The Mountain Cur Pitbull mix is not a dog that you would see every day strolling in the streets; however, that may change as this unique mixed breed is getting more popular among aspiring dog owners.
Like other hybrid dogs, the Mountain Cur Pitbull mix varies in terms of appearance and temperament, depending on the relative dominance of the traits of its parent breeds.
If you want to know more about this unique mix, you’re in the right place! Keep reading to learn everything from its origin and history, size, and appearance to its dog care needs and health issues!
Breed Overview
| Height: | 18 – 26 inches |
| Weight: | 30 – 60 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10 – 15 years |
| Coat Colors: | Red, fawn, brown, brindle, yellow, white |
| Temperament: | Intelligent, loving, a bit stubborn, and reserved around strangers |
| Suitable for: | Families living on farms; active dog owners; experienced dog owners |
What Is a Mountain Cur Pitbull Mix?
The Mountain Cur Pitbull mix is the result of crossing the true American pioneer dog — the Mountain Cur — and the Pitbull. This medium to large-sized hybrid is a loving, intelligent, and adaptable dog well-fitted to various roles. Mountain Cur Pit mixes excel as watchdogs, hunting dogs, and pets.
The Mountain Cur Pitbull mix can have any of the Pitbull-type dogs as a parent. But for this article, the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) breed, or simply Pitbull, is referred to when discussing this hybrid.
Between its two parent breeds, only the Mountain Cur is registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC), while the APBT is only recognized by other purebred registries like the United Kennel Club (UKC).
It is also important to distinguish that the Mountain Cur Pitbull mix is different from a Black Mouth Cur Pitbull mix, given the distinction between the Black Mouth and Mountain Curs.
The Pitbull Mountain Cur mix is a new designer dog and remains to be a rare sight. But because of its desirable qualities, expect this crossbreed to grow more popular among dog owners.
Mountain Cur Pitbull Mix Origin and History
There is not much historical record of the first Mountain Cur Pitbull mix. Fortunately, the origin of its parent breeds can offer a deeper perspective on the identity of this hybrid.
The Mountain Cur breed is a pioneer dog during the American frontier at the height of British occupation of America. It served as a hunting dog that helped frontiersmen and their families settle in the Southern Mountains.
Mountain Curs worked as watchdogs, hunters, and companions for early Americans and were a part of their way of life until the 1940s.
Though its pedigree is unknown, the Mountain Cur was declared an official breed by the AKC in 1957.
On the other hand, the history of the American Pit Bull Terrier dates back more recently to the early 1800s. This breed is a cross between Bulldogs and Terriers in the United Kingdom to produce a strong fighting dog.
As dogfighting was outlawed in 1835, the Pitbull became cattle dogs. Its strength and versatility served farmers and ranchers as watchdogs of livestock and catch dogs of pigs.
With the history of its parent breeds, the Mountain Cur Pitbull mix is well-suited to serve as a hunting dog, watchdog, and family companion. It is agile, friendly, and extremely loyal and makes a complete package.
Mountain Cur Pitbull Mix Appearance
The actual look of a Mountain Cur Pitbull hybrid dog is only certain once it matures to its full-grown size. Since it may have any combination of the features of either parent, it’s impossible to predict its appearance.
If the Mountain Cur gene is more dominant, it may have a broad head with prominent cheeks, a short muzzle, and a black square nose. The mix may also have a strong muscular body and legs built for stamina.
In contrast, if it is more similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier, it will have a broad head with a deep muzzle, a large nose in any color, and erect ears. Its body will be muscular and solidly built, capable of strength and power.
In terms of the coat, the Mountain Cur Pitbull mix has a smooth or rough short coat like its parents, in black, brindle, brown, and many other colors, considering the several Pitbull color variations.
Mountain Cur Pitbull Mix Size and Weight
Based on the size and weight of its Mountain Cur and American Pitbull parents, this mixed breed stands between 18 and 26 inches tall and weighs 30 to 60 pounds.
The Pit Bull Mountain Cur mix is considered a medium to large-sized dog. It takes 15 to 17 months before it reaches its full-grown size, but this may change depending on various factors.
While a Mountain Cur Pitbull mix would love a large open space, it can also live in apartments. This is provided that it gets regular exercise and long walks from time to time.
Mountain Cur Pitbull Mix Temperament and Personality
Despite being a rare crossbreed, the Mountain Cur Pitbull’s personality is typical among companion dog breeds. While it is unpredictable, the balance of traits between its parent breeds makes this dog a great pet.
This crossbreed has remarkable intelligence and energy levels. With its agility and playfulness, it is a highly enthusiastic dog. These desirable traits make them great companions for active owners.
However, this smart dog easily gets bored unless it is engaged with dog puzzles or new tricks that promote mental stimulation. It is also very vocal and stubborn, which may be difficult to manage for new dog owners.
Fortunately, this crossbreed is highly trainable because of its eagerness to please its owners. Though a bit shy at first, this dog can be very affectionate, especially if socialized early on.
