The word “cur” is an umbrella term covering a wide range of breeds with similar characteristics. Some breeds within the cur dog definition include the Black Mouth Cur, Mountain Cur, and the American Leopard Hound.
Apart from the name, these dogs have a few characteristics that define them. They’re intelligent, hardworking, and incredibly loyal. To really thrive, cur dogs need an active home, preferably with plenty of room to explore.
If you’re ready to discover everything you need to know about the charismatic cur, you’re in the right place.
Is A Cur Dog Actually A Breed? The Origins Of This Patchwork Pooch
Originating in Northern America, cur breeds were an integral part of frontier families settling within the southern states of the Carolinas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas.
These dogs worked to protect their families and guard livestock, but they were also crucial when hunting wild game. They’re classed as treeing hounds. After they tracked their prey, they would chase it up a tree and bark until their handler arrived.
These days, many cur dogs are kept as pets rather than working dogs. While they can make excellent family dogs, the right home environment is crucial. “Curs have a loyal and protective temperament,” says dog behaviour expert and founder of Perfect Pooches, Anna Stewart. “They bond closely with their families and can be wary of strangers,” she added.
Their name is thought to derive from the ancient 13th-century “curdogge,” which in turn comes from the verb “curren.” Meaning “to growl,” it’s thought this refers to the cur dog habit of barking, growling, and baying.
Some cur breeds, like the Mountain Cur and the Catahoula Leopard Dog, are recognised by the American Kennel Club (AKC). But no cur breeds are currently recognised by the Kennel Club in the United Kingdom.
While you can find cur breeders in the UK, you won’t be able to register your puppy with the Kennel Club.
Cur-acteristics: What Makes A Cur Dog A Cur Dog?
As a term that encompasses many different breeds, what exactly makes a cur dog? While there is some variation between different types of cur dogs, they all share some common characteristics.
Strong hunting instincts
All cur dogs have a strong prey drive. They can also be territorial and possessive, so they’re best suited for experienced owners. Stewart also notes that curs are inclined to roam and explore, which means an escape-proof garden is essential.
High energy
Cur dogs are packed full of energy and need plenty of opportunities for exercise. Stewart recommends at least 60-90 minutes of vigorous exercise each day, including activities such as:
- playtime
- on and off-leash walking
- running alongside a bike
- hiking
- dog sports
- having a job to do
She also mentioned that mental stimulation through training and puzzle toys is also crucial for this breed. “Without enough activity, they may become anxious or destructive,” said Stewart.
Good work ethic
Stewart noted that cur dogs love to have a job and can get easily bored without enough mental stimulation. If you don’t provide enough activities, they’ll likely come up with their own entertainment—which may involve destructive behaviour!
Physical characteristics
Curs are medium-sized dogs, usually weighing 12-22 kilograms (kg) as adults. “Their coat is short and dense, often described as water resistant,” said Stewart. “Common coat colours include black, brown, yellow, brindle and various multi-colour mixes.”
Most Curs usually have a powerful, athletic build and floppy ears. “Their faces tend to be broad, with pronounced cheeks and a robust muzzle,” said Stewart.
What Breeds Make Up The Cur Family?
Curious about the 14 different breeds found within the cur family? We’ve got you covered.
1. Black Mouth Cur
One of the most well-known Cur breeds, the Black Mouth Cur combines intelligence and courage with sensitivity and resilience. Although they come in various colours, including black, tan, and fawn, they always have a distinctive black muzzle.
2. Mountain Cur
The Mountain Cur is intelligent and keen to please their owners. They’re an active breed, traditionally bred to hunt wild game and protect their family’s homesteads.
3. American Leopard Hound
One of the oldest cur breeds, the American Leopard Hound has a strong work ethic and an impressive ability to track their prey. This intelligent breed is easily trainable but incredibly active. They come in nine different colours with solid, brindle, and leopard patterns.
4. Blue Lacy
Originating in Texas, the Blue Lacy comes with blue, red, or tri-coloured coats. They’re an alert, intelligent, and active breed with bundles of energy.
5. Camus Cur
The unusual Camus Cur is one of the newer cur breeds, created by crossing Mexican breeds with the Catahoula Leopard Dog.
6. Canadian Cur
Originally bred for hunting racoons, Canadian Curs are courageous enough to take on larger prey, including bears, mountain lions, and coyotes.
