# Mountain Cur

- **Group:** Scent Hound (FCI group 6)
- **Size:** Medium
- **Origin:** United States
- **Height:** 41–66 cm
- **Weight:** 14–27 kg
- **Life expectancy:** 12–16 years
- **Temperament:** Intelligent, Eager to Please, Hardworking, Loyal, Versatile

A rugged American working dog bred to tree squirrels and raccoons, bay big game and guard the farm. Intelligent and willing, the Mountain Cur is happiest with a real job to do.

## Overview

The Mountain Cur is a short-coated American hunting and farm dog from the Appalachian region. It trails and trees small game such as squirrel and raccoon, and can also bay bear and wild boar.

It is a versatile all-round dog that guards the family and property, and is generally affectionate and trainable.

## History

Settlers brought these dogs from Europe to the mountains of Ohio, Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee nearly two centuries ago to guard their families and to find meat and pelts. Daniel Boone is said to have kept them.

After World War II many rural families moved away and the breed nearly vanished by the 1940s. A few breeders, including Hugh Stephens, Woody Huntsman, Carl McConnell and Dewey Ledbetter, saved it and wrote the standard. A breeders' association was founded in 1956 and the United Kennel Club registered the breed in 1998.

## Appearance

A medium-sized, athletic dog, usually 30 to 60 pounds, with males about 46 to 66 cm and females about 41 to 61 cm tall. The coat is short and practical.

Colours include blue, black, yellow, brown and brindle, and some dogs have white on the face or chest.

## Temperament

Mountain Curs are intelligent, easily trained and eager to please, neither shy nor aggressive. They generally get along well with children and other pets.

Because they were bred to work, they can grow bored and anxious without a job such as hunting, guarding or farm chores. With work to do they are happy and obedient.

## Care and exercise

This is an active working dog that needs plenty of daily exercise, space and mental stimulation. It does best in a rural setting or with an active owner who hunts or does dog sports.

The short coat needs only occasional brushing. Provide a secure fence, as a hunting dog may follow a scent.

## Health

The source reports a lifespan up to 14 to 16 years and no breed-specific health issues.

## Ratings (1 to 5)

- Energy: 4
- Exercise needs: 4
- Grooming: 1
- Shedding: 2
- Trainability: 4
- Barking: 3
- Good with children: 4
- Good with other dogs: 3

Page: https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/mountain-cur
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_Cur · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q38892
Photo: ThoHug (CC BY-SA 4.0), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mtncur.png
Profile written by an AI model from the sources above.