Whether your dog is a purebred Mountain Cur or a Mountain Cur mix, learning about the breed can explain a lot about your pet's personality, habits and overall health. Or maybe you're looking to adopt a Mountain Cur and want to do a bit of research first — we can help with that.
Because of their background as hunting dogs, Mountain Curs need daily exercise and mental stimulation to thrive. So if you love hiking the trails or long walks, this breed may be a perfect match for you.
Mountain Curs are medium-to-large-sized dogs (usually weighing 30 and 60 pounds) with floppy ears and long tails, Dr. Emily Singler, VMD, Fetch’s on-staff veterinarian, explains.
These pups have smooth and short fur that grows in various colors, including black, blue, brown, red, brindle and yellow. However, they can also have white, tan or brindle markings within their coats.
Mountain Curs shed but there are ways to manage it. Occasionally brushing — especially during their two heavy shedding periods a year — and scheduling grooming appointments (especially to get their nails trimmed) should be helpful.
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According to Dr. Singler, you can expect this dog breed to be smart, cautious around strangers (but great with their family — including children!), protective, strong-willed, high energy and easily trainable.
“Mountain Curs need a high level of exercise and mental stimulation on a daily basis as they were bred to be hunting dogs,” Dr. Singler adds. “If they aren’t going to do this work, they still need regular training and attention, in addition to exercise. They’ll likely not do well if they have to sit in an apartment all day long.”
Mountain Curs are at a higher risk of developing certain conditions than other breeds. Talk to your veterinarian about the following ailments to stay on top of your pet's current and future health.
Skin infections
Mountain Curs are prone to skin infections (sometimes caused by allergies), Dr. Singler says. Symptoms can appear as redness, itchiness, odor, discharge, bumps or scabs.
Your veterinarian will likely recommend injectable, oral or topical antimicrobial medication and other medicines to treat inflammation.
Ear infections
Ear infections, sometimes caused by allergies, can also affect Mountain Curs. Your pup may be shaking their head a lot, scratching their ears, holding their head to one side or have redness, swelling on the ear flaps, discharge or a strong odor coming from the area.
Your veterinarian will likely be able to determine the underlying cause. From there, ask them about topical medications and their recommendation for regular ear cleanings.
Degenerative myelopathy
Degenerative myelopathy is a genetic disease that causes parts of the spinal cord to deteriorate. “There’s no cure for it at this time, and it tends to cause significant decreases in mobility in dogs,” Dr. Singler shares.
Ichthyosis
This disease is a rare genetic condition in which the top layer of a dog’s skin doesn’t form properly and causes chronic scaling and sometimes infections and itchiness, Dr. Singler explains. Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure, but it can be managed through vet-recommended medication.
Are you interested in adopting a Mountain Cur, Mountain Cur mix, or any pet at all? Check out our shelter partners to find your new best friend.
The Dig, Fetch Pet Insurance's expert-backed editorial, answers all of the questions you forget to ask your vet or are too embarrassed to ask at the dog park. We help make sure you and your best friend have more good days, but we’re there on bad days, too.
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