Breed Characteristics:
Contrary to popular belief, small size doesnt necessarily an apartment dog make. Plenty of small dogs are too high-energy and yappy for life in a high-rise. Being quiet, low energy, fairly calm indoors, and polite with the other residents are all good qualities in an apartment dog. And you can find an awesome crate for your dog here to give them a little more personal space in your apartment.
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. Theyre also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. Youll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch.
If youre new to dog parenting, take a look at 101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog!
Some dogs will let a stern reprimand roll off their backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart. Low-sensitivity dogs, also called “easygoing,” “tolerant,” “resilient,” and even “thick-skinned,” can better handle a noisy, chaotic household, a louder or more assertive owner, and an inconsistent or variable routine. Do you have young kids, throw lots of dinner parties, play in a garage band, or lead a hectic life? Go with a low-sensitivity dog.
Some breeds bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. An anxious dog can be very destructive–barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. These breeds do best when a family member is home during the day or if you can take the dog to work.
Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks. You can find a great jacket for your dog here!
Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they cant pant as well to cool themselves off. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and youll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat.
Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if theyve been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isnt the only factor that goes into affection levels; dogs who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.
Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. You may be surprised by whos on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas arent always so family-friendly.
**All dogs are individuals. Our ratings are generalizations, and theyre not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period.
Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if theyre love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. Breed isnt the only factor. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills.
Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. However, no matter what the breed, a dog who was socialized and exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a puppy will respond better to strangers as an adult. Remember that even friendly dogs should stay on a good, strong leash like this one in public!
If youre going to share your home with a dog, youll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Some dogs shed year-round, some “blow” seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. If youre a neatnik, youll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool here!
Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. If youve got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if youre a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department.
Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it.
Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia. This doesnt mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that theyre at an increased risk.
If youre adopting a puppy, its a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed youre interested in. You may also want to ask if your shelter or rescue has information about the physical health of your potential pups parents and other relatives.
Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. If you pick a breed thats prone to packing on pounds, youll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time.
Ask your vet about your dogs diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. Weight gain can lead to other health issues or worsen problems like arthritis.
Dogs come in all sizes, from the worlds smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if theyre compatible with you and your living space. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! Take a look and find the right sized dog for you!
Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word “sit”), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.
Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a “Whats in it for me?” attitude, in which case youll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests.
Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. If they dont get the mental stimulation they need, theyll make their own work–usually with projects you wont like, such as digging and chewing. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue.
Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesnt puncture the skin). Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or “herd” their human family members, and they need training to learn that its fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a toy thats been stuffed with kibble and treats.
(Picture Credit: Haydn West – PA s/PA s via Getty s)
Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase–and sometimes kill–other animals. Anything whizzing by, such as cats, squirrels, and perhaps even cars, can trigger that instinct. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and youll need a high, secure fence in your yard. These breeds generally arent a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Breeds that were originally used for bird hunting, on the other hand, generally wont chase, but youll probably have a hard time getting their attention when there are birds flying by.
Some breeds sound off more often than others. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. If youre considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening? If youre considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious “strangers” put your pup on permanent alert? Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Do you have neighbors nearby? Then you may wish to choose a quieter dog.
Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, theyll take off after anything that catches their interest. And many hounds simply must follow their noses–or that bunny that just ran across the path–even if it means leaving you behind.
High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and theyre more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells.
Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away. When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether youll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying.
A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy, but everything they do, they do with vigor: they strain on the leash (until you train them not to), try to plow through obstacles, and even eats and drinks with great big gulps. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone whos elderly or frail. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life.
Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. Others need daily, vigorous exercise, especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, like herding or hunting.
Without enough exercise, these breeds may put on weight and vent their pent-up energy in ways you dont like, such as barking, chewing, and digging. Breeds that need a lot of exercise are good for outdoorsy, active people, or those interested in training their dog to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility.
Some dogs are perpetual puppies — always begging for a game — while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog.
