The Mountain Cur is a moderate to low-shedding dog. Grooming a Mountain Cur is pretty low-maintenance. A regular brushing will do right by this breed.

Yes, Mountain Curs can be good family dogs for active and experienced families prepared to raise and train them properly. They were bred to be working dogs, so if they are not used in hunting, they will need to be challenged physically and mentally in other ways.

Mountain Curs generally reach their full size by the time they are around one to one and a half years old. Like many dog breeds, their growth rate slows significantly after their first year, and they may continue to fill out slightly until they are about two years old.

Mountain Curs can come in a variety of coat colors, including brindle, black, blue, yellow, red, brown, and sable. Coat patterns can vary, with some Mountain Curs having solid coats while others may have patches or markings.

Mountain Curs are medium-sized dogs, most weighing 30 to 60 pounds. Males are typically larger than females, standing 18 to 26 inches tall, while most females stand between 16 and 24 inches tall.

Mountain Curs typically live for 10 to 13 years, though this can vary depending on individual health and care.

Yes, Mountain Curs are known to be wonderful with children — both protective of them and playful with them. As with any breed, it is recommended that your child is always supervised when interacting with your Mountain Cur to keep both the child and dog safe. Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs is crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child, as is teaching dogs how to interact gently with children.

No, the Mountain Cur tends to give chase to small animals, so they might not make the best match for a household with cats unless they were raised alongside them. Of course, each dog (and cat) has their own preferences and temperament, but you can feel fairly confident your Mountain Cur, if properly socialized to your cat and/or introduced at a young age, should get along well.

Mountain Curs can be good with other dogs, especially if they are socialized from a young age and introduced properly. Their temperament is often described as friendly and loyal, which can contribute to positive interactions with other dogs. However, as with any breed, individual personalities and proper socialization play key roles in how they interact with other dogs.

Yes, the Mountain Cur will bark. They were bred to use their voice to alert their people of prey that could become their food, and thus, they are no strangers to barking. As with any dog, however, proper training and exercise can discourage them from barking as frequently.

Yes, Mountain Curs are easy to train. Mountain Curs are highly intelligent animals who are incredibly motivated to work and to please their people. Some Mountain Curs may be a bit stubborn, but they are overall quite trainable.

Yes, Mountain Curs are considered smart dogs. They are known for their problem-solving skills, adaptability, and ability to learn and respond to commands. Their intelligence is a valuable trait in their roles as hunting companions and family pets.

Yes, Mountain Curs are generally known for their friendly and loyal nature. Their friendly disposition makes them good companions and suitable for households looking for a loyal and versatile dog breed.

Mountain Curs were brought to America by European settlers. They were mainly bred around Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and Kentucky and used as all-purpose farm dogs that defended the pioneer’s land, stock, and family.

Mountain Curs were bred as versatile hunting dogs capable of tracking and treeing game, such as squirrels, raccoons, and even larger game like bears and wild boars. They were valued for their stamina, intelligence, and ability to work in various terrains and weather conditions.

No, a Mountain Cur is not a Pit Bull. They are two distinct breeds with different origins and characteristics. Mountain Curs are known for their hunting abilities and versatility, while Pit Bulls (a term that typically refers to American Pit Bull Terriers or related breeds) are known for their strength and athleticism and often have a misunderstood reputation.

Mountain Curs are quite healthy and have no known breed-related issues. Diseases Mountain Curs are prone to:

• Hip and/or elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from adequately meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Though the main complication with hip dysplasia is joint instability, the abnormalities present in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can be done to fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis. If you are rescuing a Mountain Cur, have them checked out by a vet to see if they have or are prone to getting dysplasia, so you know what they will be able to handle regarding activities and exercise.

• Degenerative myelopathy: Degenerative myelopathy is a degenerative genetic disorder that causes progressive paralysis in the hind legs. There is no cure, and it can progress very quickly.

No, Mountain Curs are not considered hypoallergenic. They have a short to medium-length coat that sheds moderately, which can produce dander and potentially trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. Regular grooming and cleaning can help reduce allergens in the home.