Mountain View Cur
Basics
The Mountain View Cur is a rare American cur-type hunting dog developed from Mountain Cur stock in the late 20th century. Sources describing the type generally trace its development to Michael and Marie Bloodgood in Afton, New York, with the goal of producing a smart, energetic working dog.
Because it is uncommon and not widely standardized across major kennel clubs, you may see variation in looks and working style between lines. In general, owners describe these dogs as purpose-bred for active homes—often happiest when they have regular work to do, whether that’s hunting, training sports, or structured outdoor exercise.
Description
The Mountain View Cur is a versatile and highly skilled breed of working dog, developed specifically for hunting, tracking, and farm work. Originating in the United States, the breed was established by Michael and Marie Bloodgood in the 1980s, who sought to create a line of curs with superior hunting instincts, intelligence, and a strong bond with their owners. By carefully selecting and breeding dogs with desirable traits, the Mountain View Cur has earned a reputation as a reliable and loyal companion for hunters and farmers alike.
Physically, the Mountain View Cur is a medium-sized, athletic dog, typically weighing between 40 and 60 pounds and standing around 18 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Their short, dense coat comes in various colors, including brindle, yellow, black, and red, often with white markings. Their expressive eyes and erect or semi-erect ears reflect their alert and intelligent nature. Built for endurance and agility, the Mountain View Cur excels in navigating rugged terrains and adapting to diverse environments, whether it's tracking game in dense forests or performing tasks on a farm.
Temperamentally, the Mountain View Cur is known for its loyalty, intelligence, and eagerness to work. These dogs form strong bonds with their families and are highly protective, making them excellent watchdogs. They are good-natured and affectionate with their owners, including children, but can be reserved with strangers. Their intelligence and trainability make them quick learners, but they require consistent training and firm leadership to reach their full potential. With an inherent drive to work, Mountain View Curs thrive in environments where they have a purpose, whether it's hunting, herding, or participating in canine sports.
The breed's hunting instincts are among its most celebrated traits. Mountain View Curs excel in treeing game such as squirrels and raccoons, as well as tracking larger game like deer and wild boar. Their keen sense of smell, determination, and ability to adapt to various hunting styles make them highly effective companions for hunters. In addition to their prowess in the field, Mountain View Curs are also valuable farm dogs, capable of herding livestock, guarding property, and performing other essential tasks.
In summary, the Mountain View Cur is a hardworking, intelligent, and loyal breed that excels in a variety of roles. Whether as a hunting companion, farm worker, or family pet, this breed brings energy, determination, and a strong bond with its owners. With proper training and plenty of opportunities to work and exercise, the Mountain View Cur is a dependable and versatile dog that thrives in active, engaged households or outdoor-focused lifestyles.
History
The Mountain View Cur is a versatile and intelligent working dog that originated in the United States as a specialized breed of cur developed for hunting and companionship. Its history begins in the mid-20th century with Michael and Marie Bloodgood of New Albany, Indiana, who sought to create a standardized version of the traditional cur dog, known for its hunting abilities and loyalty. Drawing from existing lines of Mountain Curs, the Bloodgoods focused on breeding dogs with consistent traits, emphasizing intelligence, versatility, and an affectionate temperament.
The Bloodgoods began their program in the 1980s, carefully selecting dogs from established Mountain Cur lines that demonstrated exceptional treeing ability, stamina, and a strong bond with their handlers. By focusing on genetic health, temperament, and hunting skills, they developed the Mountain View Cur as a distinct line with predictable traits. These dogs quickly gained recognition for their effectiveness in hunting squirrels, raccoons, and other small game, as well as for their suitability as loyal family companions.
The Mountain View Cur is distinguished by its natural hunting instincts, trainability, and keen sense of smell. Unlike many hunting breeds, it was bred to be a cooperative partner, equally at home in the field and with its human family. The Bloodgoods worked diligently to promote the breed, establishing standards and sharing their dogs with hunters and enthusiasts who valued the breed’s capabilities and temperament.
