The French White and Orange Hound is a scenthound that traditionally hunts in large packs. This athletically-built hound is always (as his name implies) white and orange, or white and lemon in color. He is large in size, and the coat is smooth and easy-care like the majority of hunting hounds. Ears are low-set and hanging, slightly curled and long – reaching almost to the nose. He is celebrated for his easygoing and happy nature as well as his hunting skills. This breed is one of 3 Chiens Francais (French Hounds) and one of 7 in the extended French Hound family of dogs. He is also a rare breed, relatively unknown in most parts of the world outside of France.

The French White and Orange has a loud voice that he uses freely – both on the hunt but also in the home. His bay will be sounded loudly and proudly if he is happy, upset, bored, excited… or just because. It is for this reason that he does best in homes without close neighbors! It is also one of the reasons that he is mostly kept by hunters rather than pet owners. Furthermore, his excellent sense of smell (which he will use constantly) and independent attitude make him great at his job but rather frustrating for the majority of owners. This said, he can be a patient and polite family pet who enjoys spending time with his owners… in the right home that can meet his needs. Scoring high in “easy-going” as well as affectionate, it’s hard not to love this silly hound!

Prospective owners of the French White and Orange Hound should be advised that he doesn’t do well in homes with cats. His prey drive is simply too high in the majority of cases for this to be a safe situation. On the flipside, not only does he do very well with other dogs, he actually needs to live with at least one other dog in order to be happy. It isn’t unusual for this breed to actually prefer other dogs to people… despite his adoration of people. Speaking of people – this hound  is not suited as a guard dog as he is simply too friendly, and not territorial or protective enough. This said, he can be an effective watch dog since he will bark (and howl, and bay) when people come onto the property. So while he is not likely to attack, he will emit a sound that may convince a would-be intruder to move to the next house.

French White and Orange Hounds, as mentioned above, were and are used for hunting primarily. This is a job to which they need no training, and one they will do practically instinctively. However, when it comes to formal obedience training, they are less enthused. While they can be trained (and really should be given at least a basic course in obedience), they are likely to be very stubborn. They are also extra-distractible, as following interesting scents will always be their number one priority. This said, they do enjoy pleasing their owners and with the right motivation (read: tasty treats), they can be convinced to learn. Start early and make training as engaging and fun as you can!

The French White and Orange needs extensive exercise – more than many other breeds, if he is living as a family pet rather than working as a hunting dog. Furthermore, dogs that have no hunting outlets also need quite a bit of mental exercise as well to prevent them from becoming bored and destructive. Plan on spending plenty of time with walks/jogs, playtime and mentally-engaging games or dog sports such as scentwork or barn hunt to keep him fulfilled! Exercise should always be done on leash or in a properly fenced area, because he will revert to “hunting dog mode” at the first sight of a squirrel!

The French White and Orange Hound is a very low-maintenance dog, his coat only requiring a weekly brushing. He doesn’t tend to have an odor, sheds minimally, and needs only minimal baths. Ears should be checked and cleaned on a weekly basis to curtail ear infections (long hanging ears are more prone to this malady), and nails should be clipped at the same time. Just make sure he has a securely fenced yard to run in, a canine companion or two and plenty of engaging mental/physical excursions, and the majority of his care will be complete!

Also known as the Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Orange (yes, it’s a mouthful) – here in the United States, many call it the Great Anglo-French White and Orange Hound. This is a pack-hunting scenthound that was created by combining French hounds (particularly the Billy) with English Foxhounds. They were used to hunt deer and boar primarily, however would occasionally be used on smaller prey as well. Although they are large hounds, the name “Grand” actually refers not to their size, but their specialty of large game. This breed is related to several other breeds of Anglo-French, of which there are seven in total. In terms of the Great Anglo-French breeds in particular (of which there are three), the White and Orange variety is the rarest.

