The Breeds That Are Considered 'Cur' Dogs & What That Term Actually Means

If you're a dog lover and a frequenter of rescue websites, especially for organizations located in the American South, you might be curious about cur dogs. There are a handful of breeds — 14 to be exact — classified as cur, but what exactly does that mean, and what do these breeds have in common? Read on for curnfirmation. (Okay, we'll stop now.)

According to Merriam-Webster, a cur is defined broadly as a "mongrel or inferior dog." And indeed, "cur" was once a word for a mongrel or mutt. According to Ria Hörter in Canine Chronicle, cur comes from "curdogge," a Middle English word, which may have derived from the Old Norse "kurr," meaning "grumbling." But more generous and more relevant to our interests is Merriam-Webster's second, more modern definition: "a medium-sized hunting and working dog with a short coat that was developed in the southern U.S. and is sometimes considered to comprise one or more breeds." Indeed, these days, cur dogs are a group of gorgeous breeds known for their athleticism, loyalty, and hunting prowess.

Cur breeds include the mountain cur, mountain view cur, black mouth cur, southern black mouth cur, yellow black mouth cur, American leopard hound, Catahoula leopard dog, blue Lacy, Camus cur, Canadian cur, Kemmer stock mountain cur, Parnell's Carolina cur, Stephens cur, and treeing Tennessee brindle.

As Merriam-Webster's definition explains, curs are medium-sized, short-haired dogs. But they have other defining characteristics as well. They come in a variety of colors. It's not rare to see cur pups with fawn, brindle, red, blue, gray, black, or tan coats. And some breeds have distinct markings. For instance, they can be spotted, like the Catahoula leopard dog and the American leopard hound, or have black muzzles, such as the aptly named black mouth cur.

Usually, curs have strong, athletic bodies. Dog behavior expert Anna Stewart told Rover, "Their faces tend to be broad, with pronounced cheeks and a robust muzzle." They also usually have floppy ears. It doesn't get much cuter than that. And because cur dogs' ancestors are mixed breeds, they are generally very healthy dogs with a lifespan of 12 to 16 years.

Since curs are generally active dog breeds with a drive to work and strong bodies, you may wonder if they're the right dog for you and your family, especially if you have kids. The answer is that they could be, as long as they have enough room to get their energy out and are given the chance to exercise vigorously on a daily basis. Breeder Tiffany Teater clarified to Rover, "As hunting dogs, they are all high-energy and require daily exercise in the absence of any hunting work. This does not mean taking a leisurely walk down the sidewalk. They need to run."

Without proper training and socialization, curs can be territorial and stubborn dogs. However, if they're in the hands of experienced and committed owners, they can make great pups for families. Your cur dog will also thrive when they're close to you. According to Anna Stewart, "These loyal dogs live for their people, so being left alone for 8 to 10 hours daily can create anxiety and behavior issues." Intelligent, loyal, and hardworking, cur dogs require lots of love, care, and space, but they can absolutely make ideal companions for the right people.