Mandy Middleton | Walnut Ridge Mountain Curs

Interview With Mandy Middleton, Breeder of Walnut Ridge Mountain Curs

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? What is your kennel name?

Mandy Middleton: My name is Mandy Middleton. I am the owner/breeder/handler of Walnut Ridge Mountain Curs. I got my first Cur, Diesel, as a pound puppy from Tennessee in 2011. He introduced me to the world of dog sports. Had it not been for that particular dog I may have never ventured into a show or trial ring. I didn’t know what breed he was, then I discovered he was a Mountain Cur a few years later. He was such a great dog that I went looking for another. I bred my first litter in 2016.

2. What are the hallmarks of your breed and why are they important for maintaining breed type?

Mandy Middleton: The Mountain 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. The overall impression should be of a strong, athletic dog that can hunt for miles in rugged terrain. They should tree game for hunters and have the ability to guard the home.

3. In your opinion, are there enough puppy homes to support breeding a litter this year?

Mandy Middleton: Yes, I have bred several litters this year, and planning next year’s crosses.

4. How have you implemented new technologies in science and communications as a breeder?

Mandy Middleton: I have discovered that the bobtail gene is disastrous. Our Breed Standard says, “Natural bob or bobbed preferred…” I have even had judges ask why this is, because this gene is embryonic lethal. I have seen spinal deformities in this breed as well, due to breeding for the bobtail trait. This is going to be tough to deal with because of the Standard preferring it. This is something I am working on in the breed club, to revise the Standard and prevent these health concerns.

5. In your community, have you noticed a change in the public’s perception of purebred dogs?

Mandy Middleton: In the last five or so years I have noticed that now people actually know what a Mountain Cur is. I used to constantly explain the breed to exhibitors and to the general public.

6. Have you noticed any trends in the sport? Anything to be concerned about?

Mandy Middleton: At this time, the majority of people in my breed roll their eyes at health testing, inbreeding, or conformation. That is a major concern to me, because I am noticing a trend of inbreeding affecting the health and vigor of these dogs, along with the lethal bobtail gene. The trend of not health testing needs to end, and we need to do better for the breed.

7. What are some of the positive changes you’ve seen in the sport in recent years?

Mandy Middleton: In 5-10 years, dog sports have become more widespread and are attracting more breeds and a variety of exhibitors. In these last few years, entries seem to be down; however, I think that is due to the current economy and inflation.