In France, where the Anglo-French White and Orange developed, he is kept primarily as a hunting breed and rarely as solely a companion animal. Most of this has to do with his almost endless energy making him a poor choice as a pet in the majority of homes. Without lots of exposure to hunting as well as heaps of both physical and mental stimulation, he can become incredibly bored and frustrated in most pet homes, leading to very destructive behavior. Although a loyal dog who enjoys spending time with his owner, historically that owner is a hunter with whom he spends long hours of his time bonding “in the field”.

The Great Anglo-French White and Orange Hound is a sturdily built dog but is quite athletic in his own right. He tends to be built tough and most individuals don’t have health problems beyond the regular scrapes or cuts that come from hunting. Physical characteristics include medium-length hanging ears, a large size with a deep chest, and of course the particular coloration that defines him as a breed. The coat is smooth, yet hard in texture and sheds an average amount. Grooming needs are minimal, with just routine brushing, ear cleaning and nail trimming to really worry about.

The Anglo-French White and Orange is fairly indifferent to strangers although does prefer to be around either other dogs or people as much as possible. This is a common trait of pack-hunting hounds. When left alone for long periods of time he is prone to howling… this said, he is prone to howling no matter what (those with close neighbors should steer clear of this breed)! While one might assume that he would be great to accompany you off-leash because of his pack mentality, this unfortunately couldn’t be further from the truth. This breed is big into roaming because of his vast hunt drive, and needs to be kept on leash or confined in a securely fenced area.

When it comes to training, the Great Anglo-French White and Orange Hound can be willful and even stubborn. No surprise there because he would much prefer hunting than just about anything else, training included. Furthermore he tends to be extra distracted when there are scents in the area that could be followed. This said, when the right tactics are used he can enjoy obedience training although an owner or trainer must be firm, consistent and patient. He is not recommended for first-time dog owners as he is far too difficult to train for a novice.

Anglo-French White and Orange Hounds do not make good guard dogs as it just isn’t in their nature. Neither is it in their nature to live in homes with cats. An appropriate home for this breed would be a country setting with another dog (or three) and no small animals. Children are fine as long as they aren’t too small (as they may otherwise get knocked over by the boisterous energy of this hound). Owners should be active and strong enough to handle a dog of this size and energy level, and willing to take the dog hunting on a regular basis. In France, many of these dogs live in outdoor kennels with dozens of other dogs to keep them company, and regularly taken on outdoor hunting excursions. This can be a very different lifestyle than a basic pet home, and is one that these dogs thrive in.

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The French White and Black Hound is a scenthound used for hunting large game in packs. Known for his loud voice (which he uses with frequency) and his tireless energy, he does not make the best pet for just anyone. Combine this with his high prey drive and tendency to chase small animals including cats, and he is best suited to a hunting home. Barring that, owners with extensive scenthound experience who can provide him plenty of physical outlets. He can make a great family pet and live nicely in a home, but his needs must be met and his idiosyncrasies understood.

As a pack hunting hound, the White and Black enjoys living with other dogs. His friendly nature and easygoing attitude with them makes him easy to integrate into a multiple-dog household (although tiny breeds may be seen as prey by these large hunters). He also gets along well with children and most humans in general. Some can be slightly aloof but aggression is not the norm with this breed at all. Although too friendly to function as a guard dog, he can make a good watchdog since he enjoys using his voice to make announcements. The majority are fairly social. With their families, they are extremely loyal and even playful.

The intelligent French White and Black is willing to please and can be trained in obedience but may have a very hard time when distracted, particularly if that distraction is a prey animal! Hunting is his favorite pastime, and one in which he will do without any training whatsoever. For those owners who insist on teaching obedience, however (and all dogs should learn the basics), keep lessons short and sweet! Use plenty of praise and rewards to show this hound that training can be fun. Their stubborn and independent natures make them poor choices for first-time dog owners.

