Pet Wiki

Treeing Tennessee Brindle

An intelligent, alert and fast hunter with a sharp nose and a real drive to tree game.

SizeMedium
Weight14 to 23 kg (31 to 51 lb)males 14 to 23 kg, females 14 to 18 kg123
Height41 to 61 cm (16 to 24 in)males 46 to 61 cm, females 41 to 56 cm31
Lifespan10 to 12 years2
CoatShort, dense, smooth
OriginUnited States (Ozark to Appalachian region)13
Last checked2026-09-30
Recognised breedShort profile
smart and quick
friendly with people and dogs
keen treeing instinct
32

Personality what they are like

An intelligent, alert and fast hunter with a sharp nose and a real drive to tree game. It is sociable with both people and other dogs, loyal to its family and fond of children, especially older ones.312

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Treeing Tennessee Brindle. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, dense, smooth

A short, soft-feeling coat that sits close over a quick, athletic scent hound.31

Coloursbrindleblack with brindle trimsmall white marks on chest or feet allowed31

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. It wants more than a daily stroll; hunting, tracking or long hikes suit it best, with around an hour of activity a day.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Minimal: a weekly brush to lift loose hair and a bath only when muddy.2

Home where they are happiest

A home with space and outdoor access suits it better than an apartment, as it is energetic and vocal.2

Company who they like around

Companionable with people and dogs alike and enjoys family life.32

The story where it all began

In the early 1960s Reverend Earl Phillips gathered owners of brindle treeing curs he had learned about through a magazine column. They founded the Treeing Tennessee Brindle Breeders Association on 21 March 1967, drawing foundation dogs from the country between the Ozarks and the Appalachians. The UKC granted full recognition in 2017.13

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The breed's baying style is written into its standard: it trails with an open voice and switches to a different bark at the tree.3

  2. 2

    Its typical voice at the tree is described as a coarse chop.3

  3. 3

    Only brindle or black with brindle trim is accepted, which is where the breed gets its name.3

  4. 4

    The breed association was founded in Illinois, even though the dogs are named after Tennessee.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name comes from its brindle coat color and its primary function: 'treeing' game (chasing it up a tree) in the Tennessee region.4

Name ideas for your new friend

OzarkBlue RidgeRidgeBrambleCedarHickoryNoseyTrackerBelleDaisyCloverRanger

A day in the life told by a Treeing Tennessee Brindle

This morning I woke up early, sniffed the cool air, and knew it was a good day. My human and I headed into the woods where I found a scent, a raccoon! I barked and ran, following that trail until I treed the critter. My human laughed and gave me a scratch. Later, back home, I curled up with the kids, letting them pat my head. A perfect day: chasing, treeing, and cuddling.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

UKC
Scenthound Group; recognised 1 Jul 20173
AKC
Foundation Stock Service; records kept since 19951

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Blueberry and Oat Bites

These three-ingredient treats are quick to make and packed with antioxidants from blueberries and fibre from oats. They are low in fat and perfect as a training reward.

You need

  • 100g oats
  • 1 banana (mashed)
  • 40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
  • Splash of water (as needed)

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
  2. In a bowl, mix the mashed banana, oats, and chopped blueberries together.
  3. Add splashes of water gradually until the mixture comes together into a large ball.
  4. Roll out the mixture on a lightly floured surface to about 1-2cm thick.
  5. Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut into shapes.
  6. Place the shapes on a lined baking tray.
  7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly browned.
  8. Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Offer one or two bites per day for a medium-sized dog. Reduce your dog's usual food portion to account for these treats.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Treeing Tennessee Brindle, and at what times?

Feed your adult Treeing Tennessee Brindle at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Consistent times help digestion. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.5

What should a Treeing Tennessee Brindle eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol. Always consult your vet for a complete list.6

How often should I bathe a Treeing Tennessee Brindle?

Pet Wiki's starting plan is a bath every 8 weeks, but only when muddy is fine. The ASPCA suggests at least once every three months.27 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Treeing Tennessee Brindle need brushing?

Brush your Treeing Tennessee Brindle weekly to remove loose hair. Its short coat is low-maintenance.27 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Treeing Tennessee Brindle's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 4 weeks or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. Ask your vet or a groomer if unsure.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Treeing Tennessee Brindle need?

This energetic breed needs about an hour of activity daily, ideally hunting, tracking, or long hikes. Daily walks and play are essential.2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Treeing Tennessee Brindle's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, daily is ideal. Check floppy ears weekly and dry them gently; never insert anything into the ear canal.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Treeing Tennessee Brindle live?

The Treeing Tennessee Brindle typically lives 10 to 12 years.2

Is a Treeing Tennessee Brindle good with children and other pets?

Yes, it is sociable with people and other dogs, loyal to family, and fond of children, especially older ones. Always supervise interactions with young children.312

Can a Treeing Tennessee Brindle be left alone?

While it enjoys family company, tolerance for being alone varies. Consult a good breeder or trainer for advice on leaving it alone.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Wikipedia: Treeing Tennessee Brindle en.wikipedia.orgused for recognition, weight, history
  2. Wag!: Treeing Tennessee Brindle wagwalking.comused for lifespan, exercise, grooming, social needs
  3. UKC Treeing Tennessee Brindle breed standard ukcdogs.comused for recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, voice
  4. akc.org akc.org
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.