The Mountain Cur is a wonderful dog that is very lively and entertaining. He is a serial hunter and chaser of small animals, especially squirrels and raccoons. He needs to exercise vigorously for at least 90 minutes each day to prevent him from becoming a destructive and dangerous dog. He is very affectionate with his immediate family, but he needs a strict master who will socialize and train him properly from a young age.
He is not appropriate for every family, but if he can find the right one, he makes a fantastic family dog. Many people mistake the Mountain Cur for the Black Mouth Cur because they believe they are the same dog with a different colored muzzle, but they are actually two different breeds of dogs and should not be confused.
The Black Mouth Cur’s dedicated club can be found here for more details. In total, there are 16 Cur breeds. Therefore, let’s learn more about the Mountain Cur and determine if this incredibly exceptional dog is right for you.
The only thing that is really known about the Mountain Cur is that he was brought to the Southeastern regions of America by European immigrants who are primarily thought to have come from Spain. After that, as they say, the rest is history!
The Mountain Cur served as a guard dog in addition to being used primarily for hunting, and he excelled at both tasks. But because they were more focused on providing for their families and making a living, the settlers had little interest in or time for tracking and documenting the breed.
However, four breeders stepped in during the 1950s when their numbers sharply decreased and established the Original Mountain Cur Breeders of America (OMCBA) in 1957. When the Mountain Cur became an official breed, steps were finally taken to preserve this exquisitely rare breed, which are still being made today.
The Arline, Ledbetter, McConnell, Stephens, and York bloodlines were the original five bloodlines of the Mountain Cur. The Robert Kemmer Stock Mountain Curs bloodline was created by the OMCBA from the five existing bloodlines. The Mountain Cur breed was developed by the United Kennel Club (UKC) from this bloodline. Although a breeder may occasionally refer to their Mountain Curs by the name of their bloodline, in the end they are all the same.
Since 1998, the Mountain Cur has been recognized by the UKC as an official breed; however, the American Kennel Club still does not, so Mountain Curs can only be registered with the UKC. They are still a relatively uncommon and unknown dog breed, despite the OMCBA’s tireless efforts making them more well-known than they once were.
The Mountain Cur was developed as a small-game hunter, but he is best known for taking down squirrels and raccoons. He is referred to as a “treeing dog” because he will chase animals up into trees so that his owner can shoot them.
Due to his speed, barking signals, and trainability, he is still the preferred hunting dog in the Southeastern American states. This guy is obviously a great hunting dog, and he will always have that instinct, so be ready for him to chase small animals in the backyard or while you’re out and about.
Whether the Mountain Cur is going to be a family pet or a hunting companion, you can count on having a spirited and active pup on your hands. Because of his boundless energy, this little pocket rocket is a very intense dog who requires a lot of exercise, mental stimulation, and interaction with his pack. Any potential family should be prepared to give him these things. He is a very entertaining dog to have around and will love to play with his family all day long if you can give him this.
Again, any potential owner should be aware of the Mountain Cur’s strong loyalty to and protection of his family and property. He makes a great guard dog because of his loud bark and willingness to alert you to anyone trying to enter the family estate, whether they are friends or enemies. The Mountain Cur will recognize friends at the gate if his master always extends a friendly greeting to them. Over-protectiveness can be curtailed through training and early socialization.
The Mountain Curs is a medium-sized dog that weighs between 30 and 60 pounds and measures between 16 and 26 inches from paw to shoulder. He appears generally athletic and has tall, lean legs. The Mountain Cur’s powerful gait and hunting skills are made possible by the fact that he is just a tiny bit longer than he is tall.
The Mountain Cur has a robust, slightly arched neck that supports his broad, flat-topped skull. He has medium-sized ears that protrude from his jawline on either side. He has large, dark eyes that are always the same color as his nose, which is typically black or a very dark brown. He typically has a naturally docked tail that is straight, but occasionally this tail may be normal length.
View the complete breed standards published by the UKC for more information about his appearance.
The Mountain Cur has two coats, each of which is short in length and fitted closely to his body. To the touch, his coat can be either rough or smooth.
