Description

The average Mountain View Cur female is about 35-45 pounds and the average male is 45-55 pounds. 90% are a light blond to a rich dark yellow in color and the other 10% are all brindle, all black, or black & brindle. Almost all have white points on their chest, feet and/or muzzle. About 50% are naturally born bobtailed and the others are Mountain Curs, in that 99% are born without dew-claws on their hind feet and the few that do should have them removed at birth.

Origin

The Mountain View Curs were developed by many years and generations of strict selection and line breedings starting with a strain of (Mountain View) of the original breeders Michael J. and Marie A. Bloodgood, who developed the breed in the late 80's in an effort to own curs that could hunt and be outstanding hounds, but would handle much better. The Mountain View Curs are known today as the purebreds and thoroughbreds of the cur dog world, because of their uniformity as a breed. Many feel they should not be called a "Cur" anymore. "Cur" means dog of unknown origin. But the Mountain View Curs have a known origin. In 1987 the Mountain View Cur Kennel was formed in Afton, New York and was owned and operated by Michael J. and Marie A. Bloodgood, now of Bonnieville, Kentucky. After owning, raising, and training some outstanding coon hounds under the Black River Kennel name for many years and finding it harder and harder to find hounds that handled well, the Bloodgood's tried to locate some good curs that could keep up with, but would handle a little better than their great hounds of that time. The search for curs that could fit this bill, proved to be a difficult finding 6 that they considered to be top tree dogs. They found that 4 of the 6 were of a certain ancestry and were better reproducers. So they concentrated on these 4 registered Original Mt. Curs: three females and one young male. One female was removed from the breeding later because she produced ill-tempered male pups, and another female was removed because her pups lacked brains and ability, leaving one exceptional female (Mtn. View Dance) and one exceptional male ( Mtn. View Gold Nugget) for the foundation of the Mountain View Curs. That's 2 out of 56 OMCBA registered curs. Later, an outstanding male cousin to Mtn. View Gold Nugget (Mtn. View Buckshot) and an outstanding female (Mtn. View KY Lady), were added to the breeding program. Most of the MVCR registered dogs today carry these dogs in their blood lines. Realizing that the Mountain View Curs were unique to the other OMCBA registered dogs, and so many of the dogs were being out-crossed and exploited, several dedicated owners and breeders including Mr. Bloodgood, feared of losing this natural treeing family or breed of Mt. Curs. These eleven founders believed that the Mountain View Curs should be registered as a separate breed and with a registry that would certify tree dogs before they would be used for breeding, and would assure that no other dogs could be registered in the breed. In April of 1995 the American Squirrel and Night Hunters Assoc. was chosen to hold the registry, but because of policy changes in the ASANHA, the breed advisors felt that the Mountain View Curs should have their own registry with its own policies. So in the fall of 1996 the Mountain View Cur Registry was formed. Their motto is to breed for Quality not Quantity, on Ability not Myth.

Temperament

Mountain View Cur have an outstanding disposition and love kids. They are protective of the property and family, but not overly protective or aggressive. Basically, they have the sense to know when there's trouble and when there's not. People who have these dogs say owning a Mountain View Cur is an enjoyable endeavor for the whole family. They will amaze you daily and will try to please you every way they physically can. As one owner said he "believed they would cut wood for him if they could." When hunting, these dogs check in every 20-30 minutes when cast out on raccoon and about half that time on squirrel. They hardly ever need a leash put on because, if you're moving through the woods, they will keep you in check until you stop and take a stand. They load and kennel on their own. They make natural rig dogs, winding game hundreds of yards away. Mountain Curs are fast track dogs and swing out on cold tracks and drift with their heads up. About 70% are semi-silent trailers, 20% are silent and about 10% are open trailers on coon. Almost all open trail on big game (Bear, Lion, and Hog) and about 99% are totally silent on squirrel track. Mountains Curs have a clear ringing chop on the tree and many will give a locate bark when they first hit the tree. They are stay-put tree dogs and are known to have the game pinpointed 990f the time. The Mountain View Cur is a natural straight tree dog, showing very little interest in non-tree game. Unless encouraged, the few that have, have been easily broken from it. Only a strong reprimanding is necessary, because they want to please their master. Even though the Mountain View Cur has been bred for hunting raccoon and squirrel, they have also been used successfully on Bear, Lion, Bobcat, Boar, Opossum, Pheasant, Grouse, Turkey, Rabbit, Hare, Coyote, and for even herding Cattle. Basically if you sick'em on it, they will get it. Because of their high intelligence, scenting ability, and self-control, there is also great interest in the Mountain View Cur for search and rescue, drug control, and law enforcement dogs.

Height

Height: 18-26 inches (46-66 cm.)

Weight

Weight: 30-60 pounds (16-29 kg.)

Known Health Problems

A very healthy breed with no known genetic deformities or tendencies.

Conditions for Living

Though the Mountain View Cur does make a loving companion, they are not recommended for apartment life. They are bred for hunting and working and will be happiest when in the woods or with a job to do.

Exercise Requirments

The Mountain View Cur, though not a hyper breed, is a very active hunting dog, which needs a lot of daily exercise. They need to be taken from a large safe area where they can run free. This breed enjoys outdoor activities and sports.

Life Expectancy

About 12-16 years.

Grooming

The short hair of the Mountain View Cur is easy to groom. Occasionally comb and brush to remove dead and loose hair. Bathe when necessary, and keep toenails clipped.

Group

Working and hunting dogs