Yes, Mountain Curs are a very rare breed of dogs. They are a very old breed, originating in the Appalachian Mountains of the United States. They are believed to be a cross between European herding dogs and indigenous American dogs.
Mountain Curs were bred to be hunting and guard dogs, and they are very strong and resilient. They are used to living in the harsh conditions of the Appalachian Mountains. The current number of Mountain Curs is believed to be around 3,000, so they are very rare compared to many other breeds.
They are also prone to a number of health issues, so finding a reputable breeder can be hard work. Their popularity has been growing in recent years, but they are still quite a rare breed and not widely available.
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How much does a Mountain Cur cost?
The cost of a Mountain Cur varies significantly depending on factors such as where you purchase the dog, whether it is a registered dog with papers, and other factors. Generally, a well-bred Mountain Cur with papers can range from $800 to over $1,200.
If you are looking for an unregistered pet-quality puppy, then the cost would be lower, ranging from $400 to $800 on average. If you are considering adopting a Mountain Cur rather than buying, then adoption fees can range from $50 to $150 depending on the rescue organization.
Bear in mind that in addition to the cost of the puppy or rescue fee, you may also need to factor in other costs such as vaccines and spay/neuter fees, as well as medical supplies, food, and routine vet visits.
How do you tell if my dog is a Mountain Cur?
To tell if your dog is a Mountain Cur, there are a few key characteristics you should look out for. Mountain Cur dogs are typically between 16 and 25 inches tall, and they usually have a medium-length coat that is dense and water-resistant.
All breeds of Mountain Cur dogs should have a deep chest and strong, straight, and well-muscled legs, which is one of the main distinguishing features of this particular breed. Another common characteristic is the “coon tail”—a long feathering of fur on the lower section of the tail—which is unique to Mountain Curs.
One more unique feature of Mountain Cur dogs is their color—their coats can range from blue to brindle and can also have black, tan, and red variations.
What breeds make up a Mountain Cur?
The Mountain Cur, also known as the Cumberland Mountain Cur, is a breed of working dog developed in the United States for hunting game and treeing animals. They are a “catch-all” breed and the result of cross-breeding various hound-type dogs, such as the Cur, Blackmouth Cur, Mountain View Cur and Treeing Cur, with dog breeds of various sizes, such as the Greyhound, Foxhound, and Redbone Coonhound.
The breed is believed to have originated in the Appalachian, Ozark and Smoky Mountain regions of the United States sometime in the 19th century, and they were an important part of life during this period, aiding hunters tracking and treeing raccoons and other smaller animals.
The modern Mountain Cur is a powerfully built dog, with prominent features such as alert, dark eyes and athletic stature. The breed comes in a variety of colors, such as black and tan, red and white, and yellow and white.
The most common and traditional coat colors are yellow, red, and black and tan. The coat is typically short, dense and double-layered, offering protection from severe cold and hot climates.
Mountain Cur have a very steady and independent temperament and are naturally loyal and protective. They are an enthusiastic breed and require plenty of exercise and obedience training. The breed is not known for being overly vocal and is generally used for hunting and backpack pack trails rather than as a companion.
Does Mountain Cur show up on DNA test?
Yes, Mountain Curs can be tested for through DNA tests. These tests will typically look for markers specific to the breed. This helps to independently verify the breed of the dog and provide a greater level of accuracy than visual inspection alone.
DNA tests can also detect genetic variations and mutations that can cause specific diseases and other health issues that are common in the breed. The test results will provide an at-home DNA profile, which can help to determine the canine’s potential for certain genetic disorders, as well as estimate the probability of the animal carrying a recessive genetic trait that may not be visible in the line.
This can help owners detect and manage any genetic health issues before they become a larger, more serious problem.
What is a cur dog mixed with?
A cur dog is a type of bred mix that is derived from various hound and terrier breeds, though the exact origin of the breed is unclear. In the United States, there are two recognized breeds of cur dog, the Mountain Cur and the Treeing Cur, which can be mixed with various other types of dog breeds, including hounds, retrievers, spaniels, and terriers.
Common combinations of cur dogs are Rat Terrier/Mountain Cur, Redbone Coonhound/Mountain Cur, Foxhound/Treeing Cur, American Bulldog/Treeing Cur, and Black and Tan Coonhound/Treeing Cur. In some cases, unintentional crosses between other breeds, such as coyotes and dogs, may also produce a cur dog appearance.
Due to the prevalence of crossbreeding in the general cur population, identifying a cur by breed can be difficult. Generally, cur dogs can have a broad snout and erect ears, a powerful body and neck, and a medium to high set tail.
They often have a muscular and agile body, along with a lean coat which can be found in a variety of colors. Cur dogs need ample exercise and can make good family pets, depending on the individual dog’s personality and energy level.
