Treeing Tennessee Brindle

Ready to go at a moment’s notice, the Treeing Tennessee Brindle dog is friendly but alert. They “tree,” or chase animals vertically. They are brave, smart, and loyal dogs that love to work and be active. They are mostly found around Appalachia and the Ozark Mountains in the United States.

Treeing Tennessee Brindle Breed Overview

The Treeing Tennessee Brindle is a relatively new breed which was introduced in the 1960s by Reverend Earl Phillips. They are similar to Mountain Cur dogs and Plott Hounds. They have an incredible sense of smell, are hardy and versatile, and have a strong, clear bay. They “tree,” or chase animals vertically. Smart, outgoing, and highly energetic, they love to be with families that engage with the outdoors, such as camping, kayaking, and hiking.  

Treeing Tennessee Brindle Facts

• First introduced in the 1960s
• Closely related to Mountain Curs and Plott Hounds
• Mostly found in Appalachia and the Ozark Mountains
• They “tree,” or chase and bark at small animals until they are vertical
• They have a singsong bay rather than a bark
• They are equal parts courageous and easygoing

How to Care for Your Treeing Tennessee Brindle

Here’s what you need to know about caring for your Treeing Tennessee Brindle dog, including nutrition & feeding, health & wellness, grooming & hygiene, and living with the breed.  

Nutrition & Feeding

What to Feed a Treeing Tennessee Brindle

Active and muscular, the Treeing Tennessee Brindle dog needs a food that has high-quality protein, moderate carbohydrates, and good, healthy fats in balance. The best dog food for them will be one that is made specifically for their age, such as puppy, adult, or senior. They might benefit from a dog food aimed at highly active dogs, such as Purina Pro Plan Sport foods.

How Much to Feed a Treeing Tennessee Brindle

The Treeing Tennessee Brindle weighs between 30 and 50 pounds and is considered a medium-sized dog. Consult your vet or your dog food label to find the suggested amount of food per day, which should ideally be spread out over two scheduled feedings. This is just a range; depending on weight, activity level, stage of life, and other factors, you can get a more accurate estimate by heading to the Purina Feeding Calculator.

Treats & Supplements

Treats can be used sparingly in conjunction with positive reinforcement training and should not exceed 10% of the dog’s overall daily calories. Keep them low-calorie to maintain a healthy weight. Supplements may or may not be needed for your dog. That is something you can discuss with your vet. They might suggest things like probiotics for gut health, omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health, and joint supplements.

Health & Wellness

Veterinary Care

Part of being a good pet parent is establishing a vet for your dog and taking them to get routine care, such as vaccines, parasite prevention, and more. The Treeing Tennessee Brindle is a relatively healthy dog, but your vet can advise you on things like dental care and spaying or neutering your dog. They can also help you monitor their weight (obesity can lead to joint issues) and look out for other things like ear infections and skin issues.

Treeing Tennessee Brindle Enrichment & Exercise Needs

These dogs were bred to work, and enjoy nothing more than having a job to do, even if it’s only a dog puzzle. Keep your dog engaged with games that mimic treeing, scent tracking games, runs, hikes, or any other type of physical or mental activity. It’s strongly suggested to have a fenced-in yard to prevent them from chasing a scent and going rogue. If they do not receive enough stimulation, Treeing Tennessee Brindle dogs can become destructive and chew, bark, or dig.

Understanding Your Treeing Tennessee Brindle’s Behavior

The Treeing Tennessee Brindle has a unique, deep bark called a bay. This might not be ideal if you live in close quarters. Your dog might bay more if they are bored or anxious. These dogs are also known for being independent, which can make training challenging. You’ll need to use positive reinforcement methods and be gentle, yet consistent. Because of their history, they have a strong prey drive and could potentially chase small animals. A fenced-in yard can help you keep things under control, and be sure to never leave them unattended off-leash. Socialization with small pets can help, but you’ll need to introduce them slowly to other animals. Give them outlets to satisfy their need to chase, such as games that mimic the behavior.

What to Expect as Your Treeing Tennessee Brindle Ages

If well taken care of, Treeing Tennessee Brindle dogs can live to be 10 to 12 years old. Switch them to a senior dog food when your vet recommends doing so to help with things like mental sharpness, joint health, and eye health.

Grooming & Hygiene

Skin & Coat Health

The short coat of the Treeing Tennessee Brindle dog is low maintenance and easy to groom. Brush them frequently to remove loose hairs. You might need to do it more frequently during shedding seasons. Bathe them only when dirty, and be careful not to overbathe, which could strip them of natural skin oils.

Ear, Paw & Dental Care

Because these dogs spend a lot of time outside, you’ll need to check their paws frequently for cuts, scrapes, and signs of infection or irritation. Check their ears regularly for signs of infection, and use vet-approved wipes to clean them. Their nails might wear down naturally, or you might need to trim them every few weeks to prevent painful splitting and cracking. Dental care for hounds is important; be sure to brush their teeth regularly and/or offer dental chews.

Anal Gland Care

Medium-sized dogs may or may not be able to naturally express their anal glands. If they can’t, there will be a blockage, called an abscess, which will require professional assistance from a vet. If your dog is scooting, licking excessively, emitting a foul-smelling odor, or having a hard time going to the bathroom, call your vet for help.

Living With a Treeing Tennessee Brindle

Living Space

While the Treeing Tennessee Brindle enjoys a good moment of rest, it takes a lot to get them there. They are high-energy dogs that need a lot of access to the outdoors, preferably in a fenced-in yard in a rural or suburban area. Their strong prey drive means that they are a bolting risk – if they find a scent they like, it could be off to the races. Never leave them unattended while off-leash outside.

Socialization

These dogs can be naturally suspicious, so socialization is important to build up confidence around unfamiliar people and places. They can do well with other dogs if introduced properly, although small animals like cats, small dogs, rabbits, and the like might be tougher and require more patience and consistent socialization. They love family life and will want to participate in activities, especially anything outdoors. These dogs do best with families with no children or older children, but can do okay with families that have young children who can respect the dogs’ boundaries.

Climate Considerations

The Treeing Tennessee Brindle is a hardy dog, but its coat can only provide so much protection. They prefer moderate to warm climates and might need a sweater in colder temperatures. No dog should be left out in extreme temperatures for long periods. If you live in a hot area, try to exercise in the coolest parts of the day and make sure to provide plenty of shade and water.

Potential Challenges

A loyal, hardworking, and versatile dog, the Treeing Tennessee Brindle does best with families that can devote time and attention to their mental and physical stimulation needs. Satisfying them will keep them well-mannered and happy. They have a high prey drive, which means they are not the best fit for families with small animals, although early and frequent socialization can help. You’ll need to watch them carefully off-leash outside, preferably in a fenced-in area. Their loud bay might not be ideal for city living, and they would preferably live in a suburban or rural area where they have access to lots of space.

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