, pain, and scabs in the ear.
- Unfortunately, obesity affects more than 50% of dogs in the United States, and it can lead to diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and bladder stones. Proper diet and exercise are essential for keeping your pet at a good weight.
Serious Conditions
- Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip joint doesn’t form correctly, which causes it to wear down quickly, especially for energetic dogs like the Treeing Tennessee Brindle and obese dogs. It can lead to difficulty getting up or even lameness. Fortunately, medication, weight management, and sometimes surgery can help your dog live a happy life.
- Heart disease in dogs is slightly different than it is in humans in that smoking and a fatty diet are not the main causes. It usually involves the valves of the heart not working properly, and signs can include tiring easily, labored breathing, and a persistent cough.
Male vs. Female
The male Treeing Tennessee Brindle is larger and more muscular than the female and can be more playful, affectionate, and demanding of attention. The females are also usually easier to train and more reserved in their behavior.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Treeing Tennessee Brindle
1. Special Coat
The Treeing Tennessee Brindle was specifically bred for their brindle-colored coat, which stands out against the forest background, making them easier to spot during hunting.
2. Unique Bark
This dog has a distinctive “chop” bark that is unique in its clarity and rhythm to help alert hunters that they have prey in a tree.
3. Active in Conservation
Treeing Tennessee Brindles help track and tree game to help monitor wildlife populations in conservation efforts.
Final Thoughts
The Treeing Tennessee Brindle is a wonderful dog and a fantastic companion. They are friendly, energetic, and playful and form strong bonds with family members and even pets. They are protective and alert, which makes them great watchdogs, and their small size makes them suitable for a wide range of living arrangements. They are intelligent and have an eager-to-please attitude, so they are easy to train to do a wide variety of tricks. The only downside is that they can bark excessively without proper training, and they might also chase after smaller animals, which can sometimes include cats.
See also:
- Can Dogs Live Outside? Vet-Approved Safety Tips & Facts
- Can Dogs Eat Green Beans? Vet-Approved Feeding Facts
Featured Image Credit: Professionel shop, Shutterstock
