The Treeing Tennessee Brindle has a muddy origin, similar to other coon-dogs, that it initially shared with Stephens Stock and the Mountain View Cur. The breeds have all individualized enough to justify their own registering groups. The forefathers for this breed came from brindle tree dogs from across the country. The Plott dogs and the Curs are thought to have been a major contributor to the Treeing Tennessee Brindle breed, as well. The goal of breeders was to create open trailers with good scenting power that were intelligent and courageous. These small hounds were used for generations because of their fearless ability to tree coon and squirrel and still remain compatible with humans and other dogs. It wasn’t until 1967 that the Reverend Earl Phillips, then in his late 90s, founded a group that would register the breed and give it an official name. The Treeing Tennessee Brindle Breeders Association grew to over 500 members in 30 states, before turning its registry over to the American Coon Hunters Association. The Treeing Brindle was recognized as the ACHA’s ninth breed of coonhound.
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Treeing
Tennessee Brindle  The origin of the Treeing Tennessee Brindle will probably always be
a mystery. It is known, however, that there was many old-time dogs that
came from select little pockets from all over the country. These dogs
were open trailers with good scenting power, very intelligent and
courageous, and companionable with both men and dogs. The originators of
the breed searched to find and promote that type of dog. There were many
Cur-type hunting dogs at that time, but they concentrated on the type of
dog that had the uncanny ability to locate and tree any game.
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The
second
of the "mountain" curs is the Treeing Tennessee Brindle. As
opposed to the Mountain Cur, this breed tends a lot more to the hound.
His roots are the same as the other coon-dogs, and the rather honest
statement of the Association sums up this dog's history. "Our
original breeding stock came from outstanding brindle tree dogs from
every part of the country." The Plott dogs as well as the Curs
may have played prominently in the formation of the Tennessee dog.
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Hunters
used the small brindle hounds for generations. They didn't have a name
for them then; they just knew that these unpretentious dogs were fine
open trailers and were superb locators, fearless with game such as
coon and squirrel but very companionable with men and dogs.
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It
wasn't
until 1967 that a group formed to foster and register the breed and
give it an official name. Founded by the Reverend Earl Phillips who is
in his late 90s and still working his dogs, the Treeing Tennessee
Brindle Breeders Association has grown from modest beginnings to over
500 members in 30 states. In 1978, the TTBBA turned its registry over
to the American Coon Hunters Association and the Treeing Brindle was
recognized as this group's ninth breed of coonhound. The TTBBA has
recently applied to AKC for Miscellaneous Class status for then-breed.
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Hunting
characteristics are much like the other coonhound breeds, with ample
nose for trailing game, open trailers with a coarse chop mouth, and
fine treeing ability. Small hounds, they have tight cat feet and small
ears. They are fast and courageous hunters and, as companions, are
intelligent, affectionate and easygoing. Their promoters say these
dogs have "heart and try" in abundance.
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Puppy
buyers are
encouraged to look for one that is happy, bold, confident and
inquisitive. The breed is particularly sensitive to neglect or abuse,
and breeders warn that care must be taken in training not to destroy
that heart— "You can take it out, but you can never put
it back!" Traits such as large size, long low ears, stub tails
and colors other than brindle are warned against, since all would put
him into another canine category.
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| Size
and Appearance Treeing
Tennessee Brindle has a short, smooth coat that is soft and dense. As
its name suggests, its coloring is usually brindle, although black with
streaks or a small amount of white on the breast or feet is also allowed.
The Treeing Tennessee has a course chop mouth and expressive dark eyes
that are prominent on its face. Its tail should be straight and is
medium in length. This breed is smaller than most hounds and has
cat-like feet and small ears
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| Temperament
The Treeing Tennessee Brindle is an excellent hunter that excels in
speed and courage. It has a good scenting power with a desire to capture
its prey. As a companion pet, the Treeing Tennessee is intelligent, laid
back, and happy. This breed is said to have “heart and try” in
abundance
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| Recommended
MaintenanceThe Treeing Tennessee
Brindle only requires an occasional brushing and bath as necessary to
clean the coat and remove dead hair. Since it is a hunting dog, it must
be kept active and enjoys the activity of the hunt. It is an intelligent
breed that should be trained for hunting, however the Treeing Tennessee
is particularly sensitive to neglect or abuse. Training should be firm
and consistent, but always with a loving touch.
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| Standard
Head: Strong but not too heavy. Long
and broad in skull. Eyes: Large, set well apart and dark in color. Ears:
Wide, hanging flat on head. Muzzle: Medium size and well proportioned to
head. Nose: Black and self-colored according to coat. Bite: Scissor or
level. Neck: Medium length, strong, carried erect, and arched. Top-line:
Level. Chest: Deep and narrow, with well sprung ribs. Body: Moderately
long, muscular, and strong back. Legs: Forelegs should be straight. Hind
legs should be strong and muscular with plenty of propelling power. Feet:
Fox-like, with hard, full pad. Tail: Carried cheerfully with a slight
curve. Movement: Good reach, with well balanced movement. Temperament:
Energetic, free-spirited, with good movement
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| Height
: 16-24 In.
Group: Hound Weight: 30-50 Lbs. Coat: Short, Soft And Smooth Color: Brindle, Or Black With Streaks; Small Amount Of White Is Permissible.
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Faults Note * Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully decended into the scrotum.
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Treeing Tennessee Brindle 
History 
