Description. The Treeing Tennessee Brindle is a medium sized dog with the male dog standing 18-24 inches in height and weighing 30-50 pounds and the slightly smaller female bitch being 16-22 inches high with a weight of 30-50 pounds. The Treeing Tennessee Brindle is a coon hound and is a great scent dog. They have a smooth dense coat that is most commonly brindle in color. They have a domed head with the muzzle taking up about half of the entire head size. Their triangular ears hang down to about half way down their muscular neck, which is of average length. They have a deep chest and muscular shoulders that top off the straight strong front legs. They are straight backed with the body length being around the same as the dogs’ height. Their tail is thick at the high set root and tapers a little towards the end. The Treeing Tennessee Brindles rear legs are full and powerful with well defined musculature.

History. Originally the coon dogs were classed as a group and it was many years before they were separated into individual breeds. This particular hound originated from brindle colored treeing dogs from all across America. It is also thought that the Curs and Plott dogs contributed towards the Treeing Tennessee Brindle breed. The design was to breed a brave intelligent dog with an exceptional scenting ability. It was also important that the dog would get along with other dogs and of course humans. In 1967 Reverend Earl Phillips started a group to name the dog and register it as a breed, at this time he was already nearly 100 years of age. When registered with the AKC it was the ninth breed of coonhound on their books.

Temperament. As a breed the Treeing Tennessee Brindle is an affectionate dog that loves their family and is fearless in their protection. They are very active and love the hunt, this dog should always be walked on a leash or they will catch a scent and be off on a hunt. They like to play and enjoy older children. This is a natural hunter and should not be trusted with smaller animals. They do require care and will not react well to being left alone for lengthy periods or any forms of abuse. You need to be a good, strong minded, pack leader with this dog. If they sense you are weak minded they will take over the alpha role and problems will occur. They need to be socialized when young to be at their happiest with other dogs and strangers. As a hunting breed this dog will also require mental stimulation, which games can provide.

Health issues. There are no specific health issues associated with the Treeing Tennessee Brindle.

Grooming. The Treeing Tennessee Brindle requires a simple brushing weekly. It is important to check them for fleas and other parasites as they can pick things up whilst in bushes etc.

Living conditions. This breed will not do at all well in an apartment. They are natural hunters with lots of energy and a Treeing Tennessee Brindle will require space. At least a large garden is needed. The Treeing Tennessee Brindle likes acreage and lots of open space.