Caroline - Runt

With a star-studded history and loving yet protective personality, it’s easy to understand why German Shepherd Dogs are one of the most popular breeds around. These pups possess the perfect blend of gentle love and fierce watchfulness. As long as you’re safe and content, they will be too. Full-grown, they typically weigh 50-90 pounds and stand 22-26 inches tall.

German Shepherd Dogs are generally excellent with children of all ages. German Shepherd Dogs are ultra territorial, making them among the least likely of breeds to run away from a fight. German Shepherds get along fine with children and other animals, as long as they’ve been socialized, and they prefer to live in a home with family around. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.

German Shepherd Dogs are happiest when they’re doing some type of work, such as agility, obedience, or any activity that taps into their herding instincts. This breed enjoys helping and having a job to do, so they're often used as guide dogs and police dogs. No matter what the activity is, be sure to keep your German Shepherd busy with mental and physical activities to prevent boredom. Overall, their exercise needs are very high.

There are three varieties of German Shepherds: coarse and short-haired, coarse and long-haired, and wavy and long-haired. The most common dogs are tan with a black back and mask, but German Shepherds come in a variety of colors, including solid black, grey, brown, and yellow, tricolor, or sable. They also have several kinds of markings, such as “pencilling” (black lines on the toes) and “tar heels” (black on the back of the leg). Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.

German Shepherd Dogs are best suited for a home with a yard, though they can adapt to apartment life with enough exercise. German Shepherds get along fine with children and other animals, as long as they’ve been socialized, and they prefer to live in a home with family around. However, they don’t enjoy being with other dogs and would prefer to have the house to themselves. They are highly trainable and eager to learn.

The Mountain Cur is a courageous hunter and protector. They are loving and affectionate toward their owners, but are very strong-minded when it comes to doing what they want. Mountain Curs can become over-protective and require an assertive, experienced owner. Full-grown, they typically weigh 30-60 pounds and stand 16-26 inches tall.

Mountain Curs are generally okay with older children who know how to handle dogs. Mountain Curs can adapt to life indoors or outdoors and generally get along well with children and other animals when raised together. However, they do have a tendency to see cats and other small furry critters as something to chase. They're very vocal and bark quite a lot.

The Mountain Cur’s heart sings when working a game trail for its master. They live for the thrill of the hunt and the adventure of chasing down a scent. You’ll need to plan intense daily activity for your Mountain Cur and frequent trips to areas where they are safe to roam free and follow their nose. Overall, their exercise needs are very high.

Mountain Curs have a short, easy-care coat. They range in color from tan, to red, to dark brown and brindle. An occasional brushing to remove dead and loose hair is all they need to keep their coat in tip-top shape. Grooming-wise, this breed is moderate.

Mountain Curs are best suited for a house with a good-sized yard. Mountain Curs fit best in rural homes where they have plenty of safe space to play and are happiest in families that will take them hunting. They need plenty of time outdoors every day, as well as lots of interaction with humans. They are highly trainable and eager to learn.