Treeing Cur




History
The Cur breeds were
developed in remote and rural parts of the United States. Cur breeders had
little interest in standardizing the looks of their dogs* they were only
interested in performance. Most Cur breeders were not well off and so they
required a dog that could serve multiple purposes: hunter, guardian, and
stock dog. The result was the Treeing Cur, which is the most varied in size
and colors of the Cur breeds. The Treeing Cur is primarily used to hunt
squirrel, raccoon, and all types of big game.

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General
Appearance.
The Treeing Cur is a powerful, agile
tree dog of small to medium size. The body is just slightly longer than
tall. Legs are long enough to allow the dog to move quickly and with
agility in rough terrain. The head is broad with a moderate stop, and a
muzzle slightly shorter than the length of skull. Ears are drop and the
tail is straight, set low, and of any length, including a natural bob.
The coat is dense but close fitting. The Treeing Cur should be evaluated
as a working dog, and exaggerations or faults should be penalized in
proportion to how much they interfere with the dog’s ability to work.
Scars should neither be penalized nor regarded as proof of a dog’s
working abilities.

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Characteristics
The
Treeing Cur is a fast, hard hunter that finds game using its eyes, ears
and nose. They may be open, semi-open, or silent on track with a good
change at the tree. Treeing Curs are alert and easily trained. In
addition to being outstanding tree dogs, they are also good watchdogs
and excellent family companions.

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Head
The
head is broad but proportionate to the size of the body. When viewed
from the side, the muzzle is slightly shorter than the skull and joined
by a definite stop. The planes of the skull and muzzle are parallel.
SKULL * The skull is flat and broad,
tapering slightly toward the muzzle. Cheeks are muscular and prominent.
MUZZLE –* The muzzle is slightly
shorter than the skull, moderately broad with a well-defined underjaw.
Lips are tight with no flews, and are darkly pigmented.
TEETH * The Treeing
Cur has a complete set of evenly spaced, white teeth meeting in a
scissors bite.
NOSE * Nose is square
with well-opened nostrils. Pigment can black or pink in color.
EYES * Eyes are medium
to large in size, set wide apart with inner and outer corners on the
same horizontal line. Brown eye color is preferred but yellow, green, or
blue is acceptable. Eye rims are tight and black.
EARS * Drop ears, of
short to medium length, wide at the base, and set high

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Neck
The
neck is slightly arched, strong, very well muscled, and of moderate
length. The neck gradually widens from the nape and blends smoothly into
the shoulders.
Forequarters ** Shoulders
are well laid back. The upper arm is long and wide, and forms an
apparent 90-degree angle with the shoulder blade.The forelegs are well
muscled with strong bone. The elbows are set close to the body, but able
to move freely in action. The pasterns are short, powerful, straight,
and flexible.

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Body
A
properly proportioned Treeing Cur is just slightly longer than tall.
Back is broad, strong, of moderate length, and level, blending into a
muscular, slightly arched loin with slight to moderate tuck up. The ribs
extend well back and are well sprung out from the spine, then curving
down and inward to form a deep body. The brisket extends to the elbow.
Viewed from the front, the chest between the forelegs is muscular and
well filled. This is a dog bred for stamina and faults should be
penalized to the degree that they detract from that goal

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Hindquarters
The
hindquarters are strong and muscular. The bone, angulation, and
musculature of the hindquarters are in balance with the forequarters.
The stifles are well bent, and the hocks are well let down. When the dog
is standing, the short, strong rear pasterns are perpendicular to the
ground, and viewed from the rear, parallel to one another.
Feet *The
Treeing Cur has a cat foot, of moderate size, compact and well arched.
Pads are large, tough, and well cushioned.
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Tail
The
tail is set low and either naturally bobbed or of any length.
Coat * The
outer coat is short to medium in length, and may be smooth or rough in
texture. Undercoat is short, dense, and soft.
Color * Any
color, color pattern or combination of colors is acceptable.
Disqualification * Albinism.
Height and Weight * Height
ranges between 18 to 24 inches. Weight is 30 to 60 pounds, proportionate
to height. Treeing Curs are working dogs and should be presented in
hard, muscular condition.

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Gait
Treeing
Cur gait is smooth and effortless, with good reach of forequarters. Rear
quarters have strong driving power, with hocks fully extending. Viewed
from any position, legs turn neither in nor out, nor do feet cross or
interfere with each other. As speed increases, feet tend to converge
toward center line of balance.
Disqualifications *Unilateral
or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Erect ears.
Albinism.
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Faults
Any departure from the
foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriosness with
which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its
degree
Note** Male
animals should have two apparently noemal testicles fully descended into
the scrotum.
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Dutch Kenstaff Staffordshire Bull Terrier ® All rights reserved
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