Last Updated on March 6, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
Black Mouth Cur is a big dog from the United States. They are used for hunting many different animals like bears, pigs, raccoons, deer, and squirrels. They are very good at hunting and usually catch their prey on the ground, but they can also chase them up trees.
Black Mouth Curs are lively, brave, and strong dogs. They were made to help farmers and hunters in the tough lands of the southeastern United States. These dogs can do a lot of jobs like herding animals, guarding homes, and finding game.
They like it when you praise them for doing good things. These dogs need a lot of exercise because they are very active. If you want to get a Black Mouth Cur puppy, be ready to spend a lot of time and energy.
They love their human family but are cautious around people they don’t know. They are especially protective of kids. Some of them might listen better to women.
When you think about getting a Black Mouth Cur, it’s best to adopt from rescue groups or shelters. This way, you can give a dog a caring home.
But if you want to buy one, make sure to find a good breeder. Look into the breeder’s background to make sure they take good care of their dogs. Good breeders make sure their dogs have good health and temperament.
They conduct health checks and nurture the Black Mouth Cur puppies in a caring environment. This ensures that when you bring home a pup, it’s both happy and healthy, while also working to prevent the perpetuation of poor breeding practices. Anatole France said:
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”
Overview of Black Mouth Cur
The Black Mouth Cur is a special dog known for its black lips and muzzle. It’s not part of the American Kennel Club, and neither are any dogs with “cur” in their name. But it’s a purebred dog from the southeastern United States.
It’s good at many jobs, like protecting its family. The United Kennel Club says it’s a real scenthound. These dogs are courageous, faithful, and powerful.
They’re also sensitive and can tell how their owners feel. Black Mouth Curs need an owner who knows what they’re doing with training. They need to be taught firmly but kindly.
They need plenty of playtime and room to move around. Without it, they might start causing trouble at home. They like people and other dogs, but they can get protective of their family. So, they need to learn how to be friendly from a young age.
Features
Origin: The Black Mouth Cur originates from the Southern United States, where it was bred from European and American dogs for hunting and working purposes.
Skills: These dogs are skilled in various tasks such as hunting, herding, tracking, guarding, and serving as family pets. Historically, they were used primarily for hunting wild boar and raccoons.
Appearance: Their coats, often short and sleek, exhibit a variety of colors including yellow, fawn, or brindle, while their distinct feature is the prominent black muzzle. These are typical characteristics of Black Mouth Cur colors.
Intelligence: Black Mouth Curs are intelligent and quick learners, thriving on mental challenges.
Loyalty: They are fiercely loyal and protective of their families, although they can be cautious around strangers.
Health: While generally healthy with a lifespan of 12 to 16 years, they may be prone to health issues like hip dysplasia and skin problems.
Family-Friendly: With proper training, they make friendly family pets, getting along well with children and other animals in the household.
Black Mouth Cur History
The Black Mouth Cur is a special kind of dog with a bit of a mysterious past. People believe it came from the American frontier, maybe Mississippi or Tennessee.
Long ago, when pioneers and settlers were farming and hunting in places like Florida and Texas, they needed a strong dog to help them. That’s where the Black Mouth Cur comes in. This dog could do all sorts of jobs on the farm and help hunt in rough areas.
Some even say that without this dog, settlers wouldn’t have been able to move out west like they did. Back then, people didn’t keep very good records of which dogs they were breeding together, so we don’t know all the details about where the Black Mouth Cur really came from.
Some people think that English Mastiffs, which came to America from Europe a long time ago, might have been part of the Black Mouth Cur’s family tree. But it’s hard to know exactly when purebred Black Mouth Curs first came around.
Even today, different regions and breeders have their own types of Black Mouth Curs. However, they’re usually only bred with other Black Mouth Curs. One family in southern Mississippi, the Ladners, has been breeding Black Mouth Curs for more than 100 years.
There are also variations like the Alabama Black Mouth Cur, which is known for being red, and the Florida Black Mouth Cur, which has a yellow coat. Because of all these differences, it’s been tough to set exact rules for what makes a Black Mouth Cur.