The Mountain Cur will prefer a coat in one of the following hues: brown, brindle, blue, red, yellow, cream, blonde, or buttermilk buckskin, which is a pale gold shade. He can also be completely black, or black with tan and brindle markings all over his body. He may also have white markings all over his body, but these must not cover more than one-third of his body in accordance with breed standards; otherwise, he should be disqualified.
Breed Characteristics:
Contrary to popular belief, small size doesnt necessarily an apartment dog make. Plenty of small dogs are too high-energy and yappy for life in a high-rise. Being quiet, low energy, fairly calm indoors, and polite with the other residents are all good qualities in an apartment dog. And you can find an awesome crate for your dog here to give them a little more personal space in your apartment.
Some dogs are just simpler than others; they learn faster and are more laid back. Additionally, they are strong enough to recover from your errors or inconsistent behavior.
Highly sensitive, independent-thinking, or assertive dogs may be more challenging for a novice dog parent to handle. If you consider your prior dog ownership when choosing your new dog, you’ll find the best match.
If youre new to dog parenting, take a look at 101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog!
While some dogs take even a dirty look to heart, others will let a firm reprimand roll off their backs. Low-sensitivity dogs, also referred to as “easygoing,” “tolerant,” “resilient,” and even “thick-skinned,” can cope better with a noisy, chaotic home, a louder or more assertive owner, and an irregular or variable routine. Choose a low-sensitivity dog if you have young children, frequently host dinner parties, participate in a garage band, or lead a busy lifestyle.
Some breeds develop strong bonds with their families and are more likely to worry or even panic when their owner leaves them alone. Barking, whining, chewing, and other destructive behaviors are all signs of anxiety in dogs. When a family member is present during the day or if you can take the dog to work, these breeds thrive.
Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks. You can find a great jacket for your dog here!
Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. Short-nosed breeds, such as Bulldogs and Pugs, are also affected because they cannot sweat as effectively. If you choose a breed that is sensitive to the heat, you must keep your dog inside with you on warm or muggy days, and you must exercise it with extreme care.
Even if they have been raised by the same person since they were puppies, some breeds are independent and distant, while others form a strong bond with just one person and are uninterested in anyone else, and still others show love to the entire family. Breed is not the only aspect that affects how affectionate a dog is; dogs that were raised in a home with people present are more accustomed to interacting with people and bonding more readily.
A kid-friendly dog has a blasé attitude toward running, screaming kids and is patient with children as well as strong enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out. You might be surprised to learn that list includes American Staffordshire Terriers, which are classified as Pit Bulls but have a fierce appearance, and Boxers. Chihuahuas, which are small, delicate, and capable of snapping, aren’t always the most family-friendly dogs.
**All dogs are individuals. Our ratings are generalizations, not promises of how any particular breed or dog will act. Based on their prior interactions, socialization, and personality, dogs of any breed can get along well with kids. All dogs, regardless of breed or breed type, have powerful jaws and sharp, pointy teeth that they can use to bite when under stress. Young children and dogs of any breed should never be left alone together and should always be watched over by an adult.
Being friendly to humans and friendly to dogs are two entirely different things. Even if they are people lovers, some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs; other dogs would rather play than fight; and still other dogs would turn around and flee. Breed isnt the only factor. Dogs who spent a lot of time playing with other dogs while they were puppies and who lived with their littermates and mother until they were at least six to eight weeks old are more likely to have good canine social skills.
Some dogs are outgoing and will nuzzle and wag their tails when visitors arrive, while others are timid, uninterested, or even hostile. No matter the breed, a dog will behave better toward strangers as an adult if they were socialized and exposed to a wide variety of people when they were young. Keep in mind that even friendly dogs should be restrained in public by a sturdy leash like this one!
If youre going to share your home with a dog, youll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Some dogs shed year-round, some “blow” seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. If youre a neatnik, youll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool here!
When visiting you, drool-prone dogs may leave large, wet stains on your clothes and drape ropes of slobber on your arm. If you don’t mind your dog drooling, that’s fine, but if you’re a neat freak, you might want to pick a dog that doesn’t drool much.
Some dog breeds can be brushed and left alone, while others need to be regularly bathed, clipped, and otherwise groomed in order to stay clean and healthy. If your dog requires a lot of grooming, decide if you have the time and patience to do it yourself or if you can afford to hire someone to do it.