In terms of exercise, the White and Black Hound is built to run for miles without tiring! This means they must be given lots of physical activity on a daily basis such as hikes and long jogs. As long as this is taken care of, they are calm and pleasant in the house. If not exercised enough they can become destructive, loud(er) and generally hyperactive. While having access to a yard is a big plus, either way they also need to be taken out on leash for their daily adventures. Plan to spend at least an hour out on each excursion! For reasons which should be obvious, this is by no means an apartment breed.

The French White and Black Hound is an exceptionally healthy breed with a great long lifespan for their size (averaging 13-15 years). Ear infections are the most commonly seen condition, but regular cleanings and maintenance checks can keep problems from arising. The breed is also very low-maintenance as far as grooming goes and very rarely requires baths (although they can shed heavily and should be brushed once or twice a week to control this).

The White and Black is a rare breed with only about 2,000 dogs registered in the FCI. In the United States they are recognized by the UKC but are rarely seen. The majority of these hounds are (not surprisingly) in France. There are three French Hound (Chien Francais) breeds, also including the Tricolor and the White and Orange. All three breeds are very similar but do differ in temperament besides the most obvious difference of color variations.

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The Billy is a French breed, originating in the 19th century. This is a pack-hunting scenthound which was used on deer and wild boar – a job which they still do today. All of the breeds originally used to create the Billy are now extinct but these particular hounds are still in existence, albeit in small numbers and mostly in France. They are recognized by the UKC here in the United States although are a rare breed. This is a large, active hound that does best in a space where he can really stretch his legs. Apartment-dwelling prospective owners need not apply.

Billys are not the best choice for those who live in high-traffic areas and want an off-leash dog. With their high prey drive and surprising speed, they can easily run into the street and get injured or killed within seconds. This is one reason why they tend to do best in country settings versus a city. While one can live in an urban environment with a Billy, one must spend even more time exercising (on-leash!) and should ideally also find a fenced in area for the dog to visit frequently for romping/playing. Combining this with the fact that the breed much prefers being outside in wide open spaces, it becomes even harder to find a compatible home/owner living in the city.

The Billy does best with a medium to high amount of exercise daily. Having a fenced yard for him to run in is ideal, but must also be supplemented by a long daily walk or similar activity. Of course, the most ideal form of exercise is letting him go hunting! Activities which stimulate his brain as well as his body are also helpful – which can be accomplished by hunting, training or participating in dog sports. He can be a versatile dog capable of learning and competing in a number of different venues…assuming that his human puts in the time. He was built and bred to spend a lot of time engaging in active outdoor pursuits!

The coat of the Billy is short, yet harsh to the touch. Shedding is often minimal, especially if brushed on a regular basis. If one were to put off the chore of brushing for weeks at a time they would notice the dog shedding more frequently. Overall, however, this is a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. Don’t forget about trimming nails or cleaning ears, but otherwise brushing and baths are simple and quick tasks compared to many other dogs! The breed is normally white or off-white in color, with patches of orange or lemon markings. Because the fur is fairly short he may require a dog coat when outside in very cold temperatures, otherwise this is a fairly hardy breed.

Billys are loyal to their owners and social with other people – even strangers (which makes them poor guard dogs). They are usually very good with children and exceptional with other dogs… provided they have been raised with them. There can be some same-sex fighting in a household pack as they do rely quite heavily on pack dynamics and pecking order. This will often sort itself out but not always. Opposite-sex pairings may be a smarter way to go for owners that don’t want to risk fights. As hunting dogs they are brave and courageous when facing adversaries such as wild boar – they won’t back down easily during a hunt. Their prey drive does mean that they may not get along well with small pets or scurrying wildlife!

The Billy is trainable when an owner puts in the effort and starts young. He is intelligent although he may also be willful and stubborn when it comes to obedience training so patience is important! Also, he is easily distracted by interesting scents. Because independent-minded hounds such as the Billy are a bit more challenging to train than the average dog, he may not make the best pet for a first-time dog owner. This said, when given “the basics” this is a fairly easy dog to have around the house, with a gentle and easy-going personality.