That’s why some kennel clubs, like the American Kennel Club, don’t recognize them. But the United Kennel Club did start recognizing them in 1998, and now they can even be seen in dog shows. The most famous Black Mouth Cur is the dog from the book Old Yeller.
Even though the breed isn’t named in the book, the way the dog looks and acts suggests that he’s a Black Mouth Cur.
Size
Black Mouth Cur size can vary, even within the same litter. Typically, males tend to be larger, weighing between 40 to 95 pounds on average.
Girls are a bit smaller, usually weighing from 35 to 80 pounds. Most Black Mouth Curs are at least 16 inches tall.
Sometimes, how big a Black Mouth Cur is depends on why they were bred. Dogs meant for climbing trees might weigh from 35 to 50 pounds. But if they’re meant for herding, they could be over 100 pounds.
Black Mouth Cur Dog Breed Personality
The Black Mouth Cur’s history shaped what kind of dog it is today. Back in the old days, settlers needed a tough and versatile dog that could do a lot of different jobs. These dogs had to be brave to face off against wild animals like wildcats and bears.
That bravery still sticks with Black Mouth Curs today. They were also expected to be smart and help with hunting and protecting the family. Being strong and rugged was important too because life wasn’t easy on the frontier.
Today’s Black Mouth Curs still have all these traits. They’re full of energy and need plenty of exercise to stay happy. They’re not couch potatoes; they need space to run and play. If they don’t get enough exercise, they can get bored and start causing trouble.
Training a Black Mouth Cur can be a bit challenging. They’re not always quick to obey, but they’re sensitive, so being too tough on them doesn’t work well. They need a trainer who’s firm but patient. And training sessions should be short and focused to keep them interested.
Coat Color And Grooming
Black Mouth Curs can look different because each one is unique. Their faces might have some black fur on their muzzle, which is their trademark. But not every Black Mouth Cur has this.
Some might have patches of white on their face, chest, legs, or tail. Their eyes may come in shades of green, yellow, or brown.
Their fur might feel rough or smooth, and it can be red, yellow, black, brown, or striped. Some might look like they’re wearing a mask on their face and eyes.
Black Mouth Cur fur falls out a little all year, and more before winter and summer. They don’t need much grooming. Brushing them once a week is okay, and many don’t ever need a fancy grooming.
They need their nails trimmed regularly, and it’s important to keep their face and ears clean, especially where their skin folds, because dirt, bacteria, parasites, or debris can hide there.
Feeding
A Black Mouth Cur needs good food to stay healthy. What they eat depends on how big they are and what they do every day.
Some Black Mouth Curs work hard, like hunting or herding animals. They need food that gives them lots of energy. Others don’t work as much, just playing and walking around. They have different needs.
Most Black Mouth Curs eat two good meals every day. Your vet can help you figure out what food is best for your dog based on its size and how much energy it has.
It’s important to make sure they eat balanced meals. You might even want to talk to a nutritionist to get advice on what food is best for your dog.
Health Problems
Black Mouth Curs are usually very healthy and can live a long time, often into their teenage years. They tend to have fewer health problems that run in their families compared to other types of dogs. But it’s still important for owners to keep an eye on their health.
Black Mouth Cur health issues may include certain conditions they’re more prone to.
Let’s explore a few of them:
Mange: Mange, caused by mites, is a skin condition that can result in itching, hair loss, and skin irritation. Black Mouth Curs may occasionally experience this condition, which typically requires medicated baths and medications for treatment.
Ear Infections: Black Mouth Curs are prone to ear infections, which can be uncomfortable and require quick treatment. Regularly cleaning and maintaining their ears can help prevent these issues.
Epilepsy: Some Black Mouth Curs may have epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurring seizures. Medications and management techniques can help control seizures in affected dogs.
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a common problem for many breeds, including Black Mouth Curs. It involves abnormal development of the hip joint, leading to arthritis and mobility problems.
Maintaining the appropriate Black Mouth Cur weight through proper diet, exercise, and weight management is crucial for both prevention and management.
Cataracts: Cataracts, which cause cloudiness and vision impairment in the eyes, are a potential issue for Black Mouth Curs. In instances of severe cases, surgical intervention might be required to restore vision.
