Mountain Cur
The Mountain Cur is a courageous hunting dog that thrives in rugged terrain and harsh weather conditions.


Mountain Cur Breed overview
The Mountain Cur is a medium-sized, high-energy breed that requires plenty of physical and mental stimulation. They are intelligent, loyal and protective, making them a good choice for families with children. They are natural hunters and can be used for specific tasks, but they must receive proper socialization and training from a young age. The Mountain Cur has moderate grooming and shedding requirements and is generally healthy with few major health issues. Owners must ensure their dogs are properly exercised and socialized to keep them happy and healthy.
What To Expect When Caring For a Mountain Cur
Health
The Mountain Cur is a generally healthy breed with a lifespan of 12-16 years.
However, like all dog breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions, including hip dysplasia, ear infections, and certain types of cancer.
Regular veterinary check-ups, a nutritious diet, and appropriate exercise can help keep a Mountain Cur in good health.
Exercise
The Mountain Cur is an active breed that requires daily exercise and activity to stay healthy and happy.
These dogs are best suited for homes with large yards or outdoor space where they can run, play, and explore.
Regular exercise can also help prevent destructive behavior and keep a Mountain Cur's mind and body stimulated.
Nutrition
The Mountain Cur requires a high-quality diet that is appropriate for their size, age, and activity level.
It is important to feed them a balanced diet that contains a mix of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, and to avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity.
Consulting with a veterinarian or canine nutritionist can help determine the best diet plan for a Mountain Cur.
Grooming
The Mountain Cur has a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming.
Regular brushing can help keep their coat shiny and free of debris, and occasional baths can help remove excess oils and dirt.
These dogs are prone to ear infections, so it is important to regularly clean their ears and check for signs of infection.
Training
Mountain Curs are intelligent and eager to please, making training a relatively easy process.
Positive reinforcement training methods, such as clicker training and treat rewards, are effective for this breed.
Consistent training and socialization can help prevent problem behaviors and help a Mountain Cur become a well-behaved companion.
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Mountain Cur Traits & Characteristics
The Mountain Cur stands 18-26 inches at the shoulder and weighs 30-60 pounds.
The breed has a broad head, strong jaws, and alert, round eyes that are typically brown in color.
Their coat is short and dense, with a variety of colors accepted by the breed standards.
These dogs have a strong and muscular build, with a deep chest and powerful legs that enable them to traverse rough terrain with ease.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
The Mountain Cur is a breed known to display great affection and love towards their owners. Due to their active and lively nature, they love to play and cuddle with human companions. They also have a strong loyalty towards their owners and are always eager to please them.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
The Mountain Cur is an excellent breed for children. These dogs are very patient, friendly and energetic, so they are great for playtime and keep active kids busy. They are loyal protectors and extremely affectionate with children. The Mountain Cur is a perfect companion for families with children of all ages.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
The Mountain Cur is a friendly and sociable breed with other dogs. They love to play and make new friends. However, like all breeds, socialization from a young age is vital for this breed, especially if you want to avoid any aggressive or dominant behavior later on.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
The Mountain Cur can be suspicious or reserved with strangers if not well socialized. It is imperative to socialize them from an early age, to avoid any unwanted or aggressive behavior. Properly socialized, they can be friendly with strangers and protective of their owners.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
The Mountain Cur has high energy levels and is very playful with both humans and other dogs. They enjoy playing fetch, tug of war, and other outdoor activities. They need regular exercise to keep them healthy, but they also require plenty of playtime to keep them happy.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
The Mountain Cur is an extremely alert and vigilant breed. They are always watchful and protective of their owners and homes. They make excellent watchdogs and protectors.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
The Mountain Cur is not highly adaptable to new environments or changes in routine. They thrive on consistency and a familiar routine. They can become stressed if their environment changes too often or there are significant changes in their daily routine. Exposure to new environments and people should be introduced gradually to avoid anxiety.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
The Mountain Cur sheds moderately throughout the year, so regular brushing is necessary to keep their coat healthy and shiny. Occasional bathing also helps to keep their coat clean and reduces excessive shedding.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
The Mountain Cur requires average grooming maintenance to keep their coat in good condition. They can be brushed once or twice a week to remove any dead hair, and they only need to be bathed occasionally.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
The Mountain Cur has a moderate tendency to drool, especially after eating or drinking. It is important to keep them well hydrated to avoid excessive drooling. Wiping their mouths with a cloth can also help reduce drooling.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
The Mountain Cur is a medium-sized breed that typically weighs between 30 to 60 pounds and stands around 18 to 26 inches tall. Their muscular build and athletic physique make them sturdy and well-suited for outdoor activities.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
The Mountain Cur is an extremely energetic and active breed that requires plenty of physical exercise daily. They need a lot of outdoor time and require regular walks, runs, and playtime to keep them healthy and happy. Owners should be prepared to provide a lot of physical activity to keep their dog happy and healthy.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The Mountain Cur has high-energy levels and requires considerable physical activity daily. They need a lot of outdoor time and require regular walks, runs, and playtime to keep them happy and healthy. Owners should provide plenty of outdoor areas to keep their dog stimulated, both physically and mentally.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
