Mountain Cur vs American Foxhound: Best Hunter Comparison

The Mountain Cur and American Foxhound are two distinct hunting breeds with rich histories in the United States. These dogs have unique characteristics that make them well-suited for different hunting tasks. Let’s explore the similarities and differences between these two dog breeds.

If you’re still on the market to buy one of these two dog breeds, PuppySpot currently offers a $300 discount using the code PUPPY300, just click the banner below!

Physical Attributes

Mountain Curs and American Foxhounds have distinct physical features that set them apart. Their size, weight, and coat characteristics play a big role in their hunting abilities and care needs.

Size and Weight

• Mountain Curs are medium-sized dogs. They typically stand 16-26 inches tall at the shoulder. Males weigh 30-60 pounds, while females are slightly smaller at 30-50 pounds.
• American Foxhounds are larger. They usually reach 21-28 inches in height. Their weight ranges from 60-70 pounds for males and 55-65 pounds for females.
• The size difference affects how these breeds move through different terrains while hunting. Mountain Curs are more agile in dense forests. American Foxhounds have longer legs, giving them an edge in open areas.

Coat Colors and Types

Mountain Curs have short, dense coats. This helps protect them from brush and briars. Their coats come in several colors:

• Brindle
• Black
• Brown
• Yellow
• Blue

Some Mountain Curs have a black mask or white markings.

American Foxhounds also have short coats, but they’re smoother. Common colors include:

• Black, white, and tan (tri-color)
• Red and white
• Blue and white

Both breeds shed moderately. You’ll need to brush them weekly to keep their coats healthy. Neither breed needs frequent baths unless they get very dirty while hunting.

Temperament and Behavior

Mountain Curs and American Foxhounds have different personalities and behaviors. These traits affect how they act as hunters and family pets. Let’s look at their key characteristics.

Personality Traits

• Mountain Curs are tough and courageous dogs. They’re smart and eager to please their owners. You’ll find them alert and ready for action.
• American Foxhounds are easy-going and loving. They have a gentle nature and get along well with others. These dogs are patient and calm.
• Both breeds are intelligent, but in different ways. Mountain Curs excel at problem-solving in the field. American Foxhounds have a strong sense of smell and can follow scents for long periods.

Family and Child Friendliness

• Mountain Curs can be great family dogs with proper training. They’re loyal and protective of their loved ones. You’ll need to socialize them early to ensure they’re good with children.
• American Foxhounds are gentle and patient, making them excellent with kids. They enjoy being part of a pack, whether it’s other dogs or your family.
• Both breeds need plenty of exercise. Mountain Curs might be too energetic for very young children. American Foxhounds are more laid-back but still need daily activity.

Protective Nature and Territorial Behavior

• Mountain Curs have a strong protective instinct. They’ll guard your home and family with dedication. You’ll need to train them to distinguish between real threats and normal visitors.
• American Foxhounds are less territorial. They might bark to alert you of strangers, but they’re not typically aggressive. You can count on them to be friendly to most people they meet.
• Both breeds can be trained for hunting. Mountain Curs are more versatile, often used for treeing and baying. American Foxhounds excel in scent tracking and are often used in packs.

Training and Intelligence

Mountain Curs and American Foxhounds have distinct traits when it comes to training and smarts. Their abilities shape how well they learn and perform in different activities.

Trainability and Obedience

• Mountain Curs are eager to please and respond well to training. You’ll find them quick to pick up commands. They need a firm, consistent approach. Set clear rules and boundaries early on.
• American Foxhounds can be more stubborn. They have a strong independent streak. You may need extra patience when training them. Use positive reinforcement and keep sessions short and fun.
• Both breeds benefit from early socialization. Expose them to different people, animals, and situations while young.

Intelligence and Learning Ability

• Mountain Curs are highly intelligent dogs. They grasp new concepts quickly. This smart breed excels at problem-solving tasks.
• American Foxhounds are also bright, but in a different way. Their intelligence shines in scent work and tracking. They may not ace obedience tests, but their nose skills are top-notch.
• Both breeds have strong instincts. Channel their smarts into activities that suit their natural abilities.

Performance in Dog Sports

• Mountain Curs excel in agility courses. Their athletic build and quick thinking make them natural competitors. You can also train them for rally events.
• American Foxhounds shine in scent work competitions. Their powerful noses give them an edge. They may also do well in lure coursing.
• Both breeds can participate in AKC events. The American Kennel Club offers various sports suited to their skills. Choose activities that match your dog’s strengths and interests.
• Remember, success in dog sports depends on consistent training and a strong bond with your pup.

Health and Lifespan

Mountain Curs and American Foxhounds have different health profiles and lifespans. Both breeds face some common issues, but also have unique concerns to watch out for.

Common Health Concerns

• Both Mountain Curs and American Foxhounds can develop hip dysplasia. This condition affects the hip joint and can cause pain and lameness. Regular vet check-ups help catch it early.
• Obesity is another risk for both breeds. You need to watch their diet and exercise to keep them at a healthy weight. Overweight dogs are more likely to have joint problems and other health issues.
• Ear infections can affect both breeds, especially American Foxhounds with their long, floppy ears. Clean their ears regularly to prevent infections.

Breed-specific Ailments

• Mountain Curs may be prone to skin allergies. Watch for excessive scratching or redness. They might need special shampoos or diets.
• American Foxhounds can develop a condition called thrombocytopathy. This affects blood clotting. If you notice easy bruising or bleeding, consult your vet right away.
• Eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy can occur in American Foxhounds. Regular eye exams are important for early detection.

Lifespan Expectancy

Mountain Curs typically live 12 to 16 years. They’re generally healthy dogs with few breed-specific health problems. American Foxhounds have a similar lifespan, usually 10 to 12 years. With proper care, they can live even longer.

To help your dog reach its full lifespan:

• Provide regular exercise
• Feed a balanced diet
• Schedule yearly vet check-ups
• Keep up with vaccinations and preventive care

Remember, these are averages. Individual dogs may live shorter or longer lives depending on their genetics and care.

Care Requirements

Mountain Curs and American Foxhounds need different care to stay healthy and happy. Their food, exercise, and grooming needs vary based on their unique traits and jobs.

Diet and Feeding

• Mountain Curs need a high-protein diet to fuel their active lifestyle. Feed them 2-3 cups of quality dog food daily, split into two meals. Adjust the amount based on their size and activity level.
• American Foxhounds also need a protein-rich diet. They typically eat 2-4 cups of food per day. Be careful not to overfeed, as they can gain weight easily when not working.
• Both breeds benefit from food made for active dogs. Add some wet food or fresh meat to their meals for extra nutrition. Always provide clean, fresh water.

Exercise Needs and Lifestyle Adaptability

• Mountain Curs need lots of exercise. Give them at least an hour of vigorous activity daily. They love hunting and treeing but also enjoy hiking, running, and fetch.
• American Foxhounds require even more exercise. Plan for 1-2 hours of intense activity each day. They thrive on long runs and scent work.
• Both breeds do best with a large, fenced yard. They can adapt to apartment life if given enough exercise. Mountain Curs are more flexible and can handle less activity if needed.

Grooming and Maintenance

Mountain Curs have short, dense coats that are easy to care for. Brush them once a week to remove loose hair. Bathe them every few months or when dirty. American Foxhounds also have low-maintenance coats. Weekly brushing keeps them clean and reduces shedding. They rarely need baths unless they get very dirty.

For both breeds:

• Trim nails monthly
• Clean ears weekly
• Brush teeth 2-3 times a week

Check for ticks and burrs after outdoor activities. Both breeds are prone to ear infections, so keep their ears dry and clean.