Health and Entertainment for your Mountain Cur
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Hip dysplasia is another potential health concern for these dogs. The disorder occurs when the hip bone doesn’t form correctly, not fitting into the socket properly, leading to pain and mobility issues. Surgery may be necessary for dogs with hip dysplasia.
Finally, since these dogs spend a lot of time outside, they may be more prone to fleas, ticks, heart worms, or other parasites than other dog breeds. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian about preventatives for fleas and ticks as well as heart worms to reduce the chances of your dog getting them.
To sum up, some of the health concerns these dogs may face include:
Overall, Mountain Curs are a wonderful dog breed. They are very intelligent and looking to please the members of their family. This breed is loyal to a fault, and at times may become overprotective of the ones that they love and may exhibit aggressive behaviors towards strangers.
These dogs have pleasant personalities and enjoy being put to work. They can make excellent hunting companions, guard dogs, or farm dogs. As long as they are given the stimulation they need, they can make a great family dog and do very well with children.
“I have a Mountain Cur that we got when she was about 9 weeks old, shown here at 1 year old. She is of a rare variety for the Mountain Cur breed. She is blue and white in color. She does not have the bobtail but the more curly variety for the breed. Most of her brothers and sisters born in the same litter were brindle with bobtails. She has NKC papers. Many people have said that this type of breed will not get along with cats and other small animals which I have found that if you teach them from a young age they will respect all animals inside the home. I do believe that this breed acts more like a coyote then an actual dog. At times she can be very precious and at other times very bold and brave. She loves games and seems to do well in a suburban setting with lots of exercise. She is walked daily and loves to play fetch. She does have true hunting instincts but only really display this behavior outside of the house. She is shy around strangers, not aggressive but very submissive.”
The Cur dog was the first true, distinct, American purebred. Earliest lines can be traced all over the Southern United States, particularly near the Appalachian Mountains. Settlers brought European dogs along with them, primarily hunting hounds and terriers. These dogs were crossed with native dogs, most notable of which was the Indian Cur, and this unique type came to existence. Hounds brought excellent scenting ability and a loud, clear bay (although most Curs are known for their chop, and Hounds have a distinct bawl). Terrier blood added grit and tenacity to which no other type of dog could compare. Both the hound and the terrier are still to this day unmatched in quality compared to other dogs. While not considered a true shepherd type, the Cur also shared shepherd ancestry—early Beauceron, in particular. Though not a traditional herder, the Cur was used for rounding up rough stock. Texas Longhorn Cattle and feral pigs were what this dog had to handle—not regular cattle or sheep.
Many terrier-type Curs were brought over with immigrants from Europe to America and mated with the native Curs. This uncertain, rather sordid combination of canine produced an off-beat Cur able to adjust to the ways of life of the pioneers and the Indians. This historic Ohio River Valley prowler is believed to possess a whiff of the Indian Curs genetic smoke, in addition to the influence of hounds and herders. He is used mainly as a tree or bay dog, but many are superb trailers as well. They originated at the time the United States was new and were particularly common in the Ohio River Valley. As frontiersmen and their entire families moved to open the West, their Cur Dogs accompanied them. Those that favor this breed say that besides the herding dog trait, there is a dash of “Indian Cur” (a pariah type dog) in their makeup. Although called “mountain” because of their particular advantage to settlers in wooded, wild areas, they did just as well in swampy or dry areas, or other places with harsh living conditions. The book “Old Yeller,” about a boy growing up in frontier Texas and a dog, for which the book is named, is a typical Mountain Cur (unlike the movie, which starred a dog of Lab type). In the book, Old Yeller is a shorthaired, yellow bobtailed dog that hunts and trees, isnt afraid to fight a full-grown bear when it is threatened, and naturally goes for the nose when he faces a mad bull. The author is very explicit in describing this old-fashioned breed and its use to the pioneer. The name “Mountain Cur” is never mentioned in the book, however in those days, the breed really didnt have a name or an individual identity. The Mountain Cur dogs are slowly being sorted into individual types. The Treeing Tennessee Brindle, Stephens Stock, and the Mountain View Cur use to all be the same breed, but these have achieved enough individual identity to justify their own registering groups. By the end of the last world war, there were very few of these old-time Mountain Curs left. A few die-hard owners still maintained some stock in isolated swamps and remote mountain regions of the southeast. They are the oldest recognized Cur breed and are enjoying a recent rebirth, similar to the other Cur breeds. The Original Mountain Cur Breeders Association has registered the breed since the late ’50s.