The Mountain Cur is a breed that is well-suited for working and specific tasks. They are extremely agile and athletic, making them great for hunting, tracking and herding. They are also protective and make excellent watchdogs.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
The Mountain Cur is a breed that has a natural instinct for hunting, tracking and treeing. They are known for their endurance and ability to navigate rough terrain, and their curiosity and tenacity make them excellent hunting companions.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
The Mountain Cur is an incredibly sturdy and robust breed that has excellent physical stamina and endurance. They have a high tolerance for physical activity and can maintain high levels of activity for extended periods.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
The Mountain Cur is a generally healthy breed with no major health concerns. However, as with any breed, they can be prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, ear infections, and allergies. Regular veterinary check-ups and preventative care can help keep them healthy.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
The Mountain Cur is a breed that can be prone to weight gain if not given enough physical activity. They require regular exercise and playtime to maintain a healthy weight. A healthy diet that meets their nutritional needs is also essential in preventing obesity.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
The Mountain Cur is naturally tolerant to cold weather conditions. They have a thick, double coat that provides excellent insulation, and they are comfortable in cold weather climates. However, they should be monitored closely in extreme cold to avoid hypothermia.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
The Mountain Cur is naturally tolerant of hot weather conditions. They are comfortable in hot, humid climates, however, proper hydration and cooling measures should be taken during extreme heat.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
The Mountain Cur is not well suited to apartment living due to their high energy levels and need for plenty of outdoor space. They thrive in a home with a yard where they can run and play regularly.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
The Mountain Cur has a moderate tendency to wander or explore. They are naturally curious dogs and love to explore their surroundings. They require a well-fenced yard and should always be supervised when outside.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
The Mountain Cur may be sensitive to harsh criticism or negative reinforcement. Owners must be careful not to be too harsh or aggressive during training sessions, as this can harm the dog's emotional well-being. A positive reinforcement and gentle training approach will be more successful with this sensitive breed.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
The Mountain Cur has a moderate tolerance for being left alone. They can become anxious or destructive if left alone for long periods. They need companionship and should not be left alone for extended periods.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
The Mountain Cur is an average barker. They may bark to alert their owners to visitors, strange sounds or to defend their territory. However, they do not excessively bark unnecessarily like some other breeds. Proper training and exercise can help minimize any unwanted barking behavior.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
The Mountain Cur is a smart and intelligent breed with a curious nature. They need mental stimulation and challenging activities to avoid boredom, which can lead to unwanted behavior. Training, games and activities can provide the necessary mental stimulation needed to keep the Mountain Cur happy and healthy.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
The Mountain Cur is a good choice for novice owners as long as they take the time to properly train and socialize their dog. They are a loyal, smart and affectionate breed that responds well to training and positive reinforcement. Engaging their energy and providing plenty of playtime can help with their overall wellbeing.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
The Mountain Cur is a smart and trainable breed, but they require a firm and consistent hand during training. They respond well to positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods. They have a strong desire to please their owners, so they can quickly learn new skills and commands.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
The Mountain Cur is a breed known to display great affection and love towards their owners. Due to their active and lively nature, they love to play and cuddle with human companions. They also have a strong loyalty towards their owners and are always eager to please them.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
The Mountain Cur is an excellent breed for children. These dogs are very patient, friendly and energetic, so they are great for playtime and keep active kids busy. They are loyal protectors and extremely affectionate with children. The Mountain Cur is a perfect companion for families with children of all ages.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
The Mountain Cur is a friendly and sociable breed with other dogs. They love to play and make new friends. However, like all breeds, socialization from a young age is vital for this breed, especially if you want to avoid any aggressive or dominant behavior later on.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
The Mountain Cur can be suspicious or reserved with strangers if not well socialized. It is imperative to socialize them from an early age, to avoid any unwanted or aggressive behavior. Properly socialized, they can be friendly with strangers and protective of their owners.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
The Mountain Cur has high energy levels and is very playful with both humans and other dogs. They enjoy playing fetch, tug of war, and other outdoor activities. They need regular exercise to keep them healthy, but they also require plenty of playtime to keep them happy.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
The Mountain Cur is an extremely alert and vigilant breed. They are always watchful and protective of their owners and homes. They make excellent watchdogs and protectors.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
The Mountain Cur is not highly adaptable to new environments or changes in routine. They thrive on consistency and a familiar routine. They can become stressed if their environment changes too often or there are significant changes in their daily routine. Exposure to new environments and people should be introduced gradually to avoid anxiety.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
The Mountain Cur sheds moderately throughout the year, so regular brushing is necessary to keep their coat healthy and shiny. Occasional bathing also helps to keep their coat clean and reduces excessive shedding.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
