Energetic, strong, and courageous, the Black Mouth Cur is a complete package. They were used in the southeastern part of the United States by hunters and farmers.
These dogs can protect the home, herd livestock, and track game, making them a perfect companion for your home. Below are some more facts about this breed, so keep reading.
About The Breed
The Black Mouth Cur got its name because of its unique physical characteristic- its muzzle and lip are covered in black color.
The American Kennel doesn’t recognize any breed that has “cur” in its name. They are purebred from the Southeastern part of the United States, where their breeding was done to make them all-round working dogs that can protect their humans. The United Kennel Club identifies this breed as purebred scenthound.
The Black Mouth Cur can only be handled by an experienced owner. An owner who knows how to be firm, not harsh, and can balance their emotions while training their pet.
These are sensitive dogs that only a previous owner can understand. A house with a large yard is needed for these dogs to run around and burn off their energy.
This breed is territorial and becomes aggressive sometimes. Early training and socialization help to control any kind of negative behavior in this breed.
They are known as all-round working dogs because they can herd livestock, protect their humans, and become a hunting companion.
These are loyal dogs that will serve their owners until the last breath. There are many breeders in the market, so you will get to see a variation of this breed in terms of size or color.
Black Mouth Cur Dog Breed History
The exact history of the Black Mouth Cur might not be known, but they are said to be from Tennessee or Mississippi, or Alabama, Southern United States.
These dogs might be the descendants of the Asian and European curdies that came to North America and were used by settlers and pioneers to hunt and hunt the land from Texas to Florida.
These people wanted a farm dog that could herd livestock, hunt in the rugged terrain, and keep away threatening wildlife too.
The Black Mouth Cur played a huge role in the American Frontier’s settling. Some even say that the European settlers wouldn’t have done westward expansion without the help of these dogs.
At those times, this breed was crossbred with other breeds when required. No recording was done; that’s why this breed’s exact origin is still unknown.
It’s said that the Black Mouth Cur’s ancestors might be the English Mastiffs who were brought from Europe to America.
Despite being crossbred in the past, this breed is still considered a purebred.
The Ladner family hails from southern Mississippi and has been breeding the Black Mouth Curs for over 100 years and has become a well-known breeder.
Other variations of this breed include the Florida Black Mouth Cur (yellow coat) and the Alabama Black Mouth Cur (red coat).
Black Mouth Cur Dog Breed Job Card/Overview
| Breed Name | Black Mouth Cur |
| Other Name | Vermont Cur |
| Dog Breed Type | Working dogs |
| Origin | Alabama, Southern United States |
| Parent Breeds | Terriers and Hounds |
| Height | 16-25 inches |
| Weight | 40-95 pounds |
| Life Expectancy | 12-18 years |
| Coat Type | Dense, short coat |
| Common Colors | Fawn, Yellow, Light brown |
| Grooming Needs | Medium |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Temperament | Kind, Active, Protective, Brave, Loyal |
| Apartment Living | Suitable for apartment living |
| Pet-Friendly | Yes |
| Health Concerns | Ear infections, Arthritis |
| Overall Health | Healthy |
| Intelligence Level | Medium |
| Trainability | Easy to train |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Activity | Active |
| Litter Size | 3-12 puppies |
What To Know
• They’re loyal, and protective, and make great family pets with proper training and socialization.
• Black Mouth Curses are medium to large-sized dogs with a distinct black muzzle.
• They’re active and need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
• Regular vet check-ups are crucial, as they can be prone to certain genetic health issues.
Characteristics
Adaptability
The Black Mouth Cur dog is celebrated for its remarkable adaptability. This breed seamlessly transitions from hunting to being a loyal family companion.
With proper training, they thrive in rural or urban settings. Their protective nature makes them excellent watchdogs, while their affectionate side shines through as they effortlessly bond with their owners.
Whether it’s work or play, these dogs excel in adapting to various situations.
Adaptability
Adaptive to Apartment Living
Suitable for New Owners
Sensitivity Scale
Comfortable Being Alone
Comfortable with Cold Weather
Comfortable with Hot Weather
Friendliness
Black Mouth Cur dogs are renowned for their friendly and affectionate nature. They quickly form strong bonds with their families, making them excellent companions.
Their loyalty knows no bounds, and they’re always eager to protect and please their owners.
This breed is known for its exceptional friendliness, making it a loving addition to any household, especially when provided with proper socialization and training.
All About Friendliness
Lovable with Family
Kid-Friendly
Dog-Friendly
Frank with strangers
Personality
The history of this breed plays a major role in the formation of its personality. Settlers wanted an all-around dog that was capable of doing everything instead of focusing on a single thing.
These dogs are said to be very brave and don’t back down first from a fight. This kind of attitude worked in their favor when they had to ward off the predators of South America, including bears, wildcats, and other animals. You can still see this personality today.
Settlers also wanted a dog that was smart and could help them in hunting valuable pelts and food.
A dog that’s loyal and dedicated to its family and would protect them was wanted by the settlers.
They needed a strong dog that could survive the rugged life. All of these unique traits are still present in the Black Mouth Cur.
Their breeding was also done, keeping in mind that they needed to work all day long. So high energy levels and proper exercise were needed for Black Mouth Curs.
Apartment life or being a couch potato doesn’t suit this breed’s personality. They need to be outside to run around, even if it just means a long walk.
These dogs get stubborn while training; that’s why harsh training methods don’t work with them. This is a sensitive breed that cannot be handled by any amateur.
Temperament
Friendly with Children
Black Mouth Cur dogs are known for their friendly and protective nature when it comes to children.
Their loyalty and gentle temperament make them wonderful family pets. They often form strong bonds with kids and are patient, creating a safe and loving environment for the youngest members of the family.
Amicable to Other Pets
The Black Mouth Cur is known for its amicable nature with other pets. These dogs are often great companions to cats, other dogs, and even smaller animals when properly socialized.
Their friendly disposition and loyalty make them a welcome addition to multi-pet households, provided they receive proper training and supervision.
Barking Tendencies
The Black Mouth Cur is generally a vocal breed, with moderate barking tendencies. They bark when they sense intruders or unfamiliar situations, making them excellent watchdogs.
Proper training can help manage their barking, but their alert nature remains a valuable trait for protecting their family and property.
Possibilities of Staying Alone
Staying alone is possible for Black Mouth Cur dogs, but they thrive on companionship. They can adapt if trained early and left with engaging toys and a comfortable space.
Regular exercise and mental stimulation are vital to prevent loneliness or separation anxiety. Gradual, patient transitions to alone time are key.
Pros And Cons Of The Black Mouth Cur Dog Breed
Pros
- Loyal and protective nature.
- Excellent hunting and tracking abilities.
- Low grooming and maintenance needs.
- Energetic and great family dogs.
- Versatile and adaptable breed.
Cons
- High exercise and activity requirements.
- Can be reserved with strangers.
- Potential for stubbornness.
- Prone to certain health issues.
- Not ideal for apartment living.
Male Vs. Female Attitude
The attitude of a Black Mouth Cur isn’t defined by their gender, and it depends majorly on which environment they grew up in.
Appearance
General Appearance
The Black Mouth Cur is a medium to large-sized breed known for its distinctive black muzzle. These dogs have a muscular and athletic build with a short coat.
They often display a sleek, solid color coat, which can vary from yellow to red. Their ears are typically floppy and their tails are straight or gently curved.
Coat Color
There are many breeders of this breed, and their coat color can have variations. The most common colors of a Black Mouth Cur are black, fawn, and yellow.
You will notice a black mask-like appearance around their muzzle.
These dogs are low-maintenance breeds. Brushing once a week and increasing the time during shedding season will maintain their coat’s health.
Shedding
These dogs shed moderately during the year and the quantity increases before summer and winter.
Size
There’s no surety about the size of the Black Mouth Curs as variation exists. The size of this breed depends on breeding.
Even dogs born in the same litter are found to have different sizes. Male dogs might be larger than the female dogs of this breed. The average size of this breed can be 16 inches.
Health
Generally, Black Mouth Curs are considered very healthy. But as you know, their crossbreeding was done somewhere in the past, so they might be prone to some genetic health issues, such as
- Epilepsy
- Hip dysplasia
- Ear infections
- Cataracts
- Mange
Health And Grooming Requirements
Shedding Quantity
Drooling Capability
Effortless to Groom
Overall Health
Capable of Gaining Weight
Size
Maintenance And Care
The most important thing you need to take care of if you have a Black Mouth Cur as your pet is its ears.
It’s pretty common for their ears to catch dirt, debris, and water, which later leads to ear infections.
You need to look after and clean their ears from time to time because these dogs love to be outside in the dirt.
Routine vet checkups will help to detect their bone and eye health and maintain it.
These dogs are prone to cataracts, and eye and skeletal issues, that’s why health checkups have become mandatory. The vet will help you to decide what kind of care your pet needs.
Grooming
Grooming a Black Mouth Cur is straightforward due to its short, dense coat. Weekly brushing helps minimize shedding and keeps their coat healthy.
Bathing should only be done when necessary, as they have natural oils that protect their skin.
Regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care are essential for overall grooming and health maintenance.
Food And Nutrition
To determine a healthy diet for your Black Mouth Cur, you should go visit your vet first. Deciding a diet for your dog depends on its size, health, age, and allergies.
A vet will keep all these factors in mind while making a unique diet plan for your dog. Two quality meals a day are recommended for this breed.
However, you should still consider your vet’s advice before feeding your dog anything you read off the internet.
Exercise And Activity Level
Black Mouth Cur dogs are highly active and energetic. They thrive on regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Daily walks, runs, and playtime are essential to keep them happy. Engage in activities like fetch or agility to challenge their intelligence and physical capabilities. An active lifestyle ensures a contented Black Mouth Cur.
Physical Requirements
Energy range
Intensity
Exercise Requirements
Capable for Playfulness
Trainability
Black Mouth Curs are highly trainable, and known for their intelligence and willingness to please their owners.
They excel in various roles like hunting, herding, and even as loyal family companions.
Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work best with these dogs, and they thrive on mental stimulation and challenging tasks.
Trainability
Effortless to Train
Smartness
Capable for Mouthiness
Tendency to Attack Prey
Urge to Howl or Bark
Wanderlust Ability
Children and other pets
The Black Mouth Curs behave friendly with other dogs, especially if you start socialization early.
Socialization becomes necessary because these dogs have a territorial personality which can worsen as they mature if not given training on time.
They have a high prey drive, so you will have to supervise them while they play.
These dogs crave human interaction and companionship, which makes them great pets for families with kids.
No matter how calm they are with the kids, you should keep a watch on them always.
Conclusion
This breed got its name for its signature black mask, but not all dogs have this signature style.
Black Mouth Cur dog is a versatile breed that excels as a loyal family companion and skilled hunting partner.
Their distinctive appearance, protective nature, and need for exercise make them a unique addition to any household.
Regular health care ensures a long and happy life with these remarkable dogs.
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FAQs On Black Mouth Cur Dog Breed…
Where do the Black Mouth Cur dog breeds come from?
Black Mouth Cur dogs originated in the Southern United States, particularly in the states of Mississippi and Tennessee. They were bred for their hunting and herding abilities in this region.
What is the best diet routine for a Black Mouth Cur?
A balanced diet for a Black Mouth Cur should consist of high-quality dog food, rich in protein and essential nutrients.
How much exercise is required for a Black Mouth Cur?
Black Mouth Curs need at least 30-60 minutes of daily exercise, including vigorous play and walks, to keep them happy and healthy due to their high energy levels.
I am a passionate animal lover with a lifelong commitment to pet care. With over a decade of experience as a pet owner, I’ve nurtured a variety of furry and feathered friends, from cats and dogs to birds and reptiles. I possess a deep understanding of their unique needs, behavior, and health. My mission is to share my knowledge and insights to help fellow pet enthusiasts provide the best possible care for their beloved companions.