The Mountain Cur is bred for its working ability. It is a stocky, rugged, working dog with a genuine, though somewhat generic, Cur appearance. The heavy coat tends to be longer than that of the hounds, but still basically short. It is smooth or rough with a soft, fine undercoat. Colors include, yellow, brindle, black, brindle and black, often with white points. Breeders proudly report that 50% or more of puppies are born with bobtails. Many are born with dewclaws on their hind feet and some with two on each foot. Very stocky, wide and muscular with a strong, wide head and a short, higher set ear. The neck is strong and muscular. The eyes are usually dark with a prominent, expressive expression. The head is dome flat and wide between the eyes. The muzzle is heavy. The ears are short to medium, set high with control. The catlike feet are strong and well-muscled, set for speed. The straight legs are muscular. The chest is deep and the back is straight.
“This is Benny. He is a 4-month-old purebred OMCBA-registered Mountain Cur owned by Tina in KS. He was born at Castle Hill Mtn. Curs in MO. Benny is not used for hunting in his home and is a family companion. He is a very smart puppy and is still learning his good boy behaviors.”
Mountain Cur: All About This Intelligent & Hardworking Dog Breed
If you consider yourself an outdoorsy person who enjoys adventurous hikes over lazy days spent indoors, you should meet the mountain cur. A loyal and dedicated companion, mountain curs are always up for an adventure. Originally bred as worker dogs, mountain curs are outdoor enthusiasts—especially if they have a job to do.
Mountain curs require daily physical and mental stimulation—and lots of it. Theyre rugged and energetic with a splash of spunky attitude, so theyre best suited for pet parents who have time to be consistent with obedience training. With their ample energy and high intelligence, mountain curs can be a handful at home without proper training, so they might not be the best match for first-time pet owners.
A mountain cur isnt a pet commonly seen at the dog park; theyre actually a fairly rare breed and can be identified best by their strong physical features and blocky head. While they were bred for hunting, theyre loving, faithful companions once theyre acclimated to their pack.
One of the first things youll notice about the mountain cur dog is their strong, alert stature. With high-set ears, a wide blocky head, and a strong, muscular neck, they certainly look the part of an active dog thats ready to tag along on the next great adventure!
The mountain curs coat is short and smooth and can be found in a variety of colors. There can be blue, black, brown, yellow, red, and brindle mountain curs, and a litter of mountain cur puppies can produce pups with completely different coats.
Though they have short fur, mountain curs are not considered “hypoallergenic.” They shed their coats twice a year, and during these periods youll need to do a little more brushing than usual. Between shedding seasons, the dogs will just need an occasional brushing to help remove loose fur.
Male mountain curs generally stand between 18–26 inches, while females are a bit smaller at 16–24 inches tall. Weighing between 30–60 pounds, mountain curs are on the larger end of medium-sized dogs.
The mountain cur was originally bred as a working dog, which means running and treeing—a hunting method where dogs chase animals up into trees—are in their nature. These pooches have a lot of pent-up energy they need to expend, so if youre looking for a couch pup-tato, youre barking up the wrong tree here!
But despite their energetic nature and high prey drive, Laura Monaco Torelli, KPA, CTP, CPDT-KA, director of animal training at Animal Behavior Training Concepts, says mountain curs are not difficult to train.
“Those factors do not make training more difficult,” she says. “What does make having this breed more difficult is when the owners dont put the necessary time and effort into raising the puppy or adopted mountain cur. So they assign labels to the mountain cur, such as difficult, which put blame on the dog rather than accountability on the caregivers.”
Because mountain curs are such smarties, they actually pick up cues and tricks quickly when you put in the effort. With their intelligence, though, comes a bit of a willful streak—which is all the reason more why its important to be consistent with positive reinforcement training. This will help ensure that your pup thrives!
