Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Mountain Cur - Breed Comparison

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Mountain Cur - Breed ComparisonRhodesian Ridgeback is originated from Zimbabwe but Mountain Cur is originated from United States. Both Rhodesian Ridgeback and Mountain Cur are having almost same height. Rhodesian Ridgeback may weigh 14 kg / 31 pounds more than Mountain Cur. Both Rhodesian Ridgeback and Mountain Cur has almost same life span. Both Rhodesian Ridgeback and Mountain Cur has almost same litter size. Both Rhodesian Ridgeback and Mountain Cur requires Low maintenance.

History

rhodesian ridgeback - historyKnown as the African Lion Dog, the courageous Rhodesian Ridgeback hails from Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe.

He was bred essentially to be a hunter as well as a home guardian. These dogs were crossed with European dogs, with the original breed standard being drafted by F.R. Barnes By the 1860s, European colonisers had imported certain European dog breeds to the area such as Greyhound, Terriers, Bloodhounds as well as other breeds. These were mixed with the indigenous African dogs.

The Ridgeback Club was also founded. It was in 1955 that the American Kennel Club recognized the dog as a member of the Hound group.

mountain cur - historyFrom The United States in the hound group comes the Mountain Cur. This breed was developed especially to “tree” their prey and to trail other smaller game. They treed and bayed larger prey like the wild boar and bears in the mountains and they trailed the smaller ones like the raccoon and squirrel. There are many types of curs and this breed is just one. Curs can be water dogs, farm dogs, hunting dogs and guard dogs. However, they are not great family dogs because they were born to hunt.

The Mountain Cur comes out of Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio and Virginia. The ancestors of the American Mountain Cur came with European settlers almost 200 years ago. They worked with the settlers to hunt for animals that would provide them with pelts and meat in order to survive on the frontier. The breed became rare when the descendants of the settlers moved to the factories after the second world war.

The breed was brought back by four ambitious men who saved the Mountain Cur. They form the Original Mountain Cur Breeder’s Association of OMCBA in 1956. But they argued over the standard and 2 of the 4 left to form their own association: The Stephen Stock Mountain Cur Association. By 1957 the Mountain Cur Breeder’s Association formed but it took until 1998 for the Mountain Cur to be registered with the United Kennel Club.

The Mountain Cur is a tough, courageous dog as are all the Curs. They are willing to face large and ferocious prey. They are fearless watch dogs, using their trait of being quiet on the hunt to their advantage. The Mountain Cur wants nothing more than making you happy. They have been known to corner bears and even bulls. Given the independence and intelligence of the Mountain Cur it is important that the human be the pack leader, or the Cur will assume the role. If angry the Cur will growl and bite, so being the pack leader is vital for humans.

The novel “Old Yeller” was written about a Mountain Cur – a yellow shorthaired dog with a bobbed tail and terrier blood. Like all Mountain Curs “Old Yeller” hunted and treed prey, fought a bear and held onto the nose of a charging bull. The Cur was the first American purebred dog. Other early lines come from the Appalachian Mountains and near them in southern states. Mixing hounds and terriers created this tough, courageous dog whose tenacity and grit are second to none. Today the Mountain Cur has been split into four distinct breeds: the Mountain Cur, The Mountain View Cur, the Stephens Stock, and the Treeing Tennessee Brindle.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Hound dog
Origin:
Zimbabwe
United States
Height Male:
61 - 69 cm
24 - 28 inches
46 - 66 cm
18 - 26 inches
Height Female:
61 - 69 cm
24 - 28 inches
41 - 61 cm
16 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
27 - 41 kg
59 - 91 pounds
14 - 27 kg
30 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
27 - 41 kg
59 - 91 pounds
12 - 25 kg
26 - 56 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
14 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
7 - 10
3 - 8
Size:
Large dog
Large dog
Other Names:
African Lion Dog
MC
Colors Available:
wheaten, tan, Fawn
yellow, brown, blue, or brindle white on face and chest
Coat:
Short, smooth, glossy
short
Shedding:
Minimal
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Alert, Courageous, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Quiet
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

rhodesian ridgeback puppy - descriptionPerhaps the most noticeable thing with this large, handsome formidable looking dog is the ridge of hair that runs along his back and gives him his name. The rest of the coat is short and smooth and can be a reddish tan color or wheaten shade.

He is a slender, athletic dog with an alert, intelligent face. The ears of the dog are floppy and carried close to the head, being broad and then narrowing to a rounded ear. The tail is long,broad at the base and tapers. He is a large dog that stands at between 61 and 69cm and weighs between 29 and 41kg.

Temperament:

In spite of his athletic build, he isn’t an overly active dog like many other breeds but will require a walk ever day as well as ball- and rope games.

He is a quiet, gentle dog, strong and confident, while also being strong willed and independent. He is tolerant around children, but isn’t the kind of dog that relishes being around little kids who try to climb over him.

He is smart and can be easily trained. Training and socialization turn him into an awesome pet.

mountain cur puppy - descriptionBred to be a hard working hunter and protector, the Mountain Cur is rugged and stocky. They are muscular with strong neck, wide head and expressive dark brown eyes. Some may have blue or green eyes, but they will be darker instead of light. They have a heavy muzzle, high set short ears and feet that are catlike, muscular and strong. The Cur has straight legs, deep chests and 50% are born with the tail bobbed.

Their coat is short and heavy. The colors could be yellow, red, blue, brindle, black and brindle, yellow with white points, dark brown and red.

Characteristics

rhodesian ridgeback dog - characteristicsYour Ridgeback is a dignified dog who is devoted to his human family, being aloof around strangers.

He is a territorial dog and takes his job as guard dog seriously. He is confident and independent, and with his good looks, his loyalty and devotion, he is guaranteed to make you a most splendid pet and companion.

Children friendliness

mountain cur dog - characteristicsThey are friendly with kids but don’t make good house pets.

Special talents

Tree climbing

Adaptability

They need space and they do not make good indoor pets

Learning ability

He is very intelligent and learns quickly.

Health Problems

rhodesian ridgeback puppies - health problemsRhodesian Ridgebacks are generally healthy, robust dogs, but like with all breeds, they can also have their share of some of the common dog illnesses there are.

If you’re buying a puppy, make sure it comes from a good breeder.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is a hereditary disease which can become worse because of environmental factors such as rapid growth. The thighbone doesn’t fit properly into the hip joint.

It is sad when you see such a strong dog succumbing to hip dysplasia as it can cause a lot of pain and also make your dog lame. Arthritis can also occur.

Bloat:

For such a life threatening illness with a dog, it is wise to familiarize yourself with an emergency vet in your area. A dog with bloat needs to be rushed to the vet as soon as possible.

That is why it is better to feed your pet smaller meals daily rather than one big meal. Bloat is an ailment where there is rapid accumulation of gas in the stomach.

Dogs with deep chests are at a greater risk of bloat. Typical symptoms of bloat include restlessness, a swollen, hard stomach and trying to vomit.

Canine bloat or gastric dilatation and volvulus is a killer with dogs, with the gas accumulation causing the stomach to twist.

mountain cur puppies - health problemsThere are a few health issues that the Mountain Cur is susceptible to. They include:

  • Skin Issues – infections and allergies.
  • Ear Infections – Keep them cleaned and hair trimmed in ears.
  • Hunting Injuries – this is probably the most common health issue.
  • Bloat – Can be fatal.
  • Obesity – Can lead to bloat, injuries, other issues.
  • Hip Dysplasia – Can cause arthritis and lameness – can be caused or aggravated by obesity.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

rhodesian ridgeback dogs - caringThe Rhodesian Ridgeback only sheds a little so you can keep him looking good with a brush twice a week.The shiny coat can be maintained by wiping him down with a damp cloth. Look out for any unusual lumps you might find.

He has floppy ears so during your grooming session check inside his ears and make sure they aren’t red. You can suspect an ear infection when you see your Ridgeback shaking his head or scratching his ears.

Check inside your Ridgeback’s mouth too as dogs can’t tell you when they’ve got a rotten tooth that is causing terrible pain and also poisoning their entire system.

Trim his nails too if they don’t wear down naturally.

Diet:

Your large Rhodesian Ridgeback will need good food from you if you want to have less visits to the vet because of illness.

If you have a puppy feed him 4 bowls of food a day, but once your dog is one year of age he can have two bowls of food. Two bowls are better than one as with one bowl, your dog becomes ravenous and gobble his food down. This can lead to bloat.

It is always convenient to feed him one of the top quality commercially manufactured dog foods but he will also need some tasty home-made food too. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet – plain and simple dog food, just like dogs want.

They don’t want exotic, spicy foods that humans eat as it upsets their stomach. Chop this home-made food up ad put it into his dry kibble twice a week for a treat. Also try to give him a bit of raw meat occasionally. Never leave him without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Feeding the puppy

mountain cur dogs - caringMountain Cure puppies should eat four bowls of high quality dog food in four separate meals each day until 3 months old. From three months to six months feed them 3 times per day and from six months to a year just twice a day.

Feeding the adult

The adult Mountain Cur would eat 3 cups of high quality dog food in one or two meals per day. Don’t overfeed them as they have a tendency toward obesity.

Points for Good Health

Athleticism

Games and Exercises

This breed is an active dog and he needs to get plenty of exercise. He needs daily exercise – daily walks – and enjoys canine sports like barn hunt and agility. They do well in field trials.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Mountain Cur - Breed Comparison
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  5. Mountain Cur vs Francais Blanc et Noir - Breed Comparison
  6. Mountain Cur vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  7. Mountain Cur vs Borzoi - Breed Comparison
  8. Mountain Cur vs Black and Tan Coonhound - Breed Comparison
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  10. Mountain Cur vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  11. Mountain Cur vs Ibizan Hound - Breed Comparison
  12. Mountain Cur vs Austrian Black and Tan Hound - Breed Comparison
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  26. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Bloodhound - Breed Comparison
  27. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Greyhound - Breed Comparison
  28. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Francais Blanc et Noir - Breed Comparison
  29. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  30. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Borzoi - Breed Comparison
  31. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Black and Tan Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  32. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Black Mouth Cur - Breed Comparison
  33. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Rajapalayam - Breed Comparison
  34. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  35. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Plott Hound - Breed Comparison
  36. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Petit Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  37. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Otterhound - Breed Comparison
  38. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Mudhol Hound - Breed Comparison
  39. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Ibizan Hound - Breed Comparison
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  41. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Austrian Black and Tan Hound - Breed Comparison
  42. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  43. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Azawakh - Breed Comparison
  44. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Hanover Hound - Breed Comparison
  45. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Majestic Tree Hound - Breed Comparison
  46. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Chart Polski - Breed Comparison
  47. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Polish Hunting Dog - Breed Comparison
  48. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Grand Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  49. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Hortaya Borzaya - Breed Comparison

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