The mountain cur was developed in the United States from dogs that the Europeans brought to America when they settled in Ohio and in the mountains of Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee. These frontier dogs developed as formidable hunting dogs that were used to hunt raccoons, squirrels, boar and bears. They were also utilized as herders of longhorn cattle. By the end of World War II, their numbers had dwindled. A group of four men took to the task of reviving the breed during the 1950s. In 1998, the United Kennel Club recognized the mountain cur and a member of the scent hound breed group.
The Mountain Cur is a sturdy and powerful working dog. They have long, lean bodies, deep chests and strong legs. Their heads are slightly flat with a long, broad muzzle. Their ears are small or medium-sized and fold forward. Their coats are smooth and double. This breed is easy to groom, brush and bathe as needed.
Personality
The Mountain Cur is a determined, brave and energetic dog. They are very affectionate and loving but need consistent leadership from their owners. These dogs are not suited for indoor living, they are at their best when they can roam and run outdoors. They are intelligent and smart, and generally easy to train. They tend to have a mind of their own.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 12-16 years |
| Nicknames: | No nicknames known |
Mountain Cur Build Information
The rugged and muscular mountain cur stands at a height of 18 to 26 inches tall at the shoulders and weighs between 30 and 60 pounds. The dog was bred for strength and working endurance. The double coat is fairly short and may be black, blue, brown, yellow or brindle in coloring, and white markings may or may not be present. The triangular ears hang downward, and their tails are bobbed. The Mountain Cur is a sturdy and powerful working dog. They have long, lean bodies, deep chests and strong legs. Their heads are slightly flat with a long, broad muzzle. Their ears are small or medium-sized and fold forward. Their coats are smooth and double. This breed is easy to groom, brush and bathe as needed.
| Size: | Medium |
Behaviour and Personality
The mountain cur is tenacious and headstrong. Only an assertive and experienced dog owner who is able to establish a dominant role should consider a mountain cur. With proper training, however, the mountain cur is devoted to its master. The mountain cur is strong, courageous and protective. It makes an effective guard dog that does not back down when defending its home and family. The mountain cur is a dedicated working dog and an ideal hunting companion. The breed is active. It requires plenty of daily exercise and will not fare well in an apartment setting. Mountain curs need to be given tasks and mental stimulation. They enjoy outdoor romps and playtime. The Mountain Cur is a determined, brave and energetic dog. They are very affectionate and loving but need consistent leadership from their owners. These dogs are not suited for indoor living, they are at their best when they can roam and run outdoors. They are intelligent and smart, and generally easy to train. They tend to have a mind of their own.
| Activity Level: | Very Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
Grooming a mountain cur requires minimal effort. Combing the coat once every week removes dead hairs to minimize shedding and restores the coat’s healthy appearance. The ears should be inspected once a week for debris and cleaned if necessary to prevent ear infections. The teeth should be brushed three times a week to prevent periodontal disease and maintain optimal overall health.
| Shedding: | None |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
Mountain Cur Common Health Conditions
The mountain cur is a relatively hardy breed with no known health problems. The mountain cur lives an average lifespan of 12 to 16 years.
Mountain Cur Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
For a tough and tenacious hunting dog and a loyal and courageous guard dog, the mountain cur will fit the bill for owners who are experienced dog handlers. The mountain cur originated in the United States. The mountain cur is a hard working dog that will fearlessly fight off intruders. This headstrong breed is not an ideal choice for inexperienced dog owners. The mountain cur stands 18 to 26 inches tall and weighs 30 to 60 pounds. Mountain curs have high energy levels. Mountain curs require minimal grooming. The average lifespan for a mountain cur is 12 to 16 years.
| Training: | Easy |