Regular veterinary examinations and a proactive attitude towards healthcare can support Black Mouth Cur owners in managing and dealing with these possible medical issues, guaranteeing their dogs enjoy extended and healthy lives.
Black Mouth Cur Care
It’s crucial to look after a Black Mouth Cur’s ears because they can easily gather dirt, water, and stuff that can make them sick. Especially if they like to play outside in water or humid places. Regular ear cleaning can help prevent infections.
When you take your Black Mouth Cur to the vet, make sure they check for signs of cataracts, hip dysplasia, or other eye and bone problems. These checks can catch issues early.
Also, it’s a good idea to brush their teeth often and get them cleaned professionally when needed. Your vet can give you more advice on how to keep your Black Mouth Cur healthy.
Black Mouth Cur With Kids And Other Pets
Black mouth cur pit mix can be nice to other dogs if they learn how to be around them from an early age. But sometimes, they might act mean to strangers or other dogs if they think someone is bothering them or their family.
They usually get along with another dog in the house, but they might chase and try to catch small pets like cats or rabbits because they like hunting. Black Mouth Curs like being with people and families and are good with kids.
But kids should be watched when they play with them because Black Mouth Curs can play rough. Kids should also learn how to be gentle with dogs so they don’t accidentally hurt them when they play together.
Rescue Groups for Black Mouth Curs
If you want to rescue and bring home a Black Mouth Cur, you can visit a website that has a list of them available in different states.
There are also many other rescue groups that we haven’t mentioned. Since Black Mouth Curs have been around in the United States for a long time, it’s usually not hard to find one to adopt, either purebred or mixed.
Black Mouth Cur Breeds Organizations
Choosing where you get your dog from is really important. Good dog breeders care a lot about making sure their dogs are healthy and friendly.
They make sure the parent dogs are healthy, spend time with the puppies to make them friendly, and are there to help you with your dog forever.
Some breeders prioritize profit over the well-being of their dogs. They may neglect the health of the parent dogs and fail to socialize the puppies, leading to potential health and behavior issues in the resulting Cur dogs.
Key Facts
- Origin: Black Mouth Curs are from the United States, mainly in the southeast.
- Size: They’re medium to large, with strong bodies for lots of activities.
- Breed Group: They’re in the Working group of dogs.
- Black Mouth Cur Lifespan: They usually live 12 to 18 years.
- Coat: Their fur is short and thick.
- Black Mouth Cur Temperament: They’re smart, loyal, protective, and can do many things.
- Exercise Needs: They need lots of exercise to stay healthy.
- Training: They’re easy to teach, especially with rewards.
- Grooming: They don’t need much grooming.
- Health: They’re usually healthy, but sometimes they might have hip or eye problems.
- In the book “Old Yeller” from 1942, the dog described sounds like a Black Mouth Cur.
Conclusion
Black Mouth Cur is a versatile and loyal breed, known for its intelligence and adaptability. With its unique black muzzle and strong work ethic, it excels in many roles, including hunting and companionship.
Black Mouth Cur mixes inherit diverse traits from their lineage, resulting in unique characteristics. Black Mouth Cur price typically ranges from $300 to $1,000, depending on factors such as breeder reputation, pedigree, and geographic location.
If you want to learn more about pets, read our articles at HarpersAtelier.
Frequently Asked Question
Are Black Mouth Curs Aggressive?
Just like many dogs, Black Mouth Curs usually aren’t aggressive without a good reason. But because they’re hunting dogs and protective of their territory, they might act defensively around other dogs and aggressively toward anything they see as prey. While some are easier to train than others, many Black Mouth Curs learn quickly.
Is a Black Mouth Cur a Pitbull?
Remember, Black Mouth Curs are a specific purebred type, while Pit Bulls are a mix of breeds, some purebred and some not. So, while they might look alike in some ways, they’re not from the same family tree.
What are female Black Mouth Curs like?
Black mouth cur female share the same traits as males. They’re known for being muscular, with short coats and a distinctive black muzzle. In terms of personality, they’re loyal, protective, and full of energy. Typically, they weigh between 35 to 50 pounds on average.
Sources
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