The Black Mouth CurGerman Shepherd is a mix of two prevalent breeds that blend the outstanding traits of the Black Mouth Cur and the German Shepherd. This crossbreed is intelligent, energetic, agile, and has strong guard dog instincts. You also have to keep them in proper training and exercise to manage their good behavior.
This mix has a broad spectrum of color variation since both breeds come in different colors and marking patterns. The authentic look of each dog will be based on their specific heritage but will often look a bit more like the German Shepherd with a shorter coat.
Table of Contents
Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd Mix Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Intelligent
High Energy
Guard Dogs
Frequent Barking
Loyal Companions
High Socialization Needs
Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd Mix Basic Information
Name: Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd Mix
Height: 19 to 20 inches
Weight: 45 to 85 Pounds
Size: Medium
Coat: Curly & Thick/ Short & Smooth
Color: black, black and tan, black and gray
Energy: Medium to High
Activities: Active families, hunting, and service training
Southern Cur, East Texas Cur, American Black Mouth Cur
Alsatian, Deutscher Schaeferhund
Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd MixPersonality
The Black Mouth Cur and the German Shepherd mix feature a German Shepherd’s muscular build, although the dog might be smaller. Other typical features include the broad chest and downward-sloping pelvis of a Shepherd. This breed’s head will usually have a wedge shape, also a unique trait. You can expect extensive, erect ears with slightly pointed tips. Ear posting and cropping are not preferred for these breeds.
Black Mouth Cur German Shepherds have smooth or thick double coats depending on the dominant parent gene. Generally, they are gray or brown. However, if they inherit Cur’s gene, they have tan or brown coats with black muzzles.
Both the parent breeds are known for their speed, agility, and athletic nature. German Shepherds run at a rate of 30 miles/hr. Black Mouth Curs’ running speed is 20 miles/hr. So, the average running rate of the offspring is 25 miles/hr, making them excellent working dogs.
Friendliness Overview
Affection Level
High
Family-Friendly
High
Kid-Friendly
Medium to High
Pet-Friendly
Low to Medium
Strangers-Friendly
Medium
Adaptability Overview
Good for New Pet Owners
Low
Good for Apartment Living
Medium to High
Sensitivity Level
Medium to High
Tolerates being alone
Low to Medium
Cold Tolerance
Medium to High
Heat Tolerance
Medium to High
Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd Mix Temperament
The temperament of a BM Cur GSD mix is very kind. These breeds are easy to train and loyal to their people. Their fearlessness is like a Blackmouth Cur and courage like a German Shepherd. They are very active, intelligent, obedient watchdogs, and they always like to learn something new and curiously investigate their surroundings. Even though they are friendly and kind to family, both Black Mouth Curs and German Shepherds are working dogs. Therefore, they will need proper mental and physical stimulation to prevent them from becoming destructive out of boredom.
Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd Mix Training
As working dogs, the mix tends to be exceptionally trainable, as they would have to do their duties accurately. BM Curs and GSDs were bred explicitly for protection and were suspicious of strangers if not socialized properly. German Shepherds and Black Mouth Curs bark and vocalize a lot. Hence, your mixed breed inherits the gene. Do not leave them alone for a long time. Proper training and early socialization should start when she is a puppy. Always use positive reinforcement, even if they are showing stubbornness. Positive reinforcement enhances the bond you share with your canine and allows you to form a connection based on trust and respect.
Trainability Overview
Easy to Train
Medium to High
Intelligence
High
Prey Drive
Medium
Tendency to Chew, Nip & Play-bite
Medium
Tendency to Bark or Howl
High
Wanderlust Ability
Low to Medium
Attention/Social Needs
Medium
Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd Mix Exercise Needs
Proper training is necessary for a BM Cur GSD mix. As mentioned, they are bred for hunting, and herding is very dominant and quick learners, so they require efficient training. In addition, they need at least one hour of exercise daily to keep them fit and healthy. They will accompany you on hiking, jogging, and love playing fetch.
Hence, letting your pets play in the yard, and taking them for daily walks and off-leash exercise can fulfill the exercise needs of the Black Mouth Cur German Shepherds.
Exercise Needs Overview
Energy Level
High
Exercise Needs
High
Playfulness
Medium to High
Intensity
Medium
Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd Mix Grooming
The Black Mouth Cur has rough, short fur, while the German Shepherd has a thick, medium-length double coat. Depending on the coat your crossbreed inherits, the grooming requirements may vary.
