Cajun Squirrel Dog Breed

Below are details and specs for the Cajun Squirrel Dog breed.

These medium-sized squirrel dogs will be 16-24 inches at the shoulder if females, 18-26 if male. They have no strict weight requirements and standards say weight should be proportionate to height.

This breed can bay both large and small game and are said to be natural treeing dogs (with no equal). They are also true companion dogs that love kids and that can be taken wherever you go; if they are trained and socialized early they will dedicate their lives to their owners. They are very biddable and intelligent which means they learn quickly with an excellent memory. Cajun Squirrel Dogs can become capable watch dogs if trained to do so. Members of this breed should do well with other pets if trained early as they can be easily taught to leave small animals alone.

These rugged little dogs have short coats that require little care. Brush them every week or so to remove dead hairs and bathe them as necessary. Check the ears and teeth for cleaning weekly and monitor the nails for trimming. Train and socialize them as puppies, they are notorious for quickly catching on, especially if you keep them with you as your companion. Due to their history as hunting dogs, they will need plenty of outdoor exercise daily and would do best with a large property to roam; after training they are said to be responsible off leash.

Robert Kemmer of Crossville, Tennessee began breeding these squirrel dogs during the 1970s and this endeavor was continued by Calvin Boutte of Louisiana (hence "Cajun"). The Kemmer Stock Mtn Cur Breeders Association was founded in 1991 complete with a breed standard. These dogs are usually a yellowish or "blonde" color but can also be black, chocolate, blue, brindle and "buttermilk buckskin". They notably have long legs in relation to the body and natural bobbed or long tails.