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Mountain Cur Dog Breed Information: Facts, Traits & More

Are you interested in learning more about the Mountain Cur? These dogs are highly active and very intelligent hunting dogs that also do well as guard dogs. However, they are not a good match for just any family! Read on to find out what you can expect from these doggos from nutritional needs, grooming requirements, and more!

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Last Updated: December 22, 2022 | 11 min read

Mountain Cur Dog Breed

The Mountain Cur is a wonderful dog, who is intensely energetic and fun. He is a workaholic who loves to hunt and chase small animals, particularly squirrels and raccoons. He needs at least 90 minutes of intense exercise a day, otherwise, he can become a destructive and worrisome dog. He needs a firm master who will train and socialize him adequately from a young age and he is very affectionate with his immediate family.

He is not suited to all families, but if he finds the right one, then he makes a brilliant family dog. The Mountain Cur is often confused with the Black Mouth Cur, and many people think that they are the same dog just with a different colored muzzle, but they are in fact a separate breed of dog and not to be confused.

For further information on the Black Mouth Cur, his dedicated club can be found here. In total, there are 16 Cur breeds. So, let’s take a closer look at the Mountain Cur, and explore whether this intensely superb dog is the one for you.

Breed Overview
    • weight iconWeight30-60 Pounds
    • height iconHeight16-26 Inches
    • lifespan iconLifespan14-16 Years
    • color iconColorsBrown, Brindle, Blue, Red, Yellow, Cream, Blonde, Buttermilk Buckskin
  • Child Friendliness
  • Canine Friendliness
  • Training Difficulty
  • Grooming Upkeep
  • Breed Health
  • Exercise Needs
  • Puppy Costs

History

Brindle and White Dog on White Background
Mountain Curs make excellent guard dogs and hunting dogs.

All that is really known of the Mountain Cur is that European immigrants, mainly believed to be from Spain, brought him to the Southeastern lands of America and settled mainly around Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia, and as the saying goes, the rest is history!

The Mountain Cur was used primarily as a hunting dog, and secondly as a guard dog, but he did both jobs equally well. However, the settlers had little interest or time to invest in the tracking and recording of the breed as they were more concerned with feeding their families and earning a living.

However, in the 1950s when their numbers drastically declined, four breeders stepped in and, in 1957, created the Original Mountain Cur Breeders of America (OMCBA). The Mountain Cur was finally recognized as an official breed, and actions to preserve this beautifully rare breed were finally taken and still continue to this day.

There were originally five bloodlines of the Mountain Cur, which were the Arline, Ledbetter, McConnell, Stephens, and York. The OMCBA, from the five bloodlines, developed a new bloodline and named them the Robert Kemmer Stock Mountain Curs. It was this bloodline that formed the foundations of the United Kennel Club (UKC) Mountain Cur. On occasion, a breeder may well refer to their Mountain Curs by their bloodline name, but they are ultimately all the same.

The UKC has recognized the Mountain Cur as an official breed since 1998, but the American Kennel Club still does not, and as such Mountain Curs can only be registered with the UKC. Whilst they are becoming more popular than they once were thanks to the hard work of the OMCBA, they are still a relatively rare and unknown dog breed. 

Temperament

Brindle Dog in Field
Though they have a reputation for being aggressive, Mountain Curs are also known to be very loyal and protective.

The Mountain Cur was originally bred to hunt small vermin, but he is most famously known for hunting squirrels and raccoons. He is known as a treeing dog, who will chase animals up into the trees, enabling his master to shoot them.

In the Southeastern American states, he is still the favored hunting dog due to his speed, barking signals, and trainability. It goes without saying that this guy makes for a superb hunting dog, and he will always retain this innate instinct, so be prepared for him to chase small animals in the backyard or whilst out in public.

Whether the Mountain Cur is going to assist you with hunting or be a family companion dog, you are guaranteed to have a feisty and energetic pup on your hands. This little pocket rocket’s energy is boundless, and as such he is a very intense dog who needs a lot of exercise, mental stimulation, and interaction with his pack, so this is something that any prospective family needs to be prepared to provide him with. If this is something you can provide him with, then he is a very fun dog to have around who will love to play all day long with his family.

The Mountain Cur is very loyal and protective of his family and estate, and again, this is something that any prospective owner should be aware of. He has a very loud bark and he will warn you of anyone trying to come onto the family estate, whether that be friend or foe, and for this reason, he makes an exceptional guard dog. His master should always greet friends at the gate so that the Mountain Cur knows that he is a friend. Over-protectiveness can be curtailed through training and early socialization. 