Some breeds are predisposed to specific genetic health issues, such as hip dysplasia, as a result of poor breeding practices. This only means that dogs of that breed are at a higher risk; it does not imply that all of them will develop those diseases.
It’s a good idea to research which genetic diseases are prevalent in the breed you’re interested in before adopting a puppy. You might also want to find out if your shelter or rescue has information on the physical condition of the parents and other relatives of your prospective pups.
Some breeds have robust appetites and have a propensity to gain weight quickly. Similar to humans, dogs who are overweight may experience health issues. Limiting treats, ensuring they get enough exercise, and measuring out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time are all necessary if you choose a breed that is prone to putting on weight.
Consult your veterinarian to learn more about your dog’s diet and what you should feed your canine companion to maintain a healthy weight. Gaining weight can worsen conditions like arthritis or cause other health problems.
From the Chihuahua, the smallest dog in the world, to the enormous Great Dane, size is not the only consideration when determining whether a dog is right for you and your home. Find the ideal sized dog for you by browsing these large dog breeds, some of which are surprisingly affectionate despite their size.
Dogs that are simple to train are better at quickly making the connection between a cue, like the word “sit,” an action (sitting), and a result (getting a treat). Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.
Many breeds are intelligent, but they approach training with a “What’s in it for me?” mentality, so you’ll need to use incentives and games to make them want to follow your instructions.
Just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies, dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision-making, intelligence, and concentration, like herding livestock, need to exercise their brains. If they don’t receive the necessary mental stimulation, they’ll create their own work, typically using activities you won’t enjoy, like digging and chewing. Dog sports and careers like agility and search and rescue are great ways to exercise a dog’s brain, as are obedience training and interactive dog toys.
Mouthiness refers to a propensity to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, generally painless bite that doesn’t puncture the skin), which is prevalent in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages. Mouthy dogs are more likely to grab or “herd” their human family members, so they need to be trained to understand that chewing on chew toys is fine but not on people. Mouthy breeds typically enjoy a good chew on a toy that has been filled with kibble and treats as well as a game of fetch.
(Picture Credit: Haydn West – PA s/PA s via Getty s)
Terriers and other hunting-bred dogs have an innate desire to pursue and occasionally kill other animals. That instinct can be triggered by anything speeding by, including cats, squirrels, and possibly even moving vehicles. When dogs are outdoors, they should be leashed or kept in a fenced area. Your yard also needs a high, secure fence. These breeds typically don’t do well in homes with smaller animals that could pass for prey, like cats, hamsters, or small dogs. When there are birds flying by, you may find it difficult to get the attention of breeds that were originally used for bird hunting because they generally won’t chase.
Some breeds sound off more often than others. Consider how frequently the dog vocalizes with barks or howls when selecting a breed. If you’re considering a hound, consider whether you find their distinctive howls amusing or irritating. If you’re considering a watchdog, consider whether a city full of suspicious “strangers” will put your pup on constant alert. If the local wildlife literally drives your dog crazy, consider whether you should choose a quieter dog.
Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Siberian Huskies and other Nordic breeds of dogs were developed for long-distance travel, and given the chance, they’ll pursue anything that piques their curiosity. Even if it means leaving you behind, many hounds simply have to follow their noses or that bunny that just ran across the path.
High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. They were originally bred to do a specific canine job, like herding livestock or retrieving game for hunters, and they have the stamina to work all day. They need a lot of physical activity and mental stimulation, and they are more likely to jump around, play, and explore any new sounds and smells.
Dogs with low energy levels are the canine equivalent of couch potatoes, happy to doze off all day. Consider your own level of activity and lifestyle when choosing a breed, as well as whether you’d find a boisterous, active dog energizing or annoying.
A dog that is energetic may or may not be vigorous, but whatever they do, they do with vigor: they pull on the leash until you teach them not to, try to push through barriers, and even take big gulps of food and liquid. These dynamos require extensive training to develop good manners, so they might not be the best choice for a household with young children or an elderly or frail person. On the other hand, a low-vigor dog takes a more passive approach to life.