The Poitevin is a French scenthound breed originally created as a wolf-hunter in the 17th century. Large, smooth-coated and most often tricolor, he is similar to many other scenthounds – particularly Foxhounds and Coonhounds – but is a breed unto himself. In fact, he may be one of the original tricolor scenthounds! While fit and athletic, he is also quite elegant and has an appearance which is somewhat reminiscent of a sighthound (which makes sense as Greyhound may be in the ancient lineage). Long legs, long neck and long muzzle all combine to give him this distinct look.

Poitevins are capable of running long distances in a hunt, and for long hours at a time – oftentimes doing so while “singing melodiously” (AKA: this can be a loud breed). While retaining a sharp nose, they are also faster than many similar breeds meaning they have both speed, endurance and excellent tracking skills on their side. When faced with a carnivorous animal, they are courageous. For the most part they are quite healthy and any issues usually involve injuries obtained while hunting rather than genetic health problems. These pack hunters have been highly prized for their many attributes!

Poitevins do best in homes with multiple dogs as they were created and used as pack dogs. A single hound will not thrive, even when when surrounded by people. The breed is aloof around humans and much prefers the company of his own kind. In fact, the majority of them in France are still kept as hunting pack hounds – an occupation in which they are quite happy with. Rather than hunting wolves, today they are more often used to hunt wild boar and deer. Modern Poitevins, like their early relatives, aren’t usually the best choice for a family pet as they can be mistrustful of everyone except for a very select few of the family group. Even with the family, they are not very affectionate and quite reserved – sometimes even to the point of indifference. Many aren’t very keen on children.

The Poitevin is a supremely independent, willful breed which can be quite hard to train. A huge amount of patience will need to go into obedience training a Poitevin and teaching him the rules of the home. Setting up boundaries from the beginning is very important! Furthermore he needs mentally stimulating activities to keep his mind working and his energy focused – so obedience should still be taught along with regularly providing games and activities. He will need to be managed around small animals (or ideally live in a home without small pets – for the safety of the small pets), and can also suffer from separation anxiety if not kept with multiple other dogs. These traits are hardwired-in and, while they can be managed and even improved somewhat with extensive training, they will usually always exist.

Poitevins are horrible dogs for apartment living with their high energy levels and need for near-constant exercise. They also need to be kept on a property that has plenty of room for them to stretch their legs. This may be one of the reasons why they are fairly rare in the United States, as they don’t easily fit into the “cookie-cutter idea of a pet”. While easy to groom and often easy to keep in good health, they are simply too much dog for most people and require a very particular situation in order to be happy – that of a hunting pack dog. Exercise requirements are 90 minutes a day of good, hard fitness – minimum!

If it wasn’t clear before, the Poitevin is not for the first-time dog owner! He needs early and regular socialization if he is to become a family pet, in addition to living in the right atmosphere (large property with other similarly-sized dogs, a chance to exercise frequently, hunting opportunities, etc). If given these things, he will live a happy life of 10-12 years! While not particularly affectionate, he can be loyal, gentle and kind-hearted. This is the type of dog that one admires for his own unique qualities without expecting him to be something that he is not. And of course, for the hunter he is an exceptional and talented hound that will leave the owner in awe of his many abilities.

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The Grand Bleu de Gascogne is an ancient scenthound developed in France. This breed is primarily used for working and not often seen as strictly as a companion or as solely as a show dog. Even when showing, every part of the standard is meant to emphasize a working dog that is able to do their job with ease. In the field, they are masters at tracking and have great endurance and stamina when hunting – their prey being wolves, deer and boar. This is a noble dog with a very large frame, powerful voice (read: can be loud), yet gentle and refined in temperament.

Grand Bleu de Gascognes are not guard dogs, although their size alone might be enough of a deterrent. If an intruder cannot see the dog in the home, he may be able to hear him! The Bleu is known for his melodic, yet loud voice and he uses it freely. This can be bad for those with close neighbors but great for people living in rural settings who want it to be obvious that a dog resides at the property. If a person were to break in, the dog might not actually take any action, however. While aloof with strangers, they aren’t normally the type to attack.

Like many hounds, Grand Bleus can be willful, independent and stubborn. They also have high prey drives and are prone to “forgetting” their recall when a prey animal is near. Although very affectionate and intelligent, they may take extra time to be trained. Young dogs can be quite mischievous so they need plenty of supervision and guidance for the first couple of years, in addition to regular obedience training. An owner must be very patient while the dog is maturing, expecting a certain degree of mischief while also working through it with training. For this reason, he is recommended for experienced dog people and might be a bit “too much” for a first-time dog owner.

The Grand Bleu de Gascogne does need plenty of exercise, as might be imagined from his heritage as a hunting scenthound. Two hours of walking or similar activity is the minimum required. It is highly recommended that an owner take the dog hunting on a regular basis in order to fulfill his mental and physical needs, however if this is not possible other similar activities could be substituted. Overall however, this is a dog who does best when he is given plenty of body/mind stimulation. Off-leash exercise can be best in order to let him sniff, run and hunt however this is definitely NOT recommended in a city or suburban setting. If in a populated area, the leash must stay on in order to keep him from running into a road and getting hit.

One of the key features of the Grand Bleu is the blue mottled coat – this and his very large size (he is one of the biggest scenthounds) distinguishes him from other hounds. Other distinct traits include the long muzzle and even longer pendulous ears. Luckily, despite his slightly loose lips he is not as drooly as other similar breeds. His shiny coat needs weekly grooming but overall his grooming needs are fairly minimal.

The Grand Bleu lost favor in his home country of France and is no longer popular in that country. Many had been imported into the United States and breeders here are working to preserve this ancient hound, however even in American this is considered a rare breed. One of the possible reasons for their low popularity is the fact that they are hunting dogs first and foremost, and companion dogs second. They can be more destructive and more prone to escape the yard than many other breeds. They are also slow to mature and require more patience during their early years. This said, the breed has many fantastic qualities for those who are looking for fabulous hunting and/or tracking dogs, and with the right education and exercise can make loving and noble pets.

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The French Tricolour Hound is one of the breeds in a small subset group of scenthounds called the Anglo-French hounds. There are seven breeds altogether that share a similar ancestry, with slight differences between them. The French Tricolour in particular is (not surprisingly) always tricolored. This breed was bred to hunt in packs which means they get along with other dogs exceptionally well, although may be more difficult to live in a non-hunting home. This is not to say that they can’t be kept as pets, however an owner will need to recognize their special needs and challenges.

French Tricolours are large dogs with plenty of strength and endurance. Originally used to hunt both deer as well as wild boar, they needed to be athletic and tough in order to do their job. As such, they are very active and require lots of exercise when living in a pet home! Prospective owners should be physically capable of handling these dogs and athletic enough to exercise them frequently. Without enough physical stimulation they can become obnoxious both to their owners as well as nearby neighbors (yes – they are capable of being quite loud, and have voices that carry far)! Furthermore they don’t adapt well to city or apartment life and do much better in more rural areas where their athletic abilities can shine.

The French Tricoloured Hound is a rare breed, both in the United States as well as abroad – even in their home country of France. This is probably partly due to the fact that they are more of a hunting dog than a companion dog, developed primarily for their instincts. For example, pet owners must have a secure fence because these determined hounds want to sniff, run and hunt as much as possible! They will decimate small critters unfortunate to make their way into the backyard. Furthermore, families with young children will find that this hound may be too exuberant and rowdy around their kids. Add in their high energy level and the fact that they really should be kept in a multiple-dog household without small pets, and it is clear that not many people are set up to care for this dog properly.

The French Tricolour is an intelligent dog although he is also quite stubborn and more prone to following his nose than following commands if he hasn’t had a strong foundation in obedience. Make sure to start training young – frequent mental activity is essential to the happiness of this dog. Furthermore he really needs a job to do in addition to training, whether it be hunting (vastly preferred), dog sports or regular access to stimulating mental games. Exercise for both mind and body will go a long way toward a successful life with this breed! Keep in mind that they aren’t known for spectacular performances when it comes to obedience or similar sports, however they can excel in scent sports such as tracking and nose work.

