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Mountain Cur Puppies for Sale
Mountain Cur
ARBA Ch. Rocktalk's Cosmo
Owned by Ron Stoute
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Description |
The Mountain Cur is bred for its working ability.
It is a stocky, rugged, working dog with a genuine, though somewhat generic, cur
appearance. The heavy coat tends to be longer than that of the hounds but still
basically short. It is smooth or rough with a soft fine undercoat. Colors
include, yellow, brindle, black, brindle & black, often with white points.
Breeders proudly report that 50% or more of puppies are born with bob-tails.
Many are born with dew-claws on their hind feet and some with two on each foot.
Very stocky, wide, and muscular with a strong wide head and the short, higher
set ear. The neck is strong and muscular. The eyes are usually dark with a
prominent, expressive expression. The head is dome flat and wide between the
eyes. The muzzle is heavy. The ears are short to medium, set high with control.
The cat like feet are strong and well-muscled, set for speed. The straight legs
are muscular. The chest is deep and the back is straight. |
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Temperament |
This is not a submissive, easygoing dog. With the
toughness and courage to confront a very angry, very large cat, these curs have
learned to be decisive and dauntless. Usually silent on the trail, they make
consistent guard dogs but certainly are not ideal for suburbia, where there is
no call to work. Trailing ability varies with strains, but they have enough nose
to follow game and many carry treeing ability. Some lines are bred for tree dogs
and others for baying. This very tough large game, raccoon, and squirrel hunter
is willing to face a squealing razor back or an angry wild cat when it is
cornered. They have a strong desire to please their master. Very protective of
the property and family; sometimes can be over-protective. The Mountain Cur is
noted for his courage. This hunting dog will catch a mad bull head- on in the
nose and will hold his ground even against a bear when threatened. |
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Height, Weight |
Height: 18-26 inches (46-66 cm.)
Weight: 30-60 pounds (16-29 kg.) |
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Health Problems |
- |
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Living Conditions |
The Mountain Cur is not recommended for apartment
life. They are bred for work and will be happiest with a job to do. |
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Exercise |
The Mountain Cur is a very active working dog
which needs a lot of daily exercise. When they are not hunting, they need to be taken on a
daily, long, brisk
walk or
jog. In addition, they will benefit from a large safe area where they can run free.
This breed enjoys outdoor activities and
sports. |
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Life Expectancy |
12-16 years |
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Grooming |
The short hair of the Mountain Cur is easy to
groom. Occasionally comb and brush to remove dead and loose hair. Bathe only
when necessary as bathing can dry out the skin - causing skin problems. Keep the
ear cannel free of excess hair and the toenails clipped. |
| Origin |
Many terrier-type Curs were brought over with
immigrants from Europe to America and mated with the native curs. This
uncertain, rather sordid combination of canine produced an off-beat Cur able to
adjust to the ways of life of the pioneers and the Indians. This historic Ohio
River Valley prowler is believed to possess a whiff of the Indian Cur's genetic
smoke, in addition to the influence of hounds and herders. He is used mainly as
a tree or bay dog, but many are superb trailers as well. They originated at the
time the United States was new and were particularly common in the Ohio River
Valley. As frontiersmen and their entire families moved to open the West, their
Cur Dogs accompanied them. Those that favor this breed say that besides the
herding dog trait, there is a dash of "Indian Cur" (a parish type dog)
in their makeup. Although called "mountain" because of their
particular advantage to settlers in wooded, wild areas, they did just as well in
swampy or dry areas, or other places with harsh living conditions. The book
"Old Yeller" - about a boy growing up in frontier Texas and a dog for
which the book is named, is a typical Mountain Cur (unlike the movie, which
starred a dog of Lab type). In the book, Old Yeller is a short-haired, yellow
bobtailed dog that hunts and trees, isn't afraid to fight a full-grown bear when
it is threatened, and naturally goes for the nose when he faces a mad bull. The
author is very explicit in describing this old-fashioned breed and its use to
the pioneer. The name "Mountain Cur" is never mentioned in the book,
however in those days, the breed really didn't have a name or an individual
identity. The Mountain Cur dogs are slowly being sorted into individual types.
The Treeing Tennessee Brindle,
Stephens Stock, and the
Mountain View Cur use to
all be the same breed, but these have achieved enough individual identity to
justify their own registering groups. By the end of the last war, there
were very few of these old time Mountain Curs left. A few die-hard owners
still maintained some stock in isolated swamps and remote mountain regions of
the southeast. They are the oldest recognized cur breed and are enjoying a
resent rebirth, similar to the other Cur breeds. The Original Mountain Cur
Breeders Association has registered the breed since the late 50’s.
The Cur dog was the first true, distinct, American purebred. Earliest
lines can be traced all over the Southern United States, particularly near the
Appalachian Mountains. Settlers brought European dogs along with them, primarily
hunting Hounds and Terriers. These dogs were crossed with native dogs, most
notable of which was the Indian Cur, and this unique type came to existence.
Hounds brought excellent scenting ability, and a loud, clear bay (although most
Curs are known for their chop, and Hounds have a distinct bawl). Terrier blood
added grit and tenacity no other type of dog could compare. Both the Hound and
the Terrier are still to this day unmatched in quality compared to other dogs.
While not considered a true Shepherd type, the Cur also shared Shepherd
ancestry--early Beauceron
on, in particular. Though not a traditional herder, the Cur was used for
rounding up rough stock. Texas Longhorn Cattle and feral pigs were what this dog
had to handle--not regular cattle or sheep.
The modern Cur is still a traditional hunting dog. Seen still almost exclusively
in the South, this farm dog is second to none. It can handle anything from
squirrels and raccoons to bears, boar, and bulls. Also, it is a first-class
treeing dog. They are also above-average trackers; although they are not as
efficient as the Coonhound nor are they vocal on trail. Curs are also highly
possessive and protective of their family--a trait seen in Terriers and often
Shepherds, but certainly not Hounds. Therefore, they make excellent protection
dogs. However, it is necessary to note that this breed is generally
inappropriate as a pet. Although friendly and loyal, like most hunting dogs the
Mountain Cur’s true nature is in the hunt, not in the home. Many people
introduce other breeds into the Mountain Cur; however, with the exception of the
Hound’s fine nose, this is not necessary as a good Cur should have all the right
hunting dog traits. It has found recognition within its own registry, the OMCBA,
or Original Mountain Cur Breeder’s Association, and the United Kennel Club. |
| Group |
Working dogs |
| Recognition |
OMCBA, UKC, KSBA |
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OMCBA = Original Mountain Cur Breeder’s
Association
UKC = United Kennel
Club
KSBA = Kemmer Stock Breeder's Association |
This is Ivy, a MT Cur at 8 months old treeing a coon.
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"This is Benny. He is a 4 month old purebred OMCBA registered Mountain Cur owned by Tina in KS. He was born at Castle Hill Mtn. Curs in MO. Benny is not used for hunting in his home and is a family compaanion. He is a very smart puppy and is still learning his good boy behaviors."
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Random Rescue Meg - 2 year old
rescued purebred Mountain Cur
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Renegade, the Mountain Cur
Cur
Dogs
Squirrel Dogs
Hunting Dogs
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