Frequently Asked Questions About Mountain Cur Dogs
Mountain curs generate many questions from prospective owners, hunters, and dog enthusiasts curious about this distinctly American breed. These dogs differ significantly from popular companion breeds in their needs, temperament, and capabilities. Understanding these differences is essential before bringing a mountain cur into your life.
The following questions address the most common concerns and curiosities about mountain curs, from their origins and hunting abilities to their requirements as family companions. Whether you're considering a purebred mountain cur or one of the popular mixes discussed on our homepage, these answers provide the foundational knowledge needed to make informed decisions about this remarkable working breed.
What is a mountain cur dog?
A mountain cur is a breed of hunting dog originally developed in the southern United States for treeing and hunting small game. They are known for their courage, intelligence, and strong hunting instincts. Settlers in the Appalachian and Ozark mountain regions developed these dogs between the 18th and 19th centuries, selecting for dogs that could hunt game, protect homesteads, and help manage livestock. Unlike many modern breeds created for appearance, mountain curs were bred exclusively for working ability, resulting in a tough, versatile dog capable of handling the demanding conditions of frontier life. The breed nearly disappeared in the mid-20th century as rural lifestyles changed, but dedicated breeders preserved these dogs, and the UKC officially recognized them in 1998.
Are mountain cur dogs good family pets?
Mountain curs can make loyal family companions but require experienced owners due to their high energy levels and strong prey drive. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to thrive in a household setting. These dogs typically bond intensely with family members and show patience with children they're raised with, but their working heritage means they need 2 to 3 hours of vigorous daily exercise. Families who hike, hunt, or participate in dog sports find mountain curs to be excellent companions. However, households seeking a low-maintenance pet or those without secure fencing should consider other breeds. Mountain curs often struggle in apartments or suburban settings without adequate outlets for their energy and may develop destructive behaviors when bored or under-exercised.
How big do mountain cur dogs get?
Mountain curs typically weigh between 30 and 60 pounds and stand 18 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Males are generally larger than females within this range. Male mountain curs usually reach 40 to 60 pounds and stand 18 to 26 inches tall, while females typically weigh 30 to 50 pounds and measure 16 to 24 inches at the shoulder. This medium size makes them large enough to handle challenging game and rough terrain while remaining agile and quick. Their size also makes them more manageable than larger hunting breeds for most handlers. Individual dogs may fall outside these ranges depending on their specific bloodline, with some Kemmer stock dogs trending toward the larger end of the spectrum due to selection for hunting larger game.
What kind of dog is a mountain cur in terms of classification and breed group?
Mountain curs belong to the cur-type dog category, which represents a distinct group of American hunting breeds developed for treeing game and versatile farm work. The United Kennel Club classifies them in the Scenthound Group, though they hunt using both scent and sight. Unlike purebred breeds with closed stud books and strict appearance standards, mountain curs were historically bred with more emphasis on performance than pedigree. This practical breeding approach created genetic diversity and robust health compared to many modern show breeds. The breed shares ancestry with various European dogs brought to America by settlers, including terriers, hounds, and indigenous dogs, though the exact mix remains uncertain. What distinguishes mountain curs from other hunting breeds is their combination of treeing ability, protective instincts, and livestock handling capability all in one package.
How do you train a mountain cur as a squirrel dog?
Training a mountain cur squirrel dog begins between 6 and 8 months of age, though some dogs show natural treeing instincts as early as 4 months. Start by introducing your cur to squirrel scent using tails or hides, rewarding interest and excitement. Next, take the young dog to areas with abundant squirrel activity during early morning or late afternoon when squirrels are most active. Many trainers use an experienced squirrel dog to mentor young curs, as they learn quickly by observing and mimicking older dogs. When your cur shows interest in squirrels, encourage chasing and praise enthusiastically when they bark at treed squirrels. Most mountain curs develop reliable treeing behavior within their first hunting season if given regular exposure. Avoid punishment-based training, as these intelligent dogs respond much better to positive reinforcement and the inherent reward of the hunt itself. Some professional trainers offer squirrel dog training programs that can accelerate the process for owners new to hunting dog training.