The French Tricolour Hound is easy and low-maintenance to groom, requiring very infrequent brushing sessions. Like all breeds, he does need regular nail trimming and ear cleaning. While grooming may be a low-priority on the general scale when it comes to care of this breed, he has other needs that are more important. For example, he can be aloof towards people although prone towards separation anxiety when left alone. Although very independent in nature, living in a pack is in his blood so he doesn’t deal well with being alone. If keeping as a pet, it is highly recommended that he lives with at least one other dog, if not several.

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The Transylvanian Hound is a cheerful, good-natured breed around people, yet gutsy and spirited when it comes to hunting. He can be strong-minded when he catches the scent of a prey animal. This Hungarian scenthound has a playful side and enjoys being around the family, yet he can become a decent guard dog if danger arises (he doesn’t go looking for trouble but will show his brave side if necessary). Due to his adaptable nature, he can be at home living in a large home or even an apartment if given enough exercise (and he does need a LOT of exercise – at least an hour a day, and more if living in a small space without a yard).

The Transylvanian is a tough breed, capable of living in a variety of temperatures and terrains. Having somewhat of a territorial nature, a Transylvanian who spends a lot of time outside is more likely to bark at strangers who wander by unless/until he gets to know that person. Keep in mind, however, that this pack dog is much happier living with people than spending his life in solitude. He is more of a hunting breed than a sentry, and becomes a very loyal companion when allowed to become part of the family!

At home, the Transylvanian Hound is affectionate and easy-going and gets along with children, other dogs, and even cats. This breed was more commonly used to sniff out and then “drive” game toward the hunter rather than kill, so they don’t have the same kill drive as many other hounds. Another difference that sets them apart from other scenthounds – they don’t tend to howl and are generally fairly quiet, especially once they have learned the regular routine of the household.

The Transylvanian is an intelligent dog who is adept at problem-solving. An independent thinker, he is more likely to figure out how to get what he wants than to follow direct orders. Obedience training must involve plenty of motivation and care must be taken so he doesn’t get bored. This breed is also likely to disregard commands in lieu of following an interesting scent – so unless/until the dog has had extensive off-leash training he must be kept on leash at all times! Owners should have plenty of patience when it comes to training, as this is a stubborn breed.

The American Leopard Hound is one of the oldest treeing breeds in the United States, although he is still considered rare both in this country and in others. This is an active breed with a strong hunting instinct and an even stronger nose. He hunts a variety of game, not only raccoons but also squirrel, bobcats and even bears! Because of this, he tends to be brave and won’t back down easily. He has a friendly nature and gets along well with everyone, although does possess a protective nature, especially towards children in his family.

American Leopards can make a good dog for a novice owner provided the owner is very active. They get along well with other dogs and people of all ages, are low-maintenance and low shedding, and surprisingly easy to train for a scenthound. A higher than average prey drive and higher than average energy level does mean that they can’t be owned by just any person, however – whether novice or experienced. A home with a cats, for example, may be riskier with this hunting dog. As with any breed, it is important to make sure your lifestyle fits that of the breed you are interested in!

The often spotted or marbled coat pattern is one of the recognizing features of the American Leopard, however he actually comes in a wide array of colors and patterns! Along with nine different colors acceptable, he can come in either solid, leopard or brindle patterns. A majority of dogs are actually solid colored, which means one can’t count on identifying the breed by “wild markings” alone. Eyes may be dark or blue… or one of each! The coat is always short and double-coated.

The Leopard has a long lifespan for his large size, often living from 12-15 years old. This is a very durable breed, able to withstand both hot and cold temperatures with relative ease (provided he has been allowed to get accustomed to it). Health issues are rare in the breed, with the exception of dogs bred from two leopard-patterned (merle) parents. Merles should never be bred together, as these litters often produce puppies that are blind or deaf. Run far away from any breeder that utilizes this practice!