The Mountain Cur requires average grooming maintenance to keep their coat in good condition. They can be brushed once or twice a week to remove any dead hair, and they only need to be bathed occasionally.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
The Mountain Cur has a moderate tendency to drool, especially after eating or drinking. It is important to keep them well hydrated to avoid excessive drooling. Wiping their mouths with a cloth can also help reduce drooling.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
The Mountain Cur is a medium-sized breed that typically weighs between 30 to 60 pounds and stands around 18 to 26 inches tall. Their muscular build and athletic physique make them sturdy and well-suited for outdoor activities.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
The Mountain Cur is an extremely energetic and active breed that requires plenty of physical exercise daily. They need a lot of outdoor time and require regular walks, runs, and playtime to keep them healthy and happy. Owners should be prepared to provide a lot of physical activity to keep their dog happy and healthy.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The Mountain Cur has high-energy levels and requires considerable physical activity daily. They need a lot of outdoor time and require regular walks, runs, and playtime to keep them happy and healthy. Owners should provide plenty of outdoor areas to keep their dog stimulated, both physically and mentally.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
The Mountain Cur is a breed that is well-suited for working and specific tasks. They are extremely agile and athletic, making them great for hunting, tracking and herding. They are also protective and make excellent watchdogs.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
The Mountain Cur is a breed that has a natural instinct for hunting, tracking and treeing. They are known for their endurance and ability to navigate rough terrain, and their curiosity and tenacity make them excellent hunting companions.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
The Mountain Cur is an incredibly sturdy and robust breed that has excellent physical stamina and endurance. They have a high tolerance for physical activity and can maintain high levels of activity for extended periods.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
The Mountain Cur is a generally healthy breed with no major health concerns. However, as with any breed, they can be prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, ear infections, and allergies. Regular veterinary check-ups and preventative care can help keep them healthy.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
The Mountain Cur is a breed that can be prone to weight gain if not given enough physical activity. They require regular exercise and playtime to maintain a healthy weight. A healthy diet that meets their nutritional needs is also essential in preventing obesity.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
The Mountain Cur is naturally tolerant to cold weather conditions. They have a thick, double coat that provides excellent insulation, and they are comfortable in cold weather climates. However, they should be monitored closely in extreme cold to avoid hypothermia.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
The Mountain Cur is naturally tolerant of hot weather conditions. They are comfortable in hot, humid climates, however, proper hydration and cooling measures should be taken during extreme heat.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
The Mountain Cur is not well suited to apartment living due to their high energy levels and need for plenty of outdoor space. They thrive in a home with a yard where they can run and play regularly.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
The Mountain Cur has a moderate tendency to wander or explore. They are naturally curious dogs and love to explore their surroundings. They require a well-fenced yard and should always be supervised when outside.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
The Mountain Cur may be sensitive to harsh criticism or negative reinforcement. Owners must be careful not to be too harsh or aggressive during training sessions, as this can harm the dog's emotional well-being. A positive reinforcement and gentle training approach will be more successful with this sensitive breed.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
The Mountain Cur has a moderate tolerance for being left alone. They can become anxious or destructive if left alone for long periods. They need companionship and should not be left alone for extended periods.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
The Mountain Cur is an average barker. They may bark to alert their owners to visitors, strange sounds or to defend their territory. However, they do not excessively bark unnecessarily like some other breeds. Proper training and exercise can help minimize any unwanted barking behavior.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
The Mountain Cur is a smart and intelligent breed with a curious nature. They need mental stimulation and challenging activities to avoid boredom, which can lead to unwanted behavior. Training, games and activities can provide the necessary mental stimulation needed to keep the Mountain Cur happy and healthy.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
The Mountain Cur is a good choice for novice owners as long as they take the time to properly train and socialize their dog. They are a loyal, smart and affectionate breed that responds well to training and positive reinforcement. Engaging their energy and providing plenty of playtime can help with their overall wellbeing.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
The Mountain Cur is a smart and trainable breed, but they require a firm and consistent hand during training. They respond well to positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods. They have a strong desire to please their owners, so they can quickly learn new skills and commands.
Similar breeds
History of the Mountain Cur
The Mountain Cur has roots in the Southern United States, where it was developed as a versatile hunting dog capable of tracking game, treeing squirrels, and protecting property.
The breed is descended from various European and native American dog breeds, including the English Hound, the Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound, and the Native American Indian Dog.
Today, Mountain Curs are valued for their hunting abilities as well as their loyalty and protective nature.

Mountain Cur Puppies
Mountain Cur puppies require consistent and firm training to help them develop into well-behaved adult dogs.
Early socialization is important to prevent shyness or aggression towards other dogs and strangers.
Positive reinforcement and consistent rules and routines can help a Mountain Cur puppy grow into a loyal and well-behaved companion.