What health problems do mountain cur dogs have?
Mountain curs are generally healthy dogs with fewer genetic health problems than many purebred breeds, thanks to their diverse gene pool and selection for working ability rather than appearance. However, they can experience hip dysplasia, particularly in lines bred for larger size, though the incidence rate is lower than in breeds like German shepherds or Labrador retrievers. Ear infections occur occasionally, especially in dogs that hunt in wet conditions or swim frequently, so regular ear cleaning is important. Some mountain curs develop allergies to environmental triggers or food ingredients, presenting as skin irritation or digestive issues. Responsible breeders screen for hip dysplasia using OFA or PennHIP evaluations before breeding. The breed's average lifespan of 12 to 16 years exceeds that of many similarly-sized breeds. Maintaining healthy weight, providing adequate exercise, and scheduling annual veterinary checkups help mountain curs live long, active lives. According to veterinary health databases, working dogs that maintain their physical conditioning throughout life show lower rates of age-related mobility issues compared to sedentary dogs.
Can mountain curs live with other pets and dogs?
Mountain curs can live with other dogs, especially when raised together from puppyhood, but their strong prey drive makes them unreliable with cats, rabbits, chickens, and other small animals. Many mountain cur owners successfully keep multiple dogs, particularly when the dogs establish clear hierarchy and receive adequate exercise to prevent frustration-based conflicts. Same-sex aggression can occur, particularly between intact males, so many experienced owners choose opposite-sex pairs or neuter their dogs. The breed's hunting instinct means they may view cats and small pets as prey, and even dogs raised with these animals may chase or attack them if the prey animal runs. Some individual mountain curs with lower prey drive can coexist with cats, but this requires careful introduction, constant supervision initially, and recognition that the arrangement may never be completely safe. Livestock presents a different situation, as mountain curs historically worked around farm animals and can learn to respect cattle, horses, and other large animals when properly trained. However, poultry and small livestock often trigger their chasing instinct.
What's the difference between Kemmer stock mountain curs and other lines?
Kemmer stock mountain curs represent a specific bloodline developed by the Kemmer family over multiple generations with intense selection for treeing ability, prey drive, and hunting performance. These dogs typically show stronger hunting instincts, more intense focus when tracking, and greater determination than some other mountain cur lines. The Kemmer family maintained detailed breeding records and culled dogs that didn't meet their performance standards, creating a line known for consistency in working traits. Kemmer stock dogs often begin showing treeing behavior earlier than other lines and may require more experienced handlers due to their intensity. Other mountain cur lines exist with different emphases, such as the Original Mountain Cur line focused on preserving historical type, or lines bred for specific game like hogs versus squirrels. Some breeders prioritize temperament suitable for family life alongside hunting ability, producing dogs with slightly lower prey drive and better off-switch than Kemmer stock. Prospective owners should research specific breeders and bloodlines to find dogs matching their intended use, whether that's serious hunting, family companionship, or both. Our about page provides additional resources for finding reputable mountain cur breeders.
Mountain Cur Training Timeline and Milestones
| Age | Training Focus | Expected Skills | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8-16 weeks | Socialization, basic obedience | Sit, come, leash walking | Daily 10-15 min sessions |
| 4-6 months | Scent introduction, recall | Squirrel scent recognition | 2-3 times weekly |
| 6-8 months | Field introduction, treeing basics | Chasing, basic treeing | Weekly hunting exposure |
| 8-12 months | Hunting development | Reliable treeing, stamina | 2-3 hunts weekly |
| 12-18 months | Refinement, distance work | Independent hunting | Regular hunting season |
| 18+ months | Advanced skills, specialization | Fully developed hunter | Ongoing maintenance |