A cur dog is a type of dog that has been bred for working purposes such as hunting, herding, and protecting farms and ranches. The term "cur" refers to a collection of 14 different dogs with similar traits and characteristics, including the American Leopard Hound, Black Mouth Cur, Blue Lacy, Camus Cur, and Canadian Cur. Curs are usually not recognized as show dogs, but developed solely for their hunting ability. They are larger dogs, typically weighing around 70 pounds or so, and have shorter hair and drop ears.

In modern speech, the term "cur" is usually used to describe a mongrel dog, particularly if its temperament is unfriendly or aggressive. However, this is not the original meaning of the term. In England, the cur, also called the drovers dog, was a distinct breed of dog used by cattle drovers; they are now extinct. In the United States, a short-haired dog used in hunting and herding is called "cur-tailed", or "cur" for short.

Curs are specialized working dogs bred for ability by breeding the best to the best, based on individual performance and usually regardless of the actual breed. They are known for their energy, intelligence, and tenacity, and are loyal workers and companions. They are also fiercely protective of their owners. The Black Mouth Cur, for example, is a high-energy dog that needs at least an hour of daily exercise if it doesnt have a job to do.

In summary, a cur dog is a type of working dog that has been bred for hunting, herding, and protecting farms and ranches. The term "cur" refers to a collection of different dogs with similar traits and characteristics, and they are usually not recognized as show dogs. Curs are known for their energy, intelligence, and tenacity, and are loyal workers and companions.