Cursset

He is not recognized by the F.C.I.

Origin
U.S.A. <> Great Britain -> U.S.A.
Translation
Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the Cursset

Fierce and resistant, the Cursset was developed from the Black Mouth Cur and Basset Hound. This protective dog is known for guarding against unwanted intruders and protecting itself against damage. Its intrepid nature makes it extremely useful in the field. The Cursset is not known as a nuisance barker, and will bark out of necessity to alert you to unknown parameters. The history of this breed is not well documented, but the parent breeds offer valuable insight into its background. Although perhaps focused on hunting, the Cursset is also sure to win you over. Its hard, rough, dense coat can vary from fawn to brown. Maintenance of this breed is relatively simple, requiring daily brushing to remove dead hairs. This motivated dog will need above-average daily exercise.

History of the Cursset

Although the exact history of the Cursset hybrid breed is unknown, it's still important to be able to review its parent breeds: the Black Mouth Cur and the Basset Hound.
        

A little of the Black Mouth Cur

        
The Black Mouth Cur was originally used as a working dog, adopting several names over the years: Farmer's Dog, Shepherd's Dog, Cow Dog and Cattle Dog. The original purpose of the breed was to drive, herd, hunt and accompany the family. The Black Mouth Cur was known as an excellent worker, rounding up cattle and circling them. This intelligent breed would also harass a provocative animal, chasing it back to its owner. When animals flocked to the herd, the dog would continue to bark for help, using his voice to express his intent.
Standard of the Black Mouth Cur

A little of the Basset Hound

Basset Hounds were descended from the Chien de Saint-Hubert, similar to the Bloodhound. The breed can be traced back to the friars of the Abbey of Saint-Hubert in medieval France, who wanted a short-legged breed that was effective at tracking scents in thick forests. The Basset Hound was bred to hunt game such as rabbits and hares. The word "Basset" can be traced back to Fouilloux, who wrote an illustrated hunting text. The first Basset Hound strongly resembled the Basset Artesien Normand, which was lighter and had a body twice as long as it was tall. It is widely believed that the Marquis de Lafayette imported the breed to the United States as a gift for George Washington. In 1885, the American Kennel Club officially recognized the Basset Hound. In 1935, the Basset Hound Club of America was organized in the USA. In 1964, the breed standard was adopted.
Standard of the Basset Hound

Appearance of the Cursset

As the Cursset is a hybrid of the Black Mouth Cur and the Basset Hound, there is currently no breed standard. Each dog can inherit the dominant traits of either parent breed. In general, the Cursset has a long, low body, similar to the Basset Hound. The coat can range from black and brown to fawn. Its long muzzle and floppy ears can be attributed to the Basset Hound's appearance. The eyes are generally dark brown, while the nose is black. Its long, thin tail is usually carried parallel to its body. Its expression resembles the sad look of a puppy. Its legs are strong and large.

Temperament of the Cursset

While the Cursset is described as a fierce, relentless guard dog that will protect the family from danger, it is also a gentle, loving and intelligent dog. He is known to be even-tempered and will only become cautious if he senses the potential for a volatile environment. His adorable personality makes him a wonderful pet. He will get on very well with children who understand boundaries. Early training and socialization are highly recommended to avoid any miscommunication with your dog. Its low, deep voice is often used to scare off intruders and protect its family. This protective dog can be wary of strangers and may require early intervention to differentiate between friendly and unwanted strangers. Its inquisitive nature makes it easy to train with positive reinforcement. The Cursset is known to have high energy levels and will require more exercise than average on a daily basis.

Needs and activities of the Cursset

Your Cursset is known to have a high energy threshold and will require intense play to meet daily exercise requirements. He will benefit from various activities such as running, swimming, pulling, fetching and staying active throughout the day. About 2 brisk walks a day are recommended to maintain his active lifestyle. It's recommended to provide your active Cursset with at least 45 to 50 minutes of exercise a day. Apartment living is strongly discouraged, as he won't have the ability to stay active and is likely to engage in destructive behavior. Your lively dog would benefit from living in a rural home with a spacious yard or field in a warm climate.

Maintenance of the Cursset

The Cursset is not considered a hypoallergenic breed and will shed moderately. Excessive dead hair can be maintained if brushed for 10 minutes a day with a fairly smooth brush. In shedding season, a pin brush will also do the trick. Baths should be given no earlier than every 6 to 8 weeks to avoid overproduction of oils in the skin. The ears need special attention because of their softness. Wipe and clean ears weekly. Teeth should be brushed regularly to prevent tartar build-up. There are no significant odors or drooling problems associated with Cursset. Nails should be trimmed every 2 to 3 weeks to prevent proliferation, which can be harmful to your pet.

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