Is a cur dog its own breed?
No, a cur dog is not its own breed. Cur dogs are usually mixed breeds of working dogs, often descended from and similar to breeds such as Austrailian Cattle Dogs, Australian Shepherds, Catahoulas, and other herding dogs.
However, since cur dogs are mixed breeds, they can vary greatly in appearance and have no dedicated breed standards. Due to the variety of possible parent breeds, cur dogs are not considered their own breed.
Many cur dogs, however, are recognized by registries such as the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Designer Breed Registry (DBR), American Pet Registry, Inc. (APRI) and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).
What breeds created the black mouth cur?
The Black Mouth Cur is a breed of dog that originated in the Southern United States. It is believed that the breed was developed by interbreeding Native American Village Dogs with the herding and hunting breeds that the European settlers brought to the New World.
These include the cur-type hunting dogs brought by the Spanish Conquistadors, including the Spanish Mastiff, the Beauceron, and the Bullenbeisser, as well as herding breeds such as the Welsh Sheepdog, and the various breeds of cattle dogs which were brought over from Europe, including the English Mastiff, the Black and Tan Terrier, and the Smooth Fox Terrier.
The precise mix of breeds that created the Black Mouth Cur is uncertain, but it is believed that the majority of its ancestry comes from the large cur-type hunting breeds. Regardless of its precise ancestry, the Black Mouth Cur is one of the oldest American breeds, and is known for its loyal, protective, and brave nature.
Is a black mouth cur a Mountain Cur?
No, a Black Mouth Cur is not necessarily a Mountain Cur. Black Mouth Curs (also known as Southern Curs) are an independent breed distinct from the Mountain Cur breed. The two do have similar origins and both are descended from the same working-dog lines that were once used in the Southeast United States.
They share the same general appearance – a lean, medium-sized, short-coated working dog – but where Mountain Curs are bred for their versatile working abilities and energy, Black Mouth Curs tend to be bred for more specific characteristics and traits, such as hunting, treeing, and guarding.
While both breeds may resemble each other, they have distinct breeds standards, temperaments, and characteristics that distinguish them from one another.
Are Curs easy to train?
Curs can be relatively easy to train depending on the breed, age, and temperament of the individual dog. Puppies can generally be more receptive to training than adult dogs, and those bred and bred-crosses bred specifically for working and herding tend to be more intelligent and easier to train.
Curs have strong, independent personalities and can be stubborn, so patience, positive reinforcement, consistency and clear boundaries and expectations are necessary for successful training. Breaking training into short and manageable sessions, minimizing distractions, and targeting specific skills are also important for effective training.
Additionally, training should always be fun and rewarding for both the dog and their handler. With an experienced and responsible trainer, cur dogs can certainly be easy to train.
How long do Mountain Curs live for?
Mountain Cur dogs typically have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. They are strong and hearty dogs, known for their athleticism and can be expected to have a healthy, active life filled with activity. Despite their small size, they are quite hardy and can handle weather extremes.
With proper care, nutrition, exercise, and trips to the veterinarian, these pets can enjoy a long and happy life. Additionally, keeping up with preventative treatments like flea and tick protection, deworming, and regular heartworm testing can help ward off common illnesses and keep Mountain Curs healthy for the duration of their lives.
Are cur dogs good with kids?
Yes, certain breeds of dogs are generally considered to be good with kids. For instance, Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers are known for being gentle and patient with children. They are eager to please and are intelligent, making them easy to train.
Other breeds that are often said to be good with kids include Beagles, Basset Hounds, and Poodles.
When selecting a dog for a family, it is important to think about the size of the breed. Large dogs can easily knock over small children without meaning to, so it is best to go with a smaller breed. It is also important to find a breed or individual dog that is well socialized and good with people in general.
Lastly, be sure to train and supervise the dog correctly when interacting with kids to prevent any potential issues.
What can I put on my dogs Curs?
You can put several items on your dog’s Curs, depending on what type you have and what activities you plan to use them for. Typically, a basic, everyday Curs can just have a regular collar and leash, but if you plan to take them on hikes and other long adventures, you may want to add a few extra items.
Some examples include a waterproof and/or reflective jacket to keep your pup safe and visible, a fastclip harness to keep them secure when out and about, a water container with a bowl for them to drink from, treats, waste bags and dispenser for easy clean up, a flashlight for nighttime visibility, and a first aid kit in case of emergencies.
Additionally, if you choose, you can equip your pup with a GPS tracking device, a dog backpacks for carrying their own gear, or a collapsible bowl for mealtime. Ultimately, the items you put on your pup’s Curs is totally up to you and your pup’s needs.
