Learn More About Mountain Cur

Summary

The Mountain Cur is a medium to large dog with a strong, muscular build. It has a strong, deep chest and a straight back that ends in a long, slightly curved tail. Its eyes are dark and full of intelligence, while its ears are of medium size and set high, carried either semi-erect or drooping. The Mountain Curs belong to FCI Group 5, the group of spitz and primitive dog breeds, although they are also considered hunting dogs by some experts. They are known for their robust constitution and exceptional versatility in work, ranging from hunting small animals to protecting the home and yard. In contrast to many other dog breeds, there is no distinction between show and performance lines with Mountain Curs. All Mountain Curs are bred for their work ability and character, with physical appearance playing a secondary role.

Character

Natural working dogs, Mountain Curs are known for their intelligence, ambition and endurance. They are high-energy animals that enjoy taking on tasks and supporting their humans at work. Their strong urge to move and their strong hunting instinct make them excellent companions for active people who spend a lot of time outdoors. As a rule, Mountain Curs are very people-oriented and build a deep bond with their owners. They are also very family oriented and can get along well with children, provided they are properly socialized and used to interacting with children from an early age. Despite their willingness to work, they also enjoy just being with their family and enjoying their company. Mountain Curs tend to be very alert and show strong territorial behavior, making them good watchdogs. They tend to be reserved and suspicious of strangers, but they are rarely aggressive without reason. They have a strong prey drive and therefore can sometimes tend to hunt small animals. This can be controlled through appropriate training and directed into appropriate channels. Still, potential Mountain Curs owners should be aware that these dogs are probably not the best choice for households with small pets such as hamsters or rabbits. Unlike some other working dogs, Mountain Curs are relatively independent and can spend long periods alone without becoming bored or destructive. Of course, they prefer the company of their humans, but they are usually able to keep themselves busy when necessary. Although Mountain Curs were bred to be working dogs, they are also capable of integrating into family life provided they receive enough exercise and mental stimulation. They tend to be very adaptable and can do well in a variety of environments, from rural farms to suburban homes. In summary, the Mountain Cur is an energetic, versatile and loyal dog that is best suited to active people who have enough time and energy to meet its needs. With the right socialization and training, the Mountain Cur can be a wonderful companion, mastering the role of both working dog and family member with flying colors.

What to Expect

The Mountain Cur is a hunting dog with good tree instincts. He is a very brave fighter and extremely intelligent, fulfilling any task his master gives him. Dogs were an important part of the cultures of the early pioneers and settlers.

Care

Mountain Curs are very active dogs that enjoy spending a lot of time outdoors. They make excellent companions for active people and are less suitable for keeping in the city, especially if they do not have access to sufficient exercise and stimulation. They get along well with children, provided they are properly socialized and used to interacting with children from an early age. However, due to their strong prey drive, they may not be the best choice for households with small pets such as hamsters or rabbits.

Training & Education

Raising a Mountain Cur requires patience and consistency. They are intelligent and quick learners, making them good candidates for various dog sports. From agility to tracking training, there are many ways to keep your active mind and body busy. It is important to be careful not to overuse your Mountain Cur. They are active and willing to learn, but they also need time to relax and regenerate. Due to their strong hunting instinct, they can quickly become a “ball junkie”. It is therefore important to design a varied training program and not just focus on retrieving. The breed brings a natural curiosity and a strong will, so it is beneficial if your dog learns frustration tolerance and impulse control. This is especially important if your dog lives in an environment where he is constantly encountering stimuli that he cannot track, such as an urban environment.

Nutrition & Grooming

Mountain Curs are active dogs that require a balanced diet to meet their energy needs. As with any dog, the diet should be tailored to individual needs; a mixture of high-quality dry and wet food can be a good option. An adequate supply of fresh water is also important. As far as care is concerned, the Mountain Cur is relatively easy to care for. He has a short, dense coat with a light undercoat. The coat sheds moderately and a weekly brush is usually enough to keep it clean and healthy. Increased hair loss can occur during moulting periods, so more frequent brushing is recommended. Since the Mountain Cur comes from climatically temperate regions, it also comes coped well with the German weather.