Last Updated: 7 months ago
There is a general misconception that hunting dog breeds do not make good household pets.
Nothing could be further from the truth. All dogs belonging to the ‘Hound’ group make excellent all-purpose dogs. Their hunting instincts dominate their behavior, but they can be trained as watch dogs, farm dogs, or even water dogs.
One of the most popular dog breeds in this category is the Mountain Cur. Fearless, fast, and resilient, these purebred American dogs have been faithful hunting companions for ages now.
Apart from warding off the occasional varmint that enters the farm, a Mountain Cur can also bring down even a bear if need be.
If you are considering getting one for your farm or even as a watchdog, then here’s some information that can help you understand the behavioral traits of these dogs and also give you an insight into what it takes to own one.
Appearance and Physical Traits
The most noticeable feature about the ‘Mountain Cur’ that is testimony to the name is its similarity to the ‘Cur’, or a mixed-breed dog.
However, the similarity is only limited to its coat and the skull. Otherwise, the breed is stocky and has a rugged appearance. It has a short coat that is somewhat denser and even longer than some of the other hound breeds.
The undercoat is fine and very soft, while the upper one can either be smooth or rough. A mountain cur can either be brindle, brindle and black, all black, or yellow. Many of the puppies have a bobtail at birth.
The Mountain Cur is short and very muscular, which is typical of a hunting dog. However, they have a very heavy muzzle with a deep-set chest and a straight back.
Temperament of The Mountain Cur
Make no mistake. Despite being trained as a household dog, this is a hunting dog purely by gut instinct.
They are fierce, fearless, and decisive. They can take on prey much larger in size, and they have mastered the art of stealth. On a hunting trail, they will be silent as a mouse.
They are excellent guard dogs but are usually not the best of choices for an urban setting because their activities will be limited to outdoor playtimes and walks.
The Mountain Cur is a very loyal dog that loves to please. This makes them naturally attuned to training.
The training style and methods will vary according to the strain of the dog that you have. The only way to ensure that you have a disciplined dog is to train them to believe that you are the pack leader, not them.
They are extremely protective of the family and are known to even give up their lives trying to protect it. If you are on the trail and come across an angry bear, your Mountain Cur will give it a fight that it will never forget.
When not on the trail, they are active, agile, and outgoing. Once acquainted with the family, they are easygoing and love being around children.
Living With a Mountain Cur
Despite having quite a reputation to keep up with, a Mountain Cur is largely easy to live with, provided that it gets the exercise it deserves and you shower it with loads of attention.
Exercise
The Mountain Curve needs lots of exercise. If you are unable to dedicate time to long and multiple walks, then this is not the ideal breed for you.
They are not apartment dogs. If you have a house with a small yard, then build them a kennel, and at least twice a day, let them enjoy their playtime without a leash.
A Mountain Cur is not known to be an escape artist. So unless they spot potential prey, which can include a squirrel, by the way, they won’t jump over the fence.
Personality
The only thing that needs a special mention is the overly protective nature of the Mountain Cur, which may start to become extremely bothersome if the dog has not been trained since puppyhood.
A mountain crow may attack anything that it deems a threat to the family. That is why training is crucial.
Training
The most important part is the pack leader training. This has needed to be established since puppyhood. Apart from this, the Mountain Cur is easy to socialize with.
They get along well with children and anyone else that the family is acquainted with. They are not friendly towards strangers, which makes them excellent watchdogs when trained.
Feeding
Since the Mountain Cur is an outdoor dog, it will need a high-energy and high-protein nutrition source. Canned food is generally considered ideal, along with broth.
Puppies must be given puppy food to ensure that their nutritional requirements are met. Table food can be introduced once the dog reaches adulthood. But limit the intake to not more than 10–15% of the dog’s diet.
Grooming
The Mountain Cur has a short coat, which makes it a low-maintenance dog. A weekly brushing will ensure that the coat looks crisp and is well maintained.
It does not shed excessively, making it ideal for anyone who’s finicky about excessive dog hair. It is also important to trim nails. A lot of these puppies are born with dew claws, which may also demand frequent attention.
Common health problems
One of the reasons why the Mountain Cur remains extremely popular among hunters and farmers is because it is one of the most resilient dog breeds that has no known disorder or disease.
With minimal care and protection, it remains healthy and hearty for its lifespan.
Conclusion
Getting a mountain home is not a decision you make every day. The best thing that you can do is to know everything about it. Irrespective of whether you are looking for a watch dog or a hunting one, a Mountain Cur will fit the bill perfectly.
We hope this guide helps you make an informed choice.
Resources:
