Mountain Cur

ATTRIBUTES: Intelligent, Reserved With Strangers, Strong-Willed

GROUP: Foundation Stock Service

ACIVITY LEVEL: Needs Lots Of Activity

BARKING LEVEL: Frequent

COAT TYPE: Smooth

COAT LENGTH: Short

SHADDING: Seasonal

SIZE: Medium

TRAINABILITY: May Be Stubborn

CHARACTERISTIC: Medium Dog Breeds

Breed Overview

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Ancestry

Native Curs, Indian Curs and Terrier-like Curs

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Origin

United States

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Registration

1957

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Size

18 - 26 (Males)

16 - 24 (Females)

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Weight

30 - 60 Pounds

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Expected Life

10 - 13 Years

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY +
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
LOVE WITH CHILDREN +
Unwise
Good With Children
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS +
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
+
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
+
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
+
COAT TYPE
+
COAT LENGTH
+
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
+
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
+
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
+
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
+
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
+
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
+
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
+
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Loaf
Needs an Activity
+
COLORS
+
PATTERNS
+
CARING WITH FAMILY
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a breed is predisposed to show towards family members or familiar individuals can vary widely. Some breeds may reserve their affection exclusively for their owner maintaining a detached demeanor with others. In contrast, other breeds are known for their gregarious nature offering warm and friendly interactions with just about anyone they consider part of their circle. Each breed carries its own unique set of social traits, so it's important to understand a breed's tendencies to gauge how they might integrate with family and friends.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN
Unwise
Good With Children
A breed's capacity for tolerating children's behavior and its congenial disposition towards families is a key characteristic. It is imperative that dogs are not left alone with children, whether they're toddlers or older kids who haven't spent much time around dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
The innate dog-friendliness of a breed can significantly impact its interactions with other canines. While all dogs should be closely monitored when meeting new furry acquaintances or during play, some breeds are naturally more inclined to socialize peacefully with other dogs, whether it's within the home environment or out in public spaces.
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
The amount of fur a breed sheds can give you a fair idea of the grooming it will require. Breeds that tend to shed profusely will demand more regular brushing are more prone to activating allergies and will often necessitate thorough vacuuming and frequent use of lint removers.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
Consider the regularity with which a particular breed needs a bath, a brush out, a haircut or any other form of fur upkeep. Reflect on your available time, level of patience and budget for grooming tasks as you examine the effort involved in maintaining your pet's appearance. Keep in mind that clipping nails is a routine necessity for dogs of every breed.
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
The likelihood of a breed to drool significantly is something to ponder. For those who prefer to keep things tidy and spotless, a pooch that has a tendency to decorate your sleeves with dribbles of drool or imprint your outfits with large damp patches might not be the ideal match for your lifestyle.
COAT STYLES GUIDE
Smooth
COAT SPECTRUM
Short
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
The innate sociability of a breed with unfamiliar faces is worth considering. Certain breeds may exhibit a natural reticence or wariness in the presence of strangers, no matter the setting, while others will joyously welcome the opportunity to greet a new person at any chance they get.
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
The playfulness levels a breed exhibits, which can often extend well beyond their puppy years is something to consider. Certain breeds will maintain their zest for engaging in games like tug-of-war or fetch as they mature, whereas others will be more inclined to spend their days lounging contentedly beside you on the sofa.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
The instinct of a breed to notify you about the presence of outsiders is another trait to think about. These dogs tend to be more responsive to perceived threats be it the postman making daily rounds or a squirrel scampering by the window. Such breeds typically grow accustomed to strangers entering the home especially if they see these guests being welcomed by their humans.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
A breed's adaptability to change is an essential factor to think about. This encompasses their ability to adjust to alterations in living environments, fluctuations in noise levels, shifts in weather, changes in the daily routine and other day-to-day variations that may arise.
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
The ease of training your canine companion and their eagerness to pick up new skills are important aspects to contemplate. Some breeds are naturally inclined to please their owners and learn quickly, whereas others display more independent streaks preferring to follow their own whims anytime, anyplace.
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
Consider the level of physical activity and mental engagement a breed requires. Breeds with a high energy quotient are always on the move, craving their next escapade and will likely fill their day with running, leaping, and playing. On the flip side, breeds with lower energy are akin to couch potatoes content to lounge and drift into naps throughout the day.
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
Frequent
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Happy to Lounge
Needs a Job or Activity
The mental enrichment a breed requires for its overall well-being is crucial to consider. Dogs bred for specific roles might need tasks that involve making choices, solving puzzles and maintaining focus. If these intelligent pups don't receive the cerebral workouts they crave, they'll likely invent their own activities to occupy their minds and chances are, these self-appointed projects may not align with your idea of a good time.
COLORS

