The Mountain Cur is a versatile and adaptable breed that thrives in various environments.
They are relatively low-maintenance dogs, requiring moderate exercise and a balanced diet.
Mountain Curs are highly intelligent and trainable, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners.
Their short coats require minimal grooming, but regular nail trimming and ear cleaning are essential.
Physical Characteristics
Mountain Cur puppies are rugged and rustic, with short, rough coats that come in a variety of colors including brindle, black, and black and yellow.
They have an alert look, which is likely due to their high-slung ears that are always perked up and ready to listen.
Their solid muzzle and strong neck with somewhat broad ends give them a sturdy appearance that's perfect for navigating the great outdoors.
Mountain Curs are a medium-sized breed, which makes them a great fit for families with smaller yards or for those who want a dog that's easy to care for in terms of exercise needs.
Training and Behavior
Mountain cur puppies are highly intelligent and love to do jobs, which is why they excel in dog sports. They require daily mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Establishing dominance early on is crucial, as they will try to achieve pack leader status. This means setting clear boundaries and rules from an early age.
Mountain curs are friendly with people they know, but may see small pets as prey, making early socialization with other animals essential. They can be trained to be well-behaved pets, but it's not always easy.
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Training
Mountain Curs are extremely smart dogs and love to do jobs, which is why they excel in dog sports. They are highly intelligent and can be trained for a variety of tasks.
Some Mountain Curs can be difficult to train, while others agree more easily. They require daily mental stimulation, which can be provided by tasks such as accompanying hunters or solving puzzle toys.
These dogs will try to achieve pack leader status, so it's essential to establish dominance early on with proper training. If they do become pack leaders, training them is very difficult.
Early socialization is crucial for keeping a well-operated pet, and Mountain Curs are trained enough to become medical dogs.
Personality
The Mountain Cur is a fearless watchdog that will protect its territory and family with great enthusiasm. They can be very protective, especially when it comes to kids.
Despite their tough exterior, they can be a soft-hearted pooch who adores children and shows great affection towards the family.
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Health and Care
The Mountain Cur is a generally healthy dog breed, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health issues. Regular exercise will keep them in peak shape.
To keep your Mountain Cur healthy, it's essential to pay attention to their sensitive skin and coat. Keeping them clean can help prevent skin infections and irritation. Fish oil supplements can also help prevent skin irritation from dry skin, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors in a cold environment.
As your Mountain Cur ages, they may start to exhibit signs of hip dysplasia or arthritis. Starting them on a glucosamine chondroitin supplement can help keep their joints happy and healthy. Regular ear cleaning can also help prevent ear infections.
Here are some common health issues to watch out for:
- Skin infections and irritation: Clean your Mountain Cur's skin and coat regularly, and consider fish oil supplements.
- Hip dysplasia and arthritis: Start your Mountain Cur on a glucosamine chondroitin supplement as they age.
- Ear infections: Regularly clean your Mountain Cur's ears with commercially available ear cleaners.
Care
Taking care of a Mountain Cur requires attention to their specific needs. They are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain health issues.
To prevent skin infections and irritation, keep their sensitive skin and coat clean. Fish oil supplements can also help prevent skin irritation from dry skin, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors in a cold environment.
Regular grooming is also essential for Mountain Curs. They have a double coat that sheds heavily in the spring and fall, so they should be brushed frequently during these times. A rubber curry comb or shedding blade works well for removing dead and loose hair.
Mountain Curs need their nails trimmed regularly, about once a month or so, to prevent them from breaking their nails on anything. Keeping their nails short will also prevent a bloody mess in your home.
Good oral hygiene is also crucial for Mountain Curs. Brushing their teeth every other day or a few times a week can go a long way in keeping their teeth clean and healthy.
Here are some tips for caring for a Mountain Cur:
- Keep their skin and coat clean to prevent skin infections and irritation.
- Brush their coat frequently, especially during shedding seasons.
- Trim their nails regularly to prevent breakage.
- Brush their teeth regularly to prevent dental disease.
- Provide them with a balanced diet and plenty of exercise to keep them in peak shape.
Diet and Nutrition
Mountain Curs are very active dogs, which means they need a higher caloric requirement than other breeds.
Their diet should be suitable for their life stage, so ensure you're feeding a commercial dog food that meets the AAFCO standards.
The governing board, AAFCO, recognizes four life stages: Growth, Adult Maintenance, Gestation/Lactation, and All Life Stages.
An adult Mountain Cur needs to eat about 2 cups of food a day, divided into at least two meals for easier digestion.
Your vet can help you calculate the exact number of calories your dog needs if you're concerned about overfeeding.
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Getting a Mountain Cur Puppy
You can find a responsible breeder by checking the website for the Original Mountain Cur Breeders Association.
If you're planning on purchasing a Mountain Cur, you can expect to pay between $500 and $1000.
You can also check with local animal shelters and rescue groups for Mountain Curs in need of a good home.
If you do decide to bring a puppy home, make sure to read up on All About Puppies and consider getting started in Dog Sports to give your new furry friend a happy and active life.
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Prospective Owners
As a prospective owner of a Mountain Cur puppy, it's essential to understand their unique needs and characteristics. They require daily exercise and activities to keep them active, and they enjoy doing tasks that keep them busy.
Mountain Cur dogs have a high prey drive and willful nature, so it's crucial to train them in basic commands at an early stage. Consistency and patience are key when training a Mountain Cur puppy.
You should also be aware that Mountain Cur dogs are reserved when it comes to strangers until they are introduced well, and they can bark a lot when they aren't aware of newcomers. This means you'll need to socialize them properly to ensure they interact well with people outside of your household.
To keep your Mountain Cur puppy safe, make sure they are secure inside a fence and engaging with their interactive toys. They can easily get distracted and run to chase small animals, so a leash is a must-have when outdoors.
Here are some key things to remember when bringing a Mountain Cur puppy home:
- Train them in basic commands at an early stage.
- Keep them on a leash when outdoors.
- Provide daily exercise and activities.
- Socialize them properly to interact with strangers.
- Teach children how to handle the breed.
Adopt/Buy
If you're planning on bringing a Mountain Cur into your life, you've got two main options: adopting or buying.
You can expect to pay between $500 and $1000 if you decide to buy a Mountain Cur.
First, let's talk about adopting. Check with your local animal shelter to see if they have any Mountain Curs in need of a good, active home.
Adopting from a shelter or rescue group can be a rewarding experience and often comes with an existing temperament profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Mountain Cur a good family dog?
Yes, Mountain Curs are well-suited for families with kids and other pets. They thrive in loving environments with proper care and attention.
Are Mountain Curs good swimmers?
Yes, Mountain Curs are natural swimmers and love spending time in the water. They make excellent swimming companions for active owners.
Is a Mountain Cur a good house dog?
Mountain Curs can make great house dogs if they receive regular exercise and mental stimulation, and are socialized properly as puppies
Are Mountain Curs aggressive?
Mountain Curs are generally not aggressive, but their protective instincts can sometimes be misinterpreted as such. They are more likely to defend themselves or their territory than to attack without provocation.
Why are Mountain Cur dogs rare?
Mountain Curs are a rare breed due to a significant decline in population during World War II, when many breeders left rural areas to assist with the war effort. This event contributed to a long-term decline in the breed's numbers, making them a relatively rare sight today.
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