Mountain Cur
Also called: Cur, Treeing Cur
A rugged, loyal Appalachian dog bred to tree squirrels and other small game and to guard the homestead, with courage and stamina.
- Type
- Curs
- Hunts
- Rabbits & squirrels, Raccoon, bear & cat
- Weight
- 30 to 60 pounds
- Height
- 16 to 26 inches at the shoulder
- Lifespan
- 12 to 16 years
- Coat
- Short, dense coat in brindle, black, yellow, or brown
- Energy
- High energy
- Cold and water
- Good. Hardy in cold and rough country.
What it is best at
- Treeing squirrels, raccoons, and other small game.
- Hunting hogs and bears in some lines, as a bay or catch dog.
- A tough, all-around farm and hunting dog.
Temperament
- Loyal, intelligent, and courageous.
- Protective and wary of strangers.
- High energy, and needs work.
Things to know before you get one
- Needs lots of exercise and mental work.
- Can be dominant or aggressive with other dogs and strangers.
- Not suited to apartments or first-time owners.
Training and exercise
Socialize early and train consistently. Curs are smart and strong-willed, and they learn quickly from experience in the woods. Many hunters start young dogs on squirrels with an older dog to follow.
Common health concerns
- Generally hardy, with a long lifespan.
- Hip dysplasia in some lines.
- Injuries from hard use in rough country.
Ask breeders for health testing records, and talk to a veterinarian about screening, vaccines, and tick and heartworm prevention.
Often compared with
- Plott Hound: a hound with a trailing style and a different build.
Field notes
The Mountain Cur is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, but is registered with other clubs. It comes from the southern Appalachians, where families used it for hunting and guarding.
Related guides
This is a general breed profile, not veterinary or training advice. Dogs vary individually, so meet the parents and talk to experienced owners before you choose. Rules about hunting with dogs, releasing dogs on public land, and dog training seasons differ by state; our state resources directory links to each state's official regulations.