Description

Registration Code

Black

007

Blue

037

Brindle

057

Brown

061

Red

140

Yellow

232

PATTERNS

Description

Registration Code

White Markings

014

Tan Points

029

Brindle Points

046

About The Breed

The Mountain Cur stands out as a stellar hunting breed renowned for its superior treeing instinct. These dogs are not only extraordinarily brave in a skirmish but are also impressively clever ready to perform any task their owner sets forth. They played an integral part in the way of life for early frontiersmen settlers and those who carved out homesteads in untamed territories.

Swift and vigorous in the pursuit, the Mountain Cur hunts with its nose to the sky. Depending on their style, they can announce their tracking progress with a loud bark that carries far ranging from frequent to occasional or even working silently. These dogs are adept at persevering on a tepid trail by circling and wandering until they pick up a fresher scent. When the situation calls for it, they are fierce in confrontation and brilliant in discernment with a natural inclination for treeing. They are trainable in avoiding unwanted quarry and best respond to training methods that involve ample human interaction. Beyond their hunting prowess, Mountain Curs also serve as excellent companions and vigilant guard dogs.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A MOUNTAIN CUR

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Mountain Cur: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

Health

+

Mountain Curs are known for their overall well-being. Consistent exercise is the secret to their excellent fitness levels. Aspiring owners will find that a reputable breeder is a valuable source of information when it comes to understanding health considerations unique to the breed.

Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association:

Health

Grooming

+
Maintaining the short manageable coat of the Mountain Cur is a breeze. A quick occasional grooming using a rubber curry comb or a shedding blade is all it takes to keep his fur free of dead and loose hair. His coat experiences a biannual shedding phase, which might call for extra brushing time. However, baths should be given sparingly to protect his skin's natural oils and don't forget to trim his nails and clean his ears as needed.
Health

Exercise

+
Mountain Curs brim with energy and thrive on staying active. These spirited canines require consistent engagement, both physically and mentally, beyond their hunting excursions. To keep their zest in check, a robust routine of daily strolls can do wonders. Without this, they're prone to ennui, which might lead to some less-than desirable behaviors. As you saunter with your spirited companion, it’s essential to affirm your role as pack leader by having them heel beside you. In the world of competitive dog events, Mountain Curs shine, their enthusiasm for outdoor escapades and athletic pursuits making them joyful participants.
Health

Training

+
Mountain Curs are exceptionally intelligent canines who thrive on tasks and challenges, a trait that makes them stand out performers in various dog sports. Training these dogs might vary in difficulty some take to instruction effortlessly while others require a firmer guiding hand. Regardless, it's important to establish yourself as the clear leader in your relationship. On the domestic front, Mountain Curs exhibit warmth towards familiar faces yet may mistake smaller pets for prey due to their hunting instincts. Within their own domain, they are vigilant protectors, ready to defend their home, belongings and loved ones. Introducing them to a variety of experiences and individuals early on is crucial for fostering courteous behavior. And with their capacity for learning and compassion, they have the potential to be nurtured into therapy dogs.
Health

Nutrition

+
The Mountain Cur thrives on premium dog nourishment be it professionally crafted or made at home under the guidance and endorsement of a vet. It's important to ensure the food is tailored to their life stage, whether they’re a pup, fully grown or in their golden years. It's also a good idea to educate yourself on which foods from our tables are okay for our canine companions and which should be avoided. If you're ever unsure about your furry friend's weight management or dietary needs don't hesitate to consult your veterinarian for advice. And remember, a supply of crisp clean water should always be accessible for your pooch.

Historiography

The Mountain Cur stands as a quintessential symbol of the great American frontier spirit. These resilient dogs were indispensable companions to the early settlers and it's quite plausible to suggest that the Southern Mountains would have remained unconquered without their presence. These canines were invaluable to those making a life in the tough terrain of the mountains. They stood sentinel over families and livestock protecting them from wild creatures or unwelcome visitors. With their adept hunting skills, they would track, tree or corner game to provide sustenance for their owners.

These resourceful dogs were integral to frontier living up until the 1940s with the pelts their owners sold courtesy of the dogs’ hunting prowess contributing significantly to the family income. Their heritage, while not recorded in formal documents is deeply interwoven with the fabric of pioneer life, as the need for boastful pedigrees was overshadowed by practical utility and survival.

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