Size & Appearance

Brindle Dog Behind a Fence
Mountain Curs are medium in size and come in an array of color, but are mostly brindle.

The male and female Mountain Curs are medium-sized dogs that measure between 16 to 26 inches from paw to shoulder and weigh between 30 and 60 pounds. He has tall and slender legs and has a general athletic appearance. The Mountain Cur is ever so slightly longer than he is tall, and this assists him with his powerful gait and hunting abilities.

The Mountain Cur has a strong and slightly arched neck that carries his broad skull that is flat at the top. He has medium-sized ears that hang down either side of his jawline. He has large eyes that are always dark in color, and the eye rims will always match the color of his nose, usually black or very dark brown. He commonly has a straight and naturally docked tail, however, on occasion, this can be normal length.

For further and more detailed information about his appearance take a look at the UKC’s full breed standards.

Coat & Colors

The Mountain Cur has a double coat, with both layers being short in length and tight to his body. His coat can be either rough or smooth to the touch.

The Mountain Cur will enjoy the following coat colors: brown, brindle, blue, red, yellow, cream, blonde, or buttermilk buckskin, which is a pale gold color. He can also be solid black in color, or black with brindle and tan markings across his body. He can also have white markings across his body, but according to his breed standards this should not cover more than one-third of his body, otherwise, he should be disqualified.

Exercise Requirements & Living Conditions

Brindle Puppy Running in a Field
These active pooches need at least 1.5 hours of intense exercise daily.

The Mountain Cur is a high-energy dog who needs at least 90 minutes of exercise a day in order to fulfill his exercise needs. He is a working dog who ideally should be used as a hunting dog, or at least given a job to do at home, and he also makes an excellent jogging partner.

If this guy does not get enough exercise, he will certainly let you know about it. Utter destruction and loud barking will soon become part of your everyday life should you not provide this guy with his exercise needs, so unless you can provide him with this you should consider getting another breed.

Because he is one of the most energetic canines in the world, he needs to be placed in a medium to large-sized house, with access to a large backyard that is enclosed with reinforced fencing. He will not do well in apartments and he will certainly get cabin fever.

While he will enjoy a cuddle with his family in the evening, he prefers to spend most of his time outdoors in the fresh air, looking for his next squirrel. Therefore, having access to a backyard is non-negotiable for the Mountain Cur.

Just be careful though, the Mountain Cur is intelligent enough to work out how to undo latches and open doors, so make sure that all latches are locked and secured. They are also known to be superb diggers, whether they have caught a scent or are just bored, they will dig large holes very quickly, so this is another reason to ensure that they are well exercised.

They can make great family dogs, but only with a certain type of family. In addition to the above, he does not do well in a multi-pet household. Unless he is raised with them, there should be no other dogs in the house, for he will see them as competition or intruders to chase off his land. There should be no other animals such as cats or rodents, for he will hunt them, and they have been known to kill other family pets, so it’s a definite no on this front.

While some families with Mountain Curs report that they are fine with younger children, it is generally recommended that they are only suited to a family with older children, as he has been known not to accept younger children as part of the pack. Despite all of this, he is a loving family dog if he is placed with the right family.

Training

Brindle Dog Lounging on a Sofa
Positive reinforcement training will go a long way with your Mountain Cur.

The Mountain Cur is a superbly intelligent dog, who is also very eager to please his master, and it is this combination that makes him a dog owner’s dream when it comes to training. With that being said, he is an intense dog who is very strong-willed, and as such he must have an even stronger-willed master who will be firm with him. Mountain Curs need a pack leader, and if he feels that you are not up to the job then he will dismiss you entirely.

Mountain Curs are particularly known to dislike harsh training, so despite needing a firm leader, he needs a leader that is also tolerant and gentle with him. Positive reinforcement training is the only way to train this guy, and if he feels you are shouting at him for doing something wrong, he will probably sulk and hide from you.

Because the Mountain Cur is naturally protective of his family, obedience training is a must from a very early age. He needs to be socialized with as many other dogs as possible, of all shapes and sizes, as well as unfamiliar humans in their space. The more often you expose him to unfamiliar situations, the more confident he will become, and you will decrease the chances of him becoming too overprotective and aggressive.

Whilst the Mountain Cur has a superior nose and will track even the coldest of scents, his eagerness to please his master is even stronger, which is quite a unique and useful skill to have. This ability to switch off his nose is one of the main reasons why hunters choose him as a companion, simply because he is obedient and intelligent enough to listen to his master. Most other hunting dogs, like the Beagle or Bloodhound, do not have this unique ability. If you are going to be using the Mountain Cur as a hunting dog then you should train this skill into him from day one.

