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Treeing Tennessee Brindle
Hound breed from United States (Tennessee, Appalachian Mountains)
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Treeing Tennessee Brindle
The Treeing Tennessee Brindle is a medium-sized scent hound, recognized by its distinctive brindle coat. It is intelligent, alert, courageous, energetic, and friendly. This breed is known for its treeing ability—tracking and barking to alert hunters. However, individual temperaments vary. Estimated adult weight ranges from 14 to 23 kg, height from 46 to 61 cm, and lifespan from 10 to 12 years. Its short coat requires minimal grooming (score 1), with low shedding (score 2). The breed has high energy (score 4) and moderate trainability (score 4). It is generally suitable with children (score 4) but less compatible with other dogs (score 3) and not ideal for apartments (score 2). Recognition status varies by registry.
Quick facts
Treeing Tennessee Brindle at a glance
Sizemedium
Breed groupHound
OriginUnited States (Tennessee, Appalachian Mountains)
Lifespan10–12 years
Male weight14–23 kilogram
Female weight14–23 kilogram
Male height46–61 centimetre
Female height46–61 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Treeing Tennessee Brindle was developed in the United States, specifically in Tennessee and the Appalachian Mountains. According to one source, the breed was primarily developed in the mid-20th century, around the early 1960s, by Rev. Earl Phillips in the Appalachian and Ozark Mountains. He used brindle-patterned cur dogs and various hounds to create a pure-breeding scent hound with strong treeing instincts for hunting small game. The exact timeline and details of its development are not fully documented, and the breed's recognition status varies by registry, meaning it is not universally recognized by all kennel clubs.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
14–23 kilogramAdult weight46–61 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesShortCoat colorsBrindleRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Intelligentalertcourageousenergeticfriendly
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Typically responsive to training
Lower coat-maintenance demand
Lower shedding tendency
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Treeing Tennessee Brindle-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 4
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Growth chart
Treeing Tennessee Brindle puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight14–23 kilogramAdult female weight14–23 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Treeing Tennessee Brindle?
The Treeing Tennessee Brindle is a medium-sized breed. Estimated adult weight for both males and females ranges from 14 to 23 kg, and height from 46 to 61 cm. The estimated lifespan is 10 to 12 years. These are modelled estimates, so individual dogs may vary.
What is the temperament of this breed?
The breed is described as intelligent, alert, courageous, energetic, and friendly. However, not every individual dog behaves the same; temperament can vary based on training, socialization, and genetics.
How much exercise does a Treeing Tennessee Brindle need?
This breed has a high energy level (score 4 out of 5), so it requires regular, vigorous exercise. It was developed for hunting and treeing, so activities like running, hiking, or scent work are beneficial. Without sufficient exercise, it may become restless.
What are the grooming requirements?
The coat is short, and grooming needs are minimal (score 1 out of 5). Occasional brushing to remove loose hair is sufficient. Shedding is low (score 2 out of 5).
Is the Treeing Tennessee Brindle suitable for families with children or other pets?
The breed scores 4 out of 5 for child suitability, indicating it is generally good with children when properly socialized. However, it scores 3 out of 5 for dog compatibility, meaning it may be less tolerant of other dogs, especially same-sex or unfamiliar ones. Early socialization is important.
Can this breed live in an apartment?
Apartment suitability is low (score 2 out of 5). This breed has high energy and a strong hunting instinct, so it does best in a home with a yard or access to open spaces. It may adapt to apartment life if given enough exercise, but it is not ideal.
Where does the Treeing Tennessee Brindle originate from?
The breed originated in the United States, specifically in Tennessee and the Appalachian Mountains. It was developed in the mid-20th century (early 1960s) by Rev. Earl Phillips using brindle-patterned cur dogs and various hounds to create a scent hound with strong treeing instincts for hunting small game.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.