Mountain Cur vs Harrier - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Mountain Cur vs Harrier - Breed ComparisonHarrier is originated from United Kingdom but Mountain Cur is originated from United States. Harrier may grow 16 cm / 6 inches shorter than Mountain Cur. Both Harrier and Mountain Cur are of same weight. Both Harrier and Mountain Cur has same life span. Harrier may have less litter size than Mountain Cur. Harrier requires Moderate Maintenance. But Mountain Cur requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Hound dog
undefined
United Kingdom
United States
Height Male:
48 - 50 cm
18 - 20 inches
46 - 66 cm
18 - 26 inches
Height Female:
45 - 48 cm
17 - 19 inches
41 - 61 cm
16 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 27 kg
39 - 60 pounds
14 - 27 kg
30 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 25 kg
35 - 56 pounds
12 - 25 kg
26 - 56 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 16 Years
14 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 4
3 - 8
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Harehound
MC
Colors Available:
black, but a few come in an unusual mottled blue pattern. , white and tan
yellow, brown, blue, or brindle white on face and chest
Coat:
short, glossy coat
short
Shedding:
Moderate
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Lively, Loving, Stubborn
Alert, Courageous, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Quiet
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

harrierDeveloped in Great Britain, the Harrier is another hunting dog – a hound that primarily hunts hares and small prey. The breed itself is medium sized - smaller than an English Foxhound and larger than a Beagle. Although the definitive origins of the Harrier are not set, it is believed that he is a cross of the Basset Hound, Talbot Hound and Bloodhound. Others believe the breed is a cross of the Greyhound and the English Foxhound. The Harrier looks like a smaller version of the English Foxhound.

The Harrier is a pack dog and in 1260, Sir Elias de Midhope established the first pack in England. From there the breed spread to Wales and Western England, most used in Ireland where they hunt fox as well as hares. However, hunting hares is the specialty of the breed and even gave the breed its name. In 1885 they were recognized by the American Kennel Club in the Hound Group. Yet despite this and despite the number of Harriers working in England, they are not recognized by the UKC.

mountain curFrom The United States in the hound group comes the Mountain Cur. This breed was developed especially to “tree” their prey and to trail other smaller game. They treed and bayed larger prey like the wild boar and bears in the mountains and they trailed the smaller ones like the raccoon and squirrel. There are many types of curs and this breed is just one. Curs can be water dogs, farm dogs, hunting dogs and guard dogs. However, they are not great family dogs because they were born to hunt.

The Mountain Cur comes out of Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio and Virginia. The ancestors of the American Mountain Cur came with European settlers almost 200 years ago. They worked with the settlers to hunt for animals that would provide them with pelts and meat in order to survive on the frontier. The breed became rare when the descendants of the settlers moved to the factories after the second world war.

The breed was brought back by four ambitious men who saved the Mountain Cur. They form the Original Mountain Cur Breeder’s Association of OMCBA in 1956. But they argued over the standard and 2 of the 4 left to form their own association: The Stephen Stock Mountain Cur Association. By 1957 the Mountain Cur Breeder’s Association formed but it took until 1998 for the Mountain Cur to be registered with the United Kennel Club.

The Mountain Cur is a tough, courageous dog as are all the Curs. They are willing to face large and ferocious prey. They are fearless watch dogs, using their trait of being quiet on the hunt to their advantage. The Mountain Cur wants nothing more than making you happy. They have been known to corner bears and even bulls. Given the independence and intelligence of the Mountain Cur it is important that the human be the pack leader, or the Cur will assume the role. If angry the Cur will growl and bite, so being the pack leader is vital for humans.

The novel “Old Yeller” was written about a Mountain Cur – a yellow shorthaired dog with a bobbed tail and terrier blood. Like all Mountain Curs “Old Yeller” hunted and treed prey, fought a bear and held onto the nose of a charging bull. The Cur was the first American purebred dog. Other early lines come from the Appalachian Mountains and near them in southern states. Mixing hounds and terriers created this tough, courageous dog whose tenacity and grit are second to none. Today the Mountain Cur has been split into four distinct breeds: the Mountain Cur, The Mountain View Cur, the Stephens Stock, and the Treeing Tennessee Brindle.

Description

harrier puppy - descriptionThe Harrier is a typical hound dog much like the English Foxhound. The breed is a little smaller than the Foxhound but is muscular and large boned like his cousin. They have short hard hair that sheds and ears that hang. The Harrier is a large boned breed built for strength and stamina in the race with hares. They have broad skulls, strong muzzles, with hazel or brown eyes. They also have a black, wide nose and a high, medium length tail.

