Strong, energetic, and courageous, the Black Mouth Cur is known as a working dog bred to help hunters and farmers in the rugged region of the southeastern United States. This breed can protect the home, track game, and herd livestock, although these dogs also have a soft side that doesn’t react well to harsh rebukes. Black Mouth Cur is recognized as a herding group by the UKC; however, AKC has not recognized Black Mouth Cur yet.
Black Mouth Cur Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Intelligent | High Energy |
| Guard Dogs | Frequent Barking |
| Loyal Companions | High Socialization Needs |
Black Mouth Cur Basic Information
- Name: Black Mouth Cur
- Height: Male-18 to 25 inches // Female- 16-23 inches
- Weight: Males– 40 to 95 Pounds // Females- 35-80 pounds
- Size: Large
- Coat: Short & Smooth
- Color: Brown, Chocolate, Black, Red, Fawn, Gold, Yellow
- Energy: Medium to High
- Activities: Companion Dogs
- Group: Herding group
- Barking Level: High
- Shedding Level: Medium
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Litter Size: 5 to 10 Puppies
- Life Span: 12 to 15 Years
- Other names: Southern Cur, Southern Black Mouth Cur, Yellow Black Mouth Cur, American Black Mouth Cur, Blackmouth Cur, East Texas Cur, East Texas Brindle Cur, Red Black Mouth Cur, Yellow Cur
Breed Recognition:
- UKC = United Kennel Club
- DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
- FBMCBO, Inc.= Foundation Black Mouth Cur Breeders Organization, Inc.
- NKC = National Kennel Club
- ABMCBA = American Black Mouth Cur Breeders Association
- ACA = American Canine Association Inc.
- ACR = American Canine Registry
- APRI = American Pet Registry, Inc.
- CKC = Continental Kennel Club
- NSBMCBA = National Southern Black Mouth Cur Breeders Association
- SBMCBA = Southern Black Mouth Cur Breeders Association
History
The origin of Black Mouth Cur is a mystery. Still, it is believed to have come from Southern parts of the United States, particularly Mississippi or Tennessee. Having descended from European and Asian cur dogs, the tradesmen and settlers brought this breed to hunt in the rough terrains, protect themselves from the wild forests, look after their livestock, and farm their lands.
Black Mouth Curs were bred for more than 100 years by the Ladner family and they are the most famous breeders of these pure breed dogs. Other variations are:
- Alabama Black Mouth Curs are bought for their red coats
- Florida Black Mouth Curs are known for their yellow coats
The color variations of Black Mouth Curs make it difficult for breed recognition. Thus, American Kennel Clubs do not register them. However, The United Kennel Club recognized the Black Mouth Cur in 1998, appearing in show rings.
Different types of Black Mouth Curs
The Black Mouth Cur is a muscular and powerful dog with a square or at least longer body than tall. They are tenacious canines with an innate urge to work. Being a hunter, Black Mouth Curs are built to move efficiently over harsh terrain for long periods. It is believed that the original Curs were seen across Asia and Europe. But the Black Mouth Cur has its tale in the Southern US hence the “Southern Cur Dog.” What seems more likely is a little differentiation within the breed, depending on the area they originate from.
Different types of Black Mouth Curs are:
- Foundation Black Mouth Cur (originated from Texas)
- American Black Mouth Cur
- Ladner Yellow Blackmouth Cur (originated from Mississippi)
- Red Alabama Blackmouth Cur
- Florida Black Mouth Cur
- Florida Yellow Black Mouth Cur
- Southern Black Mouth Cur (originated from Alabama)
- Southern Cur
Black Mouth Cur Personality
The Black Mouth Cur enjoys being around family and humans and is excellent with kids. However, these breeds are a poor option for novice owners or those who cannot keep up with a demanding energy level because of their high exercise needs. Black Mouth Curs mostly live in the US and are rare in other parts of the world. These breeds are obedient, adaptable, and share a desire to learn.
Black Mouth Cur Physical Features
The Black Mouth Cur is a muscular, athletic, rugged, sturdy Southern dog. Their coat color varies from shades of red, black, brown, fawn, yellow, and brindle. Some BM Curs are born with lighter coats, and some are born with heavier coats; these two coat varieties can be seen in the same litter.
The undeniably strong muzzle is tan, black, or the same color as the coat. They have medium-sized hanging ears with lengthy tail. They may also have small patches of white under their chin, around the nose, neck, legs, chest, and the tip of their tail. Their eyes may be yellow, brown, or green. Their legs are almost long, which makes them travel long distances.
The size of Black Mouth Curs differs based on the breed’s purposes. For example, herding dogs weigh over 100 pounds, and tree dogs weigh between 35-50 pounds.
Friendliness Overview
| Affection level | High |
| Family-Friendly | High |
| Kid-Friendly | High |
| Pet-Friendly | Medium |
| Strangers-Friendly | Medium |
Adaptability Overview
| Good for New Pet Owners | Medium |
| Good for Apartment Living | Low |
| Sensitivity Level | Medium to High |
| Tolerates being alone | Low |
| Cold Tolerance | Medium |
| Heat Tolerance | Medium |
Black Mouth Cur Temperament
Even though they are bred to work, the Black Mouth Cur is valued for their strength, courage, and loyalty, and they are becoming excellent family dogs. Black Mouth Curs are susceptible and energetic dogs, mainly with a high work drive. They were bred initially for property protection and herding, and they are very connected with their owners and immediate family. Black Mouth Curs can be trained effortlessly since there is something like a treat, ball, or toy that they will do anything for.
