The Black Mouth Cur is one type of Cur dog that originated in the southern part of the United States. These dogs were specifically bred for farmers and settlers who couldn’t afford to have multiple dogs. They were created by mixing hound, terrier, and feisty dog breeds, resulting in versatile canines that could hunt, herd, and guard. The focus was on their abilities rather than their appearance, so there is a wide range of sizes and colors among these dogs.
Regardless of their size, Black Mouth Curs are known for their high energy levels and strong hunting instincts. This means they need regular physical and mental exercise to prevent any unwanted behaviors from developing.
Below, we look at Black Mouth Cur dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Black Mouth Cur, characteristics, and must-know facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and much more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Black Mouth Curs!
| Dog Breed | Black Mouth Cur |
| Size | Large |
| Weight | 35-85 lbs (average) |
| Height | 16-23″ (average) |
| Location | United States |
| Ancestry | Hounds, Terriers, Feist-type Dogs |
| Date of Origin | 1700s |
| Group | Multipurpose Working, Herding Dog |
| Life Expectancy | 12-18 years |
| Price | $300 – $500 |
| Family | Canidae |
| Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
The term “Cur” was originally used to describe an unhealthy or aggressive mongrel dog. However, it now refers to several breeds of dogs that were developed as multipurpose farm dogs in the Southern United States. These dogs were intentionally bred for their various skills, so they were created by combining different breeds with different abilities, without much consideration for their physical appearance.
Written records of the Cur dogs date back to at least the 1700s. Most of them were a mix of hound and terrier, with some feist and herding dog bloodlines. Over time, the original Cur dogs split into several types, including the Catahoula Leopard dog, the Mountain Cur, the Treeing Cur, and the Black Mouth Cur.
The Black Mouth Cur is one of the older varieties of Cur. It is famously described in the well-known novel “Old Yeller” by Fred Gipson. However, the dog in the movie adaptation of the same name was a rescue dog believed to be a mix of Mastiff and Labrador Retriever.
The Black Mouth Cur can be recognized by its characteristic black muzzle and darker pigmentation that extends to the inside of its mouth, with only the tongue remaining pink. This unique pigmentation has led experts to speculate that the Black Mouth Cur may have some English Mastiff ancestry, although this theory has not been proven.
🐕 Black Mouth Cur Appearance
The Black Mouth Cur is a medium-to-large dog that stands between 16 and 25 inches tall and may weigh up to 95 pounds. They can be a little heavier than other species of cur. They have a chest that is very wide and strong, a slightly arched loin, and are somewhat longer than they are tall. Many of the Black Mouth Cur’s canines have webbing between their toes, and their legs are robust and straight. A broad, flat skull and a broad nose with a particularly well-defined underjaw give their skulls the appearance of being on the larger side. Their medium-length, drop-style ears are situated high upon the head and dangle near to the face. The snout and the interior of the mouth are normally pigmented black, leaving just the tongue pink. They can have any shade of brown, green, or yellow eyes; blue and multicolored eyes are rare but are seen to be major flaws.
| 👀 Eye Color | Hazel |
| 🐽 Nose Color | Black, Brown |
| 🐕 Coat Color | Brown, Black, Fawn, Isabella, Brindle |
⚡ Fun Fact: Black Mouth Cur dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn’t tolerate being left alone.
🐶 Traits & Temperament of Black Mouth Cur
This breed often gets along well with people of all ages, but because they may occasionally be big and clumsy, they should be constantly watched while socializing with little children. They get along with other dogs very well while they’re on neutral ground with the right socialization, but because of their territorial nature, this can occasionally turn into aggressiveness when they’re on their own land. These dogs are often not advised for households with cats and other smaller pets since they are natural hunters with an exceptionally strong prey drive. Their predation drive is so strong that many BlackMouth Curs will bring home “presents” of dead animals for their owners when given free reign, much like outdoor cats, but with larger prey. They should never be left alone in the backyard since they are very skilled escape artists. Although they are very bright and good problem solvers, some BlackMouth Curs will show little interest in training as all and prefer to try and learn things on their own, which can occasionally result in mischief.
🤝 Are Black Mouth Curs Friendly or Aggressive?
Black Mouth Cur dogs tend to have difficulty getting along with other pets, and they are not the most cat-friendly dogs. However, they generally display average friendliness towards strangers, children, and other dogs. Additionally, Black Mouth Curs are commonly okay with elderly people.
