Black Mouth Cur

The black mouth cur is a versatile breed in the dog world. American settlers in the South bred it as a combination watchdog, herding dog, and hunting dog by mixing many breeds from Europe. Affectionate, loyal, and hardworking, the Cur is a rugged working dog that loves its family and can be protective of its territory and people.

3 Different Types of Black Mouth Cur and Mixes

Though there are over 21 known mixes of the black mouth cur, below are three popular mixes.

• German Shepherd Mix: The black mouth cur shepherd mix has excellent guarding instincts and is a loyal breed. It is larger than the cur and needs lots of play and exercise.
• Cursset: This cross between a black mouth cur and a Basset hound is a lovable family dog with high exercise needs. The Cursset is not a very vocal breed and is excellent with children.
• Siberian black mouth cur: This is a mix of cur and Siberian husky. This is an excellent guard dog that is also good-tempered and affectionate. It also does well with other pets in the home. It should be well socialized from an early age.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Black Mouth Cur 

Size and Weight

The black mouth cur varies quite a bit in size from region to region and breeder to breeder. Consequently, this breed has a wide range of weights and heights. Male Curs stand between 18 and 25 inches at the shoulder and weigh anywhere from 40 to 95 pounds. Females are slightly smaller, standing 16 to 23 inches tall and weighing 35 to 85 pounds.

Common Health Issues

Due to its mixed and varied lineage, the black mouth cur is a rugged, healthy dog. Like many dogs, it can be susceptible to joint-related issues, such as elbow and hip dysplasia. Curs need a great deal of exercise and are prey-driven, so they may be prone to obesity if not active enough. Many can also develop allergies, which can cause skin and ear irritations. Finally, some have been diagnosed with epilepsy, so if you notice your dog shaking, vomiting, or having balance issues, contact your vet immediately.

Black Mouth Cur Temperament

This dog is affectionate, loyal, and hardworking. They have a high energy level that has them constantly looking for something to do. While they bond well with families and children, their need for activity, exercise, and engagement makes them more appropriate as farm or hunting dogs. Their rambunctious and playful personality can make them a hit with kids, but can also lead to collisions, bumps, and bruises with smaller children.

How To Take Care of a Black Mouth Cur  

Maintenance and Grooming

Grooming this breed is not a difficult chore. The Cur is a rugged dog with a short wash-and-wear coat. If the coat gets dirty, wipe it down. Brush it every week or so; otherwise, the dog can be bathed whenever it smells a bit doggy. If the dog is not working, clip its nails every few weeks. Check its skin and ears for irritation and debris, wiping down folds in the skin if necessary. Finally, brush the dog’s teeth a few times a week.

Training

Intelligent and independent, this dog can be challenging to train. Keep sessions short, energetic, and interesting. The Cur responds best to a firm but positive approach; it does not respond well to harsh treatment or speech.

Exercise

The black mouth cur is a highly energetic dog that requires at least an hour of intense activity, if not two. A hardworking dog, the Cur is bred for herding, hunting, and guarding; it is not a dog for lying around the house. Even though a large enclosed yard is good for exercise purposes, it’s best not to leave the dog in the yard unattended, as it will chase anything that runs and can escape.

Puppies 

Socialization should begin as soon as the puppy arrives home. Take it with you to new places and introduce the little pup to new people and other dogs. This breed can be territorial and rambunctious; you must socialize the dog well from a young age. Puppy kindergarten is a good idea as soon as it has been fully vaccinated. Introduce your Cur to your children and other dogs. Bringing a black mouth cur into a home with cats or other small pets is not a good idea because the cur will treat them as prey.

Black Mouth Curs and Children

These dogs and children get along well, and curs have been known to be highly protective of children. Curs have even been known to step in when children are disciplined, so that’s something to be aware of. Socialize the dog early with children to get them to bond with one another. Also, teach the children how to interact with a dog, so they do not poke, prod, and pull at it. They play rough, so they are probably not a good match for small children. Finally, children should never be left unsupervised with an untrained dog, and small children should never be left alone with any dog, trained or otherwise.

Dogs Similar to the Black Mouth Cur

The mountain cur is similar to the black mouth cur, though it tends to be slightly taller and lighter and has a longer lifespan. It lacks the distinctive black muzzle.

Famous Black Mouth Curs

In the book Old Yeller, the dog’s description matches that of a cur, though a yellow lab was chosen to play the dog on screen.