Standard: MOUNTAIN CUR

COLOR -- Black, brindle, yellow, blue, white markings are permissible. White markings not to exceed one-third of the total color.

HEAD -- Wide with snort muzzle, sculptured in clean lines, without jowls or excess flesh on the sides or under the eyes or temples.

LIPS -- Medium thickness, firm of line and fitted neatly without folds at the corners.

NOSE -- Square rather than round with nostrils well opened.

TEETH -- Strong, white and adapting perfectly in a scissors bite.

EYES -- Set well apart with the inner and outer corners on the same level. Large well opened and calm, never narrowed or slanted. Color: brown or dark.

EARS -- Should be attached high and be firm at the base, medium length and full control when alert.

CHEST -- Broad and deep with moderately curved ribs not too rounded.

NECK -- Strong and well constructed.

BACK -- Broad and strong, never swayed or roached.

LEGS -- Well muscled with strong bone. Should be straight and parallel to the medium line of the body.

FEET -- Strong and rounded being slightly oval in shape. Pads well developed, compact and elastic. Toes strong, well arched and compact.

DEWCLAWS -- Not required but preferred, with one or two on each rear leg, placed low on the leg giving a wider base of the foot. Ideally dewclaws form additional functioning toes.

TAIL -- Medium length, well feathered or natural bobtailed.

VOICE -- Open or semi-open on track preferred with good changeover at the tree. Silent trailing acceptable.

COAT -- Outer coat smooth or rough, but not wooly. The undercoat is fine and light on all the body.

HEIGHT -- Males: 18" to 24". Females 17" to 22".

WEIGHT -- Males 45 to 60 pounds. Females: 40 to 50 pounds.

GENERAL APPEARANCE -- Vigorous and alert, powerful and strong in bone and muscle, exhibiting the strength and agaility required of a hunting dog.

CHARACTERISTICS -- Strong treeing instinct on all game, courageous fighters, intelligent, easily trained. Retaining a high degree of ancestral instincts such as running a track with the head in the air. A hunting and tracking style much different than a hound, but faster.

* NOTE: This information has been contributed by, and is property of The National Cur & Feist Breeders Association, and is gratefully used here with permission.

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