They say he has a ‘courtly grin’ on an expressive face. Being pack dogs, they must be sturdy, able to cover any type of terrain, for as long as the hare runs. It is critical that their scenting and running tools are exceptional. He is blue or yellow-pied. His feet are cat like and the chest is dropped low. He is an extremely well-proportioned dog

mountain cur puppy - descriptionBred to be a hard working hunter and protector, the Mountain Cur is rugged and stocky. They are muscular with strong neck, wide head and expressive dark brown eyes. Some may have blue or green eyes, but they will be darker instead of light. They have a heavy muzzle, high set short ears and feet that are catlike, muscular and strong. The Cur has straight legs, deep chests and 50% are born with the tail bobbed.

Their coat is short and heavy. The colors could be yellow, red, blue, brindle, black and brindle, yellow with white points, dark brown and red.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

harrier dog - characteristicsYes, they are good with children but are very rambunctious and should be supervised with young children.

Special talents

Scenting ability and wonderful personality

Adaptability

This breed is very adaptable as long as it gets enough exercise. He can live in the country or she can live in the city with an outlet for exercise.

Learning ability

Smart but stubborn at times. Therefore, his learning ability is moderate.

Children friendliness

mountain cur dog - characteristicsThey are friendly with kids but don’t make good house pets.

Special talents

Tree climbing

Adaptability

They need space and they do not make good indoor pets

Learning ability

He is very intelligent and learns quickly.

Health Problems

Health Problems

harrier puppies - health problemsIt seems the only real health issue other than hunting accidents or foot and toe incidents due to hunting.is:

Hip Dysplasia

This abnormality in the hip socket can cause arthritis and lameness that is very painful. This is the most severe form. The Harrier can have a milder form that does not progress to this level. Hip dysplasia has a genetic component, but the environment plays a role as well and active hunting dogs are especially prone to this.

Ear Infections

Floppy ears that hang down are always susceptible to ear infections. Check them often and clean them at least weekly.

mountain cur puppies - health problemsThere are a few health issues that the Mountain Cur is susceptible to. They include:

  • Skin Issues – infections and allergies.
  • Ear Infections – Keep them cleaned and hair trimmed in ears.
  • Hunting Injuries – this is probably the most common health issue.
  • Bloat – Can be fatal.
  • Obesity – Can lead to bloat, injuries, other issues.
  • Hip Dysplasia – Can cause arthritis and lameness – can be caused or aggravated by obesity.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

harrier dogs - caringFeed a high nutrition puppy food dry food made for an energetic breed. Feed 3 times a day ½-3/4 cup each time.

Feeding the adult

Again feed a high nutrition adult food for an active breed. Feed twice a day 1-11/2 cups each time.

Points for Good Health

Outstanding health unless in a hunting accident.

Games and Exercises

The Harrier is an energetic, hunting breed that needs a lot of exercise on a daily basis. Long walks and jogging or running is good for the Harrier. If they are not working, hunting dogs they need more exercise. A fenced yard for playing is good. If this intense breed does not get enough exercise and mental stimulation, he needs there could be issues with destructive behavior and obesity. Flyball, tracking, agility, coursing, rally and hunting are great activities for this breed of dog. In addition, they are pack animals and do better in a family that has more than one dog.

Feeding the puppy

mountain cur dogs - caringMountain Cure puppies should eat four bowls of high quality dog food in four separate meals each day until 3 months old. From three months to six months feed them 3 times per day and from six months to a year just twice a day.

Feeding the adult

The adult Mountain Cur would eat 3 cups of high quality dog food in one or two meals per day. Don’t overfeed them as they have a tendency toward obesity.

Points for Good Health

Athleticism

Games and Exercises

This breed is an active dog and he needs to get plenty of exercise. He needs daily exercise – daily walks – and enjoys canine sports like barn hunt and agility. They do well in field trials.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Mountain Cur vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Mountain Cur vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Mountain Cur vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Mountain Cur vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Mountain Cur vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Mountain Cur vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Mountain Cur vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Mountain Cur vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Mountain Cur vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Mountain Cur vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Mountain Cur vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Mountain Cur vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Mountain Cur vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Mountain Cur vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Mountain Cur vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Mountain Cur vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Mountain Cur vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Mountain Cur vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Mountain Cur vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Mountain Cur vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Mountain Cur vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Mountain Cur vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Mountain Cur vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Mountain Cur vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Mountain Cur vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Harrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Harrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Harrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Harrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Harrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Harrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Harrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Harrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Harrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Harrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Harrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Harrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Harrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Harrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Harrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Harrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Harrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Harrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Harrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Harrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Harrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Harrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Harrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Harrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Harrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison