The Plott Hound Mountain Cur Mix dog breed is a unique and fascinating combination of two ancient breeds. This mix is a result of breeding the Plott Hound with the Mountain Cur, two breeds known for their hunting prowess and strong work ethic.
The Plott Hound is an old German breed that originated in the 18th century, bred specifically for hunting boar and other large game. Its strong prey drive and keen sense of smell make it an excellent hunting companion.
The Mountain Cur is another ancient breed, known for its rugged terrain and versatility. This breed has been used for hunting, herding, and even guarding. Its intelligence and independence make it a great companion for active families.
The Plott Hound Mountain Cur Mix inherits the best traits from both breeds, making it an excellent hunting dog and loyal companion.
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Care and Maintenance
A Plott Hound Mountain Cur mix requires regular nail trimming, about once a month, to prevent painful and messy nail breaks.
Their double coat sheds heavily in the spring and fall, so be prepared for regular brushing and vacuuming to keep your home clean.
Mountain Curs need their nails trimmed regularly, which will also help prevent them from breaking their nails on anything in your home or outside.
To maintain good oral hygiene, brush your Plott Hound Mountain Cur's teeth every other day or a few times a week to keep their teeth clean and healthy.
Regular ear cleaning is also crucial for your Plott Hound Mountain Cur mix, especially since Plott Hounds are prone to ear infections.
You should aim to bathe your Plott Hound Mountain Cur mix every 6 weeks or as needed, using a gentle dog shampoo to avoid stripping their natural skin oils and dulling their fur.
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Grooming
Grooming is an essential part of caring for your dog, and Mountain Curs are no exception. They have a double coat that sheds heavily in the spring and fall, so be prepared for regular vacuuming.
Brushing your Mountain Cur once a month can help prevent matting and tangling of their fur. Regular nail trimming is also crucial, as long nails can break easily and cause pain for your dog.
Plott Hounds are a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming, with a short coat that sheds minimally throughout the year. A weekly brushing can help remove dead hair and keep their fur and skin healthy.
Cleaning your Plott Hound's pendant ears regularly can help prevent ear infections. Bathing your Plott Hound every 6 weeks or as needed is also important, but be sure to use a gentle dog shampoo to avoid stripping their natural skin oils.
Mountain Curs also need their nails trimmed regularly, about once a month, to prevent breakage and painful messes. Good oral hygiene is also essential, so brush your Mountain Cur's teeth every other day or a few times a week to prevent dental disease.
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Diet and Nutrition
Mountain Curs are high-energy dogs that require a higher caloric intake than other breeds. Adult Mountain Curs need to eat about 2 cups of food a day.
To ensure your Mountain Cur gets the right amount of calories, divide their daily food intake into at least two meals a day for easier digestion. Overfeeding can be a concern, so consult with your vet to determine the exact calorie needs of your dog.
A good quality dry food is essential for Mountain Curs, and you can mix it with canned food, water, or broth for added nutrition. However, table food should be limited to no more than 10% of their diet to avoid vitamin and mineral imbalances or issues with tooth and bone.
High-quality protein sources like lean chicken, lamb, turkey, and beef can be fed to Mountain Curs daily to boost their protein intake. Fruits like apples, watermelon, and blueberries can also be given in moderation, providing essential vitamins and fiber.
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Health and Wellness
As a Plott Hound Mountain Cur mix owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your furry friend. Generally, this breed is healthy, but like every breed, they're prone to certain health conditions.
Skin infections and irritation are common issues in Mountain Curs, so keep their sensitive skin and coat clean to prevent problems. Regular grooming and fish oil supplements can help keep their skin healthy.
Ear infections are another issue that can affect both Plott Hounds and Mountain Curs, especially if their ears aren't kept clean. Regular ear cleaning with commercially available ear cleaners for dogs can help prevent infections.
Bloat is a life-threatening condition that can occur in deep-chested dogs like Plott Hounds, so it's crucial to monitor their eating habits and prevent overeating. Gastric torsion can happen when a dog's stomach fills with gas and twists.
Dysplasia is a painful and arthritic condition that can affect big and active breeds like the Plott Hound. Limiting strenuous exercise during adolescence can help prevent this issue.
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Ownership and Adoption
If you're considering bringing a Plott Hound Mountain Cur mix into your family, you'll want to think carefully about the costs involved. You can expect to pay between $500 and $1000 for a Plott Hound Mountain Cur mix.
To find a reputable breeder or a mix with a good temperament, check out the Original Mountain Cur Breeders Association website. They can connect you with breeders in your area who have a track record of producing healthy, well-socialized dogs.
Here are some key things to consider when thinking about adopting or buying a Plott Hound Mountain Cur mix:
- Requires daily exercise and activity
- Reserved with strangers
- May not be good around small pets or children
History
The Mountain Cur has a rich history dating back to the early days of European settlement in North America.
In those days, Mountain Curs were a vital part of a frontier family, especially in mountainous regions, where they helped with hunting small game like rabbits and squirrels.
