Last Updated on August 12, 2023 by Fumipets
Mountain Cur: A Versatile and Hardy Canine Breed
Summary: The Mountain Cur is a rugged and versatile canine breed known for its exceptional hunting skills, loyalty, and versatility. Originally bred in the Appalachian region of the United States, these dogs were developed to excel in various roles, from hunting and herding to guarding and companionship.
With their strong work ethic and adaptable nature, Mountain Curs have earned a place as cherished companions for active families and outdoors enthusiasts.
Mountain Cur
You should meet the mountain cur if you consider yourself an outdoorsy person who prefers challenging treks to idle days spent inside. Mountain curs are devoted and devoted companions that are always ready for an adventure.
Mountain curs are avid outdoor enthusiasts, particularly if they have a task to accomplish. They were originally developed as working dogs.
Mountain curs need a lot of daily mental and physical stimuli. They are best suited for pet owners who have the time to be persistent with obedience training since they are hardy, lively and sprinkled with a sassy attitude.
Mountain curs may not be the ideal pet for first-time pet owners due to their high intellect and abundant energy. Without adequate training, they can be a pain at home.
A mountain cur is a very uncommon breed that is best recognized for its powerful physical characteristics and blocky head. They are not a regular sight in the dog park. Despite being raised for hunting, once they’ve adapted to their pack, they become devoted, loving friends.
Appearance
The mountain cur dog’s powerful, watchful posture is among the first characteristics you’ll notice about them. They unquestionably have the appearance of an energetic dog that is eager to accompany you on the next big adventure, with high-set ears, a large, blocky head, and a powerful, muscular neck.
The short, silky coat of the mountain cur comes in a range of hues. Mountain cur breeds come in a variety of colors, including blue, black, brown, yellow, red, and brindle, and a litter of mountain cur puppies may give birth to puppies with entirely distinct coats.
Although mountain curs have short hair, they are not regarded as “hypoallergenic.” They lose their coats twice a year, so you may need to brush them more often than normal during these times. The dogs just need the occasional brushing to help remove excess hair in between shedding seasons.
Mountain curs are typically between 18 and 26 inches tall as males, while females are between 16 and 24 inches tall. Mountain curs are on the bigger end of the medium-sized dog range, weighing between 30 and 60 pounds.
Temperament
Since the mountain cur was initially raised as working dog, it is in their nature to run and tree, which is a hunting technique in which dogs pursue prey up into trees. If you’re searching for a sofa pup-tato, you’re barking up the wrong tree since these dogs have a lot of pent-up energy that has to be released.
Mountain curs are not difficult to teach, according to Laura Monaco Torelli, KPA, CTP, CPDT-KA, director of animal training at Animal Behavior Training Concepts, despite their vivacious personality and strong prey drive.
“Those factors do not make training more difficult,” she asserts. “When owners don’t invest the required time and effort in developing the puppy or adopted mountain cur, owning this breed becomes more challenging. Therefore, they give the mountain cur “labels” like “difficult,” which place responsibility on the dog rather than the carers.
Mountain curs are quite intelligent, and when you put the time into teaching them, they truly learn signals and tricks rapidly. But along with their intellect comes a little bit of a stubborn streak, which makes it even more crucial to use positive reinforcement training consistently. By doing this, you can guarantee that your dog flourishes!
Mountain curs get along nicely with people of all ages and other canines if properly socialized. On the other side, because of their strong prey drive, cats and other small animals can be a problem.
According to Michelle Burch, DVM of Safe Hounds Pet Insurance, “a household with cats may find it frustrating, as mountain curs will continue to have the prey drive for chasing and treeing cats.”
“Treeing of the Cat can become your entertainment center or bookcase. It is possible for the prey drive to concentrate on tiny animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, and ferrets.
As long as owners are prepared to put in the effort by properly introducing the dog to every member of the family and staying with training, Burch believes having a strong prey drive does not exclude them from living with other small animals.
A mountain cur may learn which domestic animals are not prey and should not be pursued with persistent training, the author claims.
Living Needs
Mountain curs like wandering and exploring, so having a secure, spacious area, such as a large fenced-in yard, would make them happy. The word “fenced-in” should be stressed since your mountain cur may not be able to stop chasing after a squirrel due to its strong hunting drive.
Even if apartments aren’t ideal, bringing your dog on daily walks or excursions to the dog park can satisfy their demand for exercise. They may get restless and bored if they don’t catch enough balls or acquire enough zoomies.