Today, the Mountain View Cur remains a favorite among hunters and active families, known for its energy, loyalty, and adaptability. While it is still primarily used as a hunting dog, it is also valued as a protective and affectionate companion. The breed’s history reflects the dedication of the Bloodgoods and others who worked to preserve and refine the qualities that make the Mountain View Cur an exceptional working dog and cherished companion.
Traditional Mountain View Cur Roles
Appearance
Mountain View Curs are typically medium-sized, athletic dogs with a muscular, functional build. Many are described in the 30–50 lb range, with proportions meant for endurance and quick movement rather than extreme bulk.
Coats are commonly short and smooth, making them fairly easy to maintain after outdoor activity. Color can vary based on the underlying Mountain Cur ancestry; expect a practical, no-frills look focused on durability in the field.
Colors
• Black
• Black Brindle
• Blue
• Blue Brindle
• Brindle
• Brown
• Brown Brindle
• Red
• Red Brindle
• Yellow
• Yellow Brindle
Health
There is limited breed-specific health data published for the Mountain View Cur due to its rarity. As with many medium, athletic working dogs, the most common real-world risks may come from lifestyle—sprains, cuts, and wear-and-tear injuries—rather than a single well-known inherited condition.
Owners should work with veterinarians on a preventive plan that matches the dog’s exposure (ticks, intestinal parasites, travel, hunting). When acquiring a puppy, ask about longevity and any recurring orthopedic or skin/ear issues in the line, and what health screening the breeder performs.
Care
Grooming needs are usually minimal. A quick weekly brush, periodic baths after muddy outings, and regular nail trimming are typically enough for a short-coated, active dog.
For dogs that spend time in woods or fields, practical care matters most: check ears, eyes, skin, and feet for burrs, ticks, and small cuts; keep parasite prevention current; and maintain good hydration and conditioning during warmer months.
Training
Training tends to go best when it is engaging and reward-based. These dogs are often described as intelligent and energetic, so they usually respond well to short sessions that mix obedience with problem-solving—tracking games, scent work, recalls with distractions, and impulse-control exercises.
Because prey drive and curiosity can be strong, prioritize reliable recall, leash skills, and a solid “leave it.” Consistency across the household is important; a smart working dog will quickly learn which rules are negotiable.
Temperament
Most descriptions emphasize a bright, driven temperament: alert, energetic, and eager to engage with people and tasks. Like many working curs, they can be naturally wary of strangers at first and tend to take their cues from their handler.
With early socialization and clear house rules, they often become loyal companions that bond strongly with their family. Without enough activity or structure, that same intensity can show up as nuisance barking, pacing, or a tendency to invent their own “jobs.”
Lifestyle
This is generally not a couch-potato breed. A Mountain View Cur is most likely to thrive with daily exercise plus mental work—structured walks, off-leash time in safe areas, training, and a clear role in the household.
They often do best in homes that can handle an active dog and manage opportunities to roam or chase. Secure fencing, supervised outdoor time, and a consistent routine can prevent common working-dog problems like bolting after wildlife or getting bored and destructive.
Ownership
Because the Mountain View Cur is rare and not consistently defined by a single, widely adopted standard, responsible ownership starts with careful sourcing. Seek out people who can clearly explain their dogs’ working background, temperament, and what they select for—and who will be transparent about both strengths and challenges.
This type is a better fit for owners who enjoy training and outdoor activity than for those looking for a low-maintenance pet. Plan for ongoing socialization, reliable obedience, and regular outlets for drive; the payoff is often a deeply loyal companion with serious “partner” energy.
Interesting Facts
- Developed from Mountain Cur stock; commonly described as a late-20th-century American offshoot.
- Often associated with development by Michael and Marie Bloodgood in Afton, New York (1980s–1990s).
- Typically described as a medium-sized, athletic working dog with a short, smooth coat.
- Commonly characterized as intelligent and high-energy, benefiting from daily exercise and training.
- Because the type is rare, appearance and temperament can vary noticeably between lines.
