Mountain Cur

Canis lupus

Last updated: March 24, 2023
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
© Villiers Steyn/Shutterstock.com

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Mountain Cur Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Mountain Cur Conservation Status

Mountain Cur Locations

Mountain Cur Locations

Mountain Cur Facts

Diet
Omnivore

Mountain Cur Physical Characteristics


Mountain Cur as a Pet:

General Health
Energy Level
Shedability
Trainability
Intelligence
Tendency to Chew
Size
Family and kid friendliness
Yappiness / Barking
Moderate
Separation Anxiety
High
Preferred Temperature
Average climate
Exercise Needs
High
Friendly With Other Dogs
Moderate
Pure bred cost to own
$400 to $3,000
Dog group
Hound
Male weight
30-60 lbs
Female weight
30-60 lbs

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Mountain Curs perform a variety of tasks from assisting on hunts to guarding livestock to working on farms.

Mountain Curs are purebred hunting dogs, used for trailing and treeing raccoons, squirrels, and other small game.

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They may also be used for hunting larger animals, such as wild boar or bears. Mountain curs also make great additions to farms, protecting the land and running off pests. A member of the hound dog group, Mountain curs were originally bred in the mountains of Tennessee and Kentucky to aid frontier families as guard dogs.

Mountain Curs are an active breed, preferring time outdoors. They are very loyal and protective of their family and have a tendency to become overprotective if not trained properly. Coloration is typically brindle, black, tan, or brown.

Owning a Mountain Cur: 3 Pros and Cons

A beautiful Mountain Cur breed dog with a brindle coat laying down
A beautiful brindle Mountain Cur.

©Susan Schmitz/Shutterstock.com



Pros!Cons!
Loyal: These dogs are a very loyal and protective dog breed.Can become over-protective: Since they are so loyal and protective, it is possible that a Mountain Cur may become overprotective and aggressive towards individuals they feel are a threat to their family.
Intelligent: They are very intelligent, and with the right trainer can be taught to perform a variety of tasks.Stubborn: These dogs have been known to be stubborn or strong-willed, which can make training challenging at times.
Playful: Mountain Curs can make a good playmate for a child.Not ideal for novice owners: Mountain Curs are best suited for homes with experienced dog owners who will be able to properly train them.

Size and Weight

Mountain Cur running on beach

Mountain Cur running on the beach

©Villiers Steyn/Shutterstock.com

Health and Entertainment for your Mountain Cur

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Mountain Curs are a medium-sized breed. Males and females are typically between 16 and 26 inches tall and weigh between 30 and 60 pounds. Puppies are much smaller in size but grow rapidly. At the age of six months, some puppies may weigh around 24 pounds, but could nearly triple their weight by the time they are a full-grown adult.

Height (Male)16 inches to 26 inches
Height (Female)16 inches to 26 inches
Weight (Male)30 to 60 pounds
Weight (Female)30 to 60 pounds

Evolution and Origins

The Mountain Cur canine type had its beginnings in the mountainous regions of Kentucky and Tennessee. During the settlement period, they played a significant role in the lives of the pioneers, aiding them as they established farms in remote, hilly areas of the southern countryside. They performed various functions on farms such as guarding, hunting, and even livestock herding.

It is understood that these dogs are a combination of a hunting breed, a terrier, and a Native American canine. Hence, it can be inferred logically that the three prevalent breeds of that period played a role in their creation.

Furthermore, the Mountain Cur is a breed of working dog that is intentionally raised for the purpose of pursuing and tracking small game, such as raccoons and squirrels, up trees. They are also employed for hunting and chasing larger animals such as wild boars and bears, in addition to serving as versatile farm dogs.

Common Health Issues

Brindle Mountain Cur standing in a field on a hiking trail.

Brindle Mountain Cur standing in a field on a hiking trail.

©Kyle Christian/Shutterstock.com

Overall, these dogs are healthy. However, there are still a few potential health concerns to be aware of with this breed.

Curs may suffer from skin infections, so it is important to keep their skin clean to reduce the risk of infection. Fish oil supplements, if approved by your veterinarian, can also help to keep skin from getting too dry or itchy. If you suspect that your dog has developed a skin infection, schedule an appointment with the veterinarian as soon as possible.

Hip dysplasia is another potential health concern for these dogs. The disorder occurs when the hip bone doesn’t form correctly, not fitting into the socket properly, leading to pain and mobility issues. Surgery may be necessary for dogs with hip dysplasia.

