Mt. Curs are the pioneer dogs of the Southern Mountains. It has been said by many
old-timers that without Mt. Curs, or bear dogs, the Southern Mountains could not have been
settled by the pioneers. Mt. Curs were a necessity for the frontier family. They guarded
the family against wild animals and other dangers and caught, treed and holed animals for
the family's food. When moving to a new home, pioneers provided for the Mt. Cur puppies.
Baskets were slung across the back of pack animals and the puppies rode. If no pack
animals were available, family members carried the valuable puppies.
Our Mt. Curs came from Europe along with their owners, who came to America seeking new
homes. Settlers landed along the Eastern coast of the New World. Restless souls moved down
the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia into the Carolinas, across the Appalachian Mountains,
along the Wilderness Trail into Kentucky and Tennessee and South and West into Georgia,
Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas and Missouri.
It has been established through family history and research that Spanish Explorers brought
the brindle,bob-tail Curs to the South. Hernando de Soto brought the brindle Curs to drive
the hogs and provide protection against wild animals, while he explored the South and
discovered the Mississippi River. Hunters and settlers found the brindles when they came
south
The colors of Mt. Curs of early days are dominant today: brindle, yellow, black and blue.
Some have white markings. Different strains were known by their owners' names such as:
Arline, York and Ledbetter. All these dogs have the same general traits, such as strong
treeing instinct on all game, courageous fighters and intelligence. The Mt. Cur today is
still a "varmint" dog-hunting whatever game his master wants. He is also a guard
dog, farm dog, and family protector.