They also proved helpful in hunting larger game like wild boar, and were trained to tree prey, forcing it to run up trees.
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The breed's true heritage was not as important as its ability to hunt, so little is known about its origins.
In 1957, the Original Mountain Cur Breeders of America was formed, formally recognizing the Mountain Cur as a breed.
The United Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1998, and although the Mountain Cur is a member of the American Kennel Club's Foundation Stock Group, they are not eligible for AKC registration.
Pet Compatibility
Pet Compatibility is a crucial aspect to consider when bringing a new furry friend home. Plott Hounds usually do best with other dogs.
However, their strong prey drive can be a challenge, especially if you have cats or smaller pets in the house. They're apt to chase them, which can be overcome with early socialization.
A Plott Hound raised around other animals from puppyhood tends to get along better with other pets. This is a big plus for families with multiple pets.
Supervision is key when introducing a Plott Hound to other pets. It's essential to prevent mishaps and ensure a smooth transition for all.
Adopting or Buying a Mountain Cur
If you're considering bringing a Mountain Cur into your life, you'll want to know the costs involved. You can expect to pay between $500 and $1000 for a Mountain Cur.
Mountain Curs are active dogs that require daily exercise and activity to stay happy and healthy. They're not suited for couch potatoes, so be prepared to get moving with your new furry friend.
If you're not set on buying a Mountain Cur, there are other options. Check with your local animal shelter or rescue groups to see if they have any Mountain Curs in need of a good home.
Keep in mind that Mountain Curs can be reserved with strangers, so socialization will be key. They may not be the best fit for households with small pets or children.
Here are some things to consider when looking for a Mountain Cur:
- Requires daily exercise and activity
- Reserved with strangers
- May not be good around small pets or children
Training and Behavior
Training a Plott Hound Mountain Cur mix requires patience and consistency, as they can be independently minded and prone to going off on their own adventures.
Firm, patient training with clear boundaries and a no-nonsense attitude is essential, rather than a more easygoing and permissive style. Positive reinforcement is key, so be sure to shower your dog with praise, belly scratches, and treats when they respond to their name.
Ignoring bad behavior, such as tugging or barking, is also crucial, as punishment can be counter-productive and make them more sensitive to harsh words. Socialization is equally important, starting with exposure to new places, animals, and people from an early age.
Their naturally wary nature makes them great watchdogs, but can also make them standoffish with strangers. With proper training and socialization, however, they can learn to be calm and well-behaved in the presence of others.
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Temperament and Behavior
The Plott Hound's temperament is a unique blend of courage, loyalty, and friendliness.
These dogs are naturally wary of strangers and vocal, making them great watchdogs. They're inclined to be watchful and protective of their family, but can also be goofy and clownish at home.
As a guardian dog, the Plott Hound is prone to attacking strangers and pets, and challenging anything unusual. They're even willing to sacrifice their life to protect their family.
The Plott Hound's independent streak can turn into pigheaded stubbornness, making training a challenge. However, with patience and consistency, they can learn to listen and obey.
Plott Hounds are family-oriented and have a good heart, but they're not afraid to go off on their own escapades. They're born bear hunters, after all, and have the confidence to take on any challenge.
In a home environment, the Plott Hound's over-protective nature can create a relationship hazard with its family, especially if they start feeling superior to their master. This can lead to behavioral issues and a strained relationship.
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Training
Training a Plott Hound requires patience and consistency. They're independently minded and love to follow their nose, so be prepared for a challenge.
Positive reinforcement is key when training a Plott Hound. Start by calling their name and rewarding them with praise, belly scratches, and treats when they respond.
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Firm boundaries and a no-nonsense attitude work best for this breed. Ignoring bad behavior and rewarding good behavior is a winning combination.
Punishment is counter-productive when training a Plott Hound. They're sensitive to harsh words and punishments, so it's best to avoid them altogether.
Socialization is crucial for Plott Hounds. Expose them to new places, animals, and people from an early age to help them become well-behaved dogs.
With time and consistency, you can reduce the treats and have your Plott Hound associate certain behaviors with positive outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lifespan of a Plott Hound mix?
A Plott Hound mix typically lives for 12 to 14 years, similar to its parent breed. With proper care, they can enjoy a long and healthy life as a loyal companion.
How big will a Plott Hound lab mix get?
A Plott Hound Lab mix typically weighs between 40-60 pounds and stands 20-28 inches tall. With proper care, they can grow into a medium to large-sized dog.
Sources
- Mountain Cur: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care (thesprucepets.com)
- Mountain Cur Dog Breed Information and Pictures (dogbreedinfo.com)
- AKC marketplace (akc.org)
- Pet Health Network (pethealthnetwork.com)
- AKC.org (akc.org)
- Plott Hound Dog Breed Information and Pictures (dogbreedinfo.com)
- Mountain Cur Dog Breed Info, Facts, Temperament, ... (101dogbreeds.com)
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