Finally, since these dogs spend a lot of time outside, they may be more prone to fleas, ticks, heartworms, or other parasites than other dog breeds. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian about preventatives for fleas and ticks as well as heartworms to reduce the chances of your dog getting them.

To sum up, some of the health concerns these dogs may face include:

  • Skin infections
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Fleas, ticks, or other parasites

Temperament and Behavior

Mountain Cur Brindle Mutt in red bandana

Mountain Cur Brindle Mutt in red bandana

©Caitlin Trickett/Shutterstock.com

Overall, Mountain Curs are a wonderful dog breed. They are very intelligent and look to please the members of their family. This breed is loyal to a fault, and at times may become overprotective of the ones that they love and may exhibit aggressive behaviors towards strangers.

These dogs have pleasant personalities and enjoy being put to work. They can make excellent hunting companions, guard dogs, or farm dogs. As long as they are given the stimulation they need, they can make a great family dogs and do very well with children.

How to Take Care of a Mountain Cur

A low angle shot of a beautiful black mountain cur dog on the rocks under the cloudy sky

A low angle shot of a beautiful black mountain cur dog on the rocks under the cloudy sky

©Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock.com

Since each dog breed is unique, it is important to keep personality characteristics in mind when looking for a companion. Considering temperament, activity requirements, nutritional needs, and training will help develop an appropriate plan for owning and raising your dog.

Keep in mind that puppies will require different food and a different feeding schedule than an adult dogs. Since the stomach of a puppy is much smaller than an adult’s, they’ll need to be fed smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. Consult with your veterinarian, but generally, most puppies under the age of 6 months should be fed three to four times a day.

The Best Dog Food for Mountain Curs

When selecting food for your dog, look for a mix formulated for medium to large-breed dogs. Since these dogs are also a very active breed, you should look for something designed for dogs with increased activity levels.

The amount of food your dog will eat each day may vary. Each bag of dog food is typically labeled with serving sizes based on weight, but it is smart to consult with your veterinarian to find the right amount of food for your dog based on their age, activity level, health concerns, and other factors.

At A-Z Animals, we say the best dog food for Mountain Curs is Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach, High Protein Dry Dog Food.

This ultra-healthy salmon recipe provides an abundance of omegas to nourish the skin and help soothe symptoms of skin irritation and infections. The probiotics enable a stronger immune system from the inside out by balancing the gut biome, and the natural glucosamine from fish promotes resilient joints.

Check out Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach High Protein dog food on Chewy and Amazon.

Maintenance and Grooming

Mountain Curs are relatively low-maintenance dogs. They have short hair that should be brushed on occasion to remove any loose or dead hairs. Most of these dog owners find that a shedding blade or rubber curry comb is ideal to use to groom their dogs. Generally, they are low-shedding dogs, but they do have two shedding seasons each year. During these times, they will shed more and will require more brushing. While they don’t shed too much on a regular basis, this breed is not considered hypoallergenic since they do still shed some.

Keep your dog’s ear clean and free of debris and wax. Their teeth should also be brushed regularly, and their nails should be kept trimmed.

Training

Some of these dogs are relatively easy to train, while others may be more stubborn. Mountain Curs are very intelligent and capable of learning many commands and multitasking. They do best when an owner demonstrates clear leadership. Begin training as soon as possible in order to get the best results.

In addition to training your dog, you will want to begin socializing with him from a very young age, especially with dogs who may become overprotective otherwise. Early socialization will help ensure your dog knows how to interact with people and animals in public, as well as in strange environments or situations.

Exercise

These dogs have a lot of energy and will need to live a very active lifestyle. Making sure this breed gets sufficient physical and mental exercise is important, otherwise they may become destructive. Owners should take their dogs for long walks each day and give them plenty of playtimes. Remember, that this breed also does well when given a job, which can also contribute to their activity needs. Mountain Curs may also perform in obedience and circuit competitions.

Puppies

Don’t plan to purchase or adopt a puppy unless you will be able to meet their activity needs. Mountain Curs are an active breed that is best suited for an active household where they’ll be able to spend a lot of time outdoors.

Mountain Curs and Children

A Mountain Cur can make an excellent family dog. They enjoy playing with children and can be very loyal and protective over a child. However, since this protective nature can sometimes turn excessive, it is important to make sure your dog is trained well enough to interact with children. It is always a good idea to supervise children when they are around Mountain Curs or other dogs.

