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Need To Know
- Dogs suitable for experienced owners
- Extra training required
- Generally healthy breed
- Enjoys active walks
- Medium dog
- Some drool
- Requires grooming
- Chatty and vocal dog
- Barks and alerts to visitors/anything unusual
- Generally friendly with other dogs
- May need additional training to live with other pets
- May need additional supervision to live with children
- Needs a large yard, in a suburban or rural area
- Can be left occasionally with training
- AKC Registered Breed
Personality
Dependable and trustworthy, the Mountain Cur dog is loyal to its owner, with “protect and please” at the top of their to-do list. They can be aloof or shy with strangers and require socialization to instill confidence. They love to train and respond well to positive reinforcement tactics. When well-trained, the Mountain Cur breed can make a good family companion dog and watchdog.
As All-American as they come, the Mountain Cur dog began as a pioneer dog that settlers used to guard livestock and protect their farms in Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee. They were also used for treeing, although now they are seen as more versatile farm dogs and companion dogs. They were first declared a breed in 1957.
You don’t have to be a pioneer to enjoy owning a Mountain Cur dog, although it’s preferable that you live in a rural area as the dogs love to have room to roam and play. Owners should be active and fit and enjoy the outdoors. Patience with training is essential as this is a high-energy breed that’s intelligent and independent, which can mean they might have a stubborn streak and might need creative motivation.
Active and alert, the Mountain Cur dog needs a lot of physical and mental exercise to be satisfied—and to prevent destructive behavior that occurs when the dog is bored. They enjoy long walks, free running, training, games, and dog sports.
The Mountain Cur dog breed does best when they have ample room outside, such as in a fenced-in suburban yard or on a rural property.
Tightly knit, the coat of the Mountain Cur dog is short and dense. It’s easy to care for by brushing to remove dead and loose hairs. Baths can be on an as-needed basis. The Mountain Cur breed sheds twice a year.
Independent thinkers, the Mountain Cur dog loves to have a job to do. They excel in training, although they might be a little obstinate. They will look to an owner to be a pack leader. Friendly with those they know, they are watchful guard dogs that want nothing more than to protect their families and properties. Socialization for Mountain Cur dogs and puppies will make them well-mannered companion pets.
Adaptable and friendly, Mountain Curs can be good family pets if properly socialized and trained. They do have high energy levels, which might be best for older children or families with no children.
The cost of a Mountain Cur from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.
Learn more about feeding and caring for your Mountain Cur on Purina.
Did You Know?
- Mountain Cur dogs are excellent swimmers thanks to their webbed feet.
- Mountain Cur dogs can make good therapy pets.