7. Catahoula Leopard Dog
Also known as the Catahoula Cur, this intelligent, affectionate, and independent breed originates from Central Louisiana. They were originally used to hunt wild hogs. Catalouha leopard dogs need an experienced owner to manage their assertive and territorial personality traits. This breed comes in a wide range of colours, often with distinctive patterns.
8. Kemmer Stock Mountain Cur
One of the smaller cur breeds weighing up to 13 kg, the Kemmer Stock Mountain Cur is derived from one of the original cur varieties, the Mountain Cur.
9. Mountain View Cur
A variation of the original Mountain Cur, with a distinct difference being they don’t have hind dewclaws. Around 50% of Mountain View Curs also have naturally bobbed tails.
10. Parnell’s Carolina Cur
Originating in South Carolina, this small cur breed weighs up to 16 kg and is more slender than many other cur varieties. They have a naturally bobbed tail.
11. Southern Black Mouth Cur
Famous for their portrayal in the film Old Yeller, this breed is usually pale brown with a black mouth. Southern Black Mouth Curs are powerful and can weigh up to 45 kg.
12. Stephens Cur
This Mountain Cur strain is named after the family responsible for breeding them. Stephens Cur dogs usually have a black coat with white markings.
13. Treeing Tennessee Brindle
This tall, slim breed originates from near the Appalachian Mountains and was the result of a breeding programme designed to preserve the cur breed.
14. Yellow Black Mouth Cur
Closely related to the Black Mouth Cur, this breed is found with two coat colours: fawn or yellow. They always have black markings around their muzzle.
Who Is A Cur Dog Great For?
Want to know if you’d make the perfect match for a cur? These breeds can make great pets, but they have specific requirements.
“Curs need a home environment with plenty of space,” explained Stewart. “A garden is ideal but it would be even better if your home adjoined a farm or land so they can roam and explore.” Apartments and small homes aren’t the best matches for curs, especially as they can get loud or destructive if bored.
Due to their extremely high energy levels, they do best with highly active families. “Curs can display problem behaviours if they don’t get the intense daily exercise they need,” said Stewart. They can make great family dogs, but can be protective if not properly socialised. Elderly and sedentary families may be better for less active breeds.
Curs are extremely intelligent, but they’re also independent thinkers who test boundaries. As a result, experienced dog parents are best suited to provide the right environment for a cur. “They need dedicated training and an experienced dog owner who knows how to handle them,” said Stewart.
She also mentioned that curs are highly responsive but can have stubborn tendencies: “They thrive best with consistent, positive reinforcement training that starts early and continues through maturity,” she advised.
“Socialisation is vital when young to prevent territorial behaviour or dog aggression later on and to properly introduce dogs to new places, people, children, and other animals,” said Stewart.
Cur dogs also become extremely attached to their families, so they do better in homes where they’ll have company for most of the day. “These loyal dogs live for their people, so being left alone for 8-10 hours daily can create anxiety and behaviour issues,” explained Stewart.
Famous Cur Dogs
The most famous cur dog is immortalised in the Walt Disney film Old Yeller. Old Yeller is a Black Mouth Cur, even though a Mastiff-Labrador mixed breed plays him in the film! And the Oscar goes to…
Health, Physical, and Grooming: Looking After A Cur
Curs are robust and generally healthy dogs, but they still need regular care to stay as happy and healthy as possible.
Health
As a breed with mixed heritage, curs can benefit from something known as “hybrid vigour,” said vet Dr Alex Crow. “This can contribute to their lifespan of 12-16 years. Dr Crow added that, like any breed, they can still be predisposed to certain health issues.
“Some cur dogs may be more susceptible to conditions such as hip dysplasia, especially in larger cur mixes, and hereditary eye diseases. Cur dog owners must ensure their pets undergo regular veterinary check-ups to monitor and manage these conditions proactively.
Physical
Dr Crow noted that curs don’t typically need a special diet. However, they benefit from balanced, high-quality meals suited to their age, size, and activity level.
“Cur dogs need a diet that supports their energy requirements,” said Dr. Crow. “Incorporating lean proteins, healthy fats, and the right balance of carbohydrates, along with essential vitamins and minerals, is key to maintaining their health.”
He recommends asking your vet for advice on tailoring your dog’s diet to their specific needs, especially if they have any underlying health issues.
Grooming
Dr Crow advised that the grooming requirements for cur dogs can vary depending on coat type. “Generally, most cur dogs have short to medium-length coats that are relatively low maintenance, requiring regular brushing to remove loose fur and minimize shedding.”