Some breeds can manage a leisurely evening walk around the block. Others, particularly those who were bred to perform physically demanding jobs like herding or hunting, require daily, vigorous exercise.
These breeds could gain weight and release their pent-up energy in undesirable ways, like barking, chewing, and digging, if they don’t get enough exercise. Breeds that require a lot of exercise are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts or those who want to train their dog to participate in a high-intensity dog sport, like agility.
While some dogs are perpetual puppies who constantly beg to play, others are more somber and sedate. Even though a playful puppy sounds adorable, think about how many fetch or tag games you want to play each day and whether you have children or other dogs that the dog can play with instead.
Why are they called the “True All-American Pioneer Dog”?
Online searches for “mountain cur” may have brought up the phrase “True-All American Pioneer Dog.” ’.
Because the Mountain Cur or Mountain Kerr made a significant historical contribution to the United States.
This breed was crucial to the successful settling of early frontier people in the Southern Mountains of United States.
These dogs defended their owners’ family and possessions from wild animals while they were out in the wilderness.
Mountain Curs, renowned for their excellent treeing instinct, assisted in the family’s food gathering by hunting squirrels, raccoons, and other creatures.
Mountain Kerr puppies rode in wagons with their owners as the frontiersmen moved to a new settlement. When the wagon was full, humans would transport the puppies in baskets or saddlebags.
These dogs were considered that valuable and vital to survival.
Taking Care of a Mountain Cur Dog
Mountain curs are difficult to look after. These hunting dogs are difficult to train, require a lot of exercise, and are prone to separation anxiety. Mountain curs also require a protein-rich diet.
The mountain cur requires 2 to 3 cups of food per day, divided into two separate meals, as it is a high-energy working dog. The diet ought to be created for medium-sized breeds and include meaty ingredients like lamb, turkey, and fish that are high in protein.
Three separate meals of three to four cups of size-appropriate kibble should be given to an eight-week-old puppy. Less than 10% of the dog’s daily calorie allowance should come from treats.
Mountain curs are simple to groom because they shed little throughout the year and their coats don’t tend to get tangled. When spring and fall come around each year, these dogs blow their coats twice.
Once per week, or more frequently if the dog is blowing its coat, groom the breed. Regular grooming distributes the skin’s natural oils and maintains the health of the hair. Use a slicker brush to remove dead and loose hair. If the dog’s coat is dirty, only bathe it.
In order to maintain good dental hygiene and avoid the growth of harmful bacteria, the mountain cur should brush his teeth two to three times per week.
Exercise mountain curs for at least an hour per day. The breed takes pleasure in a variety of outdoor pursuits, including swimming, agility, hiking, and running.
These dogs thrive in homes with a sizable backyard where the breed can run around unrestrictedly and get some exercise.
To remain content and mentally healthy, mountain curs require a lot of mental exercise. Training, agility, scent work, problem-solving games, and interactive games like tug-of-war and fetch are all acceptable forms of mental stimulation.
These dogs can become restless, vocal, and destructive without receiving at least an hour of mental stimulation each day.
Mountain curs are extremely healthy dogs and are not predisposed to any serious health issues as a result of their careful breeding. Due to their outdoor lifestyles, these dogs are still prone to ear infections, skin conditions, and ticks.
FAQ
Is a cur a good family dog?
They love their people, but they probably love working more. However, black mouth curs kept as pets are frequently very different. Usually very devoted and loving dogs, black mouth cur companions form close bonds with their families.
What is the temperament of a cur dog?
The black mouth cur is a lively, perceptive, and diligent dog who is fiercely devoted to her family. The black mouth cur was bred as a working dog and stands between 18 and 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 35 and 60 pounds. But she’s not all work; she enjoys having fun with her family as well.
Are cur dogs easy to train?
Although they can be obstinate, mountain curs are simple to train once you get used to them. To make sure they know you are in charge, you must be firm and steadfast with them.
Can Black Mouth Curs be left alone?
Black Mouth Cur Temperament Because they are highly skilled escape artists and have such an intense prey drive, many Black Mouth Curs will bring home “presents” of dead animals for their owners if left unattended, much like outdoor cats, but with larger prey.