This breed is known for being:
- Active
- Protective
- Loyal
- Kind
- Trainable
- Fearless
🐩 Black Mouth Cur Care & Maintenance
These canines are reasonably easy to groom and have easy-to-care-for coats. Bathing should be limited to “as needed” as these dogs’ dry skin might cause issues if they are bathed too regularly. Their coats tend to collect up dirt and debris when outdoors, so more frequent brushing sessions may be necessary even though they just need to be brushed a few times each month to manage their shedding and maintain the health of their hair. When the seasons change, many Black Mouth Curs also shed more thickly, which may necessitate more regular brushing sessions.
Black Mouth Cur dogs have a low tendency to shed their hair, which is a normal part of the hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss in these dogs primarily depend on their overall health and the specific breed they belong to. In terms of bath time, it is recommended to give Black Mouth Cur dogs a bath every 4-6 weeks.
🍖 Food: We recommend 3 cups daily, costing you about $1.50 – $1.90 daily, or approximately $39.00 – $52.00 a month.
🐾 Exercise: Black Mouth Cur dogs need a lot of exercises. Long walks should be on a daily schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly 14 miles per week, which equates to about 60 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.
Did you know: Black Mouth Cur dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn’t the perfect choice for you.
❤️🩹 Black Mouth Cur Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for Black Mouth Cur Dog Breed can be:
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Canine Hip Dysplasia (Chd)
While minor concerns include:
- Ear Infections
- Entropion
- Ectropion
- Cataracts
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
🤧 Important: Is Black Mouth Cur hypoallergenic? No.
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Black Mouth Cur.
⚡ Black Mouth Cur Dog Breed Facts
What makes the Black Mouth Cur a great choice for families with young children?
The Black Mouth Cur’s sociable nature and ability to get along with people of all ages make them a great choice for families with young children. However, close supervision is recommended when interacting with smaller children due to their size and occasional clumsiness.
Is the Black Mouth Cur breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
The Black Mouth Cur breed is not considered suitable for apartment living. They have a high activity level and require both physical and mental exercise on a daily basis. Without sufficient space and exercise, they may develop problem behaviors.
How much exercise does a Black Mouth Cur require compared to other breeds?
The Black Mouth Cur requires a significant amount of exercise compared to many other breeds. They have a high activity level and an extremely high prey drive, which means they need both physical and mental stimulation to prevent problem behaviors from developing.
Is the Black Mouth Cur breed known for being good with other pets?
While the Black Mouth Cur can be sociable with other dogs when on neutral territory, their territorial nature can sometimes lead to aggression when they are on their own property. They are not typically recommended for homes with cats and other smaller pets due to their natural hunting instincts and prey drive.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Black Mouth Cur?
Some low-maintenance dog breeds that are similar to the Black Mouth Cur in terms of their working abilities and versatility include the Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Border Collie. These breeds are known for their intelligence and ability to perform various tasks.
What are the common health issues that Black Mouth Curs are prone to?
Common health issues that Black Mouth Curs are prone to include hip dysplasia, heart issues, and eye problems. Regular vet check-ups and proper care are important to maintain their overall health.
Are Black Mouth Curs known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
The trainability of Black Mouth Curs can vary from individual to individual. While many of them take quickly to training, some may show no interest and prefer to learn things on their own. This independent nature can sometimes lead to mischief.
Are Black Mouth Curs more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Black Mouth Curs, like many other breeds, can experience separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. Proper socialization, training, and providing mental stimulation can help alleviate this issue.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the Black Mouth Cur that are suitable for people with allergies?
Some dog breeds that are similar to the Black Mouth Cur and are suitable for people with allergies include the Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. These breeds are known for their hypoallergenic coats.
What sizes of dogs similar to the Black Mouth Cur are best for individuals or families with limited space?
Dogs similar in size to the Black Mouth Cur that are best for individuals or families with limited space include the Beagle, Boston Terrier, and French Bulldog. These breeds are smaller in size and can adapt well to living in smaller environments.
Is the Black Mouth Cur breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Black Mouth Cur can be good with children, including those with special needs, as long as they are properly socialized and supervised. However, their size and occasional clumsiness should be taken into consideration.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Black Mouth Cur?
The grooming needs of the Black Mouth Cur are relatively low. They have a short, dense coat that requires minimal grooming. They are average shedders and regular brushing can help keep their coat in good condition.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Black Mouth Cur dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.