Health

Young Brindle Dog Playing Outdoors
Mountain Curs are one of the healthiest dog breeds.

The Mountain Cur is a very healthy breed thanks to the actions of the OMCBA, who allowed responsible breeders to breed their dogs with one another, which significantly reduced, if not eliminated entirely, any inbreeding practices. The average lifespan of a Mountain Cur is around 16 years, which is quite an impressive lifespan for a dog of his size.

Generally, the only common health concerns reported are his propensity for deafness, which is often caused by the buildup of wax and mites in his long floppy ears. As long as his ears are monitored and cleaned every week, then this should not become an issue.

The only other concern is skin allergies, which are often caused by exposure to water in humid environments. Again, if the Mountain Cur does come into contact with water, ensure that he is thoroughly dried afterward.

Of course, this is not to say that he will not develop other health issues, but generally, the Mountain Cur is one of the healthiest dog breeds in the world.

Nutrition

The Mountain Cur will consume around two cups of food a day, and because he is so intensely energetic, he should only be fed at least one hour before or after exercise, preferably across two meals, to avoid bloat.

He should be fed high-quality kibble that is aimed at medium-sized high-energy dogs, to ensure that he gets the calories and nutrients that he needs to sustain himself.

Grooming

The Mountain Cur is a very easy dog to care for when it comes to his grooming needs. He does have a double coat, but both layers are very short and tight, and as such his shedding will not be as noticeable as most dogs. He will only require brushing once a week to keep him looking shiny and healthy and to promote blood circulation.

He will only need a bath as and when he gets super dirty, and as such a bath once every two or three months will be adequate. If he gets dirty during hunting, then you can use doggy wipes or spray to keep him smelling fresh, and these can be bought from any pet store.

Breeders & Puppy Costs

Brindle Puppy in Grass
Expect to spend around $450 on a purebred Mountain Cur puppy.

Typing ‘Mountain Cur Breeders’ into any online search engine will generate results. This is often the easiest way to find breeders, but you also need to conduct thorough research into them by reading the reviews and meeting them and their puppies.

It is important to buy a Mountain Cur from a reputable breeder to ensure that they are just as healthy as they should be. An unscrupulous puppy mill might breed Mountain Curs with other breeds, or they may breed ill or unhealthy Mountain Curs that were cheap to buy, and as such their puppies will also be at risk of being unhealthy.

There are also dedicated social media groups, such as the United Mountain Cur Association, along with others, and these are also a great starting point to ask members for breeder recommendations.

The average price of a Mountain Cur puppy is around $450. They can often sell for much more than this if they come from an award-winning or original bloodline.

The price of a puppy will also depend on where you live. If you live in the Southeastern states where the Mountain Cur is most popular, it may be cheaper to buy one as there will be a lot more breeders in that area, compared to the west coast where there are fewer.

If you have any questions about reputable breeders then the OMCBA is a great place to ask knowledgeable people.

Rescues & Shelters

The Mountain Cur Rescue organization keep their website up-to-date with adoptable Mountain Curs, and mixes, state by state.

Again, social media is used by many rescue centers who rely on word of mouth to advertise Mountain Curs who are seeking their forever home, so be sure to check out the above Facebook group and get in contact with other members.

As Family Pets

  • The Mountain Cur needs to be placed with a very active family.
  • You’ll want to provide him with at least 90 minutes of intense exercise every day.
  • He will do well in a large home, and he must have access to a large and enclosed backyard.
  • Unless raised with another dog, he should be the only pet in the household.
  • There should definitely be no other animals such as cats or rodents.
  • The Mountain Cur would be suited to a family with older children.
  • The Mountain Cur is very loyal and protective of his family.
  • He will enjoy a cuddle or two with his master at the end of a hard day’s work.
  • The Mountain Cur is happiest when he has a job to do, such as hunting or agility courses.
  • The Mountain Cur is not hypoallergenic, despite being a low shedder.
  • He’s not suited to families with dog allergies.

Final Thoughts

The Mountain Cur is undoubtedly an intense dog who requires much more exercise, training, and attention than the average pup. He is not suited to every family, but he would make the perfect pet for the right family. If he ticks all your boxes, and you are sure you can tick all of his, then you will have a harmonious relationship that will last you many years.

So, whether you are seeking squirrel stew or just a protective and fun family addition, the Mountain Cur is a wonderful dog that would make an excellent family pet.

