Treeing Cur

The Cur classification is generally reserved for multipurpose hunting and working dogs that were developed in the remote rural areas located in southern portion of the United States. While the word cur is generally defined as an aggressive, unhealthy, or mongrel dog, and is often used to describe a mean or cowardly person, a dog that is registered as a Cur breed is a specialized working animal that was comprised of several types of dogs chosen for their specific skill set, with little to no regard for the canine’s physical appearance. Cur dogs have been mentioned in historical records as far back as the 1700s and in most cases, they were originally blends of hounds and terriers, sometimes with some feist or herding dog thrown in. The Cur breed dogs ended up splitting into several breeds, including the Black Mouth Cur, the Catahoula Cur, and the Mountain Cur, due to the differing environments in which they were developed as well as the differing needs of the farmers and settlers that were breeding them. Like the other Cur breed dogs, the Treeing Cur is an excellent all-around work dog, fully capable of doing stock dog work for sheep or cows, of guarding the hearth and home, and of tracking and hunting, although their specialty is tracking and chasing tree-climbing animals like raccoons, squirrels, and even bears. The Treeing Cur was recognized as a breed by the United Kennel Club in the winter of 1998, due in large part to Cur breeders, Alex and Ray Kovac.