Mountain Cur

Quick Take

• Mountain Curs are intensely loyal, though that loyalty has a dark side that catches many owners off guard. See loyalty's dark side →
• This breed descends from three distinct canine types, and the combination explains why it can do jobs most dogs can't. Explore the breed's abilities →
• Mountain Cur puppies grow at a rate that surprises most new owners, and the numbers are truly hard to believe. See the growth numbers →
• Skipping early socialization with this breed goes beyond mere inconvenience, as it can make the dog a liability around strangers and children. See why early socialization matters →

Mountain Curs are purebred hunting dogs, used for trailing and treeing raccoons, squirrels, and other small game. 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 tend to become overprotective if not trained properly. Coloration is typically brindle, black, tan, or brown.

Owning a Mountain Cur: 3 Pros and Cons

Size and Weight

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 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.

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 herding livestock.

These dogs are understood to be a combination of a hunting breed, a terrier, and a Native American canine. Hence, it can be inferred 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 bred to pursue and track 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

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.

Temperament and Behavior

Overall, Mountain Curs are a wonderful dog breed. They are very intelligent and eager to please 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 great family dogs and do very well with children.

How to Take Care of a Mountain Cur

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 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

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.

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 for grooming 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 regularly, the Mountain Cur is not considered hypoallergenic since they do still shed some.

Keep your dog’s ears 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 it from a very young age, especially since Mountain Curs may become overprotective without early socialization. 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; without it, they may become destructive. Owners should take their dogs for long walks each day and give them plenty of playtime. Remember that this breed also does well when given a job, which can also contribute to their activity needs.

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 of 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 the Mountain Cur

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

• Carolina Dog: They are 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 are considered hypoallergenic, but Labrador Retrievers typically shed more. 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.