Overview
The Mountain Cur was the frontier dog of the Appalachian settlers, a short-coated, medium-sized hunter used for treeing small game, baying larger game and watching the farm. It is a plain, rugged dog in brindle, black, yellow or brown, often with a bobbed tail, and it was bred for usefulness rather than looks. In Britain it is almost unknown.
Curs are loyal, protective of their people and reserved with strangers. They are not noisy for the sake of it, but when they find quarry they bark hard and keep barking. On a walk that means a dog that is calm until a squirrel appears and then becomes a different animal.
Exercise and walking needs
An hour and forty minutes a day is a realistic target for an adult, with woodland, hills and plenty of scent. These dogs were bred to range all day and a flat park walk leaves them restless.
They are weatherproof and hardy, happy in cold and wet, but the short coat means a wet dog should be towelled off when it is cold.
On the walk
- Treeing: A squirrel up a tree will hold the dog at the base, barking, for as long as you let it. Call it off early and move on, or you will be there a while.
- Recall: Trainable but easily overridden by scent or sight of game. Long line in woodland until the owner has demonstrated reliable recall.
- Strangers: Reserved and watchful, not aggressive. Let the dog assess people from a distance and do not force greetings.
- Other dogs: Usually fine with its own household pack and tolerant of others. Introduce unknown dogs calmly and watch for guarding of the handler.
Tips for professional walkers
- Pick rural, hilly routes with woodland for a dog that wants to work.
- Carry high-value treats and reward every voluntary check-in.
- Use a harness with a second attachment point; the lunge at game is sudden.
- Expect barking at squirrels and plan your route away from gardens where it will annoy.
What to ask the owner
- Has the dog been hunted, and what does it chase or tree here?
- How does it react to strangers approaching you on a walk?
- Does it have reliable recall anywhere, and on what cue?