Dogs similar to Mountain Cur

Carolina Dogs, Labrador Retrievers, and American Coonhounds are three breeds that are similar to these dogs.

  • Carolina Dog: High-energy breeds that require a lot of exercise each day. These dogs shed more and are generally smaller than Mountain Curs, with an average weight of 37 pounds compared to the 50-pound average for a male Mountain Cur.
  • Labrador Retriever: Labrador Retrievers and Mountain Curs are both easy to groom. Neither Labrador Retrievers nor Mountain Curs is considered hypoallergenic, but Labrador Retrievers typically shed more, however. Labrador Retrievers primarily come in three main colors (yellow, chocolate, or black), while a Mountain Cur can be a variety of different colors including brindle, yellow, brown, blue, cream, black, or white.
  • American Coonhound: American Coonhounds and Mountain Curs are both around the same size; males typically weigh between 40 and 65 pounds. However, American Coonhounds have a higher prey drive and are more likely to wander off.

Famous Mountain Curs

Interested in learning more about this breed and seeing some Mountain Curs in action? Follow one of these ‘famous’ dogs on Instagram:

  • Cooper – lives in Ohio and shares his adventures on Instagram. He has over 300 followers.
  • Chicki – also known as Chiquita Bananas, is an active Mountain Cur with a mutt best friend named Rusty. He has over 200 followers.
  • Riley – lives in New York and likes sharing about all the places he travels with his mom. He has over 200 followers.

If you are on the hunt for the perfect name for your dog, consider one of these popular choices:

  • Charlie
  • Buddy
  • Tucker
  • Oliver
  • Sammy
  • Molly
  • Zoey
  • Emma
  • Abby
  • Lily

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About the Author

Growing up in rural New England on a small scale farm gave me a lifelong passion for animals. I love learning about new wild animal species, habitats, animal evolutions, dogs, cats, and more. I've always been surrounded by pets and believe the best dog and best cat products are important to keeping our animals happy and healthy. It's my mission to help you learn more about wild animals, and how to care for your pets better with carefully reviewed products.

Mountain Cur FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

How much does Mountain Cur cost to own?

The cost to purchase a Mountain Cur is typically around $400, but it could be as high as $3,000 depending on the breeder you use. Some Mountain Curs may also be available for adoption from a local rescue organization. Adopting a Mountain Cur should be less expensive than purchasing one through a breeder and will likely cost around $200 to $300.

Mountain Curs will also need veterinary care, food, toys, and other supplies. Budget at least $1,000 to $1,500 for the first year you own the dog and $500 to $1,000 for each subsequent year.

Is a Mountain Cur a good family dog?

Yes, Mountain Curs can make a good family dog. They can make a great companion for a child and are very protective and loyal. However, they may become overprotective, so proper training and supervision when around children are important.

How long does a Mountain Cur live?

The average lifespan of a Mountain Cur is 10 to 13 years.

What breeds make up a Mountain Cur

The exact mix of dog breeds that were used to create a Mountain Cur is not completely known. However, based on the breeds that were around at the time the Mountain Cur was first bred, it is likely that they are a mix of English Pointers, Cairn Terriers, and Native American Curs.

Is a Mountain Cur a Pitbull?

No, a Mountain Cur is a separate breed than a Pitbull.

Do Mountain Curs bark a lot?

Mountain Curs are moderate barkers. They do have a very loud and deep bark when they do bark.

What's the difference between the Mountain Cur and the Black Mouth Cur?

The Mountain Cur is smaller than the Black Mouth Cur. Additionally, the Black Mouth Cur has a shorter lifespan compared to the average Mountain Cur.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources
  1. American Kennel Club, Available here: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/mountain-cur/
  2. Wikipedia, Available here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_Cur#Temperament
  3. Dog Time, Available here: https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/mountain-cur
  4. Petfinder, Available here: https://www.petfinder.com/dog-breeds/mountain-cur/
  5. The Spruce Pets, Available here: https://www.thesprucepets.com/mountain-cur-full-profile-history-and-care-5077169
  6. Animalso, Available here: https://animalso.com/breeds/mountain-cur/#:~:text=The%20Three%20Breeds%20That%20Make%20Up%20The%20Mountain%20Cur&text=We%20do%20know%20that%20they,have%20a%20part%20to%20play.
  7. Doggie Designer, Available here: https://doggiedesigner.com/mountain-cur/

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