About Mountaincur: Your Mountain Cur Breed Resource
Our Mission and Purpose
Mountaincur exists to provide accurate, practical information about mountain cur dogs to prospective owners, current handlers, and anyone interested in this remarkable American breed. Too many working breeds end up in shelters or rescue situations because owners didn't understand the commitment required before bringing these dogs home. Mountain curs, with their intense energy levels and strong hunting instincts, particularly need owners who understand what they're getting into. Our goal is to present honest information about both the rewards and challenges of mountain cur ownership.
This resource draws on decades of combined experience from hunters, breeders, and trainers who work with mountain curs daily. We recognize that mountain curs aren't the right choice for everyone, and we'd rather help someone choose a more suitable breed than see another working dog fail in an incompatible home. At the same time, for the right owner, few breeds offer the loyalty, capability, and partnership that a well-bred, properly trained mountain cur provides. Whether you're researching Kemmer stock mountain curs for serious hunting, considering a mountain cur lab mix as a family companion, or simply curious about what kind of dog is a mountain cur, you'll find straightforward answers here.
The information presented across our homepage and FAQ section reflects current breed standards, training methodologies proven effective with cur-type dogs, and honest assessments of the breed's temperament and requirements. We update content regularly as new research emerges and breeding practices evolve. Mountain curs represent living history, a direct connection to America's frontier past, and they deserve preservation through responsible breeding and ownership.
| Requirement Category | Minimum Standard | Ideal Standard | Critical Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Exercise | 90 minutes vigorous | 2-3 hours varied activity | Yes |
| Fenced Yard | 4 feet secure | 6 feet with dig guard | Yes |
| Training Experience | Basic dog handling | Working breed experience | Yes |
| Time Availability | 3-4 hours daily | 5+ hours daily | Yes |
| Rural/Suburban Setting | Suburban with space | Rural property | No |
| Financial Resources | $1000-1500 annually | $2000+ annually | No |
Understanding Mountain Cur Breed Preservation
Mountain cur preservation faces unique challenges compared to established show breeds. The Original Mountain Cur Breeders Association and other organizations work to maintain genetic diversity while preserving the working characteristics that define the breed. Unlike breeds where appearance takes priority, mountain cur breeders must balance conformation with performance, ensuring dogs can still perform the tasks their ancestors handled. This means breeding decisions focus on hunting ability, temperament, and structural soundness rather than achieving a specific look.
The rise in popularity of mountain cur mixes, including the mountain cur pit mix, mountain cur german shepherd mix, and mountain cur husky mix, presents both opportunities and concerns. These crosses can produce excellent working dogs and family companions, particularly when breeders carefully select parent dogs for complementary traits. However, indiscriminate breeding dilutes the pure mountain cur gene pool and may produce dogs lacking the breed's signature characteristics. Responsible breeders of both purebreds and purpose-bred crosses prioritize health testing, temperament evaluation, and matching puppies to appropriate homes.
According to data from the United Kennel Club maintains breed standards, mountain cur registrations have increased approximately 40 percent since 2010, reflecting growing interest in versatile hunting breeds and heritage American dogs. This popularity surge brings more attention to the breed but also attracts less scrupulous breeders motivated by profit rather than breed preservation. Prospective owners should research breeders thoroughly, ask about health testing and working titles, and expect breeders to ask detailed questions about their lifestyle and experience. Reputable breeders often maintain waiting lists and refuse to sell puppies to unsuitable homes, recognizing that proper placement prevents future problems for both dogs and owners.
Resources for Mountain Cur Owners and Enthusiasts
New and prospective mountain cur owners benefit from connecting with experienced handlers and breed organizations. The United Kennel Club maintains breed standards and sponsors events where mountain curs can demonstrate their abilities through treeing competitions, weight pulls, and other performance events. These gatherings provide opportunities to see quality dogs in action, meet reputable breeders, and learn from handlers with years of experience. Many regional hunting clubs also welcome mountain cur owners and offer training days where young dogs can develop their skills alongside experienced hunters.
Training resources specific to cur-type dogs help owners develop their dog's natural abilities effectively. While generic dog training advice has value, mountain curs respond best to methods that respect their intelligence and working heritage. Positive reinforcement techniques that incorporate the dog's natural prey drive and desire to work produce better results than compulsion-based methods. Books like 'Training the Cur' and videos from experienced squirrel dog trainers provide practical guidance, though nothing replaces hands-on mentorship from someone who understands the breed. Many successful mountain cur owners found mentors through hunting clubs or breed associations who helped them navigate the learning curve.
Health and nutrition for working mountain curs differs from companion dog care in important ways. Active hunting dogs require higher protein levels and caloric intake than sedentary pets, with working dogs often needing 30 to 35 percent protein and 1,500 to 2,000 calories daily depending on activity level and individual metabolism. Joint supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin help maintain mobility in dogs working rough terrain. Regular veterinary care, including annual health screenings and vaccinations appropriate to the dog's exposure risk, keeps mountain curs healthy throughout their 12 to 16 year lifespan. The American Veterinary Medical Association provides guidelines for preventive care that apply to all breeds, while working dog veterinarians can offer specific advice for hunting dogs facing unique health challenges.
| Organization | Focus Area | Website Type | Primary Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kennel Club | Breed registration, events | .com | Official breed registry |
| Original Mountain Cur Breeders Assoc | Breed preservation | .org | Breeder referrals, standards |
| American Kennel Club | Hunting tests, resources | .org | Performance events |
| National Kennel Club | Alternative registry | .com | Registration services |
| Cur & Feist Breeders | Cur-type breeds | .com | Breeder networking |