Leopard Hounds are not couch potatoes and do require extensive exercise! They are known for their stamina and do better with higher impact activities than just a simple walk around the block once a day. Take advantage of their natural agility and get them into a variety of different exercise routines! Because of their high energy level, they do not make good pets for those who live in apartments. Ideally, most would love a home with a hunter, especially if it involves a large property but they can get by living in a neighborhood with a nice backyard. Most importantly, they need a job to do that satisfies them both physically as well as mentally.

American Leopard Hounds are clever dogs that are generally very easy to train. They greatly enjoy pleasing their masters! This said, as with all scenthounds, they can get easily distracted by interesting smells and must have a good foundation of obedience. Teaching “watch me” and other focus-on-me games will help to teach the dog to tune his attention to you when distractions get strong.

Some Leopards tend to bark a lot, especially if something has caught their eye (or their nose). Barking when people arrive at the door is common, at which point they’ll assess whether they consider the person a threat or not. The bark itself tends to sound very intimidating and will scare away most would-be intruders. While friendly with welcomed guests, they can become protective if they feel the stranger is threatening their family.

The Mountain Cur is a hunting and treeing hound primarily, although he was often tasked with other jobs as well in the “pioneering days” – which he would do with a determined and hardworking attitude. Brought to American from Europe by settlers, these dogs were often seen on farms and ranches being used as hunting companions and guard dogs. They were, and still are, prized for their courage and excellent scenting abilities alike. Their companionable nature also makes them great candidates as therapy dogs.

Mountain Curs are hardworking, intelligent dogs and are trainable – especially when plenty of praise and games are used in training. This said, many are known to be extremely stubborn. This may be why they tend to do very well in dog sports that are game-like, but are less proficient in strict obedience trials that seem more “boring” to them. This breed does need a job in order to be happy, but they also need structure and rules – whether or not they want it! Some members of the breed are more easily trained and even quite biddable, there is a great variation in temperament. All do best with active owners who are willing to put in a lot of work to fulfill the dog’s basic drives.

The Mountain Cur, like most hunting dogs, is extremely active and requires a great deal of regular exercise. They can become very destructive if not given daily outlets, both mentally as well as physically. As many Mountain Curs will live very healthy lives (often up to 14 or 15) it is necessary that any potential owner make sure they are up to the challenge of providing this exercise over many years!

The Mountain Cur generally gets along well with children as well as other pets (provided the pets aren’t too small and prey-like). They prefer playing outdoors quite a lot but can play rough, so families with small children may not make for the best matches. This rough-and-tumble hound makes a great companion for older kids or active adults who live in rural or semi-rural settings. This is definitely not a dog for apartments life or for people who work all the time! As active as they are, they also don’t do well when left home alone for long stretches of time. Between their energy and intensity, truth is that they are simply too much dog for many people.

Mountain curs are aloof with strangers and can be territorial at home, which makes them good natural guard dogs. Due to their hunting drive, they may also try to go after cats and other small animals. An owner must be responsible on both accounts – do not let your Mountain Cur become a nuisance with people or animals! This is one-part early socialization and one-part making sure to recognize the dog’s drives and keep them from getting out of control. While it is fine to use the dog to protect the home, make sure to include plenty of training and household rules in the dog’s life so he doesn’t become a liability!

There is a vast size range within the Mountain Cur breed, with heights ranging from 16 to 26 inches at the withers and weights everywhere from 30 to 60 pounds. This is but one example of the wide variation in appearance from one Mountain Cur to the next, and has to do with the numerous different strains that existed when these dogs were first being bred. At the time of its creation, there wasn’t much need or desire for pedigrees among the settlers who utilized these dogs. They also come in a virtual rainbow of colors, and with several different acceptable types of tails ranging from a short bob to a medium-long tail. Whatever the appearance, however, all members of the breed require plenty of opportunities to move and to work!

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