Cur

A cur was a dog breed used by cattle drovers in England. In the United States, a short-haired dog used in hunting and herding is called "cur-tailed", or "cur" for short.

In modern speech, the term cur is usually used to describe a mongrel dog, particularly if its temperament is unfriendly or aggressive. The term is believed to be derived from the Old Norse kurra, meaning 'to grumble or growl'. In Victorian speech, cur could be used as an insult.