Check out this video of a Mountain Cur Pit mix showing off its obedience skills:
Mountain Cur Pitbull Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
On average, a Pitbull Mountain Cur mix has a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. While this lifespan is relatively long, this mixed breed still encounters health problems that may be genetic or lifestyle-related.
Some of the health issues common in Mountain Cur Pitbull mixes are as follows:
- Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a genetic disease characterized by a loose hip joint. It usually begins in the growing phase of puppies, where the socket of the joint grows faster than the femur, causing pain, limping, and weakness. Unfortunately, this is common to both the parent breeds of the Mountain Cur Pitbull mix.
- Skin Infections: Skin infections and irritations affect all dogs, but the Mountain Cur is more prone to dry, flaky skin or inflamed hot spots. If your mix has a thick Mountain Cur double coat, observe extra care to keep their fur clean and healthy.
- Degenerative Myelopathy: This spinal cord disease causes loss of coordination and weak muscles. It is a genetic condition common in Pitbulls that starts in the hind limbs and eventually progresses to the forelimbs until the dog is unable to walk.
If you have a Mountain Cur Pitbull mix, watch out for these health problems so you can detect them early on and prevent them from worsening. It’s advisable to see the vet and get prescriptions for your dog if necessary.
How to Take Care of Your Mountain Cur Pitbull Mix
The Pitbull Mountain Cur mix needs the utmost care to stay healthy and live the best quality of life possible. As with any dog, this can be achieved through regular exercise, training, and a balanced diet.
The following are the most important aspects of caring for a Mountain Cur Pit mix:
Food and Diet
An adult Mountain Cur Pit mix needs nutrient-packed dog food every day. Its muscular and agile body can only be maintained if it is fed with the proper quantity and quality of food.
A high-protein, low-fat diet is appropriate for this mix, especially since it is a medium to large dog that is prone to weight gain. If your mix is active, a sufficient amount of carbs is necessary to fuel its lifestyle.
In terms of quantity, an adult Mountain Cur Pit needs about 2 to 3 cups of dog food. However, if it is on the larger side, you can give them up to 4 cups a day.
To help you in choosing the right dog food, look for brands with the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) seal. These are guaranteed to contain the right ingredients in the proper amounts.
Cleaning and Grooming
The Mountain Cur Pitbull mix only needs low grooming maintenance. Although it has a thick double coat, it only sheds moderately and can be managed with a simple at-home grooming routine.
You can brush their coat 2 to 3 times a week to reduce shedding. This also lets you check for early signs of skin infection or the presence of ticks so you can prevent it from spreading.
Nail care and dental hygiene are also essential. Trim their nails once every week and brush their teeth 1 to 2 times a week. However, only give them baths as needed to prevent dry skin and reduce the risk of skin infection.
Lastly, it is important to regularly clean their ears with a damp cloth to prevent ear infections and their eyes with a moist cotton ball.
Training and Exercise
While the Pitbull is friendly by nature, the Mountain Cur is more reserved and not fond of children. Hence, the Mountain Cur Pit mix needs a good amount of training and mental stimulation to establish it as a family dog.
That said, early socialization training is a must for this mix. Obedience training is also helpful in managing their stubbornness at times. Hence, this mix may not be the best hybrid for first-time dog owners.
Just be mindful when bringing an untrained Mountain Cur Pitbull dog outdoors, as it may chase after anything. Since their hunting instincts can kick in anytime, keep them on a leash as a precaution.
For exercise needs, the energetic and agile Mountain Cur mixed with Pitbull requires at least an hour of daily physical exercise such as walking, jogging, or playing frisbee.
Daily exercise helps them keep a healthy weight and can reduce the risk of joint or bone problems typical in medium to large dogs.
How Much Does a Mountain Cur Pitbull Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
Since the Mountain Cur Pitbull mix is a rare hybrid, its price can be quite high. On average, a Mountain Cur Pitbull mix puppy costs between $650 and $1,000 with an APBT parent.
Aside from the puppy costs, here are the other initial expenses you need to prepare for if you are bringing home a Mountain Cur Pitbull mix:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $70 – $150 |
| Bowls | $10 – $40 |
| Toys | $30 – $100 |
| Beds | $40 – $300 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $50 – $500 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $250 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $20 – $80 |
| Total Initial Cost | $505 – $3,150 |
This breakdown provides you with an idea of how much you need to prepare. One way to save money is by purchasing high-quality versions of toys, beds, and collars, which can last longer.
Getting pet insurance is also another money-saving tip. It can help you cover routine veterinary check-ups or emergency health problems.
With this price guide, you will be able to prepare financially to ensure that you can provide all the needs of a Mountain Cur Pitbull mix.
Places to Find Mountain Cur Pitbull Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Although rare, Mountain Cur Pitbull mix puppies can be found either for sale or adoption. The best option to do this is to look for reputable breeders and rescue organizations.
Here is a list of reputable breeders where you can find a Mountain Cur Pitbull mix puppy for sale:
- AKC Marketplace – The AKC Marketplace is the best place to start looking for Mountain Cur Pitbull mix puppies. They have reputable breeders for purebred puppies, and you can ask them if they have Mountain Cur Pitbull mixes.