Both breeds can go without bathing for longer than some other breeds. The recommended bathing necessities for the GSD vary. Usually, you don’t need to bathe them more than once a month because over-bathing can eliminate natural oils resulting in dry skin. The BM Cur can be cleaned a few times per year, and most people wouldn’t even know. They both are average year-round shedders with an increase in shedding just before winter and summer each year. A de-shedding device, like a Furminator, can be an ideal lifesaver for people who share roofs with these adorable canines.
This breed only needs to be brushed once a week during regular times and twice a week during the shedding period. Nail clipping and tooth cleaning should be done at the same frequency as any other breed. If your dog has floppy ears instead of erect German Shepherd ears, you should clean their ears more often as they are more likely to get ear infections.
Grooming Needs Overview
Amount of Shedding
Medium
Tendency to Drool
Low
Tendency to Snore
Low to Medium
Easy to Groom
Medium
Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd Mix Health
Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd mix is susceptible to health issues that are common to their purebred counterparts. Therefore, regular health check-ups are essential to identify and cure potential health diseases.
Minor Conditions
Eye Infections
Ear Infections
Serious Conditions
Epilepsy
Gastric Dilation & Volvulus
Hip Dysplasia
Manage
Health Overview
Basic Health
Medium to High
Weight Gain Possibilities
Medium to High
Size
Medium
Ear Infections: Ear infections are common and are easily diagnosable and treatable. The initial signs are itchiness, ear discharge, head shaking, and redness and swelling of the ear canal. Excess wax and dirt can lead to severe infection.
Eye Infections: Eye infections are similarly common. Like in humans, it causes puffy eyelids, itchiness of the eyes, and eyelids that stick together. Eye infections are minor and treatable in the initial stage, but you should not ignore them as they can be signs of more severe illnesses. Antihistamines, cold compresses, and eye drops are among the usual procedures for a normal eye infection.
Gastric Dilatation & Volvulus: The very roots of gastric dilatation or bloat in dogs are unknown, but the disease remains a common killer of larger breeds. The condition is critical and deadly as the dog’s stomach dilates, spins, and twists, a severe digestive system disorder. Also, it causes severe repercussions like organ failure.
Hip Dysplasia: This is a life-threatening hereditary disease caused when the socket portion of the hip does not correctly fit the ball portion resulting in joint dislocation. This difficulty may occur at birth or in early life. Once the affected dog ages, hip dysplasia can further extend into arthritis if not appropriately monitored. You can cure this disease in your pet through hip replacement surgeries or medications.
Mange: Mange is a dangerous skin condition caused by a bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infection known as mites. There are two varieties of mange — sarcoptic mange and Demodex mange, severed by the kinds of mites that cause the infestation. Sarcoptic mange is highly infectious and transmissible from dogs to humans.
Excessive scratching or movements near the face and ears
Scabs or sores in the affected area
Reddish-brown patches on the skin
Epilepsy – This isa hereditary disease having numerous causes extending from genetic to structural deformities of the brain. Dogs may experience seizures at one or the other time but seem completely normal in between the events. Seizures can have a particular reason, such as brain trauma, organ failure, brain tumor, or poisoning.
Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd Mix Diet and Nutrition
It is recommended to follow the diet requirements or discuss with your vet for personalized guidance. A BM Cur GSD mix would do well on a high-quality diet or homemade food that provides sufficient fiber, protein, minerals, and vitamins to meet their nutritional necessities. As they are more prone to suffer from the spine, joint, and hip problems, they should consume a diet rich in fish oil and supplement it with glucosamine and chondroitin.
Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd Mix Living Conditions
Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd mixes are not suited for small living and apartment areas. The ideal living situation would add a vast backyard to run around efficiently with a fence to manage their protective nature.
A house with a backyard is highly advised as these canines are hyperactive and relish running and enjoying activities.
Adding a Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd Mix to Your Family
Things to Remember Before Buying a Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd Mix
The breeder should have finished all the required tests before breeding. You should ask for health clearance documents. The puppy has to undergo vaccination and genetic testing. It is recommended to buy only from reliable and responsible breeders.
Cost of a Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd Puppy
A Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd will commonly be found through adoption agencies rather than breeders. A puppy will cost an average of around $300–$350.
