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General Description
The Mountain Cur is a stocky, powerful working dog, with a short but heavy coat, with a soft fine undercoat. Coat colors include yellow, brindle, black, brindle & black, often with white points. This Cur has a strong, wide head, with folded-over ears set high. The eyes are usually dark and expressive, the muzzle is heavy. The chest is deep, the body is long, the back straight. The forelegs are also straight, the back legs with slightly bent hocks. The feet are catlike - dew-claws on hind feet should be removed. About 50% of all Mountain Curs are born with bob-tails.
A good Mountain bred Cur will have a well developed dew claw acting as a fifth toe, not just a nail. The fifth toe will be made of bone. Underdeveloped dew claws should be removed.
Character
Curs are highly possessive and protective of their family‑‑a trait unusual in hounds, but seen often in terriers and shepherds. They can make excellent protection dogs, therefore, except that they are not suited to life as a pet. The Mountain Cur is not a submissive, easygoing pet, but rather a fierce and courageous hunting dog.
This breed does well with children as long as they are properly exercised. This breed enjoys hunting and wide open spaces. Be sure to have plenty of room to keep this dog happy.
General Health
No hereditary diseases are known. Well cared for, the Mountain Cur can live from 12 to 16 years.
History
The word "cur" describes a dog of uncertain origin. As far as is known, immigrants from Europe brought terrier-type dogs over to America, where they mated with native dogs. The Mountain View Cur is believed to have originated in the Ohio River Valley, but is used all around the South as a traditional hunting dog. The Mountain Cur Breeders Association has been registering the breed since the late 1950s, today they are being divided into various types, such as the Treeing Tennessee Brindle, Stephens Stock, and the Mountain View Cur.
An English Curry would be a common ancestor to the modern "cur" dogs. DeSoto brought several bobtail cur type dogs to the American south to drive the hogs he brought with him. These brindle bobtail curs all had well developed dew claws that were used as a fifth toe. The modern cur is a descendant of these Spanish dogs and are still often born with bobtails. The best hunting dogs with the most GRIT will have five rear toes. The cur is a pioneer dog that has existed in America since the 1500s and is still the best all around varmint and game dog for the steep mountains and rough brier patches of the South.
Maintenance
It is necessary to brush the Mountain Cur's short coat only once a week or so to remove dead hair. Always keep the ear canal free of excess hair, and keep the toenails clipped. Water can dry out the skin, so bathe only when necessary
Ideal Environment
The Mountain Cur is not suitable for apartment life, or small house life, or family life, come to that. They are bred to work, and are consequently very active, needing a lot of exercise, and hunting, every day.
This breed requires plenty of exercise. They have strong hunting instinct and enjoy the outdoors. They were bred to roam mountainous terrain and enjoy being used as a working dog. Some of the tasks they are acclimated to are baying feral pigs, treeing squirrels and hunting raccoons. They also enjoy herding, but should only be allowed to herd tough livestock.
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Mountain Cur Q&AAsk a Question
I want to know if you think my dog could be a mountain cur?I adopted a dog a few months ago and the dog pound didn't know what breed she was. I did some research and I think she looks like a mountain cur, but I need a second opinion. She's medium sized, she's brindle, her ears are high up,...
Asked by Anonymous - 0 answers
Skin irritationWhat is the best thing to do with Mountain Cur skin irritations? Our boy is constantly biting, licking, and just miserable. He is now getting sores. He has extremely red rashes in spots all over his body. We don't know what...
Asked by Anonymous - 1 answers
How do I train my Mountain Cur to be obedient? I want him to come when called, sit, and not ...How do I train my Mountain Cur to be obedient? I want him to come when called, sit, and not jump on people. I want him to settle down when I am in contact with him.
Asked by Anonymous - 2 answers- I just got a 6 month old mountain cur pup and i want to start training him to hunt and tree ...
I just got a 6 month old mountain cur pup and i want to start training him to hunt and tree squirrels. What would be the first step in this process. I hope she is not too old to train.
Asked by Anonymous - 2 answers
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