- Lancaster Puppies – Lancaster Puppies lists thousands of purebred and hybrid puppies for sale across the United States. Since the platform requires their breeders to hold a license and follow health guarantee laws, you are assured of the quality of Mountain Cur Pitbull mix puppies on their website.
- Good Dog – Good Dog is a major platform that connects reputable breeders with aspiring dog owners. They vet and rate breeders according to their practices, so you can be assured that your Mountain Cur Pitbull mix puppy’s welfare is a priority for these breeders.
Meanwhile, if you’re more interested in adopting this mix, here is a list of rescues and shelters where you can find some Mountain Cur Pit mixes for adoption:
- Rescue Me! – This animal rescue network has a database of adoptable dogs from humane societies, shelters, or private owners looking to rehome their pets across the United States for all breeds, including the Mountain Cur and its mixes. You can look for one near you and see if its age, health, and personality fit your criteria.
- Pit Bull Rescue Central – This organization aims to provide Pitbulls and Pitbull mixes with fosters and permanent homes. As part of their mission, they provide spay or neuter grants and educational material to dog owners and caretakers. You can check their listings for a chance of finding a Pitbull Mountain Cur mix.
- Adopt-a-Pet – This online marketplace lists adoptable dogs from any breed or crossbreed found in over 15,000 animal shelters, rescues, and adoption agencies in the United States. Browse their wide database and see if there’s an adoptable Mountain Cur Pit mix near you.
If none of these suggestions work out, you can check out social networking sites and even Reddit threads, as some breeders use these platforms.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Mountain Cur Pitbull Mix
With everything discussed above, a pros and cons summary of owning a Mountain Cur Pitbull mix might just help you decide if this hybrid is the best match for you.
Here are the advantages of having a Mountain Cur Pitbull mix as a pet:
- Low maintenance: Whether with a short double coat like a Mountain Cur or a short, smooth coat like a Pitbull, this crossbreed only requires minimal grooming maintenance that can be done at home. Therefore, you can save both money and time with this mix.
- Versatile working dog: Because of the origin and history of its parent breeds, the Mountain Cur Pitbull mix can serve as a hunting dog, watchdog, and even a herding dog if you are managing a farm. With proper training, this adaptable and intelligent crossbreed can serve any role in your household.
- Protective companion: The Mountain Cur Pitbull mix is a protective companion dog. Since it is alert and naturally reserved with strangers, this crossbreed can keep intruders away from your home.
In contrast, this mix also has qualities that are not too desirable for some dog owners.
Here are some disadvantages of getting a Pitbull Mountain Cur mix dog:
- Not hypoallergenic: Although it has a short coat, the Mountain Cur Pitbull mix sheds its coat in minimal to moderate amounts. This characteristic may not be suitable for dog owners suffering from allergies.
- Not suitable for first-time owners: A strong-willed and playful crossbreed like a Pitbull Mountain Cur mix may be difficult to handle, so an experienced and dominant dog owner may be able to train this mix more easily. Nevertheless, this hybrid may work well for anyone so long as their training needs are met.
- Easily bored: An intelligent Mountain Cur Pit mix needs mental stimulation to keep it satisfied. Its training should include games like puzzles and learning new tricks. Otherwise, it may engage in undesirable habits like chewing items around the house.
Since the Mountain Cur Pitbull mix is not suitable for all dog owners and requires special training, weigh the pros and cons carefully to see if this mixed breed is the right dog for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Mountain Cur Pitbull Mixes Good Dogs?
Yes, the Mountain Cur Pitbull mixes are good and friendly dogs. They make loyal companions for their families and can be trained to serve as a watchdog.
Contrary to the wrong notion of its Pitbull parent as an aggressive breed, most Pitbull mixes, like the Mountain Cur Pitbull mix, are actually good-natured dogs.
Do Mountain Cur Pitbull Mixes Shed?
The short coat of this mixed breed undergoes minimal to moderate shedding throughout the year, which it inherits from both of its parent breeds. To reduce shedding, brush its coat more regularly.
Are Mountain Cur Pitbull Mixes Hypoallergenic?
Since both its parent breeds shed, the Mountain Cur Pitbull mix is not considered hypoallergenic, especially if it inherits the double coat of its Mountain Cur parent.
Hence, if anybody from your family suffers from allergies, this mix may not be the right one for your household.
Final Thoughts
The Mountain Cur Pitbull mix is a rare crossbreed that is intelligent, friendly, and enthusiastic. It fits the role of a versatile working dog or a protective companion suited for active owners or families living on farms.
Because of its intelligence, the Mountain Cur Pitbull mix needs training that provides mental stimulation; otherwise, it will get bored easily.
It also requires early socialization and obedience training to dial down their strong-willed behavior. Thus, an experienced dog owner is more suitable for this mixed breed.
All things considered, as long as you can dedicate time to training and caring for this hybrid, you should not have any problems adding one to your family.
Hopefully, this article has helped you learn more about this unique mixed-breed dog. If you have any thoughts about the Mountain Cur Pitbull mix, leave them in the comments below!