Mountain curs should not be left alone for extended periods of time since they are a sociable breed and like spending time with their family. They would love to accompany you on that afternoon trek or nighttime swim instead of being left behind.
Mountain curs should not be left alone for extended periods of time since they are a sociable breed and like spending time with their family.
Care
The mountain cur has a short coat, so you won’t usually have to worry about it matting or tangling, but he’ll still appreciate the occasional brushing or combing, particularly when it’s shedding time. But be cautious not to bathe him too often; doing so might cause his skin to become dry.
Maintain a bathing schedule every four to six weeks. Deodorizing wipes may make him smell a little less… dubious if he begins to smell a little unsavory, especially after scaling a mountain or diving into a lake.
It’s crucial to teach your mountain cur cues like “stay” and to respond when called because of their strong hunting drive and independent personality. You can teach them techniques that are a little bit more entertaining after you’ve mastered these fundamentals.
Make sure they are always secure within a gated area or on a leash since they may easily get sidetracked by attractive odors outdoors.
According to Torelli, training may provide them with the cerebral and physical stimulation that mountain curs desire. Incorporate training time into brief bursts of beneficial exercise and play, she advises.
When it’s time to play, does your mountain cur bring you a toy? Give a gift! Do they return to you when off-leash and under control inside the home or in the backyard? Give a gift! Because there are favorable results and repercussions, reinforced behavior tends to repeat itself.
Mountain curs need a lot of activity since they were historically working dogs. These dogs need exercise for at least 60 to 75 minutes each day due to their high level of energy. Swimming, running, and hiking are all enjoyable activities to keep kids active and content.
To prevent harming their joints or bones, Torelli advises owners to ensure that a mountain cur puppy or older dog has received their veterinarian’s approval before engaging in high-impact activity. But going for a nice swim is a sure thing!
Swimming is a fantastic kind of exercise for these dogs since it helps them burn off a lot of energy with little strain on their joints, according to Burch.
Health
In general, mountain curs are fairly healthy canines. But no puppy is fully maintenance-free when it comes to its health. Mountain curs need regular visits to the veterinarian for vaccinations and checkups, just like any other breed.
Mountain curs may have infections and skin rashes. These infections may be brought on by dry skin, which is often caused by excessive washing or poor air circulation. Additionally, wax buildup might lead to ear infections in some people. Clean their ears once a week to prevent this.
According to Burch, if mountain curs don’t have a job to perform or aren’t receiving enough stimulation, they will get physically and mentally stressed and quickly grow worried out of boredom.
Consider if you have the time and resources to look for a mountain cur dog’s physical and mental needs before taking one home. Mountain curs are a breed that needs at least 60 to 75 minutes of daily exercise due to their high level of energy.
History
The mountain cur was a pioneer dog that early European settlers introduced to the United States. These dogs were vital to the early Americans who came to the country and gave it their all as pioneer companions, pursuing and taming wildlife for hunters while also keeping an eye on their families.
According to legend, the mountain cur prevented early settlement in the southern Appalachian Mountains. The Original Mountain Cur Breeders Association claims that since the species was so prized by early settlers, it was often transported across distances in crates connected to pack animals. In other cases, the early settlers even carried the dogs themselves.
The American Kennel Club formally recognized the breed in 1998. Mountain curs are still often kept as pets and farm dogs in the South today.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the history of the Mountain Cur breed?
The Mountain Cur breed originated in the early American frontier, where they were bred to assist settlers in hunting and herding tasks. Their lineage can be traced back to European dogs brought to the United States by early immigrants.
What are the typical characteristics of Mountain Cur dogs?
Mountain Curs are known for their strong build, muscular physique, and keen sense of smell. They possess a short, dense coat that comes in various colors. Their tails are often natural, and their ears can be erect or semi-erect.
Are Mountain Curs good family pets?
Yes, Mountain Curs can make excellent family pets. They are loyal, protective, and form strong bonds with their human families. They are great with children when properly socialized and can be affectionate companions.
What activities do Mountain Curs excel in?
Mountain Curs are highly versatile and excel in various activities. They are exceptional hunters, skilled at treeing game like raccoons and squirrels. They also thrive in herding, agility, and obedience tasks, making them adaptable to a range of activities.
What is the temperament of a Mountain Cur?
Mountain Curs are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and protective nature. They are often wary of strangers and make excellent watchdogs. Proper training and socialization from an early age are essential to ensure they develop well-balanced temperaments.
Whether on the hunting trail or lounging with their families, Mountain Curs showcase their unique blend of skills and loyalty, embodying the spirit of a versatile working dog that has found a place in the hearts of many.
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