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12 Comments

  1. Hello everyone, I need your help in finding the perfect home for Ava. She was abandoned, so I took her to the vet and had all her shots given, spade as she is approx 1-1.5 years old per the vet, in great health, brindle in color, 32 lbs, as we all know extremely high energy. Right now she is on a rescue farm for horses but the owner of the farm does not want a dog and I can’t keep her because we have a very protective elder German shepherd. She is beautiful, super friendly and even has made friends with a pit bull mix male, “but” he has been well socialized by my friend, not sure how she will do with others. She loves people, she will find someone to hang out with but keeps herself busy. She comes to the name we gave her, Ava. Looking for the perfect home, she is definitely ready for a job, she’s totally into hunting in tall grass, for now finding grasshoppers.. We are located in Jasper, Georgia.

  2. I have a 17 year old female mountain cur which was from a rescue at about a year old. She is now deaf and blind in one eye due to glaucoma. Reese is the most loyal dog always at my feet and so smart as she has learned all my sign language.

  3. I found mine on our farm when he was 6 weeks old. He is 9 months now. Did an Embark test and learned he was a Mt. Cur. He has been the brightest and most sensitive and I believe most loyal dogs I’ve ever had. I adore him. Looking forward to a long life and learning with him.

  4. Jeffrey Abbott

    I got my mountain cur “Zander” from our local county shelter. I wanted to try a rescue dog. The staff asked what I was looking for and I replied “A dog that looks like a guard dog, but likes everything”. Their reply was “you mean Zander!”. I did not know he was a mountain cur.

    From day one I worked to socialize him at dog parks and reacted to anyone who drove up as though they were a long-lost friend. He shows no aggression to people but does not put up with another male dog that tries to assert dominance over him.

    He matches the descriptions on this page perfectly. He flies over our 4’3″ fence like a deer to chase squirrels, rabbits, etc. There is no keeping him fenced, but he does not wander from our 2 acres unless I take him (we have 3/4 of an acre fenced inside the property).

    I found out he was a mountain cur from a policeman who has a cur himself. He pulled me over when he spotted Zander hanging out my truck window, just to talk. Zander is the most loyal and intelligent dog I have ever owned.

  5. Rebecca Siehr

    I own a Mountain cur who is now 14 yrs. old. She’s been a wonderful companion. I’ve taken her out on several hunting expeditions, and she’s never disappointed me. I took her home with me at seven weeks, and she’s (Kicker) the only dog that I owned that didn’t have to be housebroken. Very intelligent girl.

  6. Dorothy Greenwood

    I’ve just acquired 2 puppies. They are mixed. Mom is mountain cur and I believe blue heeler. Dad is lab and Sheperd. I’m a little concerned about the mix lol. The puppies were obtained at 5 weeks. Which I thought was young. So I have a male and female.

    They” argue” a bit and are intensely curious. They want to slide under everything n find little hiding holes. What kind of setup should I make for them? One is a little bit more laid back than the other. She’s a busy girl, the male is curious n checking things out but soon ready for a nap. Already curious about our ducks…but not chasing them. Any suggestions would be welcome.

    1. Hi Dorothy! Congrats on your two new canine companions! My suggestion would be to stick with firm corrections when they argue. Dogs are going to play, and there will always be a little vocal exchange. But if it gets too rowdy, then correct it firmly and tell them to stop. Be consistent with it, as well. Vocal exchanges are also common with littermates.

      With regards to a setup, I’d recommend crate training. You can crate train separately, or together. We crated our dogs early on, and they loved their crates. They no longer need them, with the exception of our youngest rescue dog that’s 1 year old. About the ducks, let them be curious, but firm commands and corrections will be needed if they decide to give chase. This will be especially important with a breed like the Cur which has a high prey drive. Good luck with your pups!

      1. I got my dog river is his name and a family was giving them away out the back of their truck they said he was a cur and I had never even heard of them before but he is exactly what the description of personality traits said and so much more I swear this newly weaned puppy understood every word I said to him blew my mind so we got home and without one single fail he understood fetch return and release never once did he make me chase him or tug of war the toy we used and to be completely honest with you I don’t know if he uses the bathroom I’ve never seen it nor does he use it in my yard. Even when I had put him on a cable run a couple of times. Same deal no poop. He is so intelligent it blows my mind. I’ll never own another breed now I’m spoiled plus I can just talk to him like I would another human and I swear he understands every single word I say no key words necessary. now he is a new father and he is so attentive to the pups it’s insane he even cleans and grooms them I haven’t even had to keep the pups in a box because he cleans each and every one so much they are right there in the living room floor they got to be the cleanest puppies I’ve ever seen you should’ve seen him mope around when I told him we could only keep one . I’m convinced this the best breed in the world. Is he just execptional or does this sound right for this breed I’ve never had one before. Thanks

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