If trained well, mountain curs will get along great with children, seniors, and other dogs. Cats and other small animals, on the other hand, could be an issue because of their high prey drive.
“A household with cats may find it frustrating, as mountain curs will continue to have the prey drive for chasing and treeing cats,” says Michelle Burch, DVM at Safe Hounds Pet Insurance. “Treeing of the cat may end up being your bookshelf or entertainment center. The prey drive can focus on small mammals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and ferrets.”
Burch says having a high prey drive doesnt mean they cant live with other small animals as long as owners are willing to put in the work by properly introducing the dog to all family members and sticking with training.
“With consistent training, a mountain cur can learn which animals in the household are not prey and are not meant to be chased,” she says.
Mountain curs love roaming and exploring, so having a safe, wide-open space, like a large fenced-in yard, will make their tail wag with happiness. Emphasis on the “fenced-in” aspect—because of their high prey drive, your mountain cur might not be able to resist darting off after a squirrel.
While apartments arent ideal, taking your cur out for long walks or trips to the dog park every day will meet their exercise needs. If they dont get enough zoomies or catch enough balls, they can feel pent up and bored.
Mountain curs are also considered to be a social breed and love spending time with their family, so they shouldnt be left alone for hours on end. Instead of leaving them behind, theyd love to join you on that afternoon hike or evening swim.
The mountain curs short coat means you typically wont have to worry about his fur matting or tangling, but hell enjoy a nice brushing or combing every now and then—especially during shedding season. But be careful not to bathe him too often: Over-washing could dry out his skin. Stick with a bath every four to six weeks. If he starts smelling a little … questionable, particularly after climbing a mountain or jumping in a lake, deodorizing wipes can help him smell a bit more tolerable.
With their high prey drive and willful nature, its important to teach your mountain cur cues like “stay” and to come when called. (Once youve mastered these basics, you can teach them tricks that are a bit more fun). They can often get distracted by interesting smells outside, so make sure theyre safe inside a fenced area or on a leash at all times.
“Integrate training time in short bouts of healthy exercise and playtime,” she says. “Does your mountain cur bring you a toy during playtime? Offer a treat! Do they run back to you while safely off leash in the house or in the backyard while supervised? Offer a treat! Behavior that is reinforced repeats itself, thanks to the positive consequences and outcomes that follow.”
Because mountain curs were originally working dogs, they require a lot of exercise. These dogs are very active, and should have at least 60–75 minutes of activity each day. Hiking, jogging, and swimming are all good ways to keep them active and happy. Just make sure to ask your veterinarian to clear a mountain cur puppy or older dog for high-impact exercise, Torelli says, to avoid damaging their joints or bones. But you cant go wrong with a good swim!
“Swimming is a good physical activity for these dogs, as it helps to expend a large amount of energy with low impact on the joints,” Burch says.
Mountain curs are generally very healthy dogs. However, no pup is completely maintenance-free in the health department. Like any other breed, mountain curs will need regular trips to the vet for their shots and check-ups.
Mountain curs can have problems with skin irritations and infections. Dry skin, typically from overbathing or a lack of air circulation, can lead to these infections. Theyre also prone to ear infections caused by wax build up. To combat this, clean their ears once a week.
Burch says mountain curs can easily become anxious due to boredom and will develop physical and mental stress if they dont have a job to do or arent getting enough stimulation. Before bringing home a mountain cur dog, ask yourself if you can take care of his physical and mental well-being.
The mountain cur was an early pioneer dog brought to the U.S. by early European colonizers. These dogs were invaluable to the early settlers of the U.S. and put their best paw forward as pioneer companions, chasing and treeing game for hunters while watching over their families as well.
Its said that the southern Appalachian Mountains wouldnt have been settled without the mountain cur. The breed was so valuable to pioneers that they were often carried across land in baskets attached to pack animals, according to the Original Mountain Cur Breeders Association. Sometimes, the pioneers would even carry the dogs themselves.
The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1998. Today, mountain curs are still common pets and farm dogs in the South.