Dr. Sergey Uhanov
Last updated: 10th November 2023
Florida Cracker Cur
By
Dr. Sergey Uhanov
Last updated: 10th November 2023
The Florida Cracker Cur is a rugged, courageous cattle herder, serving as a defense against wild cats, boars, and bears since the beginning of cattle ranching in Florida. Bred for function over beauty, it has a muscular body, a well-developed snout, and is slightly larger than other Curs. Its short coat comes in brown, black, or white, with white markings on the chest and legs.
Quick Information
| Other names | Florida Cow Dog, Florida Cur, Florida Cracker Dog |
| Coat | Short and smooth |
| Color | White, black, or brown with some white marks |
| Breed type | Purebred |
| Group | Cattle Herding |
| Life expectancy | 12-16 years |
| Size | Medium |
| Height | 18 – 26 inches |
| Weight | 45 – 70 pounds |
| Litter Size | 3 – 8 puppies |
| Behavioral Characteristics | Courageous, powerful, determined, lively, and energetic |
| Good with children | Yes |
| Barking Tendency | Moderate; they bark to help corral cattle |
| Climate compatibility | High; they are highly adaptable |
| Apartment compatibility | Low; they require vast open spaces |
| Do they shed | They shed minimally |
| Are they hypoallergenic | No |
| Trainability | High |
| How much do they cost | $400 – $2,500 |
| Competitive Registration Qualification/Information | DRA |
| Country | USA |
History and Origin
This breed first came to Florida with Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto in 1539. He served the King of Spain in Peru and Panama and led the Spanish expedition to claim the land after the Narvaez mission failed. These ships carried several cattle herders and hunters, ancestors of the modern-day Florida Cracker Cur. Cowboys used it to round up stray cattle from venturing into wooded, predator-prone areas. Utterly fearless, it often faced wild bears and cougars while protecting its flock. Despite its toughness and bravery, it never harmed the livestock, using its bark or gentle nudges to corral wayward cows. However, this once widespread farmhand is now rare. Laws introduced in the 1940s concerning free-range farms eliminated the need for a herding dog. Still, many enthusiasts are striving to keep this breed alive.
Temperament and Personality
These dogs are resilient and courageous and want to please their master. Bred to look after huge flocks, they needed to be independent thinkers to make quick decisions when faced with dangerous situations. Thus, they became dauntless and tough herders and guard dogs. Incredibly protective over their family, lack of proper training can make them aggressive towards strangers. As a working breed, an apartment life is unsuitable for them. Providing a job is necessary to keep them engaged and happy. Meant initially to manage cattle, they can do various work such as trailing, treeing, or baying.
Care
Exercise
They are very active and need ample exercise to stay fit. When not working on a ranch, take your pet on long walks and jogs daily. The more you work out with your companion, the healthier they will be.
Grooming
Their short hair is easily manageable, requiring an occasional brushing to remove dirt and shedding. Bath them only when unavoidable, as doing so frequently will cause dryness and irritation. Check the ears for hair growth, and clip the nails when necessary.
Health Problems
This breed is robust, with the significant problems being hip dysplasia and eye issues. Regular check-ups and vaccinations can help avoid illnesses, ensuring a long and healthy life.
Feeding
They do well on a balanced, nutritious diet. Due to their active lifestyle, these dogs tend to have a substantial appetite, so avoid overfeeding. Always discuss their meal plan with your veterinarian to get the correct suggestions.
Training
Florida Cracker Curs are clever and eager to please, learning commands and tricks via instinct and consistent training.
Socialization: They are decisive and assertive due to their independent and bold nature. Early socialization is beneficial to teach them when to relax and when to be alert. Their protective instincts can quickly become over-protective and daunting if allowed to dominate their owner.
Obedience: You must establish yourself as a pack leader to avoid your pet showing disobedience and aggression by biting or growling. All the decisions in the household must come from you, not your dog, to have a fulfilling relationship with your companion.
Interesting Facts
- Their short coat serves several functions. It keeps them cool on hotter days, allows them to move through grass and undergrowth without experiencing resistance, and helps them remain silent to stalk predators that might cause trouble.
- They are also able to climb trees with low-lying branches. This vantage point gives them the chance to observe and track any unrest.
- These dogs also make excellent hunters, catching deer, wild boar, and raccoons.
FAQs
These dogs get their name from the Florida cowboys, originally colonial British settlers. Due to the sound of their whips, they are also called “Crackers” and used to drive cattle across expansive plains.