Black Mouth Curs may be challenging for novice owners due to their need for constant mental stimulation and high energy levels. However, they are brilliant dogs who do best with early socialization and training.
Black Mouth Cur Training
Black Mouth Curs are intelligent dogs, so training them is an easy process. They will learn quickly and complete any complex tricks to win those treats you have waiting for them. They’re sensitive dogs, so they react best to positive reinforcement. The training should be firm and consistent. This dog needs to be reminded that its owner is its chief. Otherwise, they can outsmart you and may not respond to your training.
Black Mouth Cur can be a little aggressive so avoid yelling, hitting, or punishing them. However, every dog needs heaps of treats and loves to follow the training better. Black Mouth Cur’s training should start when they are young and maintain during their early life stages to impart obedience.
Trainability Overview
| Easy to Train | Medium |
| Intelligence | Medium to High |
| Prey Drive | Medium |
| Tendency to Chew, Nip & Play-bite | Medium to High |
| Tendency to Bark or Howl | Medium to High |
| Wanderlust Ability | Medium to High |
Black Mouth Cur Exercise Needs
The Black Mouth Cur is a high-energy hunting dog that needs a great deal of exercise, at least two-three hours daily. So, if you’re looking for an active partner to join you on adventures, the Black Mouth Cur is your dog. Black Mouth Curs need both physical and mental stimulation. Lack of exercise can cause a wide variety of depression, idleness, boredom, and destructive behaviors.
Black Mouth Curs need long, daily walks, regular exercise, and activities that keep them occupied. Lack of exercise can result in behavioral problems. With their webbed feet, Black Mouth Curs are great swimmers too.
Exercise Needs Overview
| Energy Level | Medium to High |
| Exercise Needs | High |
| Playfulness | High |
| Intensity | Medium |
Black Mouth Cur Grooming
Black Mouth Curs are short-haired dogs and shed an average amount, so they have minimal grooming needs and are the least time-consuming. Moderate shedding makes them a good choice for allergic people. They need baths occasionally, as a regular bath can cause their skin to dry out. However, every couple of months is enough, unless they have gotten dirty or been in the salty water. Nail trimming is essential as they are inclined to have problems with their eyes and ears; ensure to keep an eye out for any infections. Tooth brushing is needed to prevent dental disease, gingivitis, and bad breath.
Grooming Needs Overview
| Amount of Shedding | Medium |
| Tendency to Drool | Low |
| Tendency to Snore | Low to Medium |
| Easy to Groom | Medium |
Black Mouth Cur Health
Black Mouth Curs are considered healthy dogs with a long lifespan and fewer genetic issues affecting other breeds. However, all breeds are sensitive to some health problems, and Black Mouth Curs are no exception. Therefore, regular health check-ups are advised to prevent common health diseases.
Health Overview
| Basic Health | Medium |
| Weight Gain Possibilities | Low to Medium |
| Size | Medium |
Ear Infection: Black Mouth Cur is prone to ear infections. So, cleaning their ears with wet cotton once a week can help to prevent ear infections. Also, pay special attention during their grooming sessions.
Epilepsy: An inherited disease for which the cause is unknown. Black Mouth Curs may undergo seizures one or the other time but seem perfectly normal in between the events.
Heart Disease: Heart Diseases might cause unusual heart rhythm and heart murmurs. This disease can be diagnosed through an ECG or an X-ray.
Hip Dysplasia: This life-threatening hereditary disorder is caused when the rear leg bones do not fit in the joints correctly. This condition can be triggered by several factors such as obesity, injuries, and wrong exercises. This disease can be rectified through medications or hip replacement surgeries.
Cataracts: The cloud-like spots on the eye lens are a sign of cataracts. Dogs might experience vision impairment.
Elbow Dysplasia: Elbow dysplasia happens when the bones of the elbow joint don’t fit correctly. This misalignment creates abnormal pressure at the joint, causing chronic rubbing, following severe osteoarthritis. Symptoms include lameness in the forelimbs and mild to moderate pain.
Black Mouth Cur Diet and Nutrition
The Black Mouth Cur is energetic and needs a high-quality working dog diet and nutritional food to stay healthy and energized. They need approximately 1000 calories daily, which equates to about 2 cups of kibble every day. These breeds need both fat and protein in their diet to help maintain their lean muscles and to keep high energy levels. As a puppy, you should divide their food into three meals daily. Black Mouth Curs are inclined to gaining weight, so ensure not to overfeed them.
Recent studies have started to note that the legumes in grain-free foods are creating Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) in some dogs, so grain-free foods should be thoroughly vetted. Check with your veterinarian about what food will be most suitable for your Black Mouth Cur.
Black Mouth Cur Living Conditions
As energetic dogs, the Black Mouth Curs are not suitable for apartment life. They need plenty of time to exercise and play. They are better suited for houses with yards and vast outdoor space.
Adding a Black Mouth Cur to Your Family
Things to Remember Before Buying a Black Mouth Cur
It is always recommended to get from local, reliable breeders as they guarantee the happiness and well-being of both the parents and the puppies. In addition, they should give you the health clearance records and gene tests for a vaccinated dog.
Cost of a Black Mouth Cur Puppy
The Black Mouth Cur puppy can cost anywhere between $300 and $500.
Black Mouth Cur Photos
