Boasting incredible inbred instincts, the Treeing Tennesse Brindle is one of the most sought-after Cur-type dogs. In the field, he is an active, courageous, and intelligent breed that excels in treeing and hunting works. At home, he displays his laidback and amiable side, making him an excellent family companion. However, he will best fit more experienced owners that can meet his exercise needs and tolerate using his strong baying voice and tendencies.
Origins of the Treeing Tennessee Brindle
The Treeing Tennessee Brindle is native to the United States. They are brindle tree dogs that have been around for hundreds of years, coming from various parts of the country, mostly from the Ozark Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains. These dogs were blessed with incredible treeing and hunting skills. They track down the scent of the quarry, force the animal to climb up a tree. Then, they use their loud, baying voice to alert their owners of the small game.
Despite being in the country for a long time, it was only in the 1960s when the TTB was distinctively introduced. Rev. Earl Philips wrote a column in a hunting dog magazine, which eventually allowed him to gain contact with different owners of these brindle-colored Cur dogs.
Soon, Rev. Earl Philips suggested the establishment of an organization that would promote and preserve these dogs. In 1967, the Treeing Tennessee Brindle Breeders Association was formed in Illinois. This group consisted of passionate owners that selectively bred these dogs to refine their size, color, and treeing abilities.
In 2017, the United Kennel Club fully recognized the breed. The American Kennel Club has not formally registered the TTB yet but has been recorded in its Foundation Stock Service program since 1995.
Characteristics of the Treeing Tennessee Brindle
Height: 16-24 inches
Weight: 30-50 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Hypoallergenic: No
The Treeing Tennessee Brindle is a medium-sized dog with a well-proportioned body, deep chest, and a muscular neck. His skull is flat and broad, tapering towards his long, broad muzzle. The eyes are dark brown or amber, while the nose is black. An agile canine, he is blessed with long, muscular legs and round, well-arched feet, both very helpful in its hunting and treeing endeavors. His coat is short, dense, and soft, which can be brindle or black with a brindle touch.
In terms of character, the Treeing Tennesse Brindle is the type of dog that will flourish in an active family. He has an inherent desire to be outdoors and has an outgoing nature, always ready for adventures. With that, he needs people that can match his vigor and high exercise needs.
Luckily, the TTB also has an innate love for human companionship and will be happy to spend time with his family in any way possible. While he will surely enjoy camping and hiking activities, he will also relish cuddling his owners on the couch or warming up their feet. At home, he is willing to show his mellow and friendly side and be an excellent canine companion.
With such a good disposition, the TTB gets along pretty well with children and dogs he is familiar with. He is not known to be aggressive and can be a great playmate to kids. However, without such hostile tendencies, it makes him unfit to be a guard dog. What he can be good at instead is being a watchdog. He has a vocal nature as he was bred to bay loudly at quarries. So, when visitors or strangers come at home, he’ll never fail to alert his owners about these unfamiliar people.
In general, the Treeing Tennesse Brindle is the perfect dog for owners looking for a dynamic, outdoor-loving dog that is willing to snuggle with them after a fun-filled day.
Caring for the Treeing Tennessee Brindle
The Treeing Tennessee Brindle’s short coat only needs minimal grooming. Brushing him once a week is usually enough to remove dead hair, while bathing is only necessary should he get foul-smelling or dirty. Other parts of his grooming routine include regular nail trimming, teeth brushing, and ear cleaning. It is best to acquaint him with these activities at a young age to make him more accepting and make the sessions fun and less challenging for the both of you.
As an energetic and vocal breed, the TTB is not suitable for apartment living. He needs a spacious area where he can roam and use his tracking instincts. He will best enjoy a home in the countryside with a vast garden or backyard to explore.
Given that he is an active dog, the TTB needs high-quality dog food with high protein content. Make sure not to overfeed him, which can lead to obesity and other health complications. Consult a veterinarian for a diet plan that would fit the dog’s needs and activity level.
In terms of training, the Treeing Tennessee Brindle’s intelligence makes them very amenable. Use positive reinforcement to bring out his potential. He is a sensitive dog that may do well in harsh training and punishments. Remember that it’s hard to earn a dog’s trust back once it has been broken. Train him fairly and gently, and he will respond very well, even to a “hush” command that will help control his barking tendencies.
Like many Cur dogs, the Treeing Tennesse Brindle is a hardy breed. As a new breed, not much is known yet about their inheritable health conditions. However, it is always best to screen them for hip dysplasia and eye disorders. Plus, getting your regular vet checkups, proper immunizations, and flea control will ensure that he lives a long, healthy life.