Black Mouth Cur
The Black Mouth Cur stands out as one of the most well-known breeds within the Cur group, which has its roots in the southern United States. This breed was created by blending characteristics from hounds, terriers, and feist breeds, resulting in adaptable dogs that excel in hunting, herding, and guarding tasks. Such versatility was crucial for farmers and settlers who often had limited means and could only keep a single dog, prioritizing practicality over aesthetics in their breeding choices. As a result, there is significant variation in size and color among these dogs. Regardless of their dimensions, Black Mouth Curs are highly active and possess a strong instinct to chase, requiring consistent physical and mental engagement to prevent behavioral problems.
Breed Origin
The term "Cur," which originally described a sickly or aggressive mixed-breed dog, has transformed to include various breeds that were developed as adaptable farm dogs in the Southern United States. These Cur dogs were purposefully bred for their practical skills, emphasizing utility over looks. Historical evidence indicates that the Cur has been around since at least the 1700s, typically arising from a combination of hound, terrier, feist, and herding breeds. As time passed, the original Cur dogs branched out into several distinct types, such as the Catahoula Leopard Dog, Mountain Cur, Treeing Cur, and Black Mouth Cur. The Black Mouth Cur, one of the more traditional varieties, is notably mentioned by Fred Gipson in his well-known novel "Old Yeller." However, the dog depicted in the film adaptation is thought to be a rescue mix of a Mastiff and a Labrador Retriever. This breed is easily identifiable by its characteristic black muzzle and the darker pigmentation inside its mouth, which leaves only the tongue pink. This distinctive coloration has led some experts to hypothesize that the Black Mouth Cur may have a significant ancestral connection to the English Mastiff, although this theory has yet to be substantiated.
Breed Appearance
The Black Mouth Cur is a breed that ranges from medium to large in size, typically standing between 16 and 25 inches tall and weighing as much as 95 pounds, making it bulkier than many other cur breeds. This breed has a slightly elongated physique, featuring a broad, muscular chest and a gently arched back. Its legs are strong and straight, with many individuals displaying webbing between their toes. The Black Mouth Cur is distinguished by its large head, which has a wide, flat skull and a prominent muzzle, complete with a well-defined underjaw. The muzzle and the inside of the mouth are predominantly black, aside from the pink tongue. The breed's medium-length ears are positioned high on the head and hang close to the cheeks. Eye color can vary, including shades of brown, green, or yellow, but blue or multicolored eyes are considered significant faults.
Care Routine
These dogs possess coats that require minimal upkeep and are generally easy to groom. Bathing should be limited to when it's truly needed, as frequent washing can cause dry skin problems. Usually, brushing them a few times a month is adequate to control shedding and keep their fur healthy. However, if they spend time outside, their coats may gather dirt and debris, making more frequent brushing necessary. Furthermore, many Black Mouth Curs tend to shed more during seasonal changes, which may also require increased grooming during those times.
Behavior & Temperament
This breed is typically very sociable with people of all ages; however, it's crucial to monitor their interactions with young children due to their size and occasional clumsiness, which can create potential hazards. With proper socialization, they generally coexist well with other dogs in neutral environments. Nevertheless, their territorial nature may trigger aggressive tendencies when they are in familiar surroundings. As instinctive hunters with a strong prey drive, these dogs are not well-suited for homes with cats or smaller animals. They should never be left unsupervised in the yard, as they are adept at escaping. Their keen hunting instincts often lead them to bring home "gifts" of dead animals, akin to the behavior of outdoor cats, but usually involving larger prey. While they possess high intelligence and problem-solving skills, training outcomes can vary; some Black Mouth Curs eagerly participate in training sessions, while others prefer to learn on their own, which can occasionally lead to mischievous antics.
Play & Exercise
These dogs are known for their high energy levels and need at least an hour of vigorous exercise daily, complemented by plenty of mental stimulation to cater to their curious disposition. If they don’t receive enough physical and cognitive challenges, they may engage in mischievous or even destructive behaviors. However, the Black Mouth Cur is quite versatile and enjoys a range of activities, including herding, tracking, and swimming. Given their size, energy, and territorial nature, they are not ideal for apartment living; instead, they flourish in homes with large yards that allow them to run and play freely.
Things to Know
Cups Per Day
3.0 Cups
Daily Activity
60 Minutes
Average Lifespan
14 Years
Origin
1700s
Type
Pure Breeds
Size
Large
Origin Country
United States
Brush Frequency
Weekly
Coat Texture
Straight
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Height & Weight
Weight
64 lbs (29 kg)Male: 68 lbs (31 kg) , Female: 60 lbs (27 kg)
Height
21 inches (53 sm)Male: 22 inches (56 sm) , Female: 20 inches (51 sm)
6 Months
42 lbs ( m 42 lbs, f 42 lbs )
16 inches ( m 16 inches, f 16 inches )
12 Months
54 lbs ( m 54 lbs, f 54 lbs )
18 inches ( m 18 inches, f 18 inches )
18 Months
60 lbs ( m 60 lbs, f 60 lbs )
19 inches ( m 19 inches, f 19 inches )
Eye Colors
Hazel
Brown
Amber
Nose Colors
Black
Brown
Coat Colors
Brown
Black
Fawn
Isabella
Brindle
Characteristics
Mixes
Black Mouth Pom Cur
The Black Mouth Pom Cur is a hybrid breed that emerges from the crossbreeding of the Black Mouth Cur and the Pomeranian. This distinctive mix combines the hunting prowess of the Black Mouth Cur with the playful demeanor of the small-sized Pomeranian. Generally, the Black Mouth Pom Cur tends to be larger than a Pomeranian, yet it often boasts the long, luxurious fur typical of its Pomeranian lineage. The Black Mouth Cur is a relatively new breed, originating in 1964, while the Pomeranian has a lineage that dates back to ancient Spitz breeds, including connections to the Samoyed, American Eskimo Dog, and German Spitz. Historically, early Pomeranians weighed around thirty pounds, which aligns closely with the anticipated weight of the Black Mouth Pom Cur. Both parent breeds are recognized for their intelligence and ease of training. The Pomeranian, in particular, is known for its spirited and sometimes audacious personality, often behaving as if it were a much larger dog, which can lead to altercations with other dogs. Additionally, Pomeranians are quite vocal. Given that the Black Mouth Pom Cur is likely to inherit a long coat, consistent grooming will be crucial to keep its fur healthy and well-maintained.
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Siberian Black Mouth Cur
The Siberian Black Mouth Cur is a hybrid dog breed, created by crossing a Siberian Husky with a Black Mouth Cur. This robust dog usually weighs about seventy pounds at maturity. Renowned for his strong work ethic and enthusiasm for various activities, he has a natural talent for hunting. His Siberian Husky heritage contributes to his determination and enhances his abilities in the field. Furthermore, he makes a formidable watchdog; his large size can deter potential intruders, and he often displays a cautious attitude towards strangers. However, with proper socialization, he generally